Where to buy SIM card

[Kaye Simpkin]

Hi there, We are looking at buying a European SIM cards on our arrival in Lisbon. We need ones that will comfortably see us through 2 months in Europe, 1 of which is on the Camino. I'm not sure how much data we will need as not quite sure of availability of wifi during the day for booking hostels ahead. We will be walking the Camino Central. Any advise?? Also would it be best to purchase the cards at the airport on arrival if there is a shop? or can we easily purchase them in downtown Lisbon? Thanks Kaye

 

[naplesdon]

Find an Orange shop in Lisbon, have them install it for you and test it before yo leave the shop. If you need the ability to call or message internationally make sure you tell them or you will find yourself with only Spanish service.

 

[Elle Bieling]

I always get a SIM card and prefer Vodaphone's services. Usually it's about 20 Euro for several gbs and is good for 30 days, so plan on getting it refreshed after that time. Make sure as @biarritzdon says that you state which countries you plan to visit. There is a new law that allows one country's data plan to work with roaming throughout the EU, however, we found that when we went to Crete after a Camino, we had to get another SIM card. If you are staying within Spain and Portugal you will be fine. There is a Vodafone and other kiosks in the Lisbon airport, all easy to find on the general exit trail from the airport. If you need voice calling to the US, make sure they know this as it may cost you extra if you want to call frequently, more than 30 minutes total. And do be sure everything works correctly before you leave the kiosk area. There are Vodafone offices in all the larger towns to recharge as needed! Buen Camino!

 

[dfox]

Orange or Vodafone? Which is more user friendly in terms of network availability, cost-benefit, etc.?

Google searches showed Vodafone is relative popular in Portugal than Spain.
Orange is a Portuguese network.

Vodafone is 20 euros for 30 days and 5GB data, etc.
https://www.vodafone.pt/en/products-services/visiting-portugal.html

Orange has a SIM card named Orange Holiday, which is also available on Amazon, eBay, etc., which seems relatively more expensive.

Orange's website is below.
https://orange.simoptions.com/

 

[lt56ny]

The last few years I have gotten an Orange plan that has 10GB and 80 minutes of calling it was only good within Spain and Portugal. Since I rarely used the phone and used data a lot more it was perfect for me. Cost was 20 Euros for a month. The only drawback is the limits on calls. Last year on the Norte I purchased a second month about 25 days or so into my Camino as the Camino was not going through very many larger towns, just to be safe.
I still had about 50 minutes left and almost 5gb of data.

 

[formysons]

Find an Orange shop in Lisbon, have them install it for you and test it before yo leave the shop. If you need the ability to call or message internationally make sure you tell them or you will find yourself with only Spanish service.

We are leaving from Porto on 7 August. Will the Orange or Vodaphone sims enable me to send photos on a daily basis. I will do the Finisterre, Muxia and Inglis routes after the Portuguese so need date for 42 days. Will they work to send photos to South Africa ?

 

[naplesdon]

I have an iPhone which is unlocked and I send pictures to the US. I have no idea about SA.