WARNING. simcardspain.es

[Robo]

My Recommendation Withdrawn

Last year walking the CF I ordered a Spanish SIM card before leaving Australia. It arrived fine and was a great during the walk.

This year I decided to do the same. And I used the same website, for ordering 2 SIM cards with express delivery. https://www.simcardspain.es Sadly the experience this year has not been good.

12 Mar I ordered the SIM cards.
13 Mar I was billed for them.
13 Mar they were shown online as despatched.

Zero.........

Nothing arrived. I have been sending messages to the company on almost a daily basis with no reply

Maybe they have gone broke, who knows. I'll seek a refund from Paypal.

 

[Odaly]

I'm guessing you have an unlocked phone? I have an iPhone 6. Would a sim switch work for me?

 

[Lachance]

@Robo after reading your recommendation, I ordered one on 25 Feb. It came in about 2 weeks, just normal delivery.

 

[Robo]

I'm guessing you have an unlocked phone? I have an iPhone 6. Would a sim switch work for me?

Yes, an unlocked phone. Sorry I have no idea what a 'SIM switch' is

But if your phone is unlocked, you can use any SIM in it. When travelling I carry a few different SIMs.....

For those who are a bit lost........

The term 'Locked' in relation to a mobile phone, means that the phone is locked onto a specific mobile phone service/carrier/network. It cannot be used with a SIM from another carrier.

So for example, if you have a phone in Australia that is locked to the Telstra network, you would need to contact Telstra and have them 'unlock' the phone. (This can be done by calling them) If they are willing to do so.

Some phone contracts may require your phone to be 'locked' to a specific network/carrier for 12 or 24 months.

With the phone 'unlocked' you can use any SIM you like. An obvious advantage when travelling. Using your 'home' SIM card when overseas will usually result in massive phone and data charges! (Like hundreds or even thousands of dollars.......)

 

[Robo]

@Robo after reading your recommendation, I ordered one on 25 Feb. It came in about 2 weeks, just normal delivery.

Good to hear!

Maybe mine was just a 'glitch'. Hopefully my SIM from last year will still work, or I can buy one at Madrid airport...

 

[Gareth Griffith]

If you need to unlock your phone there are several guides on how to do it on youtube. You don't need any fancy equipment.

 

[KinkyOne]

Good to hear!

Maybe mine was just a 'glitch'. Hopefully my SIM from last year will still work, or I can buy one at Madrid airport...

Last summer I bought my second Orange SIM card in two years. I was told that Spanish pre-paid SIM cards are valid only for one year after last credit was uploaded and I've missed it for few days.

If you want to buy regular SIM card (make a contract) you had to have a Spanish bank account. Too much fuzz...

 

[CathyJ]

My Recommendation Withdrawn

Last year walking the CF I ordered a Spanish SIM card before leaving Australia. It arrived fine and was a great during the walk.

This year I decided to do the same. And I used the same website, for ordering 2 SIM cards with express delivery. https://www.simcardspain.es Sadly the experience this year has not been good.

12 Mar I ordered the SIM cards.
13 Mar I was billed for them.
13 Mar they were shown online as despatched.

Zero.........

Nothing arrived. I have been sending messages to the company on almost a daily basis with no reply

Maybe they have gone broke, who knows. I'll seek a refund from Paypal.

Hi Robo, I also ordered from simcardspain.es. I didn't get my card as quickly as I expected and found that they didn't reply to my emails as promptly as they did to my earlier enquiries when looking to purchase. It did eventually arrive though, hope yours does also

 

[Robo]

Hi Robo, I also ordered from simcardspain.es. I didn't get my card as quickly as I expected and found that they didn't reply to my emails as promptly as they did to my earlier enquiries when looking to purchase. It did eventually arrive though, hope yours does also

I'll keep my fingers crossed. They are not replying at all though.....

 

[ivar]

My Recommendation Withdrawn

Last year walking the CF I ordered a Spanish SIM card before leaving Australia. It arrived fine and was a great during the walk.

This year I decided to do the same. And I used the same website, for ordering 2 SIM cards with express delivery. https://www.simcardspain.es Sadly the experience this year has not been good.

12 Mar I ordered the SIM cards.
13 Mar I was billed for them.
13 Mar they were shown online as despatched.

Zero.........

Nothing arrived. I have been sending messages to the company on almost a daily basis with no reply

Maybe they have gone broke, who knows. I'll seek a refund from Paypal.

One of the reasons (I had others reasons more locally here in Santiago, but one of them) was that I stopped selling SIM cards a while back is that shipping them internationally is a problem. In these days of terror, sim cards in the mail can be looked upon as a "suspicious". My guess is that it was stopped by customs and confiscated. Either Spanish customs or your country's customs. All mail leaving Spain is scanned on its way out + it is scanned on its way in to your country. It could have been stopped on any of those two points.

 

[Robo]

One of the reasons (I had others reasons more locally here in Santiago, but one of them) was that I stopped selling SIM cards a while back is that shipping them internationally is a problem. In these days of terror, sim cards in the mail can be looked upon as a "suspicious". My guess is that it was stopped by customs and confiscated. Either Spanish customs or your country's customs. All mail leaving Spain is scanned on its way out + it is scanned on its way in to your country. It could have been stopped on any of those two points.

Could be...... Just annoyed that they won't even respond though.....

Hopefully my old one still works

 

[CathyJ]

I'll keep my fingers crossed. They are not replying at all though.....

I got the same...

 

[Robo]

I got the same...

Now I feel better

I guess my Camino has started

Chill Robo.....Chill

 

[CaptBuddy]

In 2010 and 2012, I bought sim cards from simcardsspain.es, and had great results. In 2014, I bought one (Vodafone) and when I put it in my phone at Barajas I was shocked to find that either it was empty of funds, or was 'sucked dry' by something, immediately. Later I was able to find a Vodafone store where they checked my phone (no problem) and then recharged my sim card account.
It is great to have the cell number before you leave home, but I think from now on I'll just get a sim when I arrive in Spain.

Buen Viaje Robo.

 

[Paul G]

I'm guessing you have an unlocked phone? I have an iPhone 6. Would a sim switch work for me?

Not only does your phone need to be unlocked (as already discussed here) but it needs to have a GSM radio in it since that is what is used in Spain for cell phones. Not all US carriers use GSM, some use CDMA. Some phones have both radio capabilities. So check what your phone has.

 

[Dutch]

Almost all modern smartphones use both, like Iphones, google nexus, samsung galaxy, so chances that this is the case is very slim

 

[fraluchi]

[...]It is great to have the cell number before you leave home, but I think from now on I'll just get a sim when I arrive in Spain.[...]

Every year, and if my previous cell number results to be expired (more than 12 months no use), I buy a new card at Madrid airport (at Relay or Orange shops). Sending the new number to family and friends is only an e-mail away.

 

[KerrieG]

My Recommendation Withdrawn

Last year walking the CF I ordered a Spanish SIM card before leaving Australia. It arrived fine and was a great during the walk.

This year I decided to do the same.

I think I recall you go with Orange? Which card do you use? I will need it for few calls/sms (national and international), mostly need data.

 

[donalomahony]

There is no problem buying one at Madrid airport €15 should sort you out! Calls within Spain and a gig of data.

 

[Robo]

There is no problem buying one at Madrid airport €15 should sort you out! Calls within Spain and a gig of data.

Sounds like the best and easiest option!

 

[KerrieG]

There is no problem buying one at Madrid airport €15 should sort you out! Calls within Spain and a gig of data.

Sounds like the best and easiest option!

That's OK if you're going through Madrid, I'm flying to Paris.

 

[Robo]

That's OK if you're going through Madrid, I'm flying to Paris.

I'm sure you can pick one up at the Airport in Paris too.

Last year I ordered both French and Spainsih SIMs online. Had them both with me when I arrived.

 

[KinkyOne]

That's OK if you're going through Madrid, I'm flying to Paris.

Then just wait until you come to Pamplona and buy it there. No need to buy France SIM card for a day and a half
You'll do just fine without it.

By June 2017 there will be no more roaming inside EU so you'll have to wait one more year and then you can buy France SIM card with no additional charges to your calls in Spain. Or vice versa

 

[Anamya]

Robo, last year in May, Lebara Mobile was giving Sim Cards for free at the airport arrivals in Madrid.
Besides that, mobile phone shops are everywhere in Madrid, Pamplona, Burgos... if you cards do not arrive (I hope they do!), it will not be hard to sort it out.

 

[Bajaracer]

Here is a list of prepaid Spanish SIM cards.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/prepaid-spanish-sim-card-with-data.446/

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just wait until I arrive in Spain and buy my SIM at Vodafone.
Never had a problem and never paid over €15

But I did order some wool clothes from Australia and thought they'd never arrive.
The problem I've had with international shipping is that they can hold things at the borders, and you have no tracking # so never know when they'll arrive.

I once shipped a blade to Canada, not more than 800 miles away, and it took 6 weeks because it was "held up" in customs.

I imagine your SIM will arrive eventually, but maybe try just buying it in Spain next time.

 

[Anniesantiago]

That's OK if you're going through Madrid, I'm flying to Paris.

You won't need a phone in France, as you're only there one day. You can buy a SIM card when you arrive in Pamplona. There are several Vodafone (and other phone companies) near Old Town.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Could be...... Just annoyed that they won't even respond though..... Hopefully my old one still works

Hi Robo - did the people in Spain provide "mail tracking" numbers for the package?? If so you can contact Australia Post and using that number they will be able to tell you where your package is. If its been "stopped" then maybe you can go to the largest Aust Post mail centre, identify yourself and take delivery. Good luck.

 

[Robo]

Hi Robo - did the people in Spain provide "mail tracking" numbers for the package?? If so you can contact Australia Post and using that number they will be able to tell you where your package is. If its been "stopped" then maybe you can go to the largest Aust Post mail centre, identify yourself and take delivery. Good luck.

Thanks I'll try that!

Note. Sadly nothing showed up on the Australia Post site. Meaning it has nnot arrived in Australia.......

It's not so much the lack of the SIM cards that I find annoying........it's the total lack of response from the vendor by all means of communication...

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thanks I'll try that!

Just log onto the Aust Post website - it will provide phone numbers - usually a 13 or a 1300 number (so local call price). Even without the tracking number they may be able to provide advice on why articles like sim cards are being "delayed". Buen Camino

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Good to hear!

Maybe mine was just a 'glitch'. Hopefully my SIM from last year will still work, or I can buy one at Madrid airport...

Hi @Robo - I read your post a while back and ordered from them on 26-Feb and they arrived in Canada yesterday (6-April), one day before we board the plane for Spain! Whew, cut that one close!! Keep the faith, hopefully it's on it's way

 

[Robo]

Hi @Robo - I read your post a while back and ordered from them on 26-Feb and they arrived in Canada yesterday (6-April), one day before we board the plane for Spain! Whew, cut that one close!! Keep the faith, hopefully it's on it's way

Great to hear it worked for you ! Buen Camino.

The last thing one wants is to make a recommendation and hear that it was a bad experience. So just glad it happened to me

 

[Bajaracer]

After hearing all these horror stories of late arriving SIM cards, I'll never mail order a SIM card, it isn't that hard to get one once you get to Spain, you can even buy one in the Madrid Airport at Crystal Media, an electronics store inside all the terminals. I bought one and made sure it worked before I left the store.

 

[Travelchick]

Yes, an unlocked phone. Sorry I have no idea what a 'SIM switch' is

But if your phone is unlocked, you can use any SIM in it. When travelling I carry a few different SIMs.....

For those who are a bit lost........

The term 'Locked' in relation to a mobile phone, means that the phone is locked onto a specific mobile phone service/carrier/network. It cannot be used with a SIM from another carrier.

So for example, if you have a phone in Australia that is locked to the Telstra network, you would need to contact Telstra and have them 'unlock' the phone. (This can be done by calling them) If they are willing to do so.

Some phone contracts may require your phone to be 'locked' to a specific network/carrier for 12 or 24 months.

With the phone 'unlocked' you can use any SIM you like. An obvious advantage when travelling. Using your 'home' SIM card when overseas will usually result in massive phone and data charges! (Like hundreds or even thousands of dollars.......)

I have read so many posts regarding sim cards, I think I'm more confused than ever. You seem to have experience using them, and could probably offer some advice. My Camino is this September. I have an un locked, Nexus 6 phone. Don't need a lot of call time, just for emergency, but would like a little data to let my family know I'm OK. I'm in the u.s. my question to you is do you buy your sim card there or can I pie order from a u.s. based company? I found one web site whose one sim cards works in multiple countries. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Bajaracer]

I have read so many posts regarding sim cards, I think I'm more confused than ever. You seem to have experience using them, and could probably offer some advice. My Camino is this September. I have an un locked, Nexus 6 phone. Don't need a lot of call time, just for emergency, but would like a little data to let my family know I'm OK. I'm in the u.s. my question to you is do you buy your sim card there or can I pie order from a u.s. based company? I found one web site whose one sim cards works in multiple countries. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Wait till you get to Spain, just stop by a phone store and buy a prepaid Spanish SIM, for less than €20 you can buy a prepaid SIM card with 1.5GB of data and 60min of international calls.
Vodafone tourist SIM is a great deal for €15 and automatically renews the next month provided you add another €15 credit, and Lebara has great rates for data if you are a heavy user, and calling back to the US.

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Spain

http://www.lebara.es/?isoCode=en_GB

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have read so many posts regarding sim cards, I think I'm more confused than ever. You seem to have experience using them, and could probably offer some advice. My Camino is this September. I have an un locked, Nexus 6 phone. Don't need a lot of call time, just for emergency, but would like a little data to let my family know I'm OK. I'm in the u.s. my question to you is do you buy your sim card there or can I pie order from a u.s. based company? I found one web site whose one sim cards works in multiple countries. Any thoughts are appreciated.

If all you need is to email your family, then you don't need a SIM card or data plan.
You can simply use the free wifi which is all along the Camino to email them.

 

[Travelchick]

Wait till you get to Spain, just stop by a phone store and buy a prepaid Spanish SIM, for less than €20 you can buy a prepaid SIM card with 1.5GB of data and 60min of international calls.
Vodafone tourist SIM is a great deal for €15 and automatically renews the next month provided you add another €15 credit, and Lebara has great rates for data if you are a heavy user, and calling back to the US.

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Spain

http://www.lebara.es/?isoCode=en_GB

Thanks for the info. That's a lot cheaper than the one I was going to order from here. Do you know of they expire?

 

[Seeker43]

I have read so many posts regarding sim cards, I think I'm more confused than ever. You seem to have experience using them, and could probably offer some advice. My Camino is this September. I have an un locked, Nexus 6 phone. Don't need a lot of call time, just for emergency, but would like a little data to let my family know I'm OK. I'm in the u.s. my question to you is do you buy your sim card there or can I pie order from a u.s. based company? I found one web site whose one sim cards works in multiple countries. Any thoughts are appreciated.

You have time to switch to project fi (Google service - uses t mobile and Sprint towers). It costs $10 per GB and what you don't use gets credited back each month. You can use it in 120 countries. I used it in Spain on the Camino Frances last year without problems. I tried to use wifi where it existed but read online anywhere even if it did not. My bill per month was never more than $40 (and i did make local calls ) and here in the USA it it always just barely above $20 because wifi is more available to me here. Switch back to your own provider when you return to the USA if T-Mobile and Sprint towers don't cover well where you live. Just another way of handling the simcard problem. I travel a bit and this plan has worked well for me in South/Central America as well.

 

[Robo]

You have time to switch to project fi (Google service - uses t mobile and Sprint towers). It costs $10 per GB and what you don't use gets credited back each month. You can use it in 120 countries. I used it in Spain on the Camino Frances last year without problems. I tried to use wifi where it existed but read online anywhere even if it did not. My bill per month was never more than $40 (and i did make local calls ) and here in the USA it it always just barely above $20 because wifi is more available to me here. Switch back to your own provider when you return to the USA if T-Mobile and Sprint towers don't cover well where you live. Just another way of handling the simcard problem. I travel a bit and this plan has worked well for me in South/Central America as well.

This looks like a great service. So I tried to sign up.

It's only for use by accounts based in the US

 

[Seeker43]

This looks like a great service. So I tried to sign up.

It's only for use by accounts based in the US

Yes, sorry, I did not think to mention that. It only works for people that have compatible phones because the phone has to be able to switch between different radio systems smoothly (CDMA and GSM), Nexus 6 s is one of them. It is also not a cheap service if you use many gbs a month or have a family plan with several people that do. It happens to work out for me extremely well.

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

Good to hear!

Maybe mine was just a 'glitch'. Hopefully my SIM from last year will still work, or I can buy one at Madrid airport...

Can't you just add minutes online to the account that you have from last year's SIM? I just refill my Orange SIM online or at an ATM and pop it back in. Same for my SFR card.

http://www.simcardspain.es/en/8-spanish-sim-cards-online-top-up-recharge

 

[Juanajoanna]

Like many have said, it is very easy to stop at any Mobile store in Spain and purchase a sim card. On my last trip I needed a mini sim(?) and they only had regular size. The store owner cut the sim card down to mini size. I was a bit skepticle, but it worked like a charm.

 

[Bajaracer]

Thanks for the info. That's a lot cheaper than the one I was going to order from here. Do you know of they expire?

They do expire if they are inactive for a certain amount of time, some are 6 months, 9 months, or a year, it depends on the carrier, I gave away my Orange SIM card to a future pilgrim that was headed to Spain after I got back, it had about €20 credit left on it.

 

[Kay Farinazzo]

Mine took quite a while to arrive but did come. I also had my emails dealt with promply and successfully. I'm satisfied so far but having said that I haven't tried to use it yet. I'm not anticipating any problems though. Good luck and I hope it arrives soon.

 

[fraluchi]

Maybe I'm not technically updated, but so far I've had an easy ride in Spain for many years as far as comunications are concerned. A SIMple card, to be had at Madrid (or any) airport (10 Euros) for my 'handy, which is museum ripe, covered local call necessities. If you need to "top up", you can do this in many shops along the path. My iPod touch and iPad Air (I just happen to posess these two) connected everywhere with WiFi. Thus I could mail anywhere and Skype anyone. Free of charge.

 

[emmanuel]

My Recommendation Withdrawn

Last year walking the CF I ordered a Spanish SIM card before leaving Australia. It arrived fine and was a great during the walk.

This year I decided to do the same. And I used the same website, for ordering 2 SIM cards with express delivery. https://www.simcardspain.es Sadly the experience this year has not been good.

12 Mar I ordered the SIM cards.
13 Mar I was billed for them.
13 Mar they were shown online as despatched.

Zero.........

Nothing arrived. I have been sending messages to the company on almost a daily basis with no reply

Maybe they have gone broke, who knows. I'll seek a refund from Paypal.

That would be, then: www.simscard pain.es