Gibraltar is the only European region that has a wild monkey population. Around 300-400 of them can be found trying to steal your food from your backpack, so beware!
Besides that, what can you actually do and see in Gibraltar? Of course, you have to see the Rock of Gibraltar. You can also find many caves as well, such as the Saint Michael's Cave. Moorish Castle has cool views from it too.
What is not cool is dealing with an expensive roaming bill you get from roaming with your provider in Gibraltar. Roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers prefer to buy a local SIM card, like a Gibraltarian.
Mobile data is not overly expensive, but not super cheap either in Gibraltar. Even then, using a local SIM card will probably be cheaper than roaming.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Gibraltar. Let's do this.
Original publication: 23rd of May 2020. Last updated: 18th of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Telecom Provider in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has 1 telecom operator:
- Gibtelecom
They have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
Best SIM Card in Gibraltar
If you want to buy a SIM card in Gibraltar, then Gibtelecom would be your only choice.
SIM Card Registration Regulations in Gibraltar
Like many countries in Southern Europe, and Europe in general, you do not have to register yourself when buying a SIM card in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. This means that it is not a country, nor is it part of the United Kingdom. However, Gibraltar does fall in the legal jurisdiction of the United Kingdom, which makes it, until the end of 2020, part of the European Union.
As of June 2017, a new regulation has been enforced, which is known as roam like at home, meaning that those with a European Union (or EEA) SIM card should be allowed to use (some) of their data allowance in other EU/EEA countries without a surcharge.
Until the transitional period expires on the 1st of January, 2021, those with an EU/EEA SIM card can Roam Like at Home in Gibraltar. After that, things can change drastically. The same can be said for using your Gibtelecom SIM card in the EU/EEA. Once there is more information about this issue, this section will be updated, but it is something to be aware of.
With that being said, let’s see what Gibtelecom has to offer to us.
Gibtelecom
Gibtelecom is the sole operator in Gibraltar, and they are state-owned.
SIM Card Price – Gibtelecom
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
You can get a Gibtelecom SIM card, called Reload, for 25 GBP ($30.20) at the Customer Service Center in Jon Mackintosh or from other retailers. You will get the 25 GBP spent on the SIM card as credit.
Reload scratch cards are sold for 10 GBP and 25 GBP in many stores throughout Gibraltar, but you can also recharge online. To top-up, dial *101*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, then you would dial *101*123456#. Dial *100# to check your Reload balance.
Gibtelecom has 5 data packages to choose from:
- 10 GBP: “Unlimited” data (3 GB high-speed, then throttled to 128 Kbps until you have hit 10 GB, then the speed will be reduced to 64 Kbps) for 7 days. Activation: text DATA7 to 8100
- 10 GBP: 1 GB for 30 days. Activation: text DATA1GB to 8100
- 14 GBP: 2 GB for 30 days. Activation: text DATA2GB to 8100
- 17 GBP: 4 GB for 30 days. Activation: text DATA4GB to 8100
- 29 GBP: 10 GB for 30 days. Activation: text DATA10GB to 8100
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Gibraltar without personal detail capturing, you can get Gibraltar Gibnet eSIMs from Airalo (five options):
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Airalo Eurolink eSIM to be used in 39 European countries with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 50 GB/90 days
- 100 GB/180 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
By the way, you get free 5G NR access in 22 of the 39 supported countries!
I have used the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in 11 countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review for my insights!
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Gibraltar
Getting a SIM card from Gibtelecom would be your only option when considering a Gibraltarian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other European Countries
Visiting other countries in Europe? Check out my Europe SIM card buying guide, covering other European nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
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In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
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