Are you planning your trip to Portugal and flying to Lisbon Airport soon and wondering if you can buy a prepaid sim card on arrival at the airport? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport.
Find out where to buy a sim card at Lisbon Airport, the opening times of the sim card shops, up to date prices as per January 2024, the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal, a vlog about my arrival and experiences at Lisbon Airport, info about international prepaid sim cards and more.
Buying a local prepaid sim card or ordering an e-sim card online is the best way to stay connected when traveling abroad and avoid roaming charges.
Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world but my other passion is blogging about essential travel tips and that is how I started writing about sim cards for tourists. Everywhere I go I write sim card guides and therefore you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Brazil, Madrid, Spain, Oslo, Dublin, Ireland, Norway, Paris, London, Europe, Asia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Marrakech, Algeria, Mexico, USA, Colombia, Thailand, Bali, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and many more.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Portugal in 2024 and a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal in 2024.
So when planning your next adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money.
RELATED: Ultimate 2024 Guide for 3 Days in Lisbon, with everything you need to know: itinerary, best places to visit, cool things to do, etc.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends buying a Lycamobile sim card from the money exchange at Lisbon Airport. Much cheaper tourist sim cards than Vodafone sim cards. For €10 EUR ($11 USD) you get 25 GB data.
Unfortunately the options for buying a prepaid tourist sim card at Lisbon Airport are very limited, but this is of course a good sim card deal. Check out Traveltomtom's guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for Portugal in 2024 and find a comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Portugal: Vodafone, MEO and NOS.
This Lycamobile sim card is valid in all of Europe, but if you are traveling onwards in Europe then better check out my list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024 and find even better sim card deals.
Buying a sim card at the airport on arrival is simple, fast and convenient. But sim cards at Lisbon Airport are more expensive than prepaid sim cards in phone stores in the city center of Lisbon and the sim card shops have limited opening times.
Therefore the easiest way to get data on your phone when visiting Lisbon is ordering an e-sim card for Portugal on the internet. As soon as the plane touches the ground you are online. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Portugal via Airalo, Nomad or SimOptions.
E-sims already start from just $4.5 USD, but you can also find 30 GB for $19 USD. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card including a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal in 2024.
Another great alternative is an international sim card with coverage in Portugal. Check out my comparison of the best international travel sim cards in 2024 and find the one that suits your trip the best.
Best e-sim cards for Portugal
The easiest way to get connected when traveling to Lisbon in 2024 is an e-sim card. No more swapping physical prepaid sim cards and visiting a phone store. You arrange everything on the internet.
You order an e-sim card for Lisbon on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Portugal e-sim card 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 e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card 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 e-sim card for Portugal in 2024.
Airalo
Airalo is a trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries in the world. These are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Portugal in 2024:
- 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
On top of these amazing e-sim plans Airalo also sells an e-sim card plan from MEO, one of the main mobile internet providers in Portugal:
- 30 GB data for 15 days = $19 USD
Click here to get more info or to order a Portugal e-sim card directly via Airalo.
The above Portugal e-sim cards from Airalo are all data-only plans and only valid in Portugal. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. The Fofo Mobil e-sims operate on the NOS 4G/LTE network and are not 5G ready. The MEO e-sim card is 5G ready.
SimOptions
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions now for almost 5 years in uncountable countries around the world and is therefore a very recommended e-sim provider.
SimOptions offers a wide range of e-sim card but the most interesting e-sim cards for Portugal are the international e-sim cards.
If you want an e-sim card for Portugal that can also make phone calls and send sms then look into the following international e-sim cards from SimOptions. These international e-sim cards are valid all over Europe, including Portugal:
- 15 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
- 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD (data-only, only valid in Portugal)
- 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
- 50 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for Portugal via SimOptions.
Nomad
A third recommended e-sim provider is Nomad and they often have amazing e-sim card deals and at times cheaper than Airalo or SimOptions depending on the country.
These are the Nomad e-sim card deals for Portugal in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Portugal via Nomad.
With an e-sim card you keep your phone number from home, but make sure your phone is e-sim compatible. For much more details check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal in 2024.
If your phone is not e-sim card compatible then don't worry you can still buy a sim card for Portugal on the internet, but you will have to order a physical prepaid sim card. Via SimOptions you can order international physical prepaid sim cards for traveling to Portugal.
Order one online and save yourself the hassle of buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport on arrival. For example 30 GB data for $49.90 USD. This physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address.
Portugal prepaid sim cards and free EU roaming
When buying a prepaid sim card in Portugal and you are traveling onwards in Europe then always double check first the provider when you buy a sim card for tourists. In general prepaid sim card plans from Portugal allow free EU roaming which means that is you travel onwards to for example Spain you can use your Portugal sim card like you are in Portugal without any extra charges.
For more info about EU data roaming and tips and tricks for buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe check my guide in the link.
If you want to arrive prepared for your trip to Europe you can also buy prepaid or e-sims online that are valid in all of Europe. Check out my comparison of the best Europe sim cards in 2024.
Arriving at Lisbon Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS)
There are two terminals at Lisbon Airport but ALL flights arrive at Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is only used for departures for in general low-cost carriers and European flights. Lisbon Airport is a pretty small airport and Terminal 1 tends to be busy. The Arrival Hall is pretty spcaious and has ATM's, currency exchange, convenience stores and of course shops where you can buy a sim card for Portugal.
Where to buy a sim card for Portugal at Lisbon Airport
At Lisbon Airport there are 4 different places where you can buy a prepaid sim card for Portugal. The first opportunity is already at the Luggage Belts. Next to luggage belt no. 9 there is a Vodafone store which is open from 07.00 am to 10.00 pm. Of course they only sell Vodafone sim cards here.
There is Vodafone staff that helps you to set everything up and they also have a vending machine in case you arrive outside to opening hours of the store.
Then in the arrival hall there is another Vodafone store on your right hand side. They sell the same tourist sim cards as the Vodafone store in the luggage claim area.
A third place where you can buy a sim card at Lisbon Airport is at the Currency Exchange in the arrival hall. It is a rather small place next to the tourist information center. Check out the photo above to see what it looks like.
There is another Money Exhcange near luggage belt 8 and they also sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. There are also ATM’s and the store has a Lycamobile sign.
Summerizing, there are two stores for sim cards at Lisbon Airport: Vodafone and Money Exchange. Both have a shop in the arrival hall as well as at the luggage belts.
To make it even easier for you here is a video of what it looks like arriving at Lisbon Airport. From disembarking the plane, through passport control, navigating the airport and showing you where to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists.
Prices prepaid sim cards at Lisbon Airport in 2024
There are 3 different sim cards for tourists at Lisbon Airport for sale. The choice is very limited! Vodafone sells two prepaid sim card plans for tourists and the currency exchange sells a Lycamobile prepaid sim card.
Prices and info below are up dated in January 2024 and prices are in Euros: $1 USD = €0.91 EUR and €1 EUR is $1.10 USD.
Vodafone Lisbon Airport
The picture above is outdated, below you will find the Portugal prepaid sim card deals that are offered by Vodafone Portugal:
- 10 GB data in Europe + 500 minutes/sms + 50 international minutes/sms for 30 days = €25 EUR - $27 USD
- Unlimited data (no EU data roaming) for 30 days (hotspot available) = €35 EUR - $38 USD
Vodafone offers both e-sims as well as physical prepaid sim cards. The Vodafone sim cards are 5G ready.
Currency exchange stores
- 25 GB data + 1,000 minutes/sms for 30 days = €10 EUR - $11 USD
This Lycamobile sim card is only available as a physical prepaid sim card and not as an e-sim. The Lycamobile sim cards do not support 5G, only 4G/LTE network is available. Free EU data roaming is included.
Best sim card at Lisbon Airport
The Vodafone stores offer more service but the prices for Vodafone sim cards are more than double as expensive as the Lycamobile sim cards and you get half the data.
It is a very easy conclusion for Traveltomtom to rate the Lycamobile sim card as the best sim card for tourists at Lisbon Airport.
The Lycamobile sim card deals at Lisbon Airport is in fact a very good sim card deal. Getting 25 GB data for €10 EUR ($11 USD) only is great.
There are amazing e-sim cards for Portugal that you can order online, but none of them can compete with the Lycamobile sim card deal. However, keep in mind that this sim card for tourists is only available as a physical prepaid sim card and can only be bought on arrival at the Currency Exchange at Lisbon Airport.
An e-sim card for Portugal can be ordered online within just a couple clicks and when the plans lands you are instantly online. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Portugal via Airalo, Nomad or SimOptions.
There are already Portugal e-sims for just $4.5 USD. For much more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's list of the best e-sim cards for Portugal in 2024.
If visiting more countries in Europe after your trip to Lisbon then take a look at the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024 and find even better sim card deals or check out my complete guide for finding the best tourist sim card for Portugal in 2024.
You will find out why Traveltomtom rates NOS as the best prepaid sim card in Portugal in 2024.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Lisbon online
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Lisbon online before your trip then check out the following.
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 Lisbon, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Portugal:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- €2 EUR calling credit
- Valid 30 days
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90 USD
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited callsin Europe
- Valid 30 days
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for Portugal via SimOptions.
A last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. There are some amazing Portugal e-sim card deals and for $19 USD you can already get 30 GB data. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Portugal via Airalo, Nomad or SimOptions.
Or for more detailed info check Traveltomtom's e-sim card guide for Portugal with an answer to all FAQ's and everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Portugal in 2024.
How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city
There are several busses outside the arrival hall, just follow the signs for busses. A ticket costs €5 EUR and can be bought on the bus by credit card. Depending on where you go it takes around 45 minutes to reach your destination in the city center.
Best way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center is by Uber. Normal taxis will charge you around €25 EUR, but an Uber will cost only around €15 EUR to the city center. If you order via Bolt it can even get down to just €12 EUR for a ride to the city center.
There is free WiFi at Lisbon Airport, use it to order an Uber in case you did not buy a sim card at Lisbon Airport and you don't have an e-sim card.
I hope the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card at Lisbon Airport were helpful for your upcoming trip to Lisbon. If you have any questions please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Is traveling also your passion? As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, check out my wanderlust fuelling Instagram profile @traveltomtom or check out my road to visit every country in the world.
Enjoy your trip to Portugal!
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