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 5 and 15 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:

• Vodafone 
• Orange
• Movistar

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 (ie 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.

How to Make Calls from Your Phone

From a Spanish Phone to Another Spanish Phone

1. Dial the local area code: Start by entering the local area code of the city or region you are calling within Spain. Each city or region in Spain has its own specific area code, such as"93" for Barcelona. Make sure to include the appropriate area code for the location you are calling.

2. Enter the phone number: After dialing the local area code, enter the phone number of the person or establishment you wish to call within Spain. This typically consists of a seven or nine-digit number, depending on the region and phone provider.

3. Press the call button: Once you have entered the full phone number, press the call button on your Spanish phone to initiate the call. The call should connect, and you will be able to communicate with the person or business you dialed.

   Note: Remember, if you are calling within the same area code, you may only need to dial the local phone number without including the area code. If you are unsure, it's recommended to include the area code to ensure a successful connection.

From a U.S. or Any Other Non-Spanish Cell Phone to an Spanish Phone Number

1. Dial the international access code: Begin by dialing the international access code specific to your country. For the United States, the code is "011."

2. Enter the country code: After the international access code, enter the country code for Spain, which is "34."

3. Include the area code: Spain has various area codes depending on the region you are calling. Barcelona's code is "93."

4. Dial the phone number: After entering the country and/or area code, dial the Spanish phone number you wish to reach. Make sure to include the local phone number, including any additional digits for extensions if necessary.