Staying Connected
Calling Internationally
You’ll find that calling internationally while in Spain can be very expensive. We recommend using WhatsApp or Snapchat for free communication with others. These applications are available on all smartphones and offer texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options.
Roaming
As of 6/15/2017, the European Union established a new law called “Roam like at Home” meaning if you have a Spanish or other existing European contract, you will have the same charges that you have in other European nations. This applies for calls, SMS, and data use. You will find the majority of Spanish SIM cards offer coverage for the entirety of Europe, which eliminates communication worries while traveling abroad. Learn more here.
Depending entirely on Wi-Fi is not recommended. A strong Wi-Fi connection is not available everywhere. In local coffee shops, restaurants and cafes you need to purchase something in order to connect to their Wi-Fi
Local Plan Options
- Buy a (relatively) cheap smart phone model for all your talk, text, and data uses. You can find older models or light versions of smartphones (limited storage, poor camera quality, etc.) for less than 100 Euros
- Buy a SIM card that will work with your existing phone, providing you with a local number and data plan – be sure to check with your US phone provider that your phone is “unlocked,” otherwise the Spanish SIM card won’t work. SIM cards usually cost between 10 and 20 Euro. A monthly plan in Barcelona will cost around 10 Euro.
Note: By purchasing a cheaper phone, there is less of a concern with theft.
International Plan Options:
- Bring your phone and network from home if you have a decent international data and airtime plan – just be aware that you won’t be able to communicate locally quite as easily and will likely need to rely on WhatsApp to communicate with others in-country.
- Check with your US phone carrier for options – but note that they will likely charge more than a local Spanish plan.
Mix and Match
- You could get the cheapest local Spanish phone for local communication and use your existing phone for data when you need it, either depending on Wi-Fi availability or by switching on/off your international data/roaming as needed.
How to Get a Phone or SIM Card
Note: When you go to buy a phone or SIM card, you will need to bring your passport.
There are many companies that offer cheap flip phones, inexpensive smart phones, and SIM cards in one place. Here are a few of the most popular companies:
Topping Off your Account
If you purchase a data plan in Spain and you use your allotted minutes or your plan expires, you’ll need to 'top off' your account (i.e. put more money on your phone). This can be done online or in-person with your SIM card provider. Most providers have an option to automatically "top off" your phone plan each month. This is a nice way to skip the hassle of renewing your plan monthly, but don't forget about it! You can cancel this feature at anytime.
Making Phone Calls in Spain
Calling from a Spanish Phone Number
Spain uses a 9-digit telephone numbering system, so you should always dial the full phone number, including the area code. For example, landlines in Barcelona begin with 93, while mobile numbers typically begin with 6 or 7.
Examples:
- Barcelona landline: 93 123 4567
- Mobile phone: 612 345 678
Unlike in some countries, you do not omit the area code when making local calls.
Calling from Your U.S. Phone Number
If you are using your U.S. phone number (through international roaming, Wi-Fi Calling, or a U.S. eSIM), you should dial Spanish numbers using the country code (+34).
Examples:
- Barcelona landline: +34 93 123 4567
- Spanish mobile: +34 612 345 678
If your phone doesn't allow the + symbol, dial 011 34 before the number instead.
Calling the United States from Spain
If you need to call a U.S. number while in Spain:
Dial +1 (or 001 if you cannot use the + symbol). Enter the 10-digit U.S. phone number, including the area code.
Example: