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I have another related question. We’re walking the Camino Portugues in September. Flying into Madrid with a long layover to Porto. I planned on getting our sim at the airport. Does that sim work in Spain and Portugal? Are there additional charges to call Portugal while in Spain and vice versa?Hello Everyone:
There have been quite a number of threads about SIM cards (which networks to use, where to buy them, cost, etc.), but for those like me that are not technologically savvy, I have not seen anything that explains what actually happens when you purchase and install a local SIM card. For example, I understand that you will now have a local phone number, so assuming you are in Spain, you would have a Spanish number. This has obvious implications for making/receiving telephone calls. The implications for text messages are presumably the same. I also understand that you receive a data package that makes browsing the web much more affordable than many domestic networks would charge for roaming. However, I hope that someone could help explain the following:
1. What happens with e-mails? Can you send/receive messages using your regular e-mail address? Is it a seamless process, or do you need to somehow install your e-mail address on the new SIM card?
2. Same question with apps: Are any apps that you already have on your phone (MAPS.ME, Booking.com, Kindle, etc.) still on your phone, or do you need to somehow download them again?
3. Is there anything else important to know?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Here is some information that looks reliable about buying Sim cards at the Madrid airport.I planned on getting our sim at the airport.
Here is some information that looks reliable about buying Sim cards at the Madrid airport
If you buy the card in Spain then you will have to call places in Portugal as international calls with the prefix. You probably won't have extra charges for the calls though. Check the plan.And yes the card will work equally well in Spain or Portugal. Some forum members have advised me that the only difficulty may be adding to the card.
I have another related question. We’re walking the Camino Portugues in September. Flying into Madrid with a long layover to Porto. I planned on getting our sim at the airport. Does that sim work in Spain and Portugal? Are there additional charges to call Portugal while in Spain and vice versa?
That will work but airplane mode will also keep you from getting or making phone calls. Some pilgrims like this. In airplane mode calls made to you will go to voicemail if the caller doesn't hang up first. You can shut off cellular data but still allow cellular calling.You won't see any change there, although some are real data-hogs so you might want to turn off your cell connection while you are walking (use airplane mode to do this).
That will work but airplane mode will also keep you from getting or making phone calls. Some pilgrims like this. In airplane mode calls made to you will go to voicemail if the caller doesn't hang up first. You can shut off cellular data but still allow cellular calling.
For those who have an iPhone and watch that are paired, you can still ping your iPhone when it is in Airplane mode.And more yet for the airplane mode. This afternoon I misplaced my phone either at my neighbor's or near my car. My neighbor dialled my phone and we found it easily. If it were in airplane mode it would not ring. That might be a good enough reason to not have the mode on when on camino. Might come in handy if you left the phone at the last albergue too. With luck someone might pick up the call and carry your phone to a nearby bar to trade for a meal and drinks.
You need to ask your cell phone provider how to unlock your phone.I tried to get a Portuguese SIM card at the Lisbon airport only to find out that my phone was locked and would not accept a new SIM card. The tech told me that I needed to get my phone unlocked before I left home and could not do it out of country. Now that I am home I still do not know how to do this, but if you plan to get a SIM card overseas I suggest you look into this issue before you leave home.
Now that I am home I still do not know how to do this [unlock phone].
Based on my experience, I was unable to add money to a Spanish Movistar SIM while in Portugal a few years ago. This was specific to Movistar as they do not offer service in Portugal.That is, if you buy it in Spain, you won’t be able to add money in a shop in Portugal and vice versa. But I think that can be done online. Hopefully someone with a clearer understanding will jump in here.
I just checked this out. It is convenient for sure but wow are they alot more money than if you go to a Vodafone or Orange store.Here is some information that looks reliable about buying Sim cards at the Madrid airport.
Buying a Sim Card at Madrid Airport in 2024 - Traveltomtom.net
Can I buy a sim card at Madrid Airport? Where? How much? Read it all in this complete guide about Spain sim cards on arrival.www.traveltomtom.net
And yes the card will work equally well in Spain or Portugal. Some forum members have advised me that the only difficulty may be adding to the card. That is, if you buy it in Spain, you won’t be able to add money in a shop in Portugal and vice versa. But I think that can be done online. Hopefully someone with a clearer understanding will jump in here.
Use a credit card via their website.Based on my experience, I was unable to add money to a Spanish Movistar SIM while in Portugal a few years ago. This was specific to Movistar as they do not offer service in Portugal.
Yes, all network providers will allow you to deposit additional funds against you account using their website. Just watch, some cheap deals are aimed at tourists on package tours and can't be topped up. You would have to buy another SIM (and get another phone number).Here is some information that looks reliable about buying Sim cards at the Madrid airport.
Buying a Sim Card at Madrid Airport in 2024 - Traveltomtom.net
Can I buy a sim card at Madrid Airport? Where? How much? Read it all in this complete guide about Spain sim cards on arrival.www.traveltomtom.net
And yes the card will work equally well in Spain or Portugal. Some forum members have advised me that the only difficulty may be adding to the card. That is, if you buy it in Spain, you won’t be able to add money in a shop in Portugal and vice versa. But I think that can be done online. Hopefully someone with a clearer understanding will jump in here.
Maybe not....And yes the card will work equally well in Spain or Portugal.
When I walked from Porto in 2018, I also had problems with the card (Vodafone, I think) which worked fine until I crossed into Spain. At that point, I think the data still worked well, but I had difficulties making phone calls.Maybe not....
Walked CP from Lisbon 2019 - bought data card in Lisbon (Orange, I think) and all worked fine until I crossed into Spain when it ceased to work.
Went to an Orange store in the next major population centre (possibly Vigo) and was told by the store attendant that "it happens all the time..." and bought a Spanish SIM card and all went well from there. This card even worked well in Portugal at the end of my Camino. Inconvenient for a short time, but not world shattering...
I know the advice on-line is that EU requirements are for SIM cards to work anywhere in the EU - but it seems this is not always the case.
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