“I live in Portugal and travel frequently, so using an eSIM provider seemed like the logical choice. Among the many options available, I chose Airalo for its competitive packages. Initially, the service worked as advertised for about a month, but since then, I’ve faced nothing but persistent and infuriating issues.

It appears that national networks have blocked Airalo from connecting, rendering the service practically useless. Unfortunately, Airalo’s support has been utterly unhelpful. Despite countless support tickets, messages, and screenshots, there has been no resolution.

What’s worse, Airalo refuses to provide a refund, instead forcing customers to accept Airalo credit. This so-called “credit” is completely worthless to me since their service does not work.

This has been a massive waste of time and productivity, especially since I rely heavily on mobile data for my work. The lack of accountability and support from Airalo is both frustrating and unacceptable.

I strongly advise anyone considering Airalo to avoid them at all costs and look for more reliable alternatives. Do not waste your money or your time.”

AJ

Dec 10, 2024

GlobaleSIM Portugal

“terrible - waste of time and got no service for two days - had to abort wasting more time and look for an alternative even though I got Global one for 30 days”

dz

Sep 22, 2024

Airalo Portugal

“Fast 5G speeds in Madeira, Portugal (and the airport in Lisbon). Only downside is you can't check data usage — though with 30GBs for our seven-day trip we didn't really need to.”

AC

Dec 22, 2023

Portugal Travel eSIM FAQ

Everything you need to know about using eSIMs in Portugal

How many travel eSIM brands (providers) are available for use in Portugal, and how many prepaid data plans are there?

There are over 240 travel eSIM brands and more than 22 400 prepaid data plans available for use in Portugal, offering a wide variety of options that makes it easy for travelers to find an eSIM that fits their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Portugal?

Countries such as Portugal are covered by a number of global eSIM operators that provide unlimited data plans for visitors. These operators include Earth Esim, abesteSIM, ASIMGO, AeriSIM, Roamify, MicroEsim, Giga.Tel, Yesim, esimzon, SparkRoam, and Numero eSIM. Each of these plans offers unlimited data usage during the validity period (ranging from one to fifteen days) with the possibility of speed throttling or maximum speed caps of 5 Mbps, 10 Mbps, or 1 Mbps depending on the provider and the particular plan level. Prices for the unlimited data options span from about $1.50 to nearly $18.00 USD, giving travelers a range of affordable choices.

If an unlimited plan is not available or you prefer a capped data allowance, it is advisable to approximate your expected data consumption based on activities such as streaming, navigation, and social media use, then select a plan that comfortably exceeds that estimate.

What are the major mobile networks available for a travel eSIM in Portugal?

Portugal's mobile network infrastructure is primarily supported by the following major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs):

MEO: Operated by Altice Portugal, MEO offers extensive nationwide coverage and a wide range of mobile services.
NOS: As part of NOS Comunicações, NOS provides comprehensive mobile services, including voice and data, across Portugal.
Vodafone Portugal: A subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc, Vodafone Portugal delivers robust mobile services with significant market presence.
Digi: A recent entrant into the Portuguese market, Digi is expanding its network and services following its acquisition of Nowo Communications in 2024.

In addition to these MNOs, Portugal hosts several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). MVNOs provide mobile services by leasing access from major carriers. Notable examples include Lycamobile, which operates on MEO's network and offers prepaid SIM cards with international calling plans, and Moche, a brand targeting youth customers with services on the MEO network. It's important to note that most travel eSIMs rely on MNO infrastructure rather than MVNOs.

Can I get a travel eSIM with a phone number and SMS for Portugal?

Portugal has several travel eSIM options that include a phone number and SMS capability. Providers such as GlobaleSIM, Giga.Tel, eSIMMigo, JamboSim, and ESIM.DOG offer plans ranging from 1 GB to 25 GB, with validity from 7 days up to 28 days, and prices starting around $4 USD for the smallest data packages and reaching about $12 USD for the largest.

GlobaleSIM’s Portugal plans use a US/+1 calling code, giving an outbound‑able number that can receive SMS but does not use a local Portuguese code. Giga.Tel’s Portugal 20 GB and 25 GB plans use the local dialing code +351 and support inbound/outbound voice and SMS. eSIMMigo offers 20 GB and 25 GB Portugal plans with the +351 code, providing inbound voice and SMS (outbound SMS is not listed). JamboSim and ESIM.DOG also supply US/+1 numbers that support outbound voice and SMS. Travelers wishing a truly local number should choose a plan with the +351 code.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Oct 25, 2026