Search for an eSIM in Spain and most of what you’ll find are data packs for tourists. Handy for a fortnight on the Costa Blanca; not so useful once you live here and your bank, your health centre and the town hall all ask you for a Spanish number. As part of my guide to Mobile Services in Spain, I’m going to explain how eSIMs work here, how to check your phone to know if it’s compatible and how to get a Spanish eSIM with calls, texts and data, without waiting for anything to arrive in the post.
What is an eSIM, and will it work on your phone?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install in your mobile phone by scanning a QR code or following instructions sent by email. It’s an alternative to a physical SIM card, a piece of plastic you insert into your phone.
To check whether your phone is eSIM-compatible, dial *#06#. If an EID number appears on the screen, your phone supports eSIM. Your phone must also be unlocked to install an eSIM.
Which eSIM plan do you need in Spain?
- Travel data-only eSIM: this type of eSIM for Spain is designed to be used by tourists, so it doesn’t come with a Spanish number. It works alongside your regular SIM, which you can continue to use to make and receive calls and texts, while using the eSIM for data.
- Spanish mobile plan with eSIM: in this case, the eSIM comes with a Spanish number and includes calls, SMS and data. It works the same as a physical SIM; the only difference is that you don’t have to insert it into your mobile phone. You can use an eSIM with all Lobster plans.
A travel data-only eSIM or a Spanish mobile plan?
Travel data-only eSIMs are great if you’re spending a few days in Spain. If you’re an expat who lives here, you’re going to need a mobile plan that gives you a Spanish telephone number, roaming when you go back home, and flexibility to change your plan or park your number.
What to check: data, calls, coverage and flexibility
Whether you go for a physical SIM or an eSIM, these are the things that matter:
- A Spanish number: having a +34 number can make it easier to deal with banks, book appointments and receive verification texts in Spain. A travel data-only eSIM won’t give you one.
- Data: travel packs are sized for a holiday. Lobster plans come with 200, 500 or 750 GB every 28 days.
- Calls: check whether calls home are included. Lobster’s international plans include unlimited calls and texts to the UK, the US and several European countries.
- Coverage: Lobster runs on Movistar’s network, with 5G where available, across mainland Spain and the islands. Roaming in the UK and most EU countries is included on every plan.
- Flexibility: travel eSIMs expire after a set number of days. A prepaid Lobster plan renews every 28 days, and you can change it, pause it or park your number while you’re away.
Lobster’s Mobile 200 GB, Mobile 500 GB and Mobile 750 GB international plans all offer excellent 5G coverage in Spain, plus unlimited calls and texts in Spain and to the UK, US and lots of European countries. All three include roaming in the UK and most EU countries, with varying (but always generous) data allowances — compare Lobster’s mobile plans to find the right one for you.
How to get and activate your Lobster eSIM
- Choose your Lobster mobile plan and select an eSIM.
- Verify your identity by sending a clear photo of your ID document. Your passport is enough: no NIE needed.
- Your installation details will be sent to you by email.
- Install your eSIM using the QR code or installation link.
- Follow the instructions to start using your line.
For screenshots of the whole sign-up process, have a look at the Lobster sign-up guide. And if you need a hand installing your eSIM, Lobster has step-by-step guides for iPhone and Android.
Can you keep your current phone number?
Yes, you can. If you already have a Spanish mobile number you can bring it with you to Lobster with an eSIM. If your phone supports dual-SIM use with an eSIM, you can keep your home-country number alongside your new Lobster eSIM.
Switching providers with your Spanish number
If you already have a Spanish number and want to transfer it to Lobster, you can select the option of keeping your current number, a process known as portability, when you sign up. Lobster will transfer your number and close your previous line for you. The transfer usually takes 24 to 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) and happens overnight. Lobster will let you know the date in advance and again once it’s done. In the meantime, you can keep using your old SIM; when it stops working, your new Lobster eSIM will start working.
Keeping your UK number alongside your Spanish line
UK numbers can’t be ported to a Spanish provider, but you can keep using your old number from the UK alongside your new Lobster plan if your phone is dual-SIM and eSIM-compatible (most modern smartphones are both, but check yours, just in case). I explain the process in How to Get a Spanish Phone Number (and Keep Your UK One), so have a look at that post if you need help.
eSIM or physical SIM: which is better for you?
First of all, your phone needs to be eSIM-compatible and unlocked in order to install an eSIM. As it’s a digital format, there’s no delivery to wait for. Once your ID has been verified, you’ll receive the details you need to install your eSIM by email. An eSIM is installed in your phone digitally, using a code, rather than physically inserting it. You can use it alongside a physical SIM card, as long as your phone supports dual-SIM. One advantage is that you can’t lose it, as you might with a plastic SIM card.
A physical SIM is a plastic card that you purchase or have delivered to you, and which you need to insert into your mobile phone for it to work, once activated. Most modern smartphones allow you to use a physical SIM alongside an eSIM. If you want to use two physical SIMs your phone must allow you to insert two cards. Prefer a physical SIM? Here’s how to get a SIM card in Spain.
My advice: if your phone supports eSIM, go for it. There’s no physical SIM delivery to wait for, and your SIM slot stays free for your home-country SIM. If it doesn’t, Lobster’s universal physical SIM fits any phone and arrives free within a few days. With Lobster, the prices and coverage of its different mobile plans are the same whether you choose an eSIM or a physical SIM.
Choose your Lobster plan, then choose SIM or eSIM
If you’re changing to Lobster, the first step is to choose the mobile plan that suits you best. Then you can decide whether you prefer a SIM or an eSIM.
Whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM, Lobster’s Just Spain 200 GB plan covers calls within Spain, while its Mobile 200 GB, Mobile 500 GB and Mobile 750 GB plans also include unlimited international calls to the UK, US and other included countries. Compare Lobster’s plans and choose SIM or eSIM when you sign up.
