Last updated on February 29th, 2024 at 01:31 pm
Traveling to Bilbao and Seeking a Bilbao Airport SIM Card and a full guide on where to buy a sim card in Bilbao?
Landing at Bilbao Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Bilbao Airport? The direct answer is not, you can only pick up a sim card if you order online from Movistar and Vodafone are the leading SIM card providers in Bilbao.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Bilbao. For eSIM options, you can opt for Holafly, Maya Mobile and Airalo
If you are going from Bilbao Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 15 minutes by taxi and 25 minutes by public transportation.
Arriving at Bilbao Airport, the gateway to the Basque Country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, staying connected is key for navigation, staying in touch, and sharing your experiences.
This guide will help you navigate the best SIM card or eSIM options at Bilbao Airport.
Related Travel Guides:
- Bilbao Spain for Building Your Expat Career
- How To Get From Bilbao Airport To San Sebastian Best Way
WHERE TO STAY IN BILBAO
There are many budget options for accommodation in Bilbao. If you are really on a tight budget for accommodation, you can sleep in a dorm room for €15-30. For mid-budget hotels prices start at €60-80 and if you want luxury hotels start from €120.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Finding SIM Cards at Bilbao Airport
As we mentioned above you can get a sim card in Bilbao Airport if you order online an eSIM or at the pick up point with Vodafone and Movistar. But at the moment there are no kiosks selling sim cards. Hopefully it changes soon since!
At Bilbao Airport, travelers can typically find SIM card options at various retail outlets or mobile operator stores in the arrivals area. Major Spanish providers generally offer their services in such settings.
Where To Buy A SIM Card In Bilbao
Movistar – Our Recommended Bilbao Airport SIM Card
Movistar has the best 4G/5G network coverage in Bilbao. Offers a prepaid SIM with 40 GB data for around €10. Check the exact location to find Movistar stores to buy a sim card in Bilbao.
- Coverage: Known for excellent 4G/5G network coverage in Spain, including Bilbao.
- Plans: Offers plans like 40 GB for €10, valid for 30 days.
- Purchasing: Available at mobile operator stores or selected retail outlets in the airport.
In Bilbao, Movistar provides consistent connectivity even in secluded spots across the islands.
Movistar Prepaid SIM Cards
They offer a variety of options, with one of their notable deals being a 40 GB data plan for €10, which includes access to their 5G network. This deal, however, is only available in-store in Spain.
eSIM Options
Movistar also provides eSIM services. For activation and contracting services, you must visit a Movistar store. Keep in mind that while eSIMs offer digital SIM activation without a physical card, plans need to be proactively cancelled before leaving the country to avoid extra charges.
Calls and SMS Rates
For prepaid plans, Movistar offers the option to renew automatically every 4 weeks as long as there is a positive balance on the account. Calls to national fixed and mobile numbers in Spain are charged at 6 cents/minute with a 30 cents connection fee. SMS is not included in the voice plan. For international calls, the rates are the same as domestic calls within Spain.
Top-Up Options
There are several ways to top up your Movistar SIM card, including online top-up, requesting an advance on your credit balance, transferring credit to other Movistar prepaid customers, and topping up by phone.
Movistar is recommended for its extensive 4G/5G network coverage throughout Spain. However, they may be more expensive compared to smaller regional carriers, and their plans are less customizable. Additionally, auto-renewal of plans could lead to unexpected charges if the balance is low.
👉🏽 GET YOUR SIM CARD HERE 🇪🇸
Vodafone
With expansive 4G services across Bilbao‘s urban centers and coastal regions, Vodafone is a reliable choice for travelers.
- Network: Provides robust 4G/5G services across Spain.
- Data Plans: Multiple prepaid plans available, with prices starting from around €10. Vodafone is the cheapest sim card in Bilbao.
Check the exact location to find Vodafone stores to buy a sim card in Bilbao.
Prices:
25GB of 4G/5G Data for use in 70+ countries worldwide, valid for 30 days (price not listed)
10GB Internet Data in 4G/LTE in UK and Europe, 50GB in Spain, 300 Mins Calls for 28 days at $22.99
Another package includes 10GB Data +300min in 34 countries (Spain 50GB, Turkey 200 Minutes) for 28 days (price not listed)
25GB in Spain and 7GB in other regions (price not listed)
👉🏽 GET YOUR SIM CARD HERE 🇪🇸
Orange
Offering a blend of value and performance, Orange’s “Mundo” SIM is revered for its steadfast service in Bilbao‘s bustling zones.
- Tourist Plans: Offers various options including unlimited data for short-term stays.
- Pricing: Plans start from €15 for 5 days of unlimited data.
- Availability: Look for Orange signage in retail outlets within the airport.
Check the exact location to find Orange stores to buy a sim card in Bilbao.
Prices:
10GB Internet Data in 4G/LTE + 50 Mins Call in Europe, 50GB + Unlimited Calls in Spain for 28 days at $22.99
Another 10GB Internet Data package for 26 days at $21.99
Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card Combo Deal with 30GB Internet Data in 5G/4G/LTE at $46.99
👉🏽 GET YOUR SIM CARD HERE 🇪🇸
SIM2Roam – Bilbao Airport SIM Card
Known for budget-friendly plans, SIM2Roam is ideal for those seeking smaller data packages for their European travels.
Prices:
Europe Data SIM Card Prepaid 6GB 30 Days (price not listed)
Europe Data SIM Card Prepaid 3GB 30 Days (price not listed)
Europe Data SIM Card Prepaid 10GB 30 Days at $31.50
👉🏽 GET YOUR SIM CARD HERE 🇪🇸
Your Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing a SIM Card at Bilbao
- Preparation: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Spanish networks.
- ID Requirement: Have your passport ready for SIM registration as per Spanish regulations.
- Choosing Your Plan: Decide whether you need a physical SIM card or an eSIM based on your device compatibility.
- Purchasing: Visit Whsmith stands or TravelWifi kiosk for physical SIM cards, or order an eSIM online for immediate activation.
Why Choose a Local SIM Card or eSIM?
- Affordability: Prepaid SIM starter packs are budget-friendly, starting around 15-20 euros.
- Flexibility: eSIMs offer the convenience of instant activation and multiple profile storage.
- Coverage: Both SIM and eSIM options provide reliable network coverage across Spain.
eSIM Options for Immediate Connectivity
For those preferring a digital solution, eSIMs can be activated immediately upon arrival. Providers like Airalo, SimOptions, and Nomad offer various plans, such as 1GB for 7 days at $4.5 or 20GB for 30 days at $26.
Maya eSIM – Bilbao Airport SIM Card
- 3 GB for $6 USD for 5 days
- 5 GB for $9 USD for 5 Days
- 10 GB for $11 USD for 5 days
- 20 GB for $19 USD for 5 Days
Maya offers relatively low-cost eSIM options that are easy to use and straightforward to set up. With a focus on affordability, Maya eSIM is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.
Maya eSIM also offers unlimited data in Spain starting at $19 with no hotspot capability and fast speeds capped at 2GB with the rest of unlimited data with 1MBps speed (still pretty fast) and $29 USD and $39 USD unlimited data plans, both with hotspot capability and has 3GB and 5GB cap for highspeed internet respectively and will slow down to 1MBps for the rest of the internet usage.
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Holafly eSIM
- Unlimited data for $19 USD (5 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER
Holafly offers unlimited data, making it ideal for heavy data users or business travelers. Using a promotional code can further reduce costs, making it a competitive option for those who don’t want to compromise on data usage.
👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
Airalo eSIM
- 1 GB for $4.5 USD for 7 Days
- 2 GB for $6.50 USD for 15 Days
- 3 GB for $8.50 USD for 30 Days
- 5 GB for $11.50 USD for 30 Days
- 10 GB for $18 USD for 30 Days
- 20 GB for $26 USD for 30 Days
Airalo provides highly flexible, low-cost data options suitable for both short and longer stays. The ease of setup and wide range of data packages make Airalo a convenient option for those looking for customization and affordability.
Tips for Purchasing and Activating SIM Cards:
- Physical SIM Cards: Buy from airport stores or retail outlets. Ensure your phone is unlocked and have your passport or EU ID for registration.
- eSIM Cards: Order online, scan the QR code provided, and follow the activation steps.
Connectivity Advice for Travelers in Bilbao:
- Public WiFi and Security: Use VPNs on public WiFi for enhanced security.
- EU Roaming: Spanish SIM cards usually include free EU roaming, convenient for traveling across Europe.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Bilbao
In summary, Mas Movil and Movistar offer competitive data packages for both short-term and long-term stays in Bilbao. However, if you’re staying in Bilbao for a short period, consider eSIM options from Airalo or Maya for flexibility.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Your Bilbao Airport SIM Card
For the most cost-effective SIM card options in Bilbao, opt for Mas Movil prepaid SIM card or Movistar Mobile’s prepaid SIM card. If you prefer eSIM, Maya offers the best-unlimited data packages while Airalo is good for smaller data packages.
👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Whether you opt for a traditional SIM card or a modern eSIM, staying connected in Bilbao is easy and convenient. Choose the option that best suits your travel needs and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout your stay. Go for Movistar or Mas Movil for our recommended local sim cards that you can get as Bilbao Airport SIM Card or Maya eSIM and Airalo for eSIM compatible phones.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.