Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 08:18 am
Landing at Azores Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Azores Airport? Yes, you can buy a sim card with Vodafone the leading SIM card providers in Portugal.
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 Porto. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo and Holafly
If you are going from Ponta Delgada Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 10 minutes by taxi.
Planning a trip to the dreamy Azores of Portugal and will need a guide on acquiring the best Azores SIM card? We dive in on getting an Azores airport SIM Card in this guide.
Navigating mobile services in a new place can be confusing, and Azores, with its unique geographical setting, is no exception.
Related Travel Guides:
- Azores vs Canary Islands
- Azores Itinerary
- Azores vs Madeira
- Breakfast in Portugal
- Living as an expat in Portugal
WHERE TO STAY IN AZORES
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 an Azores SIM Card (Azores Airport SIM Card)?
If you’re arriving at Azores Airport, you will find a kiosk and retail stores offering Vodafone SIM cards. You will get less data buying at the airport than buying your sim card in Azoes at the official shops.
There are also various shops around Azores, 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.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Azores
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Azores
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Azores
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 Azores
As of now, 5G services are still in the early stages of rollout in Azores. 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 Azores
In Azores, 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 Azores
The Azores 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 the AOres without incurring additional roaming charges. However, you should always check with your local provider to ensure that the Azores is included in their “roam like at home” plan, as some providers may have specific exceptions.
Roaming in the EU with Azores SIM Card
Purchasing an Azores SIM Card will also grant you the benefits of EU-wide roaming. If your plans include traveling to other EU countries, you can use your Azores 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.
The Azores Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
While the Azores 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 Azores
When considering which SIM card to buy, it’s essential to think about your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of some options:ully.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Azors
This refers to the various companies that provide cellular service in Azores, 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 the Azores, 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 Azores
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 Azores (Azores SIM Card)
5G New Radio (5G NR) is the standard for 5G wireless communications, designed to greatly increase speed, reduce latency, and improve the flexibility of wireless services. In the Azores, 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.
MEO Azores
SIM Card Price
MEO in Azores offers SIM cards for €10, which comes with €10 of initial credit. Check out where to find MEO stores in Google Maps to buy a sim card in Azores.
Data Packages
You can choose from a range of data packages, starting at €25 for 10 GB of data valid for 30 days.
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 has the best coverage in Azores. They offer a variety of packages to suit all types of users, from the casual browser to the data-heavy user.
Vodafone Azores
SIM Card Price: €10 with €5 credit
Tourist Package: €20 with 10 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 is the cheapest sim card in the Azores. Known for its excellent data speed and broad coverage, it’s a go-to choice for tourists who demand high-quality service.
Check out where to find Vodafone stores in Google Maps to buy a sim card in Azores.
NOS Azores
SIM Card Price: €10 with €10 credit
Data Packages: €30 for 30 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 has the second best coverage for sim card in Azores and offers competitive services in the Azores. 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 out where to find NOS stores in Google Maps to buy a sim card in Azores.
Lyca Mobile Azores
SIM Card Price: €10 with 15 GB data in the Azores 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 Azores (Azores SIM Card)
Maya eSIM Azores
- 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 Azores is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Holafly Azores 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 Azores 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 the Azores
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 the Azores 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 the Azores, 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.