Portugal – known for its seafood dishes, beaches & architecture.
It is also sometimes called Spain‘s brother, but the Portuguese do not always like to hear it.
They hate it much more if you ask them if they speak Brazillian 🤪 (no, seriously – do not ask that question).
While Greece, Italy & Spain get most of the travelers from up north who want to escape the cold in their own countries and enjoy some sun down south, Portugal is also a popular winter retreat.
But the country, especially the Azores and Madeira, is popular in general, mostly because of its favorable climate.
Besides enjoying the beaches, you can also see many famous landmarks, like Belém Tower and Castelo de S. Jorge.
The Luís I Bridge is rather iconic too, as is Livraria Lello's staircase.
And do not forget about LxFactory and the Time Out Market in Lisbon.
There is no reason to be bored in Portugal. And if you are, enjoy the beaches.
Dealing with an expensive international roaming bill will certainly not be enjoyable because you forgot to turn off international roaming.
That feature can be expensive, which is why I always recommend getting local SIM cards, like a Portuguese one, so that you can enjoy local rates.
SIM cards are not too expensive in Portugal, but they are not cheap either.
You can get a Portuguese SIM card for between 2.50 EUR (2.70 USD) to 30 EUR (32.10 USD) from MEO, 10 EUR (10.70 USD) to 40 EUR (42.80 USD) from NOS & 9.90 EUR to 30 EUR from Vodafone. SIM cards are also sold at Lisbon-Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).
Okay, these price ranges are not low at all.
But the 40 EUR NOS SIM card, for example, is a data-only SIM card with unlimited data for 30 days.
And the same applies to the expensive MEO (by Altice) and Vodafone Portugal SIM cards.
So if you already know you will use a lot of data and stay in the country for a month, that starter SIM card will be the best – you would not have to buy a plan for it anyway.
So, what else do you need to know about Portuguese SIM cards? A lot if you want to be informed and save a lot of money.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Portugal. Let's get started, shall we?

Original publication: 4th of February 2022. Last updated: 10th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Portugal?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Portugal, I recommend going with MEO or NOS. MEO and NOS have the best coverage throughout the country (including in the Azores and Madeira). NOS has the fastest speeds.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Portugal has three mobile operators and six Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to tourists:
- MEO (by Altice Portugal)
- NOS Portugal
- Vodafone Portugal
- Lycamobile Portugal (Vodafone Portugal MVNO)
- Moche Portugal (MEO Portugal youth sub-brand)
- Uzo Portugal Portugal (MEO Portugal MVNO)
- Woo Portugal (NOS Portugal MVNO)
- WTF Portugal (NOS Portugal youth sub-brand)
- Yorn Portugal (Vodafone Portugal youth sub-brand)

In this guide, I will stick to the mobile operators and the most popular MVNOs, all in bold above, to limit the length of this guide (but also not to overwhelm you with all the options available).
But if you are interested in getting a SIM card from one of the unbolded MVNOs, you would have to do the research yourself for the time being. I stopped actively testing and reviewing MVNOs to spend time reviewing travel eSIMs instead, like the ones for Portugal.
Anyone living in or visiting Portugal can buy a Portuguese SIM card without restrictions.
Where Can You Buy a Portuguese SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get a Portugese SIM card in MEO, NOS & Vodafone stores. Kiosks also sell SIM cards (especially for the MVNOs). Some Portuguese airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Portuguese SIM cards:
- MEO (by Altice Portugal): 2.50 EUR (regular), 9.99 EUR (regular), 14.99 EUR (data-only) & 30 EUR (data-only)
- NOS Portugal: 10 EUR (regular), 15 EUR (data-only) & 40 EUR (data-only)
- Vodafone Portugal: free (5 EUR top-up), 9.90 EUR & 20 EUR (travel)
- Lycamobile Portugal: 5 EUR, 10 EUR & 15 EUR
The following Portuguese mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- MEO (by Altice Portugal): 15 EUR (in MEO stores)/19 USD (via Airalo) – Ready to Enjoy Portugal eSIM
- Vodafone Portugal: 20 EUR – Vodafone Travelers
Note that SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date EUR (Euro) to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between EUR and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 EUR = 1.05 USD
- 10 EUR = 10.70 USD
- 100 EUR = 107 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Portugal
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, MEO, NOS & Vodafone offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Portugal eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide (even in Portugal).

Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Portuguese SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Europe-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Portugal SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Portugal eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Portugal:
- Airalo: Fofo Mobil (Portugal only – 4G/LTE only), MEO (Portugal only – with 5G NR), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Portugal & Europe (32 countries)
- Holafly: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls
- Nomad: Portugal, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Portugal eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Portuguese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through MEO (by Altice Portugal), NOS Portugal, Vodafone Portugal, Lycamobile Portugal (MVNO), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Portugal offers us.
MEO (by Altice Portugal)

MEO by Altice Portugal is the largest mobile operator in Portugal.
Altice, as a company, is also active in the Dominican Republic and the United States (as a cable television provider).
MEO uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3600 MHz (n78) 1
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
1 Currently, MEO lets anyone test out 5G NR for free until the end of March (2022) (extended to the 15th of September October 2022) before charging you for it (how much is unknown – and perhaps they will extend this offer 5 EUR/month). October 2022/January 2023 update: MEO decided not to charge for 5G NR access, unlike previously promised. However, all MEO prepaid plans will be restricted to 40 Mbps (unlike the maximum speed during the trial – this has been postponed to the 15th of January 2023… I have the feeling the speed will never be throttled.).
This is what you will learn about MEO:
* Coverage
* How to Get a(n) MEO SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
MEO has extensive coverage throughout Portugal.
It has a similar superior 4G/LTE coverage experience as its competitors.
Below are the coverage maps of MEO in continental Portugal (left) and in the Azores and Madeira (right) produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
You can get a(n) MEO SIM card, called Cartão M Móvel Pré-Pago, starting at 2.50 EUR (with 2.50 EUR credit) or 9.99 EUR (with 5 GB and 1000 minutes/SMS) in MEO stores. Data-only SIM cards (Cartão Enjoy Todo o Tráfego Incluído) are sold for 14.99 EUR with unlimited data. SIM cards are also sold at Lisbon-Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), but not at Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).
If you are flying into Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some time.


Below is an overview of the four MEO SIM cards:
Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.50 EUR | Cartão M Móvel Pré-Pago Livre | 2.50 EUR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
9.99 EUR | Cartão M Móvel Pré-Pago | N/A | 5 GB | 1000 minutes | Shared with call allowance | 30 days |
14.99 EUR | Cartão Enjoy Todo o Tráfego Incluído €14.99 | N/A | Unlimited 1 | N/A | N/A | 15 days |
40 EUR | Cartão Enjoy Todo o Tráfego Incluído €40 | N/A | Unlimited 1 | N/A | N/A | 30 days |


- 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)

It is also possible to get a(n) MEO eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Portugal, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from MEO.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Portugal eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Fofo Mobil & MEO (Portugal only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Portugal, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Portugal eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

For now, I will continue with MEO.
Note that MEO offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
MEO has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- M Móvel Plans (combo)
- +Internet Plans (data)
- Mobile Broadband Plans (data for data SIM card)
All MEO plans can be activated online.
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – British Pound Sterling) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
M Móvel Plans – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
The M Móvel Plans are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Note that the call and SMS allowances are shared, meaning that you can call/send up to 500 minutes or SMS or 1000 minutes or SMS.
The following M Móvel Plans are available:
Price | Data | Local/EU Minutes/SMS 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
3.20 EUR | 200 MB | 500 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
3.80 EUR | 200 MB | 1000 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
3.80 EUR | 1 GB | 500 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
4.30 EUR | 1 GB | 1000 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
4.60 EUR | 3 GB | 500 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
5.10 EUR | 3 GB | 1000 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
5.40 EUR | 5 GB | 500 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
5.90 EUR | 5 GB | 1000 minutes/SMS | 7 days |
1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to Portugal (NOT from Portugal to other EU/EEA member states)

+Internet Plans – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
The +Internet Plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
The following +Internet Plans are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3.99 EUR | 0.25 GB | 1 month |
6.99 EUR | 0.5 GB | 1 month |
9.99 EUR | 1 GB | 1 month |
14.99 EUR | 5 GB | 1 month |

Mobile Broadband Plans – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
The Mobile Broadband Plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access) for the Cartão Enjoy Todo o Tráfego Incluído SIM card (data-only SIM card).
Note that Mobile Broadband Plans are for local use only – you cannot roam for free in the EU/EEA with these bundles.
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
8 EUR | 10 GB | 30 days |
15 EUR | 30 GB | 30 days |
20 EUR | 60 GB | 30 days |
30 EUR | Unlimited | 30 days |

EU Roaming – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
You can use your MEO allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Martinique
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Réunion
- Romania
- Saint Barthélemy
- Saint Martin
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
As MEO does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.
Note that the Broadband Plans are for local use only.
APN/Internet Settings – MEO (by Altice Portugal)
- Name: Internet MEO
- APN: meo
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
NOS Portugal

NOS Portugal, just NOS and not to be confused with the Dutch Broadcasting Foundation (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting in Dutch), is the second-largest mobile operator in Portugal.
It also has the best overall network performance in the country.
It used to be the smallest mobile operator of the Big Three, until it invested a lot in its services.
Now, it has overtaken Vodafone Portugal and is looking to kick MEO (by Altice) off its throne (or not – I do now know NOS' intentions 🤪.
NOS uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78) 1
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
1 All NOS Portugal customers, including prepaid, get free 5G NR access until the 15th of November 2022. From then, NOS Portugal plans to charge you 5 EUR a month for 5G NR usage – this trial has been going on for more than a year, so I have no idea what its plans are
This is what you will learn about NOS:
* Coverage
* How to Get a(n) NOS SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – NOS Portugal
NOS has the best coverage throughout Portugal.
It also won the Portugal Best Mobile Coverage Speedtest Award of 2021.
It has a similar superior 4G/LTE coverage experience as its competitors, but it has a better 4G/LTE availability.
Below, are the coverage maps of NOS in continental Portugal (left) and in the Azores and Madeira (right) produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – NOS Portugal
You can get a(n) NOS SIM card for 10 EUR with 5 GB of data and 1500 minutes/SMS in NOS stores. Data-only SIM cards (Kanguru Livre XL) are sold for 15 EUR or 40 EUR with unlimited data for eight days or 30 days. SIM cards are also sold at Lisbon-Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) but not at Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).
If you are flying into Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some time.

Below is an overview of the three NOS SIM cards:
Price | Data | Local/EU Minutes/SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
10 EUR | 1 GB | 80 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
15 EUR | Unlimited | N/A | 8 days |
40 EUR | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |


- 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)

It is also possible to get a(n) NOS eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Portugal, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from NOS (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Portugal or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Portugal eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Fofo Mobil & MEO (Portugal only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data + calling feature – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Portugal, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Portugal eSIM buying guide.

But let's continue with NOS for now.
Note that NOS offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – NOS Portugal
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – NOS Portugal
NOS has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Pré-pagos Tarifários de Telemóvel/Prepaid Cellphone Tariffs (combo)
- Prepaid Mobile Voice+Data Plans (combo)
- Pacotes de Internet Mensais/Monthly Internet Packages (data)
- Prepaid Internet Plans (data)
- Pré-pagos Net Móvel/Net Mobile (data)
All NOS plans can be activated on the NOS App (Cliente NOS) app.
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – British Pound Sterling) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Pré-pagos Tarifários de Telemóvel (Prepaid Cellphone Tariffs) – NOS Portugal
Pré-pagos Tarifários de Telemóvel (The Prepaid Cellphone Tariffs) are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7.50 EUR | Tarifário Mundo | 500 MB | N/A | charged per minute | N/A | 30 days |
21 EUR | Tarifário Like | 5 GB | 1000 minutes | N/A | 1000 SMS | 28 days |
24 EUR | Tarifário Like de 10 GB | 10 GB | 1000 minutes | N/A | 1000 SMS | 28 days |
Prepaid Mobile Voice + Data Plans – NOS Portugal
The Prepaid Mobile Voice + Data Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Price | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15.99 EUR | 10 GB | 500 minutes | N/A | 500 SMS | 30 days |
20 EUR | 10 GB | 500 minutes | 30 minutes 1 | 500 SMS | 28 days |
27.99 EUR | 50 GB | 3500 minutes | N/A | 3500 SMS | 30 days |
32 EUR | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 30 minutes to the following destinations: Brazil, Switzerland, USA, Angola, Morocco, Cape Verde and Canada
Pacotes de Internet Mensais (Monthly Internet Packages) – NOS Portugal
The Pacotes de Internet Mensais (Monthly Internet Packages) are data plans (with 5G NR access).
The following Pacotes de Internet Mensais are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3.99 EUR | 250 MB | 1 month |
6.99 EUR | 500 MB | 1 month |
9.99 EUR | 1 GB | 1 month |

Prepaid Internet Plans – NOS Portugal
The Prepaid Internet Plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
15 EUR | Unlimited | 8 days |
35 EUR | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 @1 gbps of speed
Pré-pagos Net Móvel (Net Mobile) – NOS Portugal
The Pré-pagos Net Móvel (Net Mobile) are data plans (with 5G NR access).
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
15 EUR | Unlimited | 8 days |
40 EUR | Unlimited | 30 days |
EU Roaming – NOS Portugal
You can use your NOS allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Martinique
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Réunion
- Romania
- Saint Barthélemy
- Saint Martin
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
As NOS does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.
Note that the Tarifários Kanguru plans are for local use only.
APN/Internet Settings – NOS Portugal
- Name: NOS Internet
- APN: umts OR internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Vodafone Portugal

Vodafone Portugal, just Vodafone, is the smallest mobile operator in Portugal.
It was the first mobile operator to reach a download speed of 600 Mbps on 4G/LTE-A (also known as 4G+) back in 2015.
Vodafone, as a company, is active in Africa (mostly as Vodacom), Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania.
Vodafone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Vodafone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vodafone Portugal
Vodafone has extensive coverage throughout Portugal.
It has a similar superior 4G/LTE coverage experience as its competitors.
Below are the coverage maps of Vodafone in continental Portugal (left) and in the Azores and Madeira (right) produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Vodafone Portugal
You can get a Vodafone SIM card, for free but needs a minimum of 5 EUR top-up or for 9.90 EUR with 5 GB of data 1000 minutes/SMS for 28 days in Vodafone stores. SIM cards are also sold at Lisbon-Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).
If you are flying into Porto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some time.
Below is an overview of the two Vodafone SIM cards:
Price | Credit | Data | Local/EU Minutes/SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 EUR | 5 EUR | 1 GB | 500 minutes/SMS | 28 days |
9.90 EUR | N/A | 5 GB | 1000 minutes/SMS | 28 days |


Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Vodafone Travelers SIM cards – Vodafone's tourist offering.
For 20 EUR, you get 10 GB of data, 500 local/EU minutes/SMS & 50 international minutes (to the EU/EEA, Angola, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand & the United States – all for 30 days

- 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)

It is also possible to get a Vodafone eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Portugal because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Vodafone.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Portugal in my Portugal eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Fofo Mobil & MEO (Portugal only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs which allow for (limited) calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Portugal, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Portugal eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Vodafone for now.

Note that Vodafone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Portugal
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Portugal
Vodafone has two data-featured prepaid plans: Vodafone Ready (combo) & Internet Móvel Pré-Pago/Vodafone Go Total (data).
All Vodafone plans can be activated on the My Vodafone (Portugal) app.
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – British Pound Sterling) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Vodafone Ready – Vodafone Portugal
The Vodafone Ready is a combo bundle with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
15 EUR | 1 GB | 500 minutes | 500 SMS | 28 days |
18 EUR | 3 GB | 500 minutes | 500 SMS | 28 days |
21 EUR | 5 GB | 1000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 28 days |
24 EUR | 10 GB | 1000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 28 days |
Internet Móvel Pré-Pago/Vodafone Go Total Plans – Vodafone Portugal
The Internet Móvel Pré-Pago/Vodafone Go Total Plans are data plans (with 5G NR access @ max. 50 Mbps) for the Vodafone Go Total SIM card (data-only SIM card).
Note that Tarifários Kanguru are for local use only – you cannot roam for free in the EU/EEA with these bundles.
The following Internet Móvel Pré-Pago/Vodafone Go Total Plans are available:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
5 EUR | Unlimited | 2 days |
10 EUR | Unlimited | 5 days |
15 EUR | Unlimited | 10 days |
20 EUR | Unlimited | 15 days |
25 EUR | Unlimited | 20 days |
30 EUR | Unlimited | 25 days |
35 EUR | Unlimited | 30 days |
90 EUR | Unlimited | 85 days |
1 speed throttled to 10 Mbps after using more than 200 GB
EU Roaming – Vodafone Portugal
You can use your Vodafone allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Martinique
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Réunion
- Romania
- Saint Barthélemy
- Saint Martin
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
As Vodafone does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.
Note that the Internet Móvel Pré-Pago/Vodafone Go Total plans are for local use only.
APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Portugal
- Name: Vodafone Internet
- APN: net2.vodafone.pt
- Username: vodafone
- Password: vodafone
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Lycamobile Portugal

Lycamobile Portugal, just Lycamobile, is a Vodafone Portugal MVNO.
Lycamobile, as a brand, is known for offering low rates for international calls abroad, and it is active in various other European countries, Australia, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda & the United States.
To learn about Lycamobile’s frequencies, jump back to Vodafone Portugal’s frequencies (but you will not have 5G NR access).
This is what you will learn about Lycamobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Lycamobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Lycamobile Portugal
Lycamobile is a Vodafone Portugal MVNO, meaning Lycamobile uses the Vodafone Portugal network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lycamobile, jump to the Vodafone Portugal Coverage section.
Note that you will not have 5G NR access with Lycamobile.
SIM Card Price – Lycamobile Portugal
You can get a Lycamobile SIM card for 5 EUR, 10 EUR, or 15 EUR, with the same value in credit or with a plan from Lycamobile resellers, including grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops.

- 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)

Lycamobile has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Portugal, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Lycamobile.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Portugal eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Fofo Mobil & MEO (Portugal only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Portugal & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Portugal, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Portugal eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

For now, I will continue with Lycamobile.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lycamobile.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lycamobile Portugal
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lycamobile Portugal
Lycamobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: Minutes and Data Plans (combo) & Data Bundles.
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Minutes and Data Plans – Lycamobile Portugal
The Minutes and Data Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Minutes and Data Plans:
Price | Plan | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes | International Minutes 1 | Local/EU SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.25 EUR | Lyca Flex 7 Days | 2 GB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | N/A | 100 SMS | 7 days | *139*51503# |
8 EUR | Lyca National XS | 5 GB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | N/A | 500 SMS | 1 month | *139*51001# |
10 EUR | Lyca Globe S | 2 GB | 1 GB | 250 minutes | 250 minutes | 50 SMS | 1 month | *139*5010# |
15 EUR | Lyca National M | 20 GB | 13.6 GB | 1000 minutes | N/A | 1000 SMS | 1 month | *139*51003# |
15 EUR | Lyca Globe | 4 GB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | 500 minutes | N/A | 1 month | *139*1015# |
1 International minutes to all countries in the Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, India, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine Lyca and Kyvstar and USA.

Data Bundles – Lycamobile Portugal
The Data Bundles are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial the Activation Code to activate Data Bundles:
Price | Plan | Data | EU/EEA Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 EUR | Data XS | 1 GB | Shared with data allowance | 1 month | *139*2005# |
10 EUR | Data M | 3 GB | Shared with data allowance | 1 month | *139*2025# |

EU Roaming – Lycamobile Portugal
You can use your Lycamobile allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Be aware that, in some cases, the EU/EEA roaming allowance is lower than the domestic allowances.
APN/Internet Settings – Lycamobile Portugal
- Name: Lycamobile
- APN: data.lycamobile.pt
- Username: lmpt
- Password: plus
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Portugal
Getting a SIM card from MEO or NOS would do you well when considering a Portuguese SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
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Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
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Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
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Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
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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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