Planning your trip to Portugal? Don't waste money on high roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for staying connected when traveling to Portugal and finding the best sim card for your trip to Portugal.
In this guide you find everything you need to know about prepaid sim cards in Portugal, which provider has the best and fastest 4G/5G network in Portugal, the best eSIMs for Portugal, up to date prices as per February 2025, my recommendation, info about international sim cards and more.
Portugal is definitely one of the most laid-back and cheapest European tourist destinations and a year round place to visit. So a couple times a year you will find me traveling to Portugal.
Buying a prepaid sim card in Portugal is cheap but even eSIMs for Portugal that you order on the internet are very affordable and easy to get.
Flying to Lisbon then check out my guide for buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport or if you prefer eSIMs then check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Portugal in 2025.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for Portugal
- Mobile internet operators in Portugal
- Where to buy a sim card for Portugal
- Registration process
- Portugal sim cards and EU data roaming
- Best 4G/5G network in Portugal in 2025
- Prices Portugal prepaid sim card in 2025
- Best sim card for Portugal in 2025
- Best eSIMs for Portugal
- Order a prepaid sim card for Portugal online
Some links in this article about the best Portugal sim cards are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using the outgoing links I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at no extra cost to you, but I have the duty to inform you.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a MEO prepaid sim card for Portugal. NOS has the best 4G/5G network in Portugal, but compared to MEO they are much more expensive and the MEO 4G/5G network coverage is pretty good too. For $6 USD you get 5 GB data + calling minutes.
Buying an eSIM for Portugal online is another great way to stay connected. A Jetpac eSIM for Portugal with 15 GB data is only $15 USD and as soon as the plane lands you are online. eSIMs start from just $1 USD.
Visiting several different countries on your journey then check out international sim cards. These prepaid and eSIMs are valid in up to 141 countries around the world. Here is Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling the world in 2025.
Are you on a trip to Europe then an international sim card specifically designed for traveling in Europe would be the best way for you to stay connected. Check out Traveltomtom's list of the 12 best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2025.
Why buying a sim card for Portugal
Yes, your hotel will provide free WiFi and so do most restaurants and bars in tourist destinations in Portugal, but as soon as you go to local villages WiFi is not a certainty. But why would you want to rely on (slow) WiFi from other people?
Also another reminder that public WiFi is through an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN in these situations is recommended.
Another very simple reason for staying connected when traveling to Portugal: what if you are out on the streets and you are looking for a nearby rooftop bar or nice restaurant with good reviews? What if you want to order a taxi through an app or in case of emergencies, checking your banking apps when paying the bill?
There are so many reasons to come up with to have a working data connection on your phone when traveling to Portugal. Trust me it make life easier and your trip more fun.
Road trips in Portugal are epic, but without navigation it will be challenging for sure. Not being connected to the internet is so inconvenient these days. For Portugal road trip tips check out my road trip from Porto to the Algarve.
Therefore to avoid high roaming charges Traveltomtom recommends tourists to get a local prepaid sim card on arrival or order an eSIM for visiting Portugal on the internet.
Looking for the best way to get connected is one of the first things I do when planning a trip to a new country. I used to always buy a prepaid sim card on arrival, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs just because it is easier and more convenient.
Traveltomtom would like to visit every country in the world so I constantly get to new places. since I like to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: USA, New York, Los Angeles, Brazil, Dubai, Turkey, Indonesia, Bali, Colombia, Bogota, Panama, Madrid, Spain, Germany, France, Europe, Asia, Marrakech, Australia and many more.
So next time you are preparing your next adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the best prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your upcoming trip. Bookmark Traveltomtom in your travel tips folder and let me help you save money.
Mobile internet operators in Portugal
Portugal has three main mobile internet providers: MEO Portugal, NOS Portugal and Vodafone Portugal. All of the operators sell prepaid sim cards for tourists and there are multiple stores all around the big cities and tourist destinations in Portugal.
As of 2025 you can also eSIMs in phone stores in Portugal as well as physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Where to buy a sim card for Portugal
Lisbon International Airport
At the most busy airport in the country you can buy a prepaid sim card for Portugal. Must add that there is only a Vodafone store at Lisbon Airport so the choice is limited. You also can get a Lycamobile sim card, which in fact is the best sim card at Lisbon Airport. Check out Traveltomtom's up to date guide for buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport in 2025.
Phone stores
Every big city or tourist destination in Portugal has plenty options for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists. Just find the nearest MEO, Vodafone or NOS store on Google Maps.
Also some of the bigger convenience stores and supermarkets tend to sell some Portugal prepaid sim cards. Be aware that service in these small stores is VERY LIMITED and it is not easy to figure out what you are exactly buying as package details are written in Portuguese. I recommend tourists to head to one of the official mobile operators stores.
Online
As mentioned before the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal is to order a sim card on the internet. You arrive prepared and are instantly online. No need to go to a phone store or sim card shop on arrival in Portugal.
eSIMs are obviously the easiest, but only if your phone is eSIM compatible. Recommends eSIM operators are Airalo or SimOptions but there are many more: Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly, GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
For more info about using eSIMs when traveling to Portugal check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Portugal in 2025.
If your phone is not eSIM compatible then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for Portugal via SimOptions.
All the sim cards for Portugal you see online, can not be bought in Portugal on arrival and the other way around neither. Prepaid Portugal sim cards from MEO, NOS and Vodafone can only be bought on arrival in Portugal in a phone store.
Registration process
If you are buying a prepaid sim card in Portugal then always bring your passport. In the store they will take a copy of your passport and your prepaid sim card with your new Portuguese phone number will be registered on your name and passport number. Without your passport you can't buy a prepaid sim card in Portugal, these are EU laws.
However, there is a way around this registration and that is buying an international sim card for Portugal or buying an eSIM for Portugal. This is a great way to stay connected in Portugal and not having to register with your passport.
Portugal sim cards and EU data roaming
Is Portugal your first destination on your trip to Europe then make sure you buy a Portugal sim card with free EU data roaming included. In most cases free EU data roaming is included in the Portugal prepaid sim card plans, but always double check in store when buying a prepaid sim card in Portugal.
Free EU data roaming means that you can use your Portugal sim card also in France, Germany or Greece during your trip to Europe. Your data bundle as well as calling and texting credit is valid in every country in Europe at no extra costs. For more info and tips and tricks about free EU data roaming check out my guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Europe on arrival.
You can also buy a sim card for traveling in Europe online before your trip. These Europe sim cards are specially designed for travelers visting multiple countries in Europe. You can only buy these Europe travel sim cards online, they are not available in stores in Europe.
Best 4G/5G network in Portugal in 2025
Prices for Portugal data sim cards are important to determine what is the best sim card for tourist, but just as important is the 4G/5G network coverage of your sim card. Therefore in the next images I will compare the 4G/5G network coverage of MEO, NOS and Vodafone to see which mobile internet provider has the best mobile data network in Portugal in 2025.
For more detailed 4G/5G network maps of Portugal check the link, where you can also find the 4G/5G internet coverage for Funchal and Azores.
Is there 5G in Portugal?
Yes, there is 5G in Portugal and as of 2025 the 5G mobile data network in Portugal is pretty good. Pretty much all the popular tourist destinations in Portugal are covered with a 5G signal.
MEO Portugal 4G /5G network coverage map
Vodafone Portugal 4G /5G network coverage map
NOS Portugal 4G /5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2025 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Portugal in 2025.
From the above comparison of the Portugal mobile network coverage maps of MEO, NOS and Vodafone Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that all mobile internet providers have an extensive mobile data network around the country.
However, it is clear that NOS has the best 4G/5G network in Portugal in 2025.
Prices Portugal prepaid sim card in 2025
Below you will find a comparison of the prepaid sim card plans per mobile internet provider. All info and prices are updated as per February 2025. Prices are in Euros: $1 USD = €0.98 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.01 USD.
MEO Portugal prepaid sim card plans
A MEO prepaid sim card is free if you sign up for one of their prepaid sim card plans. The packages are rather confusing though and I tried figuring out what is exactly the deal, because the above picture shows per month/per week. Anyway the forget about the /per week sign, the packages are valid for 1 month:
- 1 GB data + 500 minutes/sms = €3.8 EUR - $4 USD
- 3 GB data + 500 minutes/sms = €4.6 EUR - $5 USD
- 5 GB data + 500 minutes/sms = €5.4 EUR - $6 USD
All MEO prepaid sim cards are 5G ready and valid in all of Europe. In MEO stores in Portugal you can now choose to have a physical prepaid sim card or opt for an eSIM. For more info check the MEO Portugal website.
Vodafone Portugal prepaid sim card plans
The Vodafone Portugal prepaid sim card plans for 2025 include free EU data roaming, are 5G ready and are valid for 30 days:
- 10 GB data in Europe + 500 minutes/sms + 50 international minutes = €25 EUR - $25 USD
- Unlimited data ONLY for Portugal = €35 EUR - $36 USD
Check the Vodafone Portugal website for more info. In Vodafone stores in Portugal you can now choose to have a physical prepaid sim card or opt for an eSIM.
NOS Portugal prepaid sim card plans
A NOS Portugal sim card costs €2.50 EUR or if you buy a prepaid sim card plan as shown above it is free. The prepaid sim card plans are 5G ready and include free EU roaming.
- 5 GB data + 1,000 minutes/sms = €10 EUR - $10 USD
- 10 GB data + 1,000 minutes/sms = €20 EUR - $20 USD
For more check the NOS Portugal website. In NOS stores in Portugal you can now choose to have a physical prepaid sim card or opt for an eSIM.
Best sim card for Portugal in 2025
When comparing the local prepaid sim cards you can buy in phone stores in Portugal and the eSIMs for Portugal you order on the internet Traveltomtom comes to the following conclusion.
Local prepaid sim cards are in general slightly cheaper than eSIMs, but you can only buy them in a store in Portugal on arrival.
The fastest data speed is guaranteed by NOS and they also have the best 4G/5G network in Portugal as of 2025. But the NOS prepaid sim cards are also more expensive than MEO.
MEO offers a prepaid sim card deal for just $6 USD and you get 5 GB data + calling minutes for a month. The cheapest prepaid sim card for tourist from Vodafone is €25 EUR ($25 USD).
Therefore MEO is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Portugal in 2025.
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal is an eSIM as you don't need to visit a phone store on arrival in Portugal. For $15 USD you get an eSIM with 15 GB data.
You arrange everything online and as soon as the plane lands you have data on your phone. Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Portugal in 2025.
If you are traveling onwards in Europe and you can use your NOS prepaid sim card all over Europe as NOS includes free EU data roaming. But if you are visiting multiple countries in Europe there are better eSIM deals. Check out my list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2025.
Best eSIMs for Portugal
The easiest way to get connected when traveling to Portugal in 2025 is an eSIM. No more swapping physical prepaid sim cards and visiting a phone store. You arrange everything on the internet.
You order an eSIM for Portugal on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Portugal eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Lisbon it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM for Portugal. For more detailed info check out check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with an answer to all FAQ's and everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Portugal in 2025.
SimOptions
Traveltomtom has used sim cards from SimOptions now for more than 5 years in uncountable countries around the world and is therefore a very recommended eSIM provider.
Check out our full review of SimOptions.
SimOptions offers a wide range of eSIM but the most interesting eSIMs for Portugal are the international eSIMs.
These eSIMs support incoming and outgoing calls/sms and they come with a phone number.
Bouygues Telecom
- 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $32.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $39.90 USD
Orange Holiday Europe
- 12 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 30 minutes international for 14 days = $28.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 70 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 28 days = $55.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Portugal via SimOptions.
These eSIMs are valid all over Europe and they include free EU data roaming. The best thing about these eSIMs for Portugal is that they also include unlimited calling and texting.
Airalo
Airalo is another reputed eSIM provider that sells eSIM plans for pretty much every country in the world. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times and never faced an issue.
Check out the Airalo eSIM plans for Portugal in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
Click here to directly order an eSIMs for Portugal via Airalo.
The Airalo data-only eSIM are from Fofo Mobile and they operate on the NOS 4G/LTE network in Portugal. Incoming and outgoing calling and texting is not supported.
Before ordering an eSIM for Portugal make sure your mobile phone is eSIM compatible. How to find out? Simply ask Google and instantly get your answer. Find out everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Portugal on the internet in Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying an eSIM for Portugal in 2025.
Order a prepaid sim card for Portugal online
Is your phone not eSIM compatible and buying a sim card in Portugal sound like too much hassle and you would rather arrive prepared then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for traveling in Portugal on the internet.
Arrive prepared in Portugal with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Portugal, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Portugal:
- 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
- 10 GB data + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for Portugal via SimOptions.
A last reminder that if your phone is eSIM compatible you can arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. There are some amazing Portugal eSIM deals and for $19 USD you can already get 30 GB data.
For more detailed info check Traveltomtom's eSIM guide for Portugal with an answer to all eSIM related FAQ and the best eSIM deals from SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly, Jetpac and Airalo.
I hope the above tips for finding the best sim card for your trip to Portugal were helpful. In case you have any additional questions don't hesitate to leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out. Also for Portugal travel tips.
Looking for some travel inspiration then check out my journey to visit every country in the world or my Instagram profile @traveltomtom. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long road to go.
Enjoy your trip to Portugal!