Digital Nomad Destinations

📞 How to Setup a Local SIM Card in Portugal

📞 How to Setup a Local SIM Card in Portugal

Visit one of the most laid-back countries in Europe and discover the charming streets, drink wine along the Douro River and catch some waves on one of the many beaches in the Algarve.

And what is a better way to bring your work with you to maximize your time there? The only thing you need is reliable and fast internet to be able to work remotely. Getting a local SIM card in Portugal is easy, so you don't have to worry.

In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of getting connected and provide details on each provider to help you make an informed decision.

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Factors to consider when selecting a local sim in Portugal

To choose a phone company in Portugal, we consider some important factors. See below for the most crucial ones:

  • 📡 Coverage – Make sure the provider you select provides coverage in the locations where you plan to spend most of your time before making a decision.
  • 💰 Price – Compare the rates different providers offer and consider the services included in each package.
  • 📃 Contract terms – Carefully review the contract terms to see if there are any penalties for ending the contract early or any undisclosed fees.
  • 😇 Reputation – To assess the provider's reputation, read reviews from current and past customers.

Mobile Providers in Portugal We'd Recommend

Logo telephone provider NOS Portugal, https://www.nos.pt/

#1 NOS

NOS has the fastest speed and the best 4G/5G network in Portugal.

It has the best coverage throughout the country, including the Azores and Madeira.

Different Options:

  • €15,00 ($16,50) for a SIM card and unlimited data for 8 days.
  • €35,00 ($39) for a SIM card and unlimited data for 30 days.

Logo telephone provider MEO Portugal, https://www.meo.pt/en

#2 MEO

Although MEO's coverage throughout the country is good, their 5G network is the smallest.

Different Options:

  • €4,60 ($5) for a SIM card and 3 GB of data with 500 minutes of calls/SMS for 30 days.
  • €10,00 ($11) for a SIM card and 5GB of data with 1000 minutes of calls/SMS for all networks for 30 days plus one month free.

Logo telephone provider Vodafone Portugal, https://www.vodafone.pt/

#3 Vodafone

Vodafone is the smallest mobile operator in Portugal.

The coverage is extensive and provides a similar 4G coverage experience as its competitors.

Different Options:

  • €9,90 ($11) for a SIM card and 5GB of data with 1000 minutes of calls/SMS to all networks for 4 weeks.
  • €25 ($27) for a SIM card and 10 GB of data with 500 minutes of calls/SMS + 50 international minutes.
  • €35 ($39) for a SIM card and unlimited data in Portugal only.for a SIM card and unlimited data in Portugal only.

Where to Buy a Sim Card in Portugal?

✈️ International Airport

The most convenient place to buy a Portuguese sim card is at the national airport, but keep in mind that only a Vodafone store is available there.

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Unless you truly cannot wait to be connected, it may be wise to hold off on the airport purchase and wait until you reach the city to save yourself some cash.

✔️ Official Store

The best option to purchase a prepaid sim card is to find the nearest official phone shop. In most cities and popular places, there are several options available to choose from.

It is strongly recommended that you go to an authorized store to purchase a SIM card that belongs to the local area you are visiting.

The store's employees will help you register your phone and passport, guaranteeing that everything is properly configured with the new SIM card before you leave.

What Do You Need To Buy a Prepaid Sim Card In Portugal?

🪪 Passport

You must bring your passport to purchase a prepaid sim card in Portugal. The store will make a copy of your passport and register the sim card under your name and passport number, assigning you a new Portuguese phone number.

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Registering all prepaid SIM cards in the country is mandatory, but the registration process is fast and takes only a few minutes.

How to top up your Portugal SIM Card?

In Portugal, you can easily add credit to your phone by purchasing top-up vouchers from different stores across the country. The vouchers come with instructions on how to recharge your phone.

Once you have successfully recharged your phone, you will receive a text message indicating your updated phone balance.

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Alternatively, you can visit a dedicated phone shop and ask a salesperson to assist you in topping up your SIM card.

Best Portugal Prepaid Sim Card in 2023?

You will get the best mobile internet coverage and the fastest speeds in Portugal using NOS.

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Therefore, in 2023, we'd recommend +NOS as the best SIM card option.

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📵 Conclusion

In summary, acquiring a prepaid SIM card in Portugal is simple and efficient. You can select from three significant providers: NOS, MEO, and Vodafone. Based on our assessment, we suggest going for NOS in 2023, as it provides better mobile coverage.

When setting up your SIM card, remember to bring your passport and ensure everything is correctly set up before leaving the store. Following these easy steps, you can quickly set up your remote work.

Good luck, and have fun! If you have any questions, feel free to message us on Instagram - @remotevagabond