After The Move
Cell Phones
Setting up cell phones in Spain for expats is straightforward once you understand how the system works. Many expats initially plan on using their US cell phones for the long term which isn’t the best approach. Spain and the EU have very different mobile pricing and roaming rules. Once you are living in Spain a Spanish mobile plan is usually much cheaper and far more practical.
Don’t Use Your US Cell Phones Long Term In Spain
While US wireless plans certainly work in Spain with international roaming they aren’t designed for long term use outside the US. The costs can add up quickly, plus your international data allowance is restricted. Most US carriers require that cell phone usage occurs in the US over time. Long term international use can result in throttled data speeds or in many cases, service suspension.
Will Your US Cell Phones Work Permanently In Spain?
In most cases the answer is yes. As long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with EU networks, you can simply insert a Spanish SIM card or activate an eSIM and use the same phone. Most newer iPhones and Android phones work without any issues in Spain.
Keeping Your US Phone Number
Most expats end up using a combination of a Spanish wireless plan for everyday use and a low-cost US plan to keep their existing American number active. Many people enable Wi-Fi calling on their US line so they can still receive calls and texts when connected to Wi-Fi without using international roaming. This setup provides the most flexibility, lowest cost and the easiest way to manage life in both countries. With modern dual SIM and eSIM phones it’s very easy to have both your US and Spanish numbers on one phone rather than carrying two phones.
Even after settling into a Spanish phone plan, there are good reasons to keep your US number active:
Wireless Carriers In Spain
Spain has several major mobile networks, including Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Yoigo, along with many lower-cost carriers that operate on those same networks. Monthly plans are much less expensive than US plans. They often include unlimited calls within Spain and large amounts of data. Many carriers also offer bundles that include home internet and mobile service together which can reduce the overall monthly cost even further.
Cell Coverage and Mobile Data Speeds In Spain
Cell coverage in Spain is generally very good, especially in cities, towns and along major highways. Most populated areas have strong 4G/5G coverage. Spain does not typically use the term “5G Ultra Wideband” like some US carriers, but 5G speeds in many areas are still very fast. Coverage continues to improve as the networks expand. In rural areas and mountainous regions coverage can be less consistent depending on the carrier. Overall Spain has very reliable mobile networks compared to many other countries.
Cell Phones In Spain: EU Roaming Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of having a Spanish phone plan is that most plans include roaming within the EU at no extra cost. Because of EU regulations, you can use your Spanish phone plan in other EU countries just like you would in Spain. For people who plan to travel around Europe, this is a major advantage of having a Spanish mobile plan.
Some plans have fair-use limits on how much data you can use while roaming in other EU countries. For normal travel most people never notice any restrictions.
A Note About Apple ID And Google Accounts In Spain
When moving to Spain many people don’t think about their Apple ID or Google account. Both are tied to a specific country’s App Store or Google Play Store. You can continue using your US Apple ID or Google account on your phone in Spain for most things like email, contacts, photos, apps and cloud services. However, the app store country where your apps were purchased controls the apps you see on your phone. Some of the apps you have on your phone from the US may not be available in Spain or vice versa.
Most US expats keep their Apple ID or Google account set to the US. To use Spanish apps, they create a second Apple ID or Google account in Spain so they can have access to both countries apps. The phone itself does not need to be Spanish — the SIM card determines the network, while your Apple or Google account determines your apps and services.
FAQs
Can I get a Spanish cell phone plan without a long-term contract?
Yes, many mobile providers in Spain offer plans without long-term contracts. These are often called prepaid or month-to-month plans and are very common. You simply pay each month and can change plans or providers fairly easily. Some promotional plans or phone financing offers may require a contract period, but many standard mobile plans in Spain do not lock you into long-term agreements like some U.S. carriers.
Do I need an NIE number to get a cell phone plan in Spain?
You usually do not need an NIE number for a prepaid SIM card, but many mobile companies require an NIE and a Spanish bank account for monthly contract plans. Many expats start with a prepaid SIM when they first arrive and then switch to a contract plan later once they have their NIE and bank account set up.
Can I cancel a Spanish mobile plan easily?
Many Spanish mobile plans are month-to-month and can be canceled fairly easily, but some plans that include discounted phones or special promotions may have minimum contract periods. It’s important to ask whether there is a contract commitment before signing up. If there is no contract period, you can usually switch carriers or cancel with about 30 days’ notice.
Do Spanish phone plans include international calls to the United States?
Some Spanish phone plans include international calling minutes, but many do not. Even if international calls are not included, many people use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype to make calls over data or Wi-Fi instead of using traditional international calling.
Do people in Spain use WhatsApp instead of texting?
Yes. WhatsApp is very widely used in Spain, and many people communicate through WhatsApp instead of traditional text messaging. Businesses, delivery drivers, service providers, and individuals often use WhatsApp for everyday communication, so it quickly becomes one of the most useful apps to have once you move to Spain.
Before Moving
Everything you need to sort before you leave — visas, NIEs, finances and the hundred other things on your pre-move list.
After The Move
What you need to get sorted once you arrive — utilities, healthcare, paperwork and all the practicalities of your new life in Spain.
Property Guide
Here’s what to know about buying property in Spain as an American — from your first search to signing at the notary.
Resources
Checklists, glossaries and vetted websites to help you plan, prepare and hit the ground running in Spain.
Our Journey
Follow along as we document our move from Portland, Oregon to Jávea, Spain — the highs, the headaches and everything in between.
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