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Best eSIM Portugal Deals and SIM Cards For Tourists 

esim lisbon tourist information

Do you want to visit Portugal but aren't sure if you'll need a Portuguese SIM card? Then you've come to the right place!

This article will inform you all you need to know about the best eSIM Portugal deals and SIM cards for tourists. We'll go through if you really need a Portuguese SIM card or eSIM for your trip to Lisbon, where you can obtain one, and how much it costs.

Furthermore, we will introduce you to the main mobile carriers in Portugal, answer frequently asked questions, and explore alternative methods of obtaining a SIM card, such as eSIM Portugal providers

Continue reading to get the most out of your holiday in Portugal!

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Is a Portuguese SIM card truly necessary for my Portugal vacation?

Best SIM Card in Portugal For Tourists Best SIM Card in Portugal For Tourists

First of all, we'd want to address one of the most important problems, such as whether you even need a Portuguese SIM card for your upcoming vacation to Portugal.

  • If you are from Europe, you probably don't need a Portuguese SIM card because roaming inside the EU (and the European Economic Area) is free since 2017. This means that in most cases you can use your existing SIM card in Portugal without paying additional costs. However, your service provider may impose restrictions on foreign use, which you should check to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • If you are not from Europe and are travelling from the US or another part of the world, getting a SIM card in Portugal to avoid expensive international roaming costs makes a lot of sense. Purchasing a local SIM card assures that your mobile data connections are reliable, secure, and quick throughout your Portugal vacation, allowing you to communicate easily.

Alternative to SIM Cards: eSIM Portugal

If you're heading to Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal and need a reliable mobile connection, an eSIM is a convenient solution. Unlike a traditional SIM card, an eSIM Portugal lets you connect to a local network immediately, eliminating the need for a physical SIM swap. It’s an ideal option for travellers looking for a seamless and stress-free way to stay online.

To help you find the best option, we’ve compared top eSIM providers in Portugal, outlining their pricing, coverage, and key features.

Before purchasing an eSIM for Portugal, ensure that your smartphone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology. If you're unsure about compatibility, follow these steps to check:

→ For Android devices: Open Settings and navigate to Connections > SIM card manager. If you see an option to "Add mobile plan", your device supports eSIMs.

→ For iOS devices: Open Settings and go to Cellular or Mobile Data. If you find an option to "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan", your iPhone is eSIM-compatible.

eSIM Portugal Comparison Table: All available eSIM Deals for Lisbon

Most eSIM providers in Lisbon use major networks like MEO, Vodafone, and NOS, offering strong coverage and a stable connection throughout the city and beyond.

What sets each provider apart is their data allowances, pricing, and validity periods. To help you find the best eSIM Portugal deals, we've put together a detailed comparison table below.


Holafly

Esquik

Airalo

Jetpac

PROVIDER

DATA ALLOWANCE

UNLIMITED

1 GB - 20 GB

1 GB - 20 GB

1 GB - 40 GB

VALIDITY

Any number of days (selectable)

7, 15, or 30 days

7, 15, or 30 days

4, 7, or 30 days

NETWORK COVERAGE

NOS & MEO

NOS

NOS

Optimus & Vodafone

PRICE & DATA EXAMPLE

3 days unlimited data: €11.90

15 days 2 GB: €7.00

15 days 2 GB: €7.00

4 days 1 GB: €1.00

Price + data for 7 Days

€26.90: unlimited data

€4.50: 1 GB data

€4.50: 1 GB data

€5.00: 3 GB data

BEST FOR

Digital nomads, heavy data users, business travelers

Budget-conscious travelers seeking a realiable and affordable option

Short-term visitors looking for flexible plans

Long-term visitors  needing a flexible option with affordable prices

PRICE 

Details of the Available eSIM Options for Portugal

1. Holafly

Holafly offers data-only eSIM options in Portugal and more than 160 countries worldwide. Unlike other providers, it stands out by offering unlimited data, making it an excellent option for travellers who need uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity throughout their trip.

  • Data Allowance: Unlimited
  • Validity: Multiple duration options
  • Network Coverage: NOS & MEO
  • Best for: Digital nomads, heavy data users, business travelers
  • Additional Features:
    • Instant email delivery
    • Immediate delivery after purchase
    • Supports 3G/4G/LTE speed

Holafly's top eSIM offers and prices:

To benefit from a 5% discount and get more information please click on the following link. 

2. Esquik

Esquik is a reliable eSIM provider offering cost-effective data plans for travellers in Portugal. It features the same eSIM options to Airalo but at a lower price, making it a great choice for those looking to cut costs. Operating on one of the Portugal’s leading networks, such as NOS, it ensures strong coverage, so you can stay connected seamlessly throughout your trip.

  • Data Allowance: Various options from 1 GB to 30 GB.
  • Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
  • Network Coverage: NOS
  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable and reliable data-only packages. 
  • Additional Features:
    • Data-only plan
    • Supports 5G / 4G networks
    • Can be recharged online

Esquik's top eSIM offers and prices:

Check the official website to benefit from a 5% discount, and get more information. 

3. Airalo

Airalo is a popular eSIM provider that offers affordable prepaid data plans in Portugal and over 200 other destinations. Designed for short-term visitors and travellers, it ensures seamless connectivity with validity options of 7, 15, or 30 days. With one of them being Portugal, Airalo offers a free data-only package in various countries for first-timers, which makes it an ideal choice for short-term visitors.

  • Data Allowance: Options from 1 GB to 20 GB.
  • Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
  • Network Coverage: NOS
  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers & short-term visitors looking for flexible options.
  • Additional Features:
    • Supports 5G
    • Offers various data, calls, and texts options

Airalo's top eSIM offers and prices:

  • 3 days 500 MB data in Portugal: €0.00 (free)
  • 7 days 1 GB data in Portugal: €4.50
  • 15 days 2 GB in Portugal: €7.00
  • 30 days 5 GB data in Portugal: €10.00

Visit the official website of Airalo to learn more about current deals and up-to-date prices.

4. Jetpac

Jetpac is a new provider in the eSIM market, making it a less established option than some competitors. However, it distinguishes itself with low-cost, high-data plans, starting at €1 for 1 GB, with various options available. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers visiting Portugal, Jetpac also provides perks like free VPN access and discounted airport lounge passes. Keep in mind that this eSIM is for data use only, so it does not include calls or SMS support.

  • Data Allowance: Options ranging from from 1 GB - 40 GB.
  • Validity: 4, 7, or 30 days
  • Network Coverage: Optimus & Vodafone
  • Best for: Long-term visitors and budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable offers and flexible options.
  • Additional Features:
    • Covers Europe
    • Optional add-ons like VPN and Lounge Access passes
    • Supports 5G / 4G

Jetpac's top eSIM offers and prices:

  • 4 days 1 GB data in Europe: €1.00
  • 7 days 3 GB data in Europe: €5.00
  • 30 days 10 GB in Europe: €10.50
  • 30 days 40 GB data in Europe: €31.50

Visit Jetpac's official website to get more information about the offers. 

Where can I buy my Portuguese SIM card in Lisbon?

simcard Portugal lisboa tourist information.jpg

1. In the city

All over the city, there are a number of ways to buy a prepaid SIM card. You can go directly to the branch offices of mobile phone providers such as MEO, Vodafone and NOS. You can usually find these shops on busy streets, train stations and in shopping malls. 

Alternatively, each of the three providers has dozens of locations around the country where you can easily purchase a Portuguese SIM card. Each of these companies has multiple stores across the city, so you should be able to find one easily, for example in the city center, the Baixa district or the Amoreiras Shopping Mall.

2. At Lisbon Humberto Delgado International Airport 

Tourists arriving by plane can also buy a prepaid SIM card for the Portugal at Humberto Delgado Airport. However, we do not recommend this option as the choice is very limited.

From the For €25 you will get 10 GB data in Portugal and Europe.

Buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport is more expensive, which is why it is better to wait until you get to the city. For example, there is currently only one Vodafone shop at Lisbon Airport. 

  • Tip: If you want to use a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Portugal, you should consider purchasing an eSIM card for Portugal in advance.

What do I need to buy a prepaid SIM card in Portugal?

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Portugal, unlike in other European nations, is simple, with no paperwork or registration fees.

All you require is an unlocked mobile phone. In some cases, a photo ID, such as a passport, ID card, or driver's license, may be required.

The mobile phone providers in the Portugal at a glance

  •  In Portugal, there are various mobile phone operators offering a variety of pricing and services. 
  • All three major mobile operators offer 5G speeds except Vodafone.
  •  Vodafone offers 4.5 LTE services.
  • MEO is Portugal's leading mobile operator, followed by NOS and Vodafone.

Cost of buying a prepaid SIM card in Portugal for tourists

Below you will find the best Portuguese offers for prepaid SIM cards, which in our opinion are the most interesting for tourists.

1. MEO

meo.simcard Portugal lisboa tourist information
  • 5 GB Data use, 1000min calls and messages for 30 days 10€

Tip: Don't forget that 5GB bonus on the first three top-ups equal to or greater than €7.5

2. Vodafone 

vodafone simcard Portugal lisboa tourist information
  • 10 GB of data use, 500 minutes to all national calls + 50 mins call to several other countries (to EU and UK, USA, Canada, Angola, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, Cape Verde, Guinea, Morocco, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe ) for 30 days 25€
  • Unlimited Data, for 30 days 35€

Tip: For an extra 50€, you may buy the Vodafone Wi-Fi Spot 4G.


3. NOS

nos simcard Portugal lisboa tourist information
  • 1 GB Data use, 1000 min calls and messages for 17€
  • 10 GB Data use, 3500 min calls and messages 29€
  • 50 GB Data use, 3500 min calls and messages 40€

Our opinion on the best SIM card/eSIM Portugal

For those who need unlimited data, Holafly is the most convenient eSIM Portugal option, offering instant activation and a hassle-free setup. If unlimited data isn’t essential, Esquik provides a cost-effective alternative, delivering the same reliable network coverage as Airalo but at a lower price.

If you’re looking for the cheapest SIM card or eSIM in Lisbon, Jetpac offers affordable high-data plans. However, as a new provider, it doesn’t yet have an established track record. While it’s a great pick for budget-conscious travellers, those seeking proven reliability may prefer a more well-known eSIM provider.

FAQ - SIM card/eSIM Portugal

WHAT ARE THE BEST SIM CARDS OR ESIM FOR PORTUGAL?

Instead of spending time searching for a local SIM card in Lisbon or other Portuguese cities, you can purchase an eSIM for Portugal online before your trip. This allows you to keep your existing phone number and even use your plan in other European countries within its validity period.

When it comes to choosing the best eSIM Portugal deals, Esquik is a great option due to its affordable plans and an extra 5% discount. For those who need unlimited data, Holafly remains the top choice. If you’re looking for the cheapest rates, Jetpac offers low-cost plans, though it’s a newer provider. Check the comparison table to find the best option for your trip.

WHERE TO BUY ESIM IN PORTUGAL?

You can buy a SIM card in Portugal at airports, mobile carrier stores, supermarkets, and online. Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports have kiosks from MEO, Vodafone, and NOS offering tourist SIM cards, but for more expensive prices. In cities, you’ll find official carrier stores for assistance, while some supermarkets and convenience stores also sell prepaid SIMs.

IS ESIM AVAILABLE IN PORTUGAL?

Yes, eSIM is available in Portugal and supported by major providers like MEO, Vodafone, and NOS, as well as international eSIM companies. It offers a convenient and instant way to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. You can purchase an eSIM for Portugal online before your trip, activate it upon arrival, and start using data immediately. See here our comparison table to choose the data plan that best suits your needs.

HOW MUCH DOES A SIM CARD COST IN PORTUGAL?

The cost of a SIM card in Portugal varies depending on the provider and data package. Prepaid SIM cards from major carriers like MEO, Vodafone, and NOS typically start at €10–€15, including a small amount of data and call credit.

Tourist-specific plans with larger data allowances range from €15 to €30, depending on the validity period and included features. For a more flexible option, eSIM Portugal plans start from as low as €1, offering instant activation and various data packages.

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