NOS SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: Price and Where to Buy

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: August 2026

NOS is one of Portugal’s three major mobile networks alongside MEO and Vodafone. Independent testing consistently puts it at or near the top for speed and coverage. In this article, you will know what a NOS SIM or eSIM actually costs, how the network performs, where to buy one, and a faster alternative if you’d rather skip the store visit.

Who Is NOS in Portugal?

NOS is one of Portugal’s major telecom giants, holding about 35% of the mobile market share according to regulatory data from ANACOM. The brand took its current name in 2014 following a merger between ZON and Optimus, so you might still see “Optimus” pop up on older travel forums or network lists.

With around 98% nationwide population coverage, NOS offers a signal that remains strong even when traveling outside big cities into rural areas like the Douro Valley or Alentejo.

How Good Is NOS’s Coverage and Speed?

NOS is the strongest overall performer among Portugal’s three carriers. According to Opensignal’s Mobile Network Experience Report for Portugal, NOS won both coverage-specific awards, Availability and 5G Reach, meaning its users get a usable signal more consistently and in more of the places they actually go than MEO’s or Vodafone’s users. NOS also won 6 award categories outright and tied for 7 more overall, more of the awards than either rival.

On the table above, the first three rows are coverage, how often and in how many places you actually get a signal. The rest is speed, how fast that signal runs once you have it. While MEO edges out slightly on 5G download speed, NOS handles daily tasks like video calls, streaming, and gaming better than its competitors.

Can Tourists Buy a NOS SIM Card?

Yes. All you need is a passport; no Portuguese tax number (NIF) is required for a prepaid SIM. A NIF is required solely for long-term contract plans.

The activation process usually takes just a few minutes in-store, and the SIM works right away.

Where Can You Buy a NOS SIM Card?

You can buy a NOS SIM card at official NOS stores, Fnac, and Worten electronics shops across Portugal, but they are NOT sold at airport counters.

If you are looking to get connected, here is how each option works:

• At Airports (No NOS Available): Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports only have Vodafone counters in their arrival terminals. If you need data immediately upon landing, you can pick up a Vodafone SIM at the airport or set up a travel eSIM before your flight.
• NOS Retail Stores: Found in virtually every Portuguese city and major town. You can easily locate the nearest branch using the store locator at nos.pt.
• Electronics Retailers: Major electronics chains like Fnac and Worten sell official NOS prepaid SIM cards, making them a convenient alternative if a dedicated NOS store isn’t nearby.
• Online via NOS Website: While NOS offers free SIM delivery online, the order process requires a Portuguese tax ID (NIF) and a local shipping address, making it impractical for short-term tourists.

► Traveler Tip: Airport SIM kiosks from other carriers often charge higher rates than city shops. If you can wait until you get into downtown Lisbon or Porto, buying a SIM in the city center will usually save you money.

Can Tourists Get a NOS eSIM in Portugal?

Yes, foreign tourists can get a NOS eSIM by visiting an official store in Portugal or registering through the NOS website.

Setting up a NOS eSIM takes only a few minutes. Once registered, you simply scan a QR code to download the profile onto your phone without needing a physical SIM card.

Gigago’s Portugal eSIM – a Good Alternative to NOS SIM Cards

If you want your internet working the moment you land without waiting in line or submitting passport verification, Gigago’s Portugal eSIM is a great choice.

It connects automatically to NOS, MEO, and Vodafone’s networks, whichever gives the best signal at your location, with no identity verification required. The plans run from 1 to 30 days, starting at $2.00, and the QR code arrives by email within minutes of purchase so you can install it before you leave home. The eSIM is data-only but you can still call and text through apps like WhatsApp instead of a phone number.

How Much Does a NOS Prepaid Plan Cost?

NOS prepaid plans run from about €5 for a small long-validity data pack up to about €40 for an unlimited hotspot bundle. A typical 30-day tourist SIM costs around €15.

Prices and promotions change often, so confirm current pricing at the website nos.pt or in-store before you buy.

Is NOS Good Enough, or Should You Consider a Different Network?

Based on the numbers above, NOS is the safest overall choice for reliable speeds and coverage across Portugal.

MEO remains a solid alternative if peak 5G speeds matter most, while Vodafone currently trails both in independent testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

NOS is a safe, well-tested default for mobile service in Portugal, and buying a prepaid SIM as a tourist takes just a passport, no NIF, and a few minutes at a store or airport counter. If you’d rather arrive already connected, Gigago’s Portugal eSIM covers the same three major networks with no identity verification needed.