Travel Guide 2026
Internet in Spain: WiFi vs local SIM vs eSIM
Traveling from the UK to Spain after Brexit? Compare hotel WiFi, local SIMs, UK roaming fees and prepaid eSIMs. Stay online in cities and islands without wasting time in shops.
Spain is often a mix of city trips and beach time (including islands). WiFi is fine when you are in your hotel, but the moment you are on the move (tours, transfers, islands), you need mobile data. For UK travelers, the big change after Brexit is that many mobile plans now charge for roaming in Europe.
Hotel and cafe WiFi
- Pros: free, convenient for big uploads.
- Cons: can be crowded and slow at peak hours; not reliable outside your accommodation.
- Security: use secure sites/VPN for sensitive tasks.
Buying a local SIM
Local prepaid SIMs can be good value, but they usually require a store visit and a SIM swap. If you land late or have a tight transfer, this is the friction travelers want to avoid.
UK roaming after Brexit
Many UK plans charge daily roaming fees in Europe (depending on carrier and plan). On a week-long holiday, that daily cost can add up quickly. If you want predictable spend, prepaid data is usually the safer choice.
Prepaid eSIM (recommended)
A prepaid eSIM is the easiest option for tourists: buy online, install on WiFi, and connect as soon as you land. Keep your main SIM active for calls/SMS while the eSIM provides data.
- Install: iOS/Android install link + QR code.
- Cost control: prepaid, no contract.
- Coverage: uses local partner networks (e.g. Orange (4G), Vodafone (4G)).
- Speed: 4G/LTE is the common baseline.
So what is best for tourists?
For most trips, a prepaid eSIM is the best balance of convenience and cost control. A local SIM can make sense for long stays and heavy usage.
Ready to choose? Buy an eSIM for Spain.