Getting cell phone data service in Spain for iPhone

My free T Mobile data runs out pretty quickly when in Europe. I order the Orange data Holiday Plan via SimOptions. I did some research and I found SimOptions is a recommended marketplace for data while abroad. The aforementioned plan with Orange includes 12 gb of data, which is more than enough, and costs $29.90. There are cheaper plans available (data only, no number) but I like to text and be able to make/take calls if needed. This plan includes a French telephone number for up to 30 days. If you want to keep the number beyond 30 days, you have to register your information via a picture of your passport. Adding the Esim to your phone takes only a few seconds, however, you will need to shut down and restart your phone for the Esim to take hold (instructions don’t say that). After that, you can easily toggle between the two ESIM’s.

We have also used Orange Travel eSim in Spain and in Portugal. Never underestimate the value of being able to make a phone call.

Last summer (2023) we traveled 3 weeks to Spain (BCN, MAD, TOL) and used Airalo eSimm on iphone 13's. It is an app you download from App-Store. One month of more data than I needed for $20? Worked pretty well. First time activation was a bit tricky when I arrived but it was clear sailing after that. There are several YouTube videos on how it works and of alternative/similar services. If you need voice this may not be for you, though we had no problems with Whats-app voice calls.

I have used both of the above. Orange: for a trip of 2 weeks or less when you need to make calls with a Spanish number. Airalo: for much less money, variable length of trip, lots of data, but no phone number.

I generally turn my home cell service off, use Airalo for data connectivity all the time, with Skype or WhatsApp for phone calls within Europe, and Skype, FaceTime, or Messenger for calls home. If I have a true emergency where none of those are possible, I have the option to turn my home cell service back on. You phone just has to be unlocked to use either kind of sim (physical or eSim).

Wow, thanks mr gustavo perez!! I've been doing research on this and it sure seems like a great way to be able to use data. One thing I wondered: if I had to make a phone call, would I be able to if needed with this app? Last trip to Spain I had to make two phone calls which is unusual and I never had to make phone calls on my other foreign trips. I just want to be able to use my phone if needed and not be charged a bunch of money to do so. Thanks for any help!

ah, editing to say I read the other replies here and it looks like this is a data only plan and you cannot make phone calls.

We used a virtual SIM from Holafly. It was simple to set up and worked great.

I've used Airalo eSIMs for 3+ weeks in Germany in 2022, and was very happy with it. FWIW, I did not have a phone number nor did I see the need for one, but that's me. Instead I used WhatsApp for calls/texts in Europe, and for family calls, I used FaceTime (or WhatsApp for those that had the app.

Just to clarify: Airalo isn’t an app. It is a company that provides an eSim. However, it does HAVE an app - which is very useful and I recommend downloading and using it. But if for some reason you can’t or don’t want to, you can still buy and use an Airalo plan.

I have needed to make phone calls a few times. My last trip, I had to make a quick phone call to my cc company. I always have a few dollars on Skype and made my call using my Airalo data and my Skype app while standing in London gift shop.

I was trying to decide on SIM card so this post is so great! I used SIM card when I was in Paris and Italy last year as I wasn’t sure of eSIM. Is there any reason to get/ not get eSIM vs physical SIM (besides not having to grab that tiny card and fit it in your phone)?
How was your orange holiday overall in terms of data and phone?
Thanks!

How was your orange holiday overall in terms of data and phone?
My experience with Orange is great. Great service (UK, France, and Italy) and purchasing and setting up the ESIM is fast and easy. I also like having the option to toggle between my primary ESIM and travel ESIM.

Is there any reason to get/ not get eSIM vs physical SIM (besides not having to grab that tiny card and fit it in your phone)?

Convenience - I don't have to go the a store after I land and get a SIM card. The app is already downloaded and my plan is paid for. I just activate it on my travel day. I have data the minute I land.

Theft - If your phone is stolen, a thief can just remove your SIM card and your phone has disappeared. An eSIM stays with your phone until you delete it.

Switching is easy. - You can switch between your eSIM and your normal number just by switching your settings. You could even have a second eSIM for a different country, I guess.

a data eSIM + WhatsApp is a very good cheap way to roll. WhatsApp is very popular, even among innkeepers.

Thanks for the suggestions. I purchased a data only eSIM from Airalo and have it installed. We leave for Spain in two days.

Enjoy your trip!

Wow the benefits of having eSIM definitely outweigh physical SIMs! I am definitely getting eSIM this time for trip to Spain and Portugal.
Thanks everyone!

If it's helpful, I found a youtube video of a traveler explaining how to set up Airalo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi1Cb1tEeSI&list=PLPEoftPB5ASCH3uMrvIkWi3nbZmNbC4M9&index=1&t=1008s

I have not done this (yet) but these seem like great instructions.

I have a follow-up question.
I see iPhone 15 pro max isn’t listed under the compatibility chart for eSIM card on orange holiday website — presumably due to being the newest model — and an unhappy review on the App Store that someone wasn’t able to use the purchased eSIM on the iPhone 15 despite multiple phone calls to the customer service.
Those who use iPhone 15 and have gone to Spain and Portugal lately, which physical/eSIM card company did you use with success? Thanks!

Those who use iPhone 15 and have gone to Spain and Portugal lately, which physical/eSIM card company did you use with success?

I went to France, Italy, and London last month with my 15 Pro and Orange eSIM worked fine.