Best eSIM for Portugal: top providers and plans in 2024
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When traveling to Portugal, staying connected to friends and family is essential. A mobile eSIM offers a flexible and convenient solution to this problem without the hassle of a physical SIM card.
An eSIM—or embedded SIM—is a convenient way to activate a mobile plan without a physical SIM card from your network carrier. This all-digital setup is particularly useful for travelers who need reliable internet access and offers stress-free pre-trip preparation.
An eSIM lets you easily swap carriers and plans without changing physical SIM cards, giving you the power to choose the best option for your international travel. Explore our top picks for Portugal's best eSIM providers and plans this year.
Top 5 eSIM providers for Portugal - our shortlist
- Saily – best overall eSIM for traveling in Portugal
- Airalo – best Portugal eSIM for regional travellers
- Nomad – best Portugal eSIM for reliable connections
- Jetpac – Portugal eSIM with budget-friendly plans
- aloSIM – best Portugal eSIM for hassle-free activation
What to consider when choosing eSIM for travel in Portugal?
When you are picking an eSM for your trip to Portugal, keep these crucial things in mind:
- Coverage. Ensure the eSIM provider covers the areas you will visit in Portugal. All our listed providers offer solid connections to the country's top networks.
- Data plans. Think about how much data you will need. Whether you just need internet access or also need to make calls and send texts, pick a plan that fits. Some providers offer varied data limits, while others include options for calls and SMS.
- Cost. Look at the prices from different eSIM providers to find the best deal for your trip. Make sure there are no hidden fees so extra charges won’t catch you out.
- Compatibility. Check if your phone or device supports eSIM. Most new smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major manufacturers support eSIMs.
- Activation process. Go for a provider that makes it easy to activate your eSIM. You should be able to buy and set up the eSIM online before you travel.
- Validity period. Think about how long you will be in Portugal and choose an eSIM plan that lasts as long as you need it. Providers offer many options, from short-term plans for a few days to longer ones that last a month or more.
The best eSIMs for Portugal travel – our detailed list
We tested the top eSIM providers and created a list of the top five.
Now, here are the top five best eSIMs for Portugal travel.
1. Saily – best overall eSIM for budget-conscious travelers
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 150+ countries and regions |
Saily stands out for its affordability and reliable coverage in Portugal. It offers plans starting at $3.99 for 1 GB of data over seven days, which are optimal for budget-conscious travelers.
Plan options. Sally does not offer regional plans, and all plans are data-only. The plans do come at a lower price compared to competitors.
Ease of use. Using Saily is simple. Choose your data plan, download the app, and follow instructions to install your eSIM. Remember to activate your plan before your trip since it requires an internet connection (which may be difficult upon arrival).
Saily claims on their support pages that eSIM activation time is "instant".
Network coverage. Saily notes that it uses "Portugal's best networks", but does not specify any further.
Pricing. Saily's pricing is as follows. 1GB for 7 days at $3.99, 3GB for 30 days at $7.99, 5GB for 30 days at $8.49, and 20GB for 30 days at $27.99. This service is prepaid. Refunds are an option if you cannot activate your plan.
2. Airalo – best Portugal eSIM for a wide range of data packages
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ countries and regions |
Airalo is renowned for its global reach and competitive pricing. In Portugal, plans begin at $4.50 for 1 GB over seven days.
Plan options. Airalo offers both regional and country-specific plans, and is great for travellers who visit multiple countries. It offers data-only plans.
Ease of use. App-based activation is straightforward. Choose your plan, install your eSIM, and activate upon arrival.
Airalo claims "instant" activation, but you can check the "Additional Information" section of your eSIM package to determine the activation time. The company says that most eSIMs should activate once you connect to a mobile network at your destination.
Network coverage. Airalo uses Portugal's NOS (Optimus) network with FoFo Mobil top-up options available.
Pricing. Plans for Airalo start at $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days, 2GB for 15 days at $7, or 20GB for 30 days at $32.
3. Nomad – best Portugal eSIM for high-speed connections
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 165+ countries, eight regions |
Nomad offers high-speed 4G and 5G connections, making it a top pick for those who prioritise speed with their internet.
Plan options. Kown for its high-speed connections, Nomad offers both regional and country-specific plans. Great if you need a reliable, fast connection.
Ease of use. Simple. Install the eSIM before you travel to Portugal and activate upon arrival. The app will guide you through the rest seamlessly.
Users have been able to install and activate Nomad within two minutes.
Network coverage. Like Airalo, Nomad specifies that it uses Portugal's NOS network. However, the company also says you can switch to another network if you experience problems.
Pricing. Plans begin at $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days, 3GB for 30 days at $8, and 20GB for 30 days at $33. Though more expensive than the others, Nomad boasts high-speed connectivity.
4. Jetpac – Portugal eSIM with travel perks
| Supports 5G networks: | No |
| Starting price: | $1.00 for 1 GB (4 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 100+ countries |
Jetpac offers simple, budget-friendly plans, with some added perks.
Plan options. Jetpac provides budget-friendly options for travelers and promotes its travel perks including lounge access in case of flight delays. Good for short-term travelers looking for an economic option.
Ease of use. Like most of the others in the list, you select your plan, download the eSIM, and activate it.
Jetpac does not quote an activation time, but states that switching on data roaming in your phone settings is required for activation. This allows it to "latch" onto the local network quickly.
Network coverage. The Jetpac eSIM will connect to the Vodafone and Optimus networks in Portugal. Coverage is good in general, with 5G available in some locations.
Pricing. Jetpac's plans start at $1 for 4 days, $8 for 5GB for 30 days, and $40 for 40GB for 30 days.
5. aloSIM – best simple Portugal eSIM
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 170+ countries, ten regions |
aloSIM provides a range of prepaid data plans with no hidden fees, making it a transparent choice. Plans start at $4.50 for 1 GB over seven days, with options like 5 GB for 30 days at $10.00 and up to 20 GB for 30 days at $32.00.
Plan options. This eSIM provider offers a range of prepaid data plans and is known for its hassle-free activation.
Ease of use. The simplest way to install aloSIM eSIM is automatic installation via your aloSIM app. Do this once you arrive to Portugal!
As for activation times, aloSIM quotes this requires only a few minutes.
Network coverage. aloSIM uses NOS Portugal as a network, and claims LTE/5G speeds.
Pricing. aloSIM's offers are as follows. $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days, 5GB for 30 days at $10, 20GB for 30 days at $32.
Benefits of using an eSIM in Portugal
Switching to an eSIM for your travels in Portugal offers several significant advantages.
First, eSIMs provide unparalleled flexibility. They let you switch between carriers and plans without replacing a physical SIM card, making a Portugal eSIM ideal for travelers who want to maximise mobile connectivity options.
Another key benefit is convenience. Since you can download and activate your eSIM online before your trip, it eliminates the need to locate a physical SIM card when you land. This advanced setup ensures instant access to data as soon as you land in Portugal.
Using eSIMs enhances security because they are embedded directly into your device during manufacture, which slashes your risk of loss or theft compared to traditional SIM cards. Additionally, eSIMs are environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for plastic cards and packaging.
Cost-effectiveness is also a highlight. Many eSIM providers offer competitive pricing and avoid the high costs of international roaming. This accessible pricing means you can enjoy affordable data plans tailored to your usage needs without worrying about excessive charges.
Using an eSIM in Portugal ensures seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and greater convenience, making it an ideal choice for modern travelers.
How to set up a Portugal eSIM
Setting up a Portugal eSIM is relatively easy.
First, ensure your device supports eSIM technology and is unlocked. Most new smartphones support eSIMs.
When you buy your eSIM plan from a provider, you'll receive a QR code via email, instructions in a mobile app, or remote provisioning. To download the eSIM profile, scan the QR code or follow the app instructions. After installing the profile, activate the eSIM in your device's settings.
For detailed setup instructions, refer to our detailed, in-depth eSIM guides for Samsung phones and iPhones.
Where to get eSIM in Portugal?
In Portugal, you can buy eSIMs both online and physically in a store such as at a busy train station or airport. However, completing your eSIM purchase online is quicker, and much more hassle-free.
Purchasing from an online eSIM provider is also cheaper than purchasing physically.
To buy an eSIM pack for Portugal, visit the provider’s website, select Portugal as your destination, choose your desired data plan, and complete the purchase.
Then, follow the instructions. Usually, you can download the provider's app. Alternatively, some eSIM providers offer manual installation via a QR code.
Once you get to Portugal, connect to a local network at your destination to activate your eSIM.
Keep in mind that your phone also must be carrier-unlocked for an eSIM to work. Also, do not switch on your eSIM before you get to Portugal, otherwise you may incur data roaming charges.
Top providers like the ones in this guide offer you quick and budget-friendly solutions, and these eSIM bundles are compatible with most major smartphones made after 2016.
With the offers in this guide, you can get your eSIM ready to go before you travel.
Things to know about using an eSIM card for Portugal
Using an eSIM in Portugal offers many advantages, but there are important considerations:
- Confirm that your phone supports eSIM. Recent Apple, Samsung, and Google models are compatible. Check your device's specifications or consult the manufacturer’s website for confirmation.
- Ensure your device is unlocked. Carrier-locked phones may not support eSIMs from other providers. Verify your device’s status with your carrier before travelling to avoid any issues.
- Consider your data needs when choosing an eSIM plan. Portugal offers various plans catering to different usage levels.
- If you use data extensively, go for a higher data package to avoid running out mid-trip.
- Activation usually requires an internet connection. Set up your eSIM before leaving for Portugal or use a Wi-Fi connection upon arrival to complete the process. Disable data roaming on your primary SIM card to prevent charges.
- Consider the validity period of your eSIM plan.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most smartphones produced after 2016 are compatible with eSIM.
On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About and scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions). If you see a 15-digit IMEI number, you can use an eSIM.
On Android, go to Settings > Connections < SIM card manager. If you see "Add eSIM, you are good to go.
Final thoughts on eSIMs for Portugal
Choosing an eSIM for your trip to Portugal boils down to a few key considerations: compatibility, data needs, and ease of activation.
Top providers like Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM offer various plans to suit different needs.
Saily is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, with plans starting at just $3.99. Airalo provides extensive global coverage, which is perfect for frequent international travellers.
Nomad excels in offering high-speed 4G/5G connections, while Jetpac’s budget-friendly plans include perks like lounge access.
Lastly, aloSIM offers hassle-free activation and transparent pricing.
FAQ
Is eSIM available in Portugal?
Yes, eSIMs are readily available in Portugal through several top providers, such as Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM. Each provider offers a variety of plans for different users, from short-term visitors to long-stay travelers.
Which eSIM is best for Spain and Portugal?
Saily and Nomad are top choices for seamless connectivity across Spain and Portugal. They offer regional plans covering multiple countries, each with unique features, ensuring you stay connected without the hassle of switching providers as you cross borders.
Which SIM card is best in Portugal?
For physical SIM cards, NOS, Vodafone, and MEO are the leading options in Portugal, providing extensive coverage and reliable service. However, for the convenience and flexibility of eSIM, the top five providers mentioned in this review (Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM) stand out, offering easy activation and competitive pricing.
Can I buy eSIM in Portugal?
Absolutely. You can purchase eSIMs for Portugal online from providers such as Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM. Simply visit the provider's website or download its mobile app to choose and activate your preferred plan before you travel or upon arrival in Portugal.
How much eSIM data do I need for a trip to Portugal?
The amount of data you need depends on your usage habits. For light use (emails, messaging), 1-2GB per week should suffice. Data plans of 3-5GB per week are broadly suited to moderate use, including social media and some streaming. Heavy users who stream videos or use navigation apps frequently might need 7-10GB per week or more.
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