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A pocket WiFi device is an excellent solution, providing secure WiFi hotspot connectivity for all your devices while avoiding expensive roaming charges.
How to Buy a SIM Card at Porto Airport & City: Best Plans + Updated Price
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When traveling to Portugal, having access to mobile data is key for using maps, translations, rideshares, and more. Purchasing a local Porto SIM card can often be the most affordable way to get connected. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a SIM card at Porto’s airport (OPO) or around the city.
In this article
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Porto Airport?
Located in the departure area of Terminal 2, the Vodafone store sells prepaid SIM cards with data plans. They offer reliable coverage throughout Portugal.
Vodafone:
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Contact: +351 808 919 191
For those connecting onward flights, it’s best to purchase your Portugal SIM card in Porto city once you collect your luggage. Near the airport, stores like Vodafone and MEO in the shopping centers in Maia municipality have reliable stock.
Notes:
- The lines at these stands can be long, especially during peak travel hours, so be prepared to wait for up to an hour at times!
- SIM card shops at Portor Airport generally do not stay open after midnight. While airport hours vary, most shops and services inside the airport close around 9 PM to midnight, including SIM card kiosks. This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from those stores.
II. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Porto Airport
To ensure a SIM card purchasing and activation process at Porto Airport, prepare the following:
Registration Documentation
You will need to fill out registration papers and show your:
- Passport
- Proof of address (hotel confirmation)
Forms of Payment Accepted
Have ready:
- Cash (Euros)
- Credit card
- Debit card
Phone Unlocking
Make sure your phone:
- Is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card
- Has battery charged to activate the new SIM
Compare mobile plans ahead of time to have provider and pricing details ready when you reach the kiosk. Peak arrival times often have long queues, so research beforehand allows for quicker purchasing.
III. Compare Prepaid SIM card plans for tourists at Porto Airport – Quick Reviews
Let’s compare the data plans of the major telecom providers in Portugal: Vodafone, MEO, and NOS. Here is an overview and a comparison table based on the criteria provided.
- Vodafone Portugal: Offers extensive coverage and high-speed data services, known for reliable service and competitive pricing.
- MEO (Altice Portugal): One of the largest providers in Portugal, known for its comprehensive service and robust network.
- NOS: Known for innovative services and competitive pricing, NOS offers a wide range of mobile plans.
Data Plan Comparison
| Provider | Plan Name | Data Allowance | Other Features | Validity | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | Vodafone You | 5 GB | Free social media apps | 30 days | 15 |
| Vodafone You | 10 GB | Free social media apps | 30 days | 20 | |
| Vodafone You | 15 GB | Free social media apps | 30 days | 25 | |
| MEO | MEO Pré-pago | 3 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 10 |
| MEO Pré-pago | 10 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 20 | |
| MEO Pré-pago | 30 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 30 | |
| NOS | NOS Pré-pago | 3 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 10 |
| NOS Pré-pago | 10 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 20 | |
| NOS Pré-pago | 30 GB | Unlimited calls/SMS in Portugal | 30 days | 30 |
► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Orange because of its suitable price that many people believe to use.
IV. SIM Card Prices At Porto Airport
- The Vodafone Travelers SIM card costs 20 EUR and includes 10GB data, 500 minutes/SMS, and 30 international minutes/SMS to EU/EEA countries valid for 30 days.
- The Vodafone Go Total SIM card costs 30 EUR and includes “unlimited data” at speeds of up to 50Mbps (throttled to 10Mbps for over 200GB usage) valid for 30 days. This SIM has local use only without roaming.
Note: The SIM card prices mentioned in the guide were current at the time of the author's visit to Portugal and may have changed since then.
V. Buy SIM card online for pickup at Porto Airport
To ensure you stay connected during your trip, follow these steps to buy a SIM card online for pickup at Porto Airport:
- Choose a Provider: Research and select a telecom provider that offers suitable prepaid SIM card plans for tourists.
- Visit the Provider’s Website: Go to the official website of your chosen provider.
- Select a Plan: Browse through available prepaid SIM card plans and choose the one that meets your data and usage needs.
- Purchase the SIM Card: Add the desired SIM card to your cart and proceed to checkout, providing necessary personal and payment information.
- Choose Pickup Location: During checkout, select the option to pick up your SIM card at Porto Airport.
- Receive Confirmation: After completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with order details and pickup instructions.
- Pickup at the Airport: Upon arrival, go to the designated pickup location mentioned in your confirmation email, present your confirmation and valid ID to collect your SIM card.
- Activate Your SIM Card: Follow the activation instructions provided by the provider or ask airport staff for assistance.
By following these steps, you can easily buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.
Benefits of Buying a SIM Card Online vs. Buying at the Airport
Buying Online
- Better Deals: Often find more competitive prices.
- Detailed Information: Access to comprehensive details about different plans.
- Ready Upon Arrival: Assurance that your SIM card will be ready for pickup when you land.
Buying at the Airport
- Immediate Availability: Purchase and activate your SIM card on the spot.
- Staff Assistance: Airport staff can help with activation and any immediate issues.
► Our recommendation: Given the potential for long lines at airport stands, particularly during peak flying hours, it is advisable to buy your SIM card online. This option provides better deals, more detailed information, and the convenience of having your SIM card ready for pickup upon arrival.
VI. How to active SIM card bought at Porto Airport
Activating your SIM card bought at Portor Airport is a simple process. Usually, the airport staff or clerks who sell you the SIM card will also take care of the activation. If you run into any problems, the staff will be there to help and make sure your SIM card is properly set up before you depart.
VII. eSIM At Porto Airport – Alternative to Porto Airport SIM Card
Instead of a plastic SIM card, an eSIM (or e-SIM) is a digital SIM profile installed directly on your phone.
Advantages of eSIM
- Easy online signup, no airport queues
- Flexible plans, more provider options
- Dual SIM functionality – use local data alongside your regular number
For Portugal, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Portugal eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $125.98 . 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.
Our tourist eSIMs provide medium-term plans at reasonable rates compared to airport SIMs. Sign up online and activate even before departure.
Tip: Just make sure your phone supports eSIM functionality - newer iPhones all the way back to iPhone XS/XR and newer Samsung S22/Flip/Fold models support eSIM profiles.
VIII. FAQs About Getting a SIM Card at Porto Airport
Can I use a SIM card from another EU country?
Yes, “Roam Like Home” rules allow you to roam in Portugal for up to 2 months per year with no extra roaming fees. But local SIMs offer cheaper data rates.
Can I use eSIM and regular SIM together?
Yes, dual SIM phones like newer iPhones let you have both a physical SIM and eSIM activated simultaneously. Useful for keeping your home number active.
Do Portuguese SIM cards work in other countries?
Typically no – Portuguese prepaid SIMs only include domestic usage. But some carriers offer Euro roaming passes. Check your plan terms.
Do I need to show ID/passport to get a SIM card?
Yes, you need show your valid passport for the mandatory SIM card registration laws in Portugal.
Can I top up or cancel my Portugal SIM card remotely?
Yes, most major operator SIMs can be managed using your online account dashboard or mobile apps after your initial in-person registration.
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