NOS SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists How to Get and Activate

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: July 2024

Having cellular connectivity during your trip allows you to use maps, make reservations, contact emergency services if needed and share photos of your adventures. NOS is one of the main telecommunications providers in Portugal. This guide will provide key information about NOS and detail the best NOS SIM card and eSIM options when visiting Portugal. 

I. Overview about NOS – What you need to know

Nos is one of the main mobile network in Portugal, to know more about this operator, keep reading some quick facts about NOS: 

• Founded year: 1994 (as PT Multimedia), 2007 (spin-off from Portugal Telecom), 2013 (merger with Optimus Telecomunicações), 2014 (as NOS)
• Full company name: NOS, SGPS S.A. 
• Types of services provided: Mobile and fixed telephony, cable television, satellite television, broadband internet access, landline, television broadcasting, film distribution, cinema operation
• Number of subscribers: As of Q3 2022, NOS had: 5.808 million mobile subscribers, 1.394 million pay TV subscribers, 133.1 thousand landline subscribers
• Coverage: NOS has extensive coverage across mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and Azores. Overall population coverage is around 98%.
• Estimated number of network of stores, agents: NOS has over 300 stores and agents located throughout Portugal. Main cities and tourist areas have a strong presence of NOS shops.

II. NOS Coverage in Portugal

NOS has strong mobile coverage across mainland Portugal and the islands. It uses 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G networks.

• NOS had the highest 5G availability at 19.4% of time, giving users frequent access to 5G networks.
• It also achieved the best 5G reach score of 6.0 points, indicating 5G coverage in many locations frequented by users.
• Overall availability of 98.4% of time was high, similar to Vodafone.

NOS has roaming agreements for 156 destinations outside Portugal, ensuring connectivity continues while traveling abroad. 

III. NOS Speed in Portugal

According to data from Opensignal in July 2023, NOS offers the following average speeds:

• NOS led the country with the fastest average download speed of 55.7 Mbps and average upload speed of 13.8 Mbps. 
• It also had the fastest 5G upload speed and led for the metric of upload speed overall. 
• NOS won the new Consistent Quality award for network consistency and speed reliability.

These high speeds allow for smooth streaming, video calls, using apps and more. NOS performed top across many metrics, suggesting it provides the strongest and most widespread connectivity for customers.

IV. Does NOS Have eSIM in Portugal?

Yes, NOS launched eSIM support in April 2019 for compatible phones and tablets. eSIM allows activating a cellular plan digitally without needing to insert a physical SIM card.

NOS eSIM works on iPhone XS and newer models. Select Android phones also support eSIM like newer Samsung Galaxy S22 series.

V. Top NOS SIM Cards for Tourists

NOS offers Portugal SIM card plans ranging from daily options to monthly packages valid for up to a year. Their Unlimited plans provide complete flexibility in usage.

Here is an overview of top NOS prepaid mobile data plans:

8 days plan – $15.98: Unlimited Data + 5G access included

30 days plan – $35.30: Unlimited Data + 5G access included

Unlimited plans allow using data without slowdowns or overage fees, which is perfect for maps, social media, apps and more. The 8-day packages fit a short city break, while the 30-day options work for frequent visitors.

VI. Where to Buy a NOS SIM card?

1. Upon arrival at airport

Most arrival airports have NOS shops in the baggage claim or arrivals hall area, such as: Lisbon, Faro, Porto,…. Prices may have a small markup compared to other options.

Pros: Convenient pickup right upon arrival

Cons: Slightly higher cost

2. NOS stores and authorized retailers

NOS has over 300 official stores and authorized retailer partners like phone shops located throughout Portugal. Stores have the full range of SIM options with standard local pricing.

Pros: Large local store network, standard local rates 

Cons: Need to go to physical store location in person

Overall, finding a NOS store in the area you are visiting or staying is the best approach to get supported service when purchasing your SIM.

VII. A Better Alternative to NOS SIM cards – Portugal eSIM

Since NOS eSIM is digital, there are two ways to signup:

Directly from NOS website

You can signup for NOS eSIM plans directly on their website. However, this requires having a Portuguese tax identification number, so generally doesn’t work for tourists.

Pros: Convenient digital signup

Cons: Require Portuguese tax ID number

Third-party reseller like GIGAGO

Services like GIGAGO allow buying Portugal eSIM plans instantly online without any registration or paperwork requirements. Plans work the same as those directly from NOS, even with cheaper price.

For Portugal, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Portugal 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 Portugal, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

Pros: Instant digital delivery globally, no paperwork or registration demands

Cons: Need eSIM compatible devices

For tourists visiting Portugal, using a third-party eSIM provider delivers the full convenience of an eSIM without difficult registration requirements.

VIII. How to Top-up NOS SIM/eSIM

When the data allowance or validity duration of your plan expires, you’ll want to top-up to continue service.

Online Top-up:

• My NOS Online Portal: Log in to your My NOS account online or through the My NOS app. You can top up with pre-paid vouchers, credit cards, or a direct debit mandate. This method offers detailed balance information and history, along with various top-up packages to choose from.
• NOS Website: Visit the NOS website and navigate to the “Top-up” section. You can use a voucher code, credit card, or MB Way (Portuguese mobile payment system) to top up your account. This method is straightforward and offers quick top-up options.

Physical Top-up:

• NOS Stores: Visit any NOS store nationwide and top up your account with cash, credit card, or MB Way. This option is ideal if you prefer personal assistance or don’t have access to online payment methods.
• Kiosks and Vending Machines: Look for NOS kiosks or vending machines in supermarkets, newsstands, and other public locations. You can top up with cash, credit card, or vouchers purchased from the machine. This is a convenient option for quick top-ups on the go.

IX. FAQs about NOS in Portugal

X. Conclusion

Choosing NOS for your connectivity in Portugal gives you access to the country’s fastest 5G network with almost nationwide population coverage. Their NOS SIM card and eSIM tourist packages support make getting set up quick and convenient. Thanks to great eSIM service during your trip, GIGAGO will let you get connected on arrival and enjoy your trip in Portugal!