Staying connected in Portugal has never been easier. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip, planning a long stay, or moving in for good, having a local SIM card makes life simpler. From calling taxis and using maps to setting up your bank account or accessing public services – a local number helps you manage it all without high roaming charges.
Let’s break down how to get a SIM card in Portugal in 2025, in plain language and without the confusing tech talk.
Why You Need a SIM Card in Portugal
The moment you land in Portugal, your phone becomes your lifeline. Sure, your home SIM might work with international roaming, but those charges add up fast. A local SIM card saves you money, time, and unnecessary stress.
Here’s why getting a Portugal SIM card is a smart move:
- Stay online anytime: From Google Maps to Uber, most travel tools need the internet. Free Wi-Fi isn’t always available or reliable, especially outside Lisbon or Porto.
- Contact local services easily: Delivery apps, hotels, banks, and government sites often ask for a Portuguese phone number.
- Banking and verification: Mobile OTPs (One-Time Passwords) are sent via SMS in most cases – a local number helps you receive them without delay.
- Talk and text without limits: You get better value for local and international calls than you would with roaming.
Even if you’re in Portugal for just a few weeks, getting a local SIM makes everyday life smoother and cheaper.
Types of SIM Cards in Portugal
Portugal has all the main SIM options you’d expect, depending on how long you’re staying and how you use your phone.
Prepaid SIM Cards
Perfect for tourists, students, and digital nomads. You pay upfront and recharge as needed. No contracts, no paperwork beyond ID, and you can control your spending.
- Common plans offer a mix of data, calls, and texts
- Valid for 30 days or until you recharge again
- Easy to buy and replace
Postpaid Plans
Better for people staying long-term. These plans come with more data, lower per-minute rates, and are billed at the end of the month.
- Requires a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and local address
- Usually comes with a 12-month or 24-month contract
- Good for residents and business users
Data-Only SIMs
If you’re using a tablet, a Wi-Fi hotspot, or a second phone just for the internet, these SIMs come without talk or text.
- Cheaper than full SIMs
- Often used by remote workers or travelers with mobile routers
eSIMs
Some newer phones (like iPhones or Google Pixel) support eSIMs – no physical chip, just a QR code to scan.
- Instant setup if your phone supports it
- Available from local operators or international eSIM services
- Great for travelers switching countries often
Pick the type that matches your needs. Prepaid is the easiest if you’re just visiting or don’t have local paperwork yet.
Top 5 Mobile Operators in Portugal
Portugal has five major mobile providers till now in 2025. All of them offer prepaid and postpaid plans, good coverage, and customer service in English in major cities. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. MEO (Altice Portugal)
- Widely available and reliable
- Strong coverage in rural areas
- Known for customer support and high-speed 5G
- Many prepaid options, also offers eSIM
2. NOS
- Great for entertainment bundles (TV, mobile, internet)
- Strong presence in cities like Lisbon and Porto
- Often runs tourist-friendly deals
- Good prepaid data plans
3. Vodafone Portugal
- Trusted name worldwide
- Consistent network speed and reliability
- Often offers flexible tourist SIMs
- One of the best mobile apps for managing your account
4. Lycamobile
- Good for international calling, especially to the UK, India, and Pakistan
- Often the cheapest for basic talk + data plans
- Sold in most convenience stores and small phone shops
5. Nowo
- Budget-friendly mobile services
- Limited coverage outside big cities but fine for urban users
- Works well for long-term residents on a budget
If you’re only in Portugal for a short time, MEO, Vodafone, and NOS are your safest bets. They have wide availability, tourist plans, and better support. Lycamobile and Nowo are good if you’re staying longer and want to cut costs.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Portugal
There are three common places where you can pick up a SIM card. Each one comes with its pros and cons.
Airport Kiosks
- Easy and fast – ideal for new arrivals
- Slightly more expensive than in the city
- Often have special tourist SIM packs with bonus data
Official Retail Stores
- MEO stores, NOS stores and Vodafone stores have dedicated places in shopping malls and city centers
- Best if you want help in English, need postpaid plans, or need to show ID
- Staff can activate the SIM on the spot and walk you through setup
Supermarkets, Tobacco Shops, and Small Phone Stores
- Many of these sell prepaid SIMs
- Often cheaper or bundled with top-up deals
- Not always staff trained to help with setup
- Good for Lycamobile or data-only SIMs
A quick tip: Portugal has strict rules about SIM registration. Even for prepaid SIMs, you’ll need to show a valid ID. Some stores may ask for a NIF, but that’s more common with postpaid contracts.
What You Need to Get a SIM Card
Buying a SIM card in Portugal is easy, but it’s not like walking into a store and picking one off the shelf – at least not anymore. From 2021, all SIMs must be registered with proper ID.
What you’ll need:
- Passport or EU national ID card
- In some cases, NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) – especially for postpaid plans
- For postpaid: Proof of residence or rental agreement
For prepaid cards, most stores will accept just your passport. They’ll scan or take a photo, then register the SIM under your name.
Can someone else buy it for you?
Yes, technically, but it must be registered in their name. If you lose the SIM or want to change plans, only the registered person can do it. So it’s best to buy it yourself.
Popular SIM Card Plans for 2025
Portugal’s prepaid plans are quite budget-friendly, especially compared to roaming or what you’d pay in the U.S. or UK.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in 2025:
How to Recharge or Top-Up Your SIM
Topping up your SIM card in Portugal is easy and can be done in multiple ways. Most prepaid plans allow you to reload with credit for more data, calls, or text. Here’s how:
In-Store
Visit any supermarket, kiosk, post office, or mobile store. Just tell the cashier your number and how much credit you want to add. They’ll give you a receipt with a code or do it directly.
Online
All major providers have websites where you can recharge. Some even accept foreign credit or debit cards. The process is simple:
- Visit the operator’s recharge page
- Enter your mobile number
- Choose the amount
- Pay with card or PayPal
Through the Provider’s App
Download the app for MEO, NOS, Vodafone, or Lycamobile. These apps let you:
- Check your balance
- Add data packs
- Activate special offers
- Enable auto-recharge
ATM or Multibanco
Portugal’s ATMs (Multibanco) also offer top-up options. Insert your bank card, select the mobile top-up option, enter your number, and select the amount.
Keep an eye on your validity as unused credit often expires if not used or recharged within a few months.
Using e-SIMs in Portugal
eSIMs are becoming more common in Portugal. If your phone supports eSIM, this is a good option because you don’t need a physical SIM card.
An eSIM is a digital SIM that you download by scanning a QR code. No need to visit a store; just register and activate online.
How to Get an eSIM in Portugal:
- MEO and Vodafone offer eSIMs for both prepaid and postpaid plans
- Visit their official website or store to get your eSIM profile
- You’ll receive a QR code that activates your number
eSIMs are handy for:
- Travelers who want to avoid airport kiosks
- People using phones without SIM trays (like some iPhones)
- Those who want dual-SIM functionality – one physical, one digital
Just make sure your phone supports eSIM before you go this route. Android and iOS have settings to confirm this.
SIM Cards for Tourists vs Long-Term Residents
According to the Education First English Proficiency Index, Portugal holds a strong position globally, ranking 8th in 2023. This means that English is widely spoken, especially in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and popular tourist areas. This makes everyday tasks like buying a SIM card or asking for directions much easier for newcomers.
Not all SIM cards are meant for the same type of user. Here’s how things differ based on your stay:
For Tourists:
- Go for prepaid SIMs with a fixed duration (usually 15 or 30 days)
- These often come with a set amount of data, calls, and text
- No paperwork beyond showing your passport
- Ideal for short stays and easy to buy at the airport or corner shops
Some tourist SIMs also include discounts on local services or apps. Keep an eye out for those bundle packs.
For Long-Term Residents:
- Look at monthly plans or postpaid contracts
- Better data allowances and often cheaper in the long run
- You may need a NIF (tax number) and proof of address
- Useful if you need a stable number for banks, job applications, or official paperwork
People staying longer than 90 days usually shift from tourist SIMs to regular plans to avoid running out of data or recharging too often.
Can You Use Your Home SIM in Portugal?
Yes, but it depends on your provider and the country you’re from.
EU SIMs
If your SIM is from another EU country, you can use it in Portugal with no extra roaming charges, thanks to the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” rule.
UK SIMs
After Brexit, some UK carriers reintroduced roaming fees. Check with your provider before traveling.
US, Canada, India, and Others
Most roaming rates are high. Even basic data can cost $10 to $20 per day. It’s usually better to switch to a local SIM or get an eSIM.
Dual-SIM Phones
You can keep your home SIM in one slot and use a Portugal SIM in the other. It’s the easiest way to keep WhatsApp and banking alerts working while enjoying cheap local data.
SIM Cards for Work and Business Use
If you’re working remotely from Portugal or running a business, your mobile number will matter more than ever.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Long-term plans from MEO, NOS, or Vodafone come with better customer service
- You can get SIMs that work across devices – laptop dongles, routers, and hotspots
- Business users often need invoice-ready SIMs that can be linked to a company tax ID (NIF)
- Shared data plans are available if you use multiple devices
If you’re applying for residence, registering for taxes, or building a digital nomad lifestyle, a stable mobile plan becomes part of your toolkit.
Internet Speed and Coverage in Portugal
Portugal has reliable mobile internet across most cities and towns. In 2025, 4G is still widely used, while 5G is rolling out faster in places like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Faro. Speeds vary depending on the provider and area, but you can usually expect 20–100 Mbps on 4G and higher on 5G.
MEO and Vodafone often lead in speed tests, with NOS close behind. Coverage in rural areas is generally good, though some remote zones may drop to 3G. Overall, mobile internet is fast enough for video calls, YouTube, Netflix, and work-related apps without major issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal SIM Card: How to get one in 2025
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Portugal?
Yes, a passport or valid EU ID is required. Your SIM must be registered under your name.
Can I buy a SIM card at Lisbon or Porto airport?
Yes, major operators like MEO and Vodafone have kiosks at the airport, usually with tourist-friendly plans.
How much does a basic prepaid SIM cost in Portugal?
You can get a prepaid SIM with data and calls starting from €7.50 to €20, depending on the provider and plan.
Will a Portuguese SIM work in other EU countries?
Yes, thanks to EU roaming rules, you can use your Portugal SIM across most EU nations without extra charges.
How long will my prepaid SIM stay active?
Most prepaid SIMs remain active for 60 to 90 days after your last top-up. Check your provider’s terms.
Can I keep the same number if I switch providers later?
Yes, number portability is allowed. You’ll need to request it during the switch.
Is there 5G coverage in Portugal?
Yes, cities like Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra already have 5G access through MEO, Vodafone, and NOS.
Can I get a SIM without a NIF?
For prepaid plans, yes. For postpaid contracts, a NIF and proof of address may be needed.
Can I buy a SIM online before arriving in Portugal?
Some international services offer Portuguese SIMs for delivery, but buying on arrival is usually easier and cheaper.
What should I do if I lose my SIM card?
Visit your provider’s store with your ID to request a replacement SIM for your existing number.