Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is a popular gateway for tourists visiting Mallorca and the rest of Spain’s beautiful Balearic Islands. Upon arrival, one of the first things many travelers want to do is get a local SIM card for their mobile phone. This provides affordable mobile data and calling rates compared to expensive roaming charges from home carriers.
However, buying a SIM card at an airport can sometimes be a tricky experience if you don’t know the right places to go or what to expect. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to easily buy a tourist SIM card at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) or in the city.
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Yes. Purchasing a Spanish sim card at Palma de Mallorca Airport upon arrival can be super convenient, especially if you want immediate connectivity when leaving the terminal. However, there are a few things to consider:
However, there are a few things to consider:
There are a couple of reliable places to purchase SIM cards once you arrive at PMI airport.
If you’d rather just buy a SIM when you arrive, there are a couple of main options:
WHSmith stores: Within terminals A, B, C, and D, there are multiple WHSmith concession stands. On the second and fourth floors, these locations are open daily from 6 am to midnight. They offer SIM cards from major Spanish providers.
TravelWifi: Their kiosk is situated in the main terminal building and is open on weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm. They provide a limited selection of data plans suitable for visitors.
Tips:
It must be said that buying a SIM card at the airport is much more expensive than getting one outside.
Orange, Vodafone, Movistar and Yoigo are major carriers in Spain. Here is a comparison of recommended SIM card options available at Palma Airport:
| Operator | Cost | Data Allowance | Call Minutes | Text Messages | International Roaming | Network Coverage | Best Prepaid Plan |
| Orange | €10-20 | 25GB-100GB | 50-100 minutes on lower plans, unlimited on higher plans. | €0.15-0.18 per SMS | Included in EU countries | 97.5% 4G availability | Go Fly – €20 for 100GB |
| Vodafone | €10-40 | 50GB-190GB | 300-Unlimited minutes depending on plan. | €0.18 per SMS | Included in EU, UK and USA | 98.6% 4G availability | Prepago XL – €30 for 160GB |
| Movistar | €10-20 | 10GB-105GB | 200-400 minutes on lower plans, unlimited on higher plans. | Calls and SMS included | Included in EU countries | 98.9% 4G availability | Prepago Total – €20 for 105GB |
| Yoigo | €10-35 | 25GB-150GB | Unlimited calls included on all plans. | €0.15-1.21 per SMS | Included in EU countries | 98.5% 4G availability | Wifi Portátil Prepago – €35 for 150GB |
Be sure to compare bundles as prices can vary between retailers even for the same provider.
Here are a few tips to prepare for a smooth experience purchasing and registering a SIM card at Palma de Mallorca Airport:
Another option for travelers who prefer not to reveal personal information is to use an eSIM, provided their phone supports it. This method is fast, convenient, and offers all the features of a physical SIM.
If you’re landing at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Mallorca, Spain, getting a prepaid SIM card can involve waiting in long queues at kiosks and retail shops. A much simpler alternative is to purchase an eSIM plan online from Gigago before your trip.
Gigago offers affordable eSIM data plans for Spain that you can activate right from your airport gate. Simply purchase the plan, receive the activation QR code via email, and scan it using your eSIM compatible device. Within minutes you’ll have 30GB of high-speed 4G/5G data to use over 30 days anywhere in Spain.
Some key benefits of Gigago’s Spain eSIM include:
For Spain, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Spain eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Spain, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
It’s always recommended to set up the eSIM before traveling so you can enjoy internet access right from landing in Mallorca. Downloading maps or contacting accommodation can be done without hassle.
If you decide to skip buying a SIM card at Palma de Mallorca airport, you have plenty of options in Palma city to find a prepaid SIM card:
Major phone operators like Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar have stores throughout Palma. You can find them in the city center, shopping malls, and other busy areas.
Many independent phone shops offer SIM cards from multiple providers. Look for signage advertising SIM cards or “tarjetas prepago”. Some also sell used/rental phones.
Many convenience stores and supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Dia, and Eroski, sell SIM cards. These are a good option if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to phone stores.
Tobacconists, also known as estancos, are small shops that sell tobacco products and other essentials, including SIM cards. They are a good option if you need a SIM card in a hurry, as they are usually open late.
In the city, you’ll have many more brands and bundles to choose from compared to the airport. Shop around for deals!
The main mobile network operators in Spain – Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Yoigo – typically have SIM cards available to purchase at Mallorca Airport. You’ll likely find a range of prepaid SIM cards from these providers in the vending machines or stores.
The main mobile network operators in Spain – Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Yoigo – typically have SIM cards available to purchase at Mallorca Airport. You’ll likely find a range of prepaid SIM cards from these providers in the vending machines or stores.
In general, SIM cards purchased at airports tend to be more expensive than those bought in city retail stores. Airport retailers often add a small premium to account for convenience. You may find slightly better value by taking a bus or train into Palma de Mallorca city center to buy a SIM card once you have arrived.
The airport SIM card vendors will typically offer the most popular prepaid mobile plans and data packages from the major Spanish operators. This usually includes plans with allowances ranging from 500MB to 30GB of data, valid for periods between 7-30 days. Look for promotions tailored for tourists like weekly or monthly holiday passes too.
Yes, eSIMs are available from international providers like GIGAGO. Just scan the QR code to activate the plan. iPhones and many Android models support eSIM.
Yes, Spanish law requires prepaid SIM cards to be registered. When purchasing from the airport, you’ll need to show your passport to the retailer so they can register your details to the SIM card as required. This helps prevent criminal use of unregistered prepaid SIMs.
Yes, Spanish law requires prepaid SIM cards to be registered. When purchasing from the airport, you’ll need to show your passport to the retailer so they can register your details to the SIM card as required. This helps prevent criminal use of unregistered prepaid SIMs.
Europe has EU roaming, but you’ll get more data & minutes with a local Spanish SIM. Other region SIMs may charge roaming fees.
Yes, Spanish law requires prepaid SIM cards to be registered. When purchasing from the airport, you’ll need to show your passport to the retailer so they can register your details to the SIM card as required. This helps prevent criminal use of unregistered prepaid SIMs.
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Palma de Mallorca Airport upon arrival is super convenient for instant connectivity. Shop around between the Vodafone, Orange, Lebara and Lycamobile kiosks in the terminal to compare plans and prices. Be ready to show ID and register your details.
For even more provider options and lower rates, head into Palma city to buy SIMs from carrier stores, phone shops or supermarkets. Also consider the flexibility of Spain eSIM services like GIGAGO you can activate anytime online. With the right SIM or eSIM, you’ll stay affordably connected across Mallorca and anywhere in Spain!
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