SIM Card Portugal 2024: Which Is The Best One To Buy?
For travelers venturing to Portugal in 2024, staying connected with friends, family, or work is often a priority. The need for a reliable SIM card is a primary concern, thus ensuring uninterrupted access to the internet and local services. This listicle breaks down the best SIM card options available for purchase in Portugal, highlighting their features, benefits, and suitable usage scenarios.
1. Vodafone Portugal
- Coverage: Vodafone boasts robust network coverage across Portugal, including remote areas and the islands of Madeira and Azores.
- Data Packages: Offers flexible data packages tailored to short-term and long-term visitors.
- Additional Benefits: Access to Vodafone’s 4G and 5G networks, with various options for international calls and texts.
- Ideal For: Tourists who prioritize extensive coverage and fast internet speeds.
2. MEO (Altice Portugal)
- Coverage: MEO provides comprehensive coverage and is known for having the largest network in Portugal.
- Data Packages: A variety of packages, including prepaid plans with generous data allowances.
- Additional Benefits: Includes special offers for calls within the EU and often bundled with additional services like streaming subscriptions.
- Ideal For: Travelers looking for all-inclusive packages that provide a mix of connectivity and entertainment.
3. NOS
- Coverage: While NOS has a slightly smaller network than its competitors, it still offers excellent coverage in urban areas and good reception in many rural locations.
- Data Packages: Competitive data plans with options for both short-term and long-term stays.
- Additional Benefits: NOS users may benefit from promotions such as bundled cinema tickets or discounts on other services.
- Ideal For: Visitors who plan on staying mostly in cities and urban areas.
4. Lycamobile
- Coverage: Lycamobile uses the network infrastructure of MEO, ensuring reliable coverage.
- Data Packages: Typically offers the most affordable international calling rates and has a variety of data packages to suit different needs.
- Additional Benefits: Specialized in international communications, making it favorable for those who need to make frequent calls abroad.
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious travelers and those who need to stay in touch with family and friends overseas.
5. NOWO
- Coverage: NOWO provides good network coverage in urban areas but might have limitations in certain rural regions.
- Data Packages: Often promotes competitively priced data plans and prepaid options.
- Additional Benefits: NOWO SIM cards can come with flexible no-contract options, which is suitable for visitors not wanting to commit to long-term plans.
- Ideal For: Short-term visitors who will be staying primarily in city centers and want a no-hassle solution.
When selecting the best SIM card for your trip to Portugal, consider factors such as your duration of stay, the areas you will be visiting, your data needs, and your budget. Always check for the latest deals and promotions, as providers may offer seasonal discounts or special packages for tourists. Additionally, remember to ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the frequencies used by Portuguese carriers.
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
- MEO (formerly tmn, by Altice)
- Vodafone
- UZO
- Lycamobile
- Nowo
MEO DATA PACKAGES:
One of the most variant and offer able data packages are provided by the MEO internet
service provider. It has packages of data starting from 250MB to 5GB. The structure of the internet packages and their prices as follows:
- DATA OF 250MB can be avail with a cost of € 5.99
- DATA OF 500MB can be avail with a cost of € 6.99
- DATA OF 1GB can be avail with a cost of € 9.99
- DATA OF 5GB can be avail with a cost of € 14.99
VODAFONE DATA SERVICES:
VODAFONE provides internet data packages from 250MB to 5GB in which some of the recharges includes local described calls. The structure of their data packages including prices, local calls,
data provided, and activation are as follows:
- DATA OF 250MB can be avail with a cost of € 5.49
- DATA OF 500MB can be avail with a cost of € 7.49
- DATA OF 1GB can be avail with a cost of € 10.49
- DATA OF 2GB can be avail with a cost of € 14.99
- DATA OF 5GB (includes Spotify Premium) can be avail with a cost of € 20.49
UZO DATA PACKAGES:
UZO provides internet data packages from 250MB to 1GB. The structure of their data packages including prices, local calls, data provided, and activation are as follows:
- 99 €: daily rate valid until midnight and up to 250 MB. This is also the default tariff when you start surfing and doesn’t need to be activated.
- DATA OF 200 MB per Month can be avail with a cost of € 2.99
- DATA OF 1GB per Month can be avail with a cost of € 7.99
LYCAMOBILE DATA PACKAGES:
LYCAMOBILE provides internet data packages from 1GB to 8GB. The structure of their data packages including prices, local calls, data provided, and activation are as follows:
- 1GB costs 6 € and the activation code for the same is ‘*139*2010#’
- 3GB costs 15 € and the activation code for the same is ‘*139*2025#’
- 8GB costs 30 € and the activation code for the same is ‘*139*2035#’
NOWA DATA PACKAGES:
NOWA provides internet data packages from 250MB to 3GB. The structure of their data packages including prices, local calls, data provided, and activation are as follows:
- DATA OF 250MB (500 mins/SMS) can be avail with a cost of € 5
- DATA OF 1GB (1000 mins/SMS) can be avail with a cost of € 9.99
- DATA OF 3GB (3000 mins/SMS) can be avail with a cost of € 13.99
INTERNET USERS IN PORTUGAL:
The Internet in Portugal achieved a penetration rate of about 64% of the population in 2012. Internet users (per 100 people) in Portugal was reported at 206 in 2015, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources.
MEO (formerly tmn, by Altice) Data Packages
| 250 MB: 5.99 € |
| 500 MB: 6.99 € |
| 1 GB: 9.99 € |
| 5 GB: 14.99 € |
Vodafone Data Packages
| 250 MB: 5.49 € |
| 500 MB: 7.49 € |
| 1 GB: 10.49 € |
| 2 GB: 14.99 € |
| 5 GB: 20.49 € (incl. Spotify Premium) |
UZO Data Packages
| 1.99 €: daily rate valid until midnight and up to 250 MB. This is also the default tariff when you start surfing and doesn’t need to be activated. |
| 2.99 €: for 200 MB per month |
| 7.99 €: for 1 GB per month |
Lycamobile Data Packages
| Data | Voice (mins) | SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 6 € | *139*2010# | ||
| 1 GB (*) | 200 domestic | 50 | 10 € (+) | *139*1001# |
| 3 GB | 500 internatl. | 100 | 15 € (+) | *139*1015# |
| 3 GB (*) | 15 € | *139*2025# | ||
| 3 GB (*) | 600 domestic | 100 | 15 € (+) | *139*1003# |
| 4 GB (*) | 600 domestic | 50 | 20 € (+) | *139*1004# |
| 8 GB | 30 € | *139*2035# |
Nowo Data Packages
| 250 MB, 500 mins/SMS: 5 € |
| 1 GB, 1000 mins/SMS: 9.99 € |
| 3 GB, 3000 mins/SMS: 13.99 € |
References:
https://maukatravels.com/portugal/best-sim-card-portugal/
https://www.twoticketsanywhere.com/sim-card-portugal/
Hello, I’m Herman C. Miller, the founder of InternetPKG.com, your ultimate destination for all things Mobile Internet and Telecommunication Services. With a BSc in Telecommunication Services and over 6 years at AT&T, my passion for the industry led to this platform. At InternetPKG.com, we prioritize keeping you informed with the latest package offers, ensuring our content stays current. Our team, including a dedicated Internet Package and Mobile Data Plans Researcher, tirelessly researches emerging trends, identifies market opportunities, and provides expert product recommendations.