My experience using an eSIM in Spain (What I loved and didn’t like)

I used an eSIM during our recent month-long trip in Spain, starting in Alicante, then heading out to Murcia, Cartagena, Valencia, Malaga, and finally the island of Mallorca.

I opted for an eSIM on this trip because the roaming fees can be high with my current provider, and I really didn’t want to have to deal with buying a local Spanish SIM card when I arrived. What is an eSIM, I hear you quietly ask – well, it’s a digital SIM card that you can use instead of a physical local SIM – it ensures you stay connected at all times (no matter what country you’re in!)

I’ve used an eSIM a few times in the past, and so I have past experiences to compare to, and, in this blog post, I’ll let you know what eSIM we chose for Spain, why we chose it, and whether or not it’s worth your while getting one!

For this trip, I tested a Holafly eSIM for Europe. So this is what happened when I tried this eSIM in different Spanish cities, in small villages, and on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

But, first – what exactly is an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM card for your cell phone that you can install easily and almost instantly – after buying it on the app, you’ll receive it in under a minute from Holafly (the eSIM we chose for this trip), it came to our email and WhatsApp. Also, you can keep your physical SIM card in your phone and thus keep any contacts, your WhatsApp number, etc.

I will say, though, that you will need a new-ish smartphone to use an eSIM – think pre-2018. Anything older than that and it won’t work, unfortunately!

And actually, iPhone 14 users in the United States can only use eSIM’s in their devices, and that may be the route many companies may go with in the future.

Why I used an eSIM for my Spain trip

The main reason was simple: I wanted mobile data ready before I landed. I bought the plan online before the flight and installed the eSIM profile on my phone. I left my home SIM in, to keep my access to WhatsApp/iMessage accounts, and anything else that’s linked to my phone number.

A local SIM would probably have worked too, but I did not want to queue at the airport, show ID, compare plans after a long flight, or swap anything physical in my phone.

Here is why we chose Holafly this time around:

• It offers a regional eSIM for Europe (FYI, they also offer eSIMs for places like Japan, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, etc.)
• They offer unlimited data
• There are no hidden costs
• They offer a 24/7 real-person support team
• And they also offer monthly and yearly subscriptions – the unlimited plan offers a local number

✅ P.S. You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!

How setting up my eSIM went:

Setup took around five minutes.

On the app, I opted for manual installation and was guided through the process (it’s an easy step-by-step process). Alternatively, you can scan the QR code, or there’s a super-easy one-button set-up for iOS 17.4 above!

You can pay for the exact number of days of your trip, which is what I did; it meant I didn’t have to pay for a pre-set duration and waste $$$ on days I didn’t need the eSIM.

I installed the eSIM in advance, but I did not use it as my main data line until I arrived in Spain. Once I landed, I switched mobile data to the eSIM profile and kept my home number active for calls and texts.

What did not work perfectly:

The eSIM wasn’t perfect all the time – sometimes, in very crowded bars and very rural areas, I experienced slower speeds. But it was super handy for the boring parts of travel, like finding my way around new places, texting, and grabbing a ride without immediately stressing about data.

That is not really a Holafly issue, though; it’s just how mobile coverage works in the parts of Spain – especially rural areas and/ or very busy places.

The important part is knowing this beforehand.

Did I install my eSIM before I got to Spain?

Yes, as I said, I chose and paid for the Europe plan on the Holafly app while I was still at home, and as soon as I landed in Spain, it automatically activated.

P.S. You can also buy your eSIM plan on their website if you don’t want to get the app.

Can you use the Holafly eSIM and a regular SIM card at the same time?

Yes, if you have a dual-SIM phone or an Apple device, you can utilize both a physical SIM card and an eSIM simultaneously. Opt for the SIM card to handle phone calls and SMS, while using the Holafly eSIM for data. Keep in mind that if your SIM card remains active, your mobile network provider might impose data roaming charges for making or receiving calls and SMS.

What I liked/ didn’t like about using an eSIM in Spain

I liked that I did not have to change my setup during the trip.

I installed the eSIM once and kept my normal number active. I also liked that it had unlimited data.

“Always On” is another benefit of Holafly – it provides 1GB/month of global backup data.

And I also like that Holafly offers 24/7 real-person support in case anything goes wrong – it gave me peace of mind.

The Holafly Europe eSIM I chose was data-only, so it didn’t give me a local phone number. Which is probably fine for most people, but it may matter if you need to call hotels, restaurants, car rental offices, or local services. It worked for me because WhatsApp, iMessage, and email were enough for me to contact anyone I needed to contact.

However, I will add that the unlimited Holafly Plan provides a phone number to receive texts for certain destinations like the UK, USA, and Canada.

✅ You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!

Is an eSIM worth it for Spain?

The short answer is YES, for me, it was worth getting an eSIM for Spain! It was really easy (and quick) to set up, and it worked out cheaper than using the international plan my at-home cell provider offered.

The only downside I can think of is that you won’t have a local phone number, which could go against you if you need to call hotels, car rental companies, etc. But, for us, I don’t think we’ve ever had to call our hotels or car rental places on our travels, as most people respond just as quickly to an email as to a phone call.

✅ You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!

And have a read of my other Spain travel blog posts while you’re here –

Best Road Trips in Mallorca (+ Renting a Car in Mallorca Guide)

10 pretty towns under a 2 hour drive from Malaga

9 Best Things to Do in Murcia, Spain

10 Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Spain (Guide for 2026)

Last Updated on June 30, 2026 by snaphappytravel