eSIM Cards
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Portugal is one of the coolest destinations to travel to and if your plans include visiting this country soon, you can’t miss Porto or Lisbon. So to be able to use Google Maps and remain connected to the internet, we recommend eSIMs, a new way of traveling connected. This card is completely digital and prevents you from overpaying for roaming services.
The most captivating aspect of this new technology is that you can have more than one profile with a different provider and thus you avoid changing your phone number every time you travel. In this article, we will explain everything, from how they work, to the different providers on the market and a comparison of their plans and prices so that your trip to Portugal is a complete success. Welcome!
Table of Contents
- What you should know about eSIM Portugal
- Cellular providers of eSIM cards to travel to Portugal
- Prices and data plans of eSIM providers to travel to Portugal
- Comparison of eSIM providers for Portugal
- Features of the eSIM to travel to Portugal
- Portugal eSIM Coverage
- Local cellular operators offering eSIM in Portugal
- FAQ about eSIM in Portugal
What you should know about eSIM Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe, its architecture and history will give you something to talk about on social media, but before thinking about the possibilities that you can achieve with an eSIM, the first thing is to review the minimum requirements that we have listed for you.
- Check that your cell phone is compatible with an eSIM because this is a relatively new technology, and some devices are not compatible.
- Check that your device is supported by the eSIM carrier. We know that the iPhone XR or more recent versions are preferred by the companies that provide virtual SIMs.
- You must have an email to register and receive your eSIM.
- To activate your eSIM you must have an internet connection since your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers. You can do this in Portugal from a WiFi spot.
- Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.
Cellular providers of eSIM cards to travel to Portugal
Before going into details with the eSIM providers that are on the market in Portugal, we recommend the traditional physical SIM with 10GB or 12GB data for 30 days at $40.51 USD and $52.42, respectively, in case your cell phone is not compatible with eSIMs.
Without further ado, the companies offering the eSIM sales service for tourism or business trips abroad are:
- Holafly
- GigSky
- Truphone
- WifiMap
Prices and data plans of eSIM providers to travel to Portugal
You must know the plans and prices of each of these companies, likewise, it must be considered that the variation in prices can be due to different reasons, from coverage, previous roaming agreements, to the plans and payment methods available. The idea is that with these tips you can plan your trip as informed as possible.
Holafly plans and prices in Portugal
- Unlimited data for 5 days at $19
- 15 days of unlimited data at $47
- Unlimited data for 20 days at $54
- 30 days of unlimited data at $54
GigSky plans and prices in Portugal
- 1GB for 15 days at $8.99
- 5GB for 30 days at $39.99
Truphone plans and prices in Portugal
- 1GB for 30 days at $4.00
- 3GB for 30 days at $9.00
- 5GB for 30 days at $13.00
WifiMap plans and prices in Portugal
- 500MB for 30 days at $4.72
- 1GB for 30 days at $8.27
- 3GB for 30 days at $22.47
Comparison of eSIM providers for Portugal
| Provider | Data | Days | Price | Language | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 5 | $19 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 15 | $47 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 20 | $54 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 30 | $64 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| GigSky | 1GB | 15 | $8.99 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| GigSky | 5GB | 30 | $39.99 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 1GB | 30 | $4.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 3GB | 30 | $9.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 5GB | 30 | $13.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| WifiMap | 500MB | 30 | $4.72 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 1GB | 30 | $8.27 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 3GB | 30 | $22.47 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
Features of the eSIM to travel to Portugal
If you’ve already decided to go ahead with the eSIM for your trip, surely you have noticed that the features of this virtual card are very different from traditional physical SIMs. We want you to get the most out of your eSIM during your trip through Portugal and that’s why we’ve made a list with these features.
- Most eSIM cards don’t offer analog calls, only data. But with the plans offered on the market, you can communicate by voice using apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
- They can be installed only once, so, if you are having problems with your eSIM card, don’t delete it from your cell phone instead, contact your eSIM provider.
- Some eSIMs configure the APN automatically.
- You can add multiple data plans on your iPhone, keep in mind the available memory, although it’s only possible to use one at a time.
- You’ll be able to get an eSIM with unlimited data.
- You will have a dual-SIM iPhone, as you will be able to keep your local SIM when you travel to Europe. Remember to set up your iPhone to avoid surprise invoices.
Portugal eSIM Coverage
When you contact your provider about the specifications and plans of your eSIM, ask about the virtual card’s coverage, because the coverage tends to change sometimes depending on the plan they offer you. So that you don’t have problems with connectivity, it’s way better to see the coverage maps of domestic companies.
- MEO
- NOS
- Vodafone
MEO 4G coverage map in Portugal
NOS 4G coverage map in Portugal
Vodafone 4G coverage map in Portugal
Local cellular operators offering eSIM in Portugal
In case you really like being in Portugal and decide to move there or you are already living in the country, we have a surprise for you: you will be able to buy an eSIM and change your traditional physical SIM. Below, we list the operators that provide this service. Just remember that these companies have certain requirements laid out. Without further ado, the companies are:
- MEO
- NOS
- Vodafone
FAQ about eSIM in Portugal
We appreciate that you reading this article, and we hope the information has been useful to you. We recommend you review the most common questions that travelers ask. If you have any other questions, leave your question in the comments and we will gladly help you.
How is an International data eSIM different from the Portugal eSIM?
MEO or Vodafone’s local eSIM is primarily intended for people living in Portugal. The international eSIM for Portugal from Holafly or Truphone is used to connect to the internet during your trips to Portugal.
Do I need a passport to buy the Portugal eSIM card?
It’s not necessary to present a passport, but some providers do require your address. This applies only to the eSIM for tourists, and not to the eSIM offered by MEO or Vodafone, who will ask for your information.
Can I share data or do tethering with the eSIM in Portugal?
This will depend on the eSIM you purchase. Some do offer data sharing, however, we recommend you check with your provider.
How to activate the eSIM for Portugal?
After installing the virtual SIM profile, you must select it as the default means of cellular data, activate data, and roaming and your virtual SIM should now work.
Do international prepaid eSIM cards expire?
Yes, like physical cards, virtual SIMs also have an expiration date.
When does the eSIM data plan start?
From the moment you activate your eSIM, by scanning the QR code on your phone.
What cell phones are compatible with the eSIM for Portugal?
Cell phones compatible with the eSIM for Portugal are increasing every day. Remember that if you live in a European or Latin American country and plan to travel to Portugal, it’s essential that you have a cell phone that is compatible with both eSIM and its bands. If you don’t, you will be left without service in this country and you will be forced to rent or buy a new cell phone.
These are the cell phones in which you can install and activate an eSIM for Portugal. Make sure the eSIM provider supports it: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4a XL.
What is an eSIM or digital SIM?
The eSIM is the evolution of traditional SIM cards. The eSIM works thanks to a chip inserted in the cell phone, which allows the profile to be stored and configured.
