Yoigo Spain SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate

Thinking of spending time in beautiful Spain? This guide will help you choose the perfect mobile provider to stay connected during your trip. We’ll give you the full scoop on Yoigo, a major carrier in Spain.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this guide will help ensure seamless communication throughout your adventure with Yoigo Spain SIM cards. Let’s dive in and explore what Yoigo has to offer! 

yoigo spain sim cards

I. Quick Facts about Yoigo

  • Yoigo Facts: Yoigo is the fourth largest mobile network operator in Spain. It was founded in 2000 and began commercial operations in 2006. The full company name is Xfera Móviles S.A.
  • Services Offered: Voice calls, SMS, mobile broadband, roaming
  • Subscriber Base: Over 8 million subscribers in Spain as of Q2 2021
  • Purchase Options: Yoigo operates around 600 of its own stores across Spain. It also sells its services through a network of authorized dealers and distributors.
  • Customer Support: available by phone and online chat in Spanish and English 24/7.

II. Why Yoigo When Traveling Spain – Coverage and Speed

1. Yoigo Coverage in Spain

Yoigo provides reliable coverage for its customers, keeping them connected almost 99% of the time according to the Opensignal report

Yoigo provides reliable coverage for its customers, keeping them connected almost 99% of the time according to the Opensignal report. This is on par with Vodafone, ensuring peace of mind when staying connected.

While Yoigo has expanded 5G to more areas over the past year, it still has further room for growth on 5G availability compared to operators like Movistar and Orange. About 12.5% of Yoigo users’ time is spent on the snappier 5G signal.

The network uses 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands which provide good indoor and urban coverage. 4G/LTE is available on 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands for high speed mobile broadband.

This means as a tourist you can rely on getting a Yoigo signal in most areas of Spain including when inside buildings like hotels, restaurants and museums.

2. Yoigo Speed

Spain coverage map in Spain (Source: OpenSignal)
Yoigo coverage map in Spain (Source: OpenSignal)

Speeds are decent overall on Yoigo’s network. Average everyday download speeds of 31Mbps let customers enjoy content smoothly. Upload speeds of 9Mbps also get the job done for sharing photos and videos.

5G speeds have improved but still lag the leaders – average 5G downloads of 143Mbps and uploads of 20Mbps are respectably fast yet trail Movistar and Orange. This presents an opportunity for Yoigo to boost speeds further as 5G rollout continues.

In summary, Yoigo offers reliable basic coverage to stay in touch. As it expands next-gen 5G service and optimizes speeds, performance should only get better. Customers enjoying Yoigo’s value focused offerings can feel good staying with a provider that aims to improve. Steady progress makes Yoigo network a viable option.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Yoigo for Travelers to Spain?

Best Connectivity Options of Yoigo for Travelers
Best Connectivity Options of Yoigo for Travelers

Whether you need a temporary solution while visiting Spain or a full-time mobile plan, Yoigo has portable pocket WiFi rentals, local SIM cards, and international roaming agreements to keep you connected.

FeaturePocket WiFiYoigo Spain SIM CardRoaming
Pros– Portable hotspot for multiple devices
– No need to insert SIM in each device
– Can use local number
– Cheaper calls to Spanish numbers
– Can use mobile services like in Spain
– No extra charge for using data and calls within the EU
Cons– Additional rental costs
– Limited data per rental
– Device dependence
– Slower median download speed compared to other SIM cards– Countries like Andorra and Switzerland are not included
– If you call from Spain to any other country, international call rates will apply
– Roaming charges apply outside the EU

If you need connectivity for an extended stay, a Spanish sim card will work out cheaper than renting a pocket WiFi multiple times or relying solely on roaming rates.

Yoigo SIM cards are compatible with most unlocked GSM devices. So you can insert the SIM in your existing smartphone and tablet to get data and calling services, without needing a separate pocket WiFi device.

IV. Best Yoigo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Best Yoigo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Best Yoigo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Yoigo has several prepaid SIM card options for tourists visiting Spain:

PlanTarifa prepago más barataSIM PrepagoMejor Tarifa PrepagoWifi Portátil Prepago
Calls and TextsUnlimited calls included in all plansNOT included
Network4G/LTE*
Validity30 Days
Data25GB50GB100GB150GB
Charge (€)€10€15€20€35
Charge (US$)~$10.8~$16.3~$21.7~$38.1
RoamingRoaming included in the EU
ProsAffordable priceNo permanenceThe tariffs are automatically renewed every 30 days as long as you have enough balance to pay for your tariff
ConsReduced speed after data limit is reached*5G is only available if you add Internet Bonuses for high-speed internet up to 5G SMS NOT included

V. Does Yoigo Support eSIM in Spain?

eSIM is a handy new tech that lets you use your mobile plan without a regular SIM card. With an eSIM, your phone number and cellular connection are installed digitally on your smartphone.

Yoigo currently offers eSIM options for prepaid plans. You get unlimited minutes and a good amount of data, at the same price as physical SIM cards.

The only downside is that right now, you have to go to an actual Yoigo store to sign up for an eSIM. You can’t buy one online or through their app yet.

If you’re traveling and want an eSIM instead of changing SIM cards, check out the upcoming section as we’ll mention a hassle-free alternative to the Yoigo SIM option for travelers.

VI. Where to Buy Yoigo Spain SIM cards?

Whether you prefer to get your SIM card in person or through online shopping, Yoigo offers convenient options.

Yoigo Spain stores

Yoigo store - where to buy Spain sim cards
Yoigo store – where to buy Spain sim cards

You can stop by one of Yoigo’s physical stores, found using their store locator, to choose a plan and get your new SIM on the spot.

Partner Retailers

Yoigo SIM cards are also available at numerous partner retailers throughout Spain
Yoigo SIM cards are also available at numerous partner retailers throughout Spain

Yoigo SIM cards are also available at numerous partner retailers throughout Spain for added convenience. This includes major electronics retailers like FNAC where you may come across Yoigo displayed while browsing. Large supermarket chains such as Carrefour also stock Yoigo SIM cards by their phone accessory aisles. Remote areas may have Yoigo available at gas stations or airport such as: Madrid, Barcelona,… for travellers to conveniently pick up.

Online Ordering

How to buy Yoigo sim card online
How to buy Yoigo sim card online

Yoigo also allows online ordering straight from their website for effortless home delivery within 1-2 days.

When visiting their website, you can browse the available tariff and plan options to read details about data allowances, call minutes, and more. 

Once you’ve added your desired plan to your cart and entered your contact information during checkout, you can pay securely online with options like credit card or PayPal. 

VII. How to Activate Yoigo Spain SIM Cards/eSIM?

1. How to Use Yoigo Spain SIM Cards?

How to Activate Yoigo Spain SIM Cards/eSIM?
How to Activate Yoigo Spain SIM Cards/eSIM?

Activating a Yoigo SIM card is a quick and simple process:

  1. Insert the SIM Card into your unlocked phone. For iPhones you may need the SIM tray removal tool to open the tray.
  2. Power on your phone and connect to the Yoigo network. This should happen automatically.
  3. Open the browser on your phone and go to any website. This will redirect you to a Yoigo page to register your SIM card.
  4. Provide your basic details like name, passport number, email etc. This registers you as the SIM owner.
  5. Choose your plan or top up amount from the options. Enter payment info like credit card details.
  6. Wait a few minutes for plan activation. You’ll get a confirmation SMS when it’s ready.
  7. Start using your Yoigo SIM! You can check your data balance and top up again via the Yoigo app or website.

The entire process only takes about 5-10 minutes allowing you to get connected with Yoigo quickly upon arriving in Spain.

Note: While the porting process takes place, your line will still work with your previous provider. Do not insert the Yoigo SIM until the exact date that the porting becomes effective.

2. How to Activate Yoigo eSIM?

To start using a Yoigo eSIM:

  1. Install the Yoigo eSIM app on your phone from the app store.
  2. Open the app and select the eSIM plan you want. Provide your personal details for registration.
  3. Enter payment information to pay for the plan. An eSIM profile will be downloaded to your device.
  4. Follow the activation process shown in the app. This will activate Yoigo service on your device’s built-in SIM.
  5. Once activated, you can start using data and calling with your eSIM plan. Manage your eSIM by topping up through the app when needed.

Activating eSIM only takes a couple minutes. The entire process is done digitally through the app without having to visit a Yoigo store.

VIII. Alternatives to Yoigo Spain SIM Cards

1. SIM cards by other major mobile operators

SIM card activation cost is usually around €10-20 with some prepaid credit included
SIM card activation cost is usually around €10-20 with some prepaid credit included

In addition to Yoigo, the three main mobile network operators in Spain – Orange, Vodafone and Movistar – also offer prepaid SIM card plans tailored specifically for visitors to the country. Between them, these major carriers provide extensive coverage nationwide and strive to attract tourists with competitive travel packages.

OperatorCoveragePlans offeredValidityPrice rangeProsCons
OrangeLarge network coverageVarious plans with data from 25GB-100GB5-28 days€10-€25Large data amounts, bonuses on top upsShortest plans only 5 days, plans auto-renew
VodafoneBroad coverage, fast 5G speedsPlans with data from 50GB-190GB28 days€10-€40Fastest speeds, data roll overMost expensive plans
MovistarWide coverage, established networkPlans with data from 10GB-20GB+105GB28 days€10-€20Large network, cheap plansLower data amounts than others, no long term plans

2. eSIM by GIGAGO

Spain eSIM by Gigago
Spain eSIM by Gigago

In addition to the major carriers like Yoigo, Movistar and Orange, there are other cost-effective choices for tourists visiting Spain. Travelers have access to affordable eSIM plans that provide competitive features without the hassle of swapping SIM cards or paying high roaming fees to their home provider.

One such option is eSIM plans from GIGAGO. Our website allows visitors to easily purchase short-term data packages for use in Spain, with options ranging from 3 to 30 day durations.

For Spain, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . 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.

Purchasing an eSIM from GIGAGO is simple and convenient. Once bought online through our secure server, the eSIM QR code is instantly emailed. Tourists then just need to scan the code into their smartphone to connect to Spain’s fast 4G/5G networks everywhere in the country.

Take a quick look here to make sure your phone is on our compatibility list

IX. FAQs about Yoigo Spain SIM Cards

Does Yoigo have good coverage in rural Spain?

Yoigo has excellent coverage in Spain’s major cities and tourist areas. Rural coverage is improving but still lags Movistar and Orange in the most remote pueblos and countryside. Overall coverage reaches 98% of the population.

Can I use VoLTE and WiFi Calling on Yoigo?

Yes, Yoigo supports advanced calling features like VoLTE and WiFi calling. These provide better call quality in areas of low service. Available on newer smartphone models.

What networks can I roam on with Yoigo outside Spain?

Yoigo has roaming agreements for its customers to use in 100+ countries globally. Major travel destinations include USA (AT&T), UK (EE), Germany (Telefonica), France (Orange) etc.

Where are Yoigo cell towers located?

Yoigo has over 12,000 cellular base stations located across Spain. These provide the mobile coverage for voice, texting, data and more. Big cities have the most density of towers while rural areas less.

How do I check my data balance with Yoigo?

Log into your Yoigo account on the website or mobile app. You can see your remaining data balance and top up if needed. You’ll get text alerts when data is running low or fully depleted.

How long is my Yoigo Spain SIM card valid for?

Yoigo prepaid SIM cards remain active as long as you top up once per year at a minimum. If unused for 1 year, it will expire and require reactivation.

Can I use my Yoigo Spain SIM card across multiple trips?

Yes, you can use your Yoigo SIM on multiple trips to Spain. Top it up with a data package before each trip. The SIM won’t expire between trips if you use at least once per year.

X. Conclusion

In summary, Yoigo provides excellent connectivity options for tourists visiting Spain. Their network has wide coverage across Spain’s main travel destinations with fast 4G speeds.

Yoigo tourist SIM cards give you plenty of data on the network at great prices. eSIM is also available for added convenience. Pick up a Yoigo SIM upon arrival or delivery eSIM to your device before your trip.

With great value, ease of activation and reliable service, a Yoigo SIM card should be a top choice to stay connected during your travels in Spain!