Best eSIM and SIM Cards for a Long Stay in the Canary Islands

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For a long stay in the Canary Islands, the best value is usually a Spanish prepaid SIM or eSIM with a large monthly data allowance. UK networks may include EU roaming, but many limit roaming on long stays or charge daily fees, so check your plan’s fair-use policy.

SIM cards in different formats
Photo: Bidouille82, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Your options

OptionProsCons
UK plan with EU roamingNo setup, keep your numberDaily fees or limits on long stays
Spanish prepaid SIMCheap, large data allowancesNeeds ID to register
Travel eSIMInstant, no shop visitUsually dearer per GB
Spanish eSIM from a local networkGood valueRegistration needed

Buying a Spanish SIM

  1. Visit a network shop or authorised dealer with your passport.
  2. Choose a monthly prepaid plan with enough data.
  3. Keep your UK SIM for banking codes, using a dual-SIM phone or eSIM.

Coverage

The main Spanish networks cover the coasts and towns well. Mountain and rural areas can be patchier.

Our verdict

Keep your UK number for banking, add a Spanish prepaid line or eSIM for data. More in Internet Speeds in the Canary Islands.