Last updated on February 20th, 2024 at 02:13 pm
Ready to find out about the best Madeira sim card to get for your visit? MEO and Nos are the top sim cards in Portugal and Madeira while Holafly and Maya eSIM are the top options for ESIM in Portugal and Madeira.
Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking reliable internet connectivity, a frequent traveler wanting to stay in touch with loved ones, or a first-time visitor to this picturesque island, we’ve got you covered in this guide.
Navigating mobile services in a new place can be confusing, and Madeira, with its unique geographical setting, is no exception.
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WHERE TO STAY IN MADEIRA
There are cheap hotels available for you at a starting price of €20-25. Hostels with dorms start from €10-15 if you want to go down your accommodation budget travel in Portugal. Luxurious hotels in another option for your accommodation in Portugal, the price can range from €90-up.
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
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Madeira?
Yes, purchasing a SIM card in Madeira is a straightforward process, but there are a few important things you should be aware of. First and foremost, make sure you have a valid form of identification, such as your passport. This is required for registration purposes by Portuguese law.
If you’re arriving at Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo Airport) and looking to buy a sim card, you will find kiosks and retail stores offering SIM cards with MEO and Vodafone.
There are also various shops around Funchal, the island’s capital, where you can purchase a SIM card. For tourists, there are often special packages available that include a decent amount of data, calls, and text messages, tailored to short-term use.
Read here how to get from Madeira Airport to city center
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Madeira
- Airport Kiosks: Right after you land and clear customs, you’ll find several kiosks and retail stores selling SIM cards. They usually offer tourist packages that are easy to activate on the spot.
- Shopping Malls: In Funchal, the Forum Madeira and Madeira Shopping malls have stores where you can purchase and activate a SIM card.
- Local Mobile Stores: Stores for major Portuguese mobile operators, such as Vodafone and NOS, are spread throughout Funchal and other towns. These stores offer a broader range of packages, including some tailored for tourists.
- Convenience Stores and Kiosks: Many convenience stores and smaller kiosks also sell SIM cards, particularly those from budget providers. However, their staff might not be as well-versed in activating the card or explaining your options.
- Online: If you plan ahead, you can also buy a SIM card online before you arrive, though you will still need to register it upon your arrival, which might require a visit to a retail store.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Madeira
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Madeira
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) are technologies that allow for better voice quality and the ability to use voice services over a 4G or WiFi connection, respectively. Availability of these services depends on your network provider as well as your mobile device. Usually, new-generation smartphones support these features, but it’s worth checking for compatibility.
5G NR in Madeira
As of now, 5G services are still in the early stages of rollout in Madeira. Initial coverage is mostly limited to Funchal and other populated areas. If having 5G connectivity is important to you, be sure to check the current coverage maps and supported frequencies to ensure your device will work.
SIM Card Registration in Madeira
In Madeira, as in the rest of Portugal, SIM card registration is a legal requirement. This process usually involves providing an ID, typically a passport for tourists, at the point of purchase. The data collected is used to associate the SIM card with a particular individual, mostly for security reasons.
The process is generally straightforward and quick, taking only a few minutes at most. Once your identity is verified and the paperwork is complete, you can start using your SIM card immediately.
EU Roaming in Madeira
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, and thus EU roaming regulations apply. This means that if you have a SIM card from another EU country, you should be able to use it in Madeira without incurring additional roaming charges. However, you should always check with your local provider to ensure that Madeira is included in their “roam like at home” plan, as some providers may have specific exceptions.
Roaming in the EU with Madeira SIM Cards
Purchasing a SIM card in Madeira will also grant you the benefits of EU-wide roaming. If your plans include traveling to other EU countries, you can use your Madeira SIM card without additional roaming fees. The SIM should work seamlessly across all EU countries, but it’s advisable to check the specific terms and conditions associated with your chosen package to make sure that it applies to the countries you plan to visit.
Madeira Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
While Madeira is a relatively small island, it generally offers good mobile coverage and internet speeds. However, the quality of service may differ from one provider to another and may also be influenced by your location on the island. Internet packages are generally competitively priced, though it’s worth comparing different options to find the one that best suits your needs. Special tourist packages are often available, offering large data bundles to keep you connected during your trip.
Best SIM Card in Madeira
When considering which SIM card to buy, it’s essential to think about your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of some options:
Vodafone Madeira
- Strengths: High-speed data, excellent coverage, reliable customer service.
- Weaknesses: May be more expensive than other options.
- Ideal For: Those looking for robust data packages and excellent service.
NOS Madeira
- Strengths: Competitive pricing, reasonable data packages, widespread coverage.
- Weaknesses: Customer service may not be as accommodating as other providers.
- Ideal For: Budget travelers who still need reliable internet and calling services.
Lyca Mobile Madeira
- Strengths: Very cost-effective, especially for data. Generally good coverage in urban areas.
- Weaknesses: May not be the best for rural coverage.
- Ideal For: Young travelers and those who primarily need data over voice services.
Each of these providers has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so weigh your options carefully.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Madeira
This refers to the various companies that provide cellular service in Madeira, including the networks they operate on and the frequencies they use for those networks. These factors play a crucial role in your phone’s performance, affecting everything from call quality to data speed. In Madeira, the primary operators include Vodafone, NOS, and Lyca Mobile, each providing a range of services, including 3G, 4G, and in some cases, 5G.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Madeira
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) are technologies that allow for improved voice call quality and the ability to make calls over 4G or WiFi networks. These services offer increased flexibility, particularly in areas where network coverage might be weak. Availability is subject to both your mobile carrier and your phone’s technological capabilities, making it essential to check compatibility in advance.
These services depend on your network provider and your phone’s compatibility.
5G NR in Madeira
5G New Radio (5G NR) is the standard for 5G wireless communications, designed to greatly increase speed, reduce latency, and improve flexibility of wireless services. In Madeira, 5G is still in its early stages of deployment, with most coverage centered in and around Funchal. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation, so coverage is expected to expand soon.
Best SIM Card in Madeira
MEO Madeira
SIM Card Price
MEO is the cheapest sim card in Madeira. MEO in Madeira offers SIM cards for €10, which comes with €10 of initial credit.
Data Packages
You can choose from a range of data packages, starting at €15 for 15 GB of data valid for 15 days.
Check the exact location of MEO stores in Google Maps in Madeira.
Top-up Options
Top-up options with MEO include €10 for 2 GB and 1000 minutes, and €25 for 5 GB and 5000 minutes, both valid for 30 days.
EU Roaming
MEO also offers EU roaming, allowing you to use your data, calls, and SMS across all Schengen countries.
MEO is known for its extensive coverage and reliability, making it a solid choice for those who plan to travel around Madeira extensively. They offer a variety of packages to suit all types of users, from the casual browser to the data-heavy user.
Vodafone Madeira
SIM Card Price: €10 with €5 credit
Tourist Package: €20 with 20 GB data, 500 domestic minutes and SMS (valid 30 days)
Data Packages: Starting from €30 for unlimited data (valid 30 days)
EU Roaming: Available in all Schengen countries
Vodafone has the best coverage for sim card in Madeira in Madeira. Known for its excellent data speed and broad coverage, it’s a go-to choice for tourists who demand high-quality service. The slightly premium pricing is often justified by the network’s reliability, making it a top pick for those willing to spend a bit more for consistent service.
Check the exact location of Vodafone stores in Google Maps in Madeira.
NOS Madeira
SIM Card Price: €10 with €10 credit
Data Packages: €20 for 10 GB (valid 30 days)
Top-up Options: €10 for 5 GB and 1500 minutes, €29 for 10 GB and 10000 minutes (valid 30 days)
EU Roaming: Available in all Schengen countries
NOS is another key player in the Portuguese telecom market and offers competitive services in Madeira. Known for its budget-friendly pricing and reasonable data packages, it’s popular among budget travelers and locals alike. While its network might not be as extensive as Vodafone’s, NOS offers great value for the cost and solid performance in most urban and suburban areas.
Check the exact location of NOS stores in Google Maps in Madeira.
Lyca Mobile Madeira
SIM Card Price: €12 with 15 GB data in Madeira and 12 GB in Europe, plus 1000 minutes and SMS (valid 30 days)
EU Roaming: Available in all Schengen countries
Lyca Mobile specializes in low-cost international calls and cost-effective data packages, making it an excellent choice for younger travelers or those who want data-heavy plans without breaking the bank. Although the network coverage is generally good in urban areas, it may be less reliable in rural spots.
Comparing eSIMs in Madeira
Maya eSIM Madeira
- 1 GB for $5 USD (30 days)
- 10 GB for $24 USD (30 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 Madeira is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Holafly Madeira eSIM
- Unlimited data for $64 USD (30 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 Madeira eSIM
- 1 GB for $4.5 USD (7 days)
- 30 GB for $19 USD (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.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Madeira
In summary, we recommend Vodafone and NOS as they offer competitive data packages for both short-term and long-term stays. However, if you’re staying in Madeira for a short period, we recommend considering eSIM options from Airalo or Maya for flexibility.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations
For the most cost-effective SIM card options in Madeira, consider opting for MEO’s prepaid SIM card or NOS Mobile’s prepaid SIM card. If you prefer eSIM, Holafly offers the best-unlimited data packages using discount code GAMINTRAVELER while Maya is good for smaller data packages.
👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Happy Travels!
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 sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.