Looking to visit Madrid or Spain soon and would like to get a Madrid Airport Sim Card? Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the only airport in Madrid and as we live in Madrid and for a seamless adventure, it’s vital to stay connected.
Our guide offers an in-depth look into both traditional and eSIM card options available at the Madrid airport to help you decide.
Landing at Madrid Barajas Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Madrid Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Orange and MasMovil are the leading SIM card providers in Madrid and Spain.
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 Madrid. For eSIM options, you can opt for Holafly and Airalo.
If you are going from Madrid Airport to city center will take 20 minutes by taxi and 30-40 minutes by public transportation. Read here Madrid and Seville Itinerary
WHERE TO STAY IN MADRID
There are many budget options in Madrid for accommodation. You can sleep in a dorm or a room from €25-30 and mid-budget starts at €50-80
Click here to get the best deals in Madrid with Booking and Agoda!
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
📌 Our Related Travel Guides on Buying Sim Card Madrid Airport and Other Madrid Guides:
We’ve written top guides on Madrid like top hotels, Madrid itineraries, top road trips, and Instagram spots.
For sim card guides, we’ve also written top sim cards to use for every country in the world to help you get the best connectivity, anywhere you want to travel. Here you can read our best sim card guides in Portugal, Morocco, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Canada, Australia, UK, and other European countries like Italy, Greece, Germany and more.
Why Getting a Madrid Airport Sim Card
Just landing you will be able to book your taxi, Uber and check online before getting to your hotel. If you aren’t in a hurry and you want to save a few bucks and get more data connection just look for the official stores in Madrid.
MasMovil offers great sim card prepaid plans at 20GB for 20€/30 days and a robust 120GB for 20,00€/30 days – best option if you find their kiosk in the Madrid airport.
However, if you want an eSIM option for Madrid sim card, or trying to purchase online with your eSIM-compatible phone, best go for Airalo and Maya Mobile eSIM for unlimited eSIM data in Madrid.
Benefits of Getting a Local SIM Card in Madrid
- Cost-Effective: Dodge exorbitant international roaming charges.
- Reliable Internet: Experience Spain’s superior 4G and 5G networks.
- Easy Local Communication: A Spanish number makes local interactions smoother.
- Convenience: Easy top-ups at any local store or online.
Getting a Sim Card Madrid Airport
Upon your touchdown at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the prime concerns for many travelers is ensuring seamless connectivity during their stay. Luckily, several SIM card providers have established their presence across the expansive terminals of the airport, each with its own set of enticing offers:
Vodafone
A renowned name in the telecommunications world, Vodafone has a commanding presence in both Terminals 1 and 4. They offer a range of deals, with one of the highlights being their 50GB data package for just €10. Tourists can also explore their Prepago M package, which provides a generous 100GB for 15,00€/28 days. They have other data-packed offers like the Prepago L, ensuring everyone finds a plan that suits their needs.
Tourist SIM: €15, 10GB Data with 50 minutes local calls and valid for 30 days.
Check the exact location to find Vodafone stores to buy a sim card in Madrid.
Orange
Adding vibrancy to the airport terminals with their signature color, Orange provides a comprehensive range of plans that address both data and call requirements. With their variety of offers, tourists can pick a plan that perfectly aligns with their stay’s duration and data consumption patterns.
Orange’s “Mundo” SIM is tailored for visitors. With unlimited data packages only for Spain for €37 but if you are traveling in Europe is 45 GB data.
Check the exact location to find Orange stores to buy a sim card in Madrid.
Movistar
As a formidable force in Spain’s telecommunications sector, Movistar doesn’t disappoint at Madrid Airport. Especially prominent in Terminal 4, they have a dedicated store that offers various prepaid plans for tourists. Depending on data needs, visitors can choose from different allowances, all with the guided assistance of the friendly Movistar staff. Notably, the post office in Terminal 4 specifically provides Movistar services, making it convenient for those looking to address multiple errands in one stop.
Prepaid Plan: €20 with 15GB Data, 80 minutes local calls and valid for 28 days.
Monthly Plans: Starting at €30/month and Unlimited local calls.
Check the exact location to find Movistar stores to buy a sim card in Madrid.
MasMovil – Sim Card Madrid Airport
If you’re transiting through Terminal 4, MasMovil is hard to miss. Their value-driven prepaid plans are quite the catch, with deals such as 20GB for 20,00€/30 days and a robust 120GB for 20,00€/30 days. This makes them a top choice, especially for those keen on balancing cost and connectivity.
Check the exact location to find MasMovil stores to buy a sim card in Madrid.
Navigating the Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, with its sprawling infrastructure, can be a bit overwhelming. The providers’ outlets are primarily located in the arrivals area, ensuring that tourists can secure their SIM cards soon after landing. Before delving deep into the enchanting streets of Madrid, a local prepaid SIM card from these providers guarantees uninterrupted connectivity without causing a dent in your travel budget.
Madrid-Barajas is an expansive airport. Here’s your quick navigation guide:
- Terminal 1: Locate the Vodafone Kiosk near the baggage claim area.
- Terminal 2: The Movistar Kiosk is right by the exit gates.
- Terminal 4: Here you’ll find both Vodafone and Movistar kiosks, predominantly close to the shopping precincts.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Madrid
- Airport Kiosks: Right after you land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, you’ll encounter numerous kiosks and retail stores offering SIM cards. These are tailored towards tourists and can be activated immediately.
- Shopping Malls: Major shopping centers in Madrid such as La Vaguada, Príncipe Pío, and Plaza Norte 2 host stores where SIM cards can be purchased and activated.
- Local Mobile Stores: You’ll find shops for leading Spanish mobile operators, including Vodafone, Movistar, Orange, and Yoigo, dispersed throughout Madrid. These outlets offer a wider selection of plans, some specifically for tourists.
- Convenience Stores and Kiosks: Some convenience stores and newspaper kiosks in Madrid also offer SIM cards, especially from budget providers. While they might be readily available, the staff might not always be proficient in SIM activation or plan explanations.
- Online: Pre-planning? Purchase a SIM card online prior to your trip. Still, note that upon arrival, you might need to visit a local store for registration and activation.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Madrid
Madrid, being the epicenter of Spain, has extensive coverage from all major network providers. Expect robust 4G connectivity and increasing 5G infrastructure, especially in the urban areas.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Madrid
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) ensure enhanced voice quality and the capacity to utilize voice services over 4G or WiFi connections, respectively. Availability hinges on both your network provider and mobile device. Most recent smartphones facilitate these services, but double-check compatibility before traveling.
5G NR in Madrid (Sim Card Madrid Airport)
Madrid is at the forefront of 5G rollout in Spain. While it’s expanding, coverage is most prominent within the city and densely populated suburbs. Check up-to-date coverage maps and ensure your device is compatible with the local 5G frequencies if this service is vital for your stay.
SIM Card Registration in Madrid (Sim Card Madrid Airport)
Spain, including Madrid, mandates SIM card registration. This typically entails producing identification, usually a passport for tourists, during purchase. This registration helps link the SIM card to an individual, primarily for security purposes. It’s a swift process and once done, you’re all set to use your new SIM.
EU Roaming and its Implications for Madrid
Madrid, being the capital city of Spain, enjoys the perks of EU’s “Roam Like at Home” policy that was implemented in June 2017. This policy has revolutionized the way European citizens utilize mobile services while traveling across EU countries. Here’s how it applies to travelers in Madrid:
- Roam Like You’re Home: If you’re from an EU country and using an EU-based SIM card, you can use your mobile services in Madrid just as you would in your home country. This means your standard voice calls, SMS, and data charges remain the same while roaming in Madrid.
- The Fine Print – Fair Use Policy: While the policy is generous, it’s intended for periodic travel, not permanent roaming. If you roam in Spain (or any other EU country) for a prolonged period without spending sufficient time in your home country, your provider might flag this. They can then apply small additional charges, but only after alerting you.
- For Non-EU Visitors: If your SIM card originates from outside the EU, standard roaming rates will apply in Madrid. To save on costs, consider buying a local SIM card upon arrival.
- Benefits for Locals: For Madrid locals traveling elsewhere in the EU, the “Roam Like at Home” policy means they can also use their mobile devices across the EU without any extra charges.
Remember to always check with your mobile provider before your trip. They can provide specific details related to your plan and any limits or exceptions to the roaming policy.
Comparing eSIMs in Madrid – Sim Card Madrid Airport
Maya eSIM Madrid
- 3 GB for $6 USD (5 days)
- 10 GB for $11 USD (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 Madrid is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Holafly Madrid 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 Madrid eSIM
- 1 GB for $4.5 USD (7 days)
- 20 GB for $26 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 Madrid
In summary, Mas Movil and Movistar offer competitive data packages for both short-term and long-term stays in Madrid. However, if you’re staying in Madrid for a short period, consider eSIM options from Airalo or Maya for flexibility.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations
For the most cost-effective SIM card options in Madrid, 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
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 to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.