For active users of cellular communications and Internet lovers, traveling abroad can turn into a real challenge - today it is difficult to imagine how you can do without these so familiar things. When you are in Spain for the first time and don’t know what tariffs apply here, whether it’s worth buying a local SIM card, where and how to use mobile Internet, you can easily find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. To avoid this and maintain maximum freedom, you should find out more in advance about what mobile communications and the Internet are like in Spain.
Mobile communications in Spain: briefly about the main thing
Mobile communications in Spain began in 1976, when Telefonica began selling radio telephones. For a long time, this company had a monopoly on the cellular communications market - until 1995, it was the only telecommunications company in Spain.
Today, there are dozens of infrastructure and virtual operators in the country, and up to 99% of the Spanish territory is covered by cellular communications. One of the main issues of interest to CIS citizens concerns local tariffs for mobile communication services.
In Spain there are two types of tariffs:
- contract or Contrato - concluded for a period of 12 to 18 months with monthly payment through the bank. The subscription fee is automatically debited from the client's bank account. This form is more suitable for Spanish residents as a NIE (National Identification Number) and a Spanish bank account are required to enter into a contract;
- card or Tarjeta. This option is more preferable for tourists and other categories of foreigners temporarily staying in the country. This is a prepaid tariff, when money is transferred to the card through electronic payments or making payments at special points.
In Spain, they often sell new movil phones that are already programmed for a specific operator to work in the corresponding network, so they will not “see” a competitor’s SIM card. As a rule, such gadgets are sold on credit in a package with a contract rate.
Prepayment and contract
Spanish operators have tariff lines similar to Russian ones. In general, they should be divided into two groups: prepaid and contractual. Russian tourists are well familiar with the first system. Its essence is to top up your account using terminals, electronic payment systems, scratch and bank cards.
The second option involves signing an agreement for a period of 12 or 18 months. To conclude it, the client must bring information on the bank account from which the operator will independently debit the subscriber’s fee based on the current tariff.
Important! Only native residents of Spain or those who have a residence permit can sign a contract with the company. For others, prepaid plans are suitable.
Main mobile operators in Spain: who to choose
Many Russian citizens often have difficulty choosing a cellular operator in Spain: there are many companies, a large number of offers, so it can be difficult to understand the advantages or disadvantages of each.
The network of mobile operators in Spain is represented by:
- four leading operators - large infrastructure companies that own their own communication lines. These are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange;
- more than 40 virtual operators who rent equipment from one of four large companies and provide services under their own brand: Jazztel, Lebara mobile, Masmovil, SIMYO.
Roaming in Spain: offers from domestic operators
International roaming in the Russian Federation in 2021 has become much more accessible and cheaper compared to previous years. In addition, in the fight for a client, almost every mobile operator is ready to offer roaming connections on preferential terms. The only exception is the Russian company MTS, which does not provide any additional options for saving.
Among the interesting offers from other Russian companies are the following:
"Beeline"
| Options | "The most profitable roaming" | “Per-minute charging in international roaming” | “All for 1800 + roaming” |
| Connect Beeline roaming | — | — | — |
| Subscription fee | — | — | 1800 rub./month |
| Package “20 minutes a day” | 200 rub. | — | — |
| Every minute beyond the package | 10 rub. | — | — |
| Outgoing SMS | 20 rub. for 1 | — | — |
| Incoming or outgoing call | — | 30 rub./min. | 50 rub./min |
"Megaphone"
The MegaFon company offers non-option tariffs in roaming - for incoming and outgoing calls in Spain and the Russian Federation - 79 rubles per minute, to other countries - 129 rubles. In addition, there are a number of benefit packages.
Special offers from MegaFon for calls in roaming
| Options | "Roaming, goodbye" | "The whole world" | "Around the world" | “Europe and the CIS” 25/50 min. | "World" 25/50 min. |
| Connection / rub. | — | — | 15 | 329 / 495 | 829 / 1429 |
| Subscription fee RUR/day | 299 | 99 | 9 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
| Inbox / rub. in 1 minute | 0 | 0 / first 40 min. 79 rub. - from 41 min. | 13 | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes |
| Outgoing to Spain RUR/min. | 89 | 79 | 13 | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes |
| Outgoing to the Russian Federation rub./min. | According to Russia tariffs | 79 | 13 | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes | 0 rub. first 25/50 min. 79 rub. — from 26/51 minutes |
| Outgoing to other countries rub./min. | — | 129 | 129 | 129 | 129 |
| Incoming SMS /rub. in one | According to Russia tariffs | — | — | — | — |
| Outgoing SMS /RUB in one | According to Russia tariffs | 25 | 11 | 25/25 | 25/25 |
Special offers from MegaFon for SMS in roaming
| Options | 50/100 SMS “Europe” | 50/100 SMS “The whole world” | "Roaming, goodbye" |
| Connection / rub. | 195 / 295 | 495 / 695 | — |
| Subscription fee | — | — | 299 / day |
| Incoming SMS | — | — | — |
| Outgoing SMS | 0 — first 50/100 SMS 25 rub. — from 51 / 101 messages | 0 — first 50/100 SMS 25 rub. — from 51 / 101 messages | Ross. rates |
Tele2
The company has divided foreign countries into three zones. Spain is classified as Zone 1. In Spain, the necessary network for communication is provided by Tele2's roaming partner, the Orange operator.
| Options | "Automatic roaming" | "Conversations Without Borders" | "Call-back roaming" |
| Connection / rub. | — | — | — |
| Monthly fee RUR/day | — | 5 | — |
| Included in the Russian Federation and Zone 1/ rub. in 1 minute | 15 | 5 | 12 |
| Outgoing to Zone 1 (Spain) rub./min. | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| Outgoing to the Russian Federation rub./min. | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| Incoming SMS /rub. in one | — | — | — |
| Outgoing SMS /RUB in one | 6 | 4,5 | 4,5 |
According to basic roaming tariffs, a call from Spain to Russia and vice versa will cost 60 rubles per minute, one outgoing SMS – 19 rubles. (incoming SMS is free).
All possibilities for calling between Spain and the Russian Federation are described in the article “How you can call Spain today.”
It should be noted that the picture is constantly changing, as operators make changes to tariffs. Today, against this background, offers from Tele2 look most preferable.
Operators for international communications
Some Spanish mobile operators are focused specifically on calls abroad. For the main operators (Yoygo, Orange, Movistar and Vodafone), the price of a call to the Russian Federation is from 30 to 50 eurocents per minute, the cost of a connection is 15 eurocents, while for some other operators a call to the Russian Federation costs only 5-8 eurocents, and the connection costs 15-40 euro cents.
The price of a call abroad may vary depending on whether the call is made to a mobile phone or to a landline phone - while a call to a landline phone costs less.
Purchasing a SIM card in Spain for tourists: pros and cons
There is a point of view according to which you can significantly reduce your mobile communications costs by purchasing a local SIM card. This is only partly true.
If we are talking about contract rates with a fixed monthly payment, then they are more profitable, but are available only to residents of Spain. Citizens of the Russian Federation who visit the kingdom for short visits should pay attention to prepaid tariffs - prepago.
It should be noted that in Spain, connection fees for calls are charged separately - from 15 cents for domestic calls, to 50 for international calls.
| Operator/package | Orange / Mundo 1GB | Yoigo / Tarjeta SIM Prepago 2 GB | Hits Mobile /Bono 100 min. + 3 GB |
| Calls within the country (EUR/RUB at the rate of 72.72 per 1 EUR per minute) | 0 - within 7 days, after - 0.01 / 0.73 | 0–50 min. within 30 days. After expiration - 0.03 / 0.22 | 0 - within 100 minutes, after - 0.06/4.36 |
| Connection (euro/ruble at the rate of 72.72 for 1 euro) | 0,30/21,78 | 0,20/14,52 | 0 — incoming, 0.42/30.49 for outgoing to the Russian Federation |
| Calls to the Russian Federation (euro/ruble at the rate of 72.72 per 1 euro per minute) | 0.29/21.05 - to a mobile number; 0.07/5.08 – to a landline number | — | 0.06/4.36 - to a mobile number; 0 - 5 minutes, 0.04/2.90 - to a landline number |
| Package cost (euro/ruble at the rate of 72.72 per 1 euro) | 7/508,18 | 10/727,20 | 9,90/718,71 |
| Outgoing SMS to the Russian Federation (euro/ruble at the rate of 72.72 per 1 message) | 1,21/87,84 | 12,10/878,43 | 0.35/25.41; 0.96/69.69 – to Spanish numbers |
| Validity | Unlimited - when replenishing the balance by 5 euros. If the balance is less than 1.21 euros - 5 months, more than 1.21 - 11 months. If the balance is not topped up, the SIM card is deactivated and the money is lost | 30 days | 30 days |
It is best to buy SIM cards in specialized customer service centers of operators. Such centers are located in large shopping centers, in the central areas of cities - they are easy to identify by signs with the logos of operating companies. You can also purchase SIM cards directly from operators’ websites in online stores.
If the choice has not yet been made, it makes sense to visit one of The Phone House stores to purchase a SIM card. Here you can compare tariffs and package offers - bono - from the largest companies in the cellular communications sector in Spain, and buy a SIM card with the Internet.
To purchase a SIM card, a Russian citizen will need a passport and residential address (for example, the hotel where he is staying).
You can purchase and activate a SIM card from some operators even before your trip, while in Russia. To do this, you should go, for example, to the Russian-language website of the virtual operator Hits Mobile. You can also buy a Spanish SIM card on the website, but prices here will be 10-15% higher.
Where to buy a SIM card
Cellular communications in the country operate successfully thanks to the activities of large companies competing with each other. They have a network of their own centers for serving citizens, selling services and mobile devices. These points are located in almost every major shopping center or on the streets in small stores. Each has a sign with the company logo.
You can also purchase a SIM card online on the cellular company's website. You can pay by electronic wallet, bank card or cash upon delivery by courier.
Another place where you can buy a SIM card is Locutorio. These are communication points where access to the online world and mobile communications services are provided. Please note that not every location has the cards of the desired operator.
Top up your mobile phone account in Spain
The method for topping up your mobile phone in Spain depends on which operator you purchased your package from. The procedure itself is simple. You can top up your balance in cash or using a bank card:
- in branded showrooms and centers of operators whose services the client uses;
- in The Phone House chain stores;
- through an ATM;
- at checkouts in supermarkets (for example, Erosky), tobacco kiosks - tabacos, locutories (Internet cafes);
- auto-replenishment: using a phone call or SMS, a request is sent to the service center, after which the required amount will be withdrawn from a pre-registered bank card.
Top up your account online
The most profitable way will be to top up your balance through the websites of mobile operators (Lebara, Vodafone and others).
For example, in order to top up your account with the Orange operator, you need to go to the company’s website and open the “Mi Orange” menu
In the tab that opens, indicate your number and password (if you already have your own account). If there is no account yet, select a new user – “nuevo usuario”.
Then you should act according to the instructions: enter your number, request a password, etc.
After creating a personal page, here you can top up your balance, change tariffs, connect new services, check your account status, and view call statistics. This will help save money, since the service of checking your account on your phone is paid (you will need to pay for the so-called service SMS), but on the website you can do this for free.
Purchasing a phone under a contract
All major Spanish mobile operators offer a mobile contract along with your mobile phone. When concluding such a contract, the client has the opportunity to choose a mobile phone at a reduced cost, sometimes even for 0 euros. According to the terms of the contract, funds for communication and for the phone itself will be debited from the account on a monthly basis. Thus, in essence, the phone is sold in installments for 1-1.5 years. The amount of the monthly contribution is determined by the phone and the selected tariff.
Mobile Internet in Spain: tariffs and opportunities
Mobile Internet has become widespread in Spain - all the main players in the cellular communications market are actively involved in providing their customers with high-speed Internet. Among the advantages of Spain are:
- active implementation of 3g and 4g standards;
- operator pricing policy that is favorable to customers. For example, ALTA MUNDO internet packages for 2, 4 and 6 GB from Orange cost 7, 10 and 15 euros per month, respectively. The cost of traffic for small virtual operators may be lower, but in large companies there are no restrictions on speed, traffic transmission, etc.
- availability. The entire country has good coverage, and mobile Internet in Barcelona or Madrid will be the same as in small provincial towns.
Digi Mobil
Operator Digi Mobil. To purchase a starter package, you only need your international passport. The seller rewrites your data and you can become the owner of a Spanish SIM card. The starter package costs 10 €. Don't be scared! These 10 € will be in your account. You can also ask the seller to help you activate the SIM card and set up the Internet. Just remember to switch your phone's language to Spanish first. Accordingly, the seller will ask which tariff you should activate. As I already said, after purchasing the starter package, you will have 10 € in your account. Now we will decide which package you will need to order.
Alternatives to mobile Internet in Spain: Internet cafes and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access points can be a good alternative to mobile Internet. Free Internet in Spain is easy to find if you want. Access points can be found:
- in many hotels;
- at the airport, at railway stations - the first 15 minutes will be free, after which you will need to enter your flight number and personal data; further use becomes paid;
- in libraries;
- in sports centers;
- in government agencies.
Some restaurants and bars also offer free Wi-Fi. You can view access points or hotspots in more detail on the online map. The leading places in the number of hot spots in Spain are confidently occupied by Madrid and Barcelona.
You can also access the Internet at the Internet cafe – Locutorio. For an hour of work at the locutorio, you will have to pay no more than one euro for traffic.
How to get out? Where can I get internet?
- WiFi in cafes and bars. On average, no more than half of places of this kind offer WiFi to their visitors, but the speed is most often very modest. Map of such places throughout Spain. Admittedly, it is quite useless when it comes to small towns: for example, in El Campello it does not show a single point, although there are definitely at least a dozen cafes and bars with the Internet.
- There is also a public Internet, the so-called. “locutorio” (telephone, Internet, fax, printer, the place itself is similar to Russian Internet cafes), there are locutorios in all cities, the usual cost of using a computer with the Internet is 1 euro/hour. Computers are theirs, you can’t bring your own laptop. There is, of course, no Russian keyboard, although you can enable the Russian layout (it makes sense if you know how to touch-type). How to find? any search engine, the name of the city is the word locutorio.
- Our services: modem rental or sale of Lebara SIM cards.
- Mobile Internet is exactly what this article is dedicated to. Its capabilities are quite good, although it retains the main feature of the Spanish Internet - the pleasure is quite expensive. Worse, such Internet is still not unlimited at the moment * . But it's better than nothing!
*In some advertisements you will find promises of unlimited Internet, however, this is not what it is:
- or this is an offer for a contract (which is not suitable for visitors, since it usually “ties” the subscriber for at least a year, which requires at least a Spanish bank account),
- or a clarification will be written in small letters: so many GB at normal speed, so many at a speed of NO MORE than 64, or even 32 Kb/sec (in practice, this means that it is impossible to do anything with such an Internet, the page opens 5- 10 minutes).
Stationary Internet: high quality and expensive
Home Internet in Spain is most often tied to a landline telephone line (ADSL connection). Providers (for example, Ono) offer modems and service packages to their customers, including benefits for calling from a landline phone.
The quality of the connection and high data transfer speed are guaranteed, but it is not cheap - from 50 euros monthly. In order to connect to the network, the client must be a resident of Spain - have a residence permit or provide an NIE, so landline Internet is not available for Russian citizens making a short visit to Spain.
What does “limited internet” mean?
Many people today no longer remember what it’s like when the Internet is not unlimited, and what to do about it in practice.
We remind you of the essence: any action on the network consumes some amount of traffic, sending and receiving packets with information. That is, your final volume is slowly consumed until it is exhausted.
If you don’t really understand what we’re talking about, then imagine a pool with a certain volume of water, say, 400 liters, from where they draw water in different containers: a text letter - a 0.2 liter jar, a beautiful picture - a liter jar, a minute video on YouTube look - 10-20 liters. And if you download a movie, at once, if not the whole pool, then half of it for sure.
A common misconception: if you view (rather than download) a picture or video, it will not consume traffic. No, this is not so: it makes no difference whether you view or download, the traffic consumption will be exactly the same. Therefore, if you give in to the desire to watch a couple of episodes of your favorite series on the Internet, then your Internet will most likely end there.
Various Internet packages offer from 500 MB to 4-5 GB, often with the opportunity to purchase more traffic.
Let's sum it up
Spain has high quality mobile communications. Cellular communications in this country are available to all foreign tourists, incl. from Russia. To do this, just use roaming or purchase a SIM card from one of the Spanish operators.
Among the disadvantages are high prices for cellular communication services and landline Internet, as well as the unavailability of long-term contracts for non-residents of Spain.
Among the advantages are high-speed 3g and 4g standards, bonus programs from operators and providers, including unlimited Internet at an affordable price.
It is important to know
All call rates from Spain
| Make an international call | 15 euro cents/min |
| Receiving calls on a SIM card | For free |
| Calls within Spain | 15 euro cents/min |
| Receiving SMS text messages | For free |
| Send SMS text messages worldwide | 15 euro cents / SMS |
Prices above include VAT.
Calls between two travelers in Spain using prepaid SIM cards from Simki.Net
The cost of calls between two travelers using our prepaid SIM cards is the same as the cost of local calls within Spain as stated above. If you are traveling in a group, we recommend that you order multiple SIM cards for all travelers so that you can call each other on your trip. To achieve this, simply dial the new mobile number supplied with the SIM card.
Make an international call from Spain
To make international calls using SIM card , simply dial the number in international format, starting with a + sign followed by the international country code and the phone number without the zero in the country code.
Example: to call Russia, the country code is + 7 (495) 979 2095.
Receiving phone calls in Spain
There are no costs for receiving calls dialed directly to your new number. If you add the Ortel Mobile forwarding option to your Spanish prepaid SIM card, you can receive calls dialed to your regular Russian phone number as usual. All calls are easily redirected to a new phone number, without any international roaming charges.
Local residents in Spain or fellow travelers can call you easily and simply by dialing your new foreign mobile phone number.
