Internet in Portugal for travellers: which eSIM to choose
For Portugal there are two ways to take data with you: by the GB, at full speed down to the last megabyte, or unlimited GB with 3 GB a day. Here they are at today’s prices, with the maths done.
Which plan suits you, by number of days
| Trip | By the GB | Unlimited GB |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 1 GB · €3.95 | €9.95 |
| 7 days | 10 GB · €10.95 | €19.95 |
| 15 days | 20 GB · €17.95 | €36.95 |
| 30 days | 50 GB · €42.95 | €64.95 |
Prices include VAT and are the same as on the Portugal page. Validity: the 1 GB plan, 7 days; 3 to 50 GB, 30 days.
A long weekend in Lisbon or Porto is covered by the small plan if your accommodation has wifi; a week-long road trip around the Algarve needs more. Work it out in two minutes.
When unlimited is worth it, and when it isn’t
A week of unlimited GB costs €19.95. For less money, a plan by the GB gets you 20 GB (€17.95): almost 3 GB a day, with no allowance that resets.
- Ordinary sightseeing: a plan by the GB. 10 GB for a week is plenty for maps, messaging and social media.
- Video, music or sharing data: unlimited. Every day you get the full allowance again.
- A month: 50 GB for €42.95 against €64.95 for unlimited.
What unlimited includes, exactly
3 GB a day at full speed and, once you’ve used them, 1 Mbps until the next day.
It’s written on the plan card, next to the price, before you pay. Why we’re so fussy about this: the truth about “unlimited” data.
Where your traffic goes out
In Portugal, your traffic goes out through France, the Netherlands or the UK, depending on the connection.
So some websites and apps will see you in another European country: that may change the language they greet you in or a search engine’s local results, or trigger a security alert from your bank. For maps, messaging, social media and video, nothing changes. This is also on the destination page.
The network is 5G, with whatever coverage each area has.
How to activate it
- Install it at home, on wifi. Installing doesn’t use data or start the days.
- When you arrive, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line.
- The days start with your first connection to a Portuguese network.
Steps for each phone model are in the installation guide; check compatibility with the compatibility checker.
Frequently asked questions about internet in Portugal
Do I keep my usual number and WhatsApp?
Yes. The eSIM is data-only and your SIM stays in the phone with your number.
I’m driving in from Spain. When do the days start?
From your first connection to a Portuguese network, not from when you buy. You can install it at home before you set off.
Does it work in Madeira or the Azores?
The destination page says what each plan covers. If you’re unsure, write to us through our contact page before you buy.
What happens when I use up the day’s 3 GB?
It drops to 1 Mbps until the next day; the service doesn’t cut off.
Can I top up?
There’s no top-up on the website at the moment: you would need to buy another plan.
Our pick for a week in Portugal
The 10 GB plan for €10.95, valid for 30 days. For video or sharing data, the 7-day unlimited plan for €19.95.