You don’t need a NIE to join Lobster: you can use a valid (in-date) passport to verify your identity. You’ll also need an email address and credit/debit card details, and a delivery address if you’ve ordered a physical SIM. In this guide, I’ll explain which documents to have ready, how to verify your identity and what happens before your Lobster service is ready to use. This is one step in getting started with Lobster: my overview covers choosing a plan, signing up and getting connected.
Do you need a NIE to get a Lobster SIM?
No. You can use a valid passport to verify your identity when you join Lobster, so you don’t need to wait for a NIE.
Which ID documents does Lobster accept?
| ID documents accepted by Lobster | Description |
|---|---|
| A valid passport | Your passport. Make sure it’s in date |
| European ID card | The national ID card issued by a European country |
| NIE/TIE (or NIF or DNI) | Documents issued by the Spanish government |
Don’t forget to confirm your identity by uploading your ID during the registration process, or by sending a photo or scan of your ID by email. Check out your options on the Lobster website help page. If you don’t confirm your identity, it will cause a delay in receiving your Lobster SIM.
Make sure the delivery address is complete, including your postcode and, where applicable, your floor and flat number.
Accepted documents and what they must show
To be accepted by Lobster, your ID document must be valid (not past its expiry date) and must contain your photograph and date of birth. Make sure all the details are clearly readable when you submit the document.
Documents you cannot use
Driving licences, property deeds, rental contracts, “el padrón”, green cards (registration certificates) and bank statements are not accepted by Lobster as ID documents.
How to verify your identity
To verify your identity with Lobster, you’ll need to upload a clear photo of your ID document during the registration process. Alternatively, you can email it afterwards to delivery@lobster.es.
Make sure your details match your ID
Make sure the personal details you’ve provided when registering match those on your ID document. If they don’t, it’s likely to delay the process of receiving your new Lobster SIM.
Have your ID ready for SIM delivery
If you’ve ordered a physical SIM card it will be delivered to you within a few days if you live in mainland Spain or the Balearic Islands, and 1-2 days more if you live in the Canary Islands. You’ll need to show your passport (or whatever ID you used when you ordered your Lobster SIM) to verify your identity when the package is delivered by Correos (the Spanish Post Office).
How to activate your Lobster SIM or eSIM
Find your activation code on your SIM card and activate the SIM online or by phone. If you’ve opted for an eSIM, Lobster will send a QR code directly to your inbox. Any problems: ask for help by calling 1661.
Where to find your activation code
Your 7-character activation code is printed on the front of your SIM.
Activate your SIM online or get help by phone
Go to the Lobster activation page and enter the 7-character code printed on your physical SIM.
If you need help, you can call 1661 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Canary Islands, 8am to 8pm) to speak with an English-speaking customer service agent.
Insert your physical SIM and check your connection
Insert your physical SIM after activating it, or when your current SIM stops working if you are transferring your old number to Lobster. You can check the service is fully functional by making a call, sending an SMS and using your mobile data.
What if you’ve chosen an eSIM?
There’s no physical SIM to wait for. Once your eSIM is ready, Lobster will email you the installation instructions. You’ll need an eSIM-compatible mobile and an internet connection to set it up.
If you’ve requested portability, installing your eSIM does not mean your number has transferred. Wait for the switch date confirmed by Lobster and keep using your current SIM until the transfer is complete.
When will your Lobster SIM start working?
This depends on whether you’ve requested a new number or the transfer of an existing Spanish number to Lobster.
If you have a new Spanish number
If you’ve requested a new number, your service should be ready to use once activation is complete. If you have a physical SIM, insert it into your phone. For an eSIM, follow the installation instructions emailed by Lobster.
If you are keeping your existing Spanish number
If you are keeping your old Spanish number, your new Lobster SIM card won’t work as soon as you activate the SIM. Activation initiates the portability process, which can take 1-2 working days after activation (a bit longer if the process coincides with the weekend or a public holiday). Lobster will let you know when the changeover is due to take place (usually overnight). In the meantime, you can keep using your old SIM; when it stops working, your new Lobster SIM should start working.
What if verification or activation doesn’t work?
This table might be of help if you encounter a problem with delivery or activation of your new Lobster SIM.
| Situation | What to check | What to do /Where to get help |
|---|---|---|
| Verification of ID pending | Check you uploaded your ID document during the sign-up process. | If you haven’t already done it, send a clear photo of your ID to delivery@lobster.es. |
| Delay in the delivery of your SIM | If your SIM is sent by registered post (“certificado”), Correos will email you a tracking number. Follow any delivery or collection instructions you receive. | If you’ve missed a delivery and Correos has left a note, go to your local post office to pick up your SIM personally. Bring your ID with you. If your SIM has been sent by registered post, you’ll need to identify yourself with the ID you used when ordering your SIM.For further problems contact Lobster Customer Service on 1661. |
| Activation incomplete | Whether you’ve had your SIM delivered by Correos or you’ve purchased it at a Lobster retailer, you will need to activate it. | Follow the instructions on the Lobster Activation Page. Or call 1661. |
| My SIM doesn’t work after activation | If you’ve requested a new number, your SIM should work as soon as you activate it.If you’ve requested portability, Lobster will let you know the switch date. | Call 711 from your Lobster mobile. If your Lobster SIM isn’t working, you can call +34 711 000 711 from another phone. |
If you need help configuring your mobile or you have a technical problem, you should consult the Lobster help page or contact customer service by logging into your account on the website or via the app.
