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Best eSIM for Portugal: Comparing Plans, Prices & Perks
This blog post was sponsored by Saily. All opinions are my own.
I’m lucky, as someone from Austria, I don’t need an eSIM when traveling to Portugal. Since both countries are in the EU, my phone plan works without any extra charges. But after a recent trip outside the EU, I saw firsthand just how essential having an eSIM can be.
From checking public transport schedules and restaurant opening times, to messaging friends while you’re out, staying connected makes your trip smoother in every way.
So if you’re visiting Portugal from the US, UK, Canada, or anywhere else outside the EU, an eSIM is the easiest, most convenient way to get online instantly, no phone shop visits and no waiting.
I’ve done the research for you, and in this guide, I’ll break down the best eSIMs for Portugal based on pricing, coverage, and perks. I’ll also share the real pros and cons of each, so you can find the best option for your trip.
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Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible and Unlocked?
Before you can use any eSIM in Portugal, your phone needs to meet two requirements:
- It must support eSIM technology
Most newer iPhones (XS and up), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and up), Google Pixel (3 and up), and recent OnePlus models are eSIM-compatible. The easiest way to find out is to search for “eSIM” in your settings and see if you have the option to add a new eSIM. - It must be carrier-unlocked (sometimes called “network provider unlocked”)
If your phone is locked to your home network (like Vodafone or Verizon), it won’t accept a foreign eSIM. Check your general settings or contact your carrier and ask if your phone is carrier-unlocked. Some providers will unlock it for free if your contract is up.
Saily: Best for Security
Best for: Travelers who value security, privacy, and convenience
Saily is created by the team behind NordVPN, one of the most trusted names in online security, and it shows. Their built-in virtual location feature lets you hide your real location (perfect for privacy or streaming).
Another big bonus? Saily includes a built-in ad blocker and web protection, which not only keeps you safer online, it also saves you data. All those annoying pop-ups and trackers eat up bandwidth in the background, and Saily helps cut that down automatically.
It’s priced a bit higher than some competitors, but when you factor in the VPN-level features, it’s a really solid all-in-one value.
📲 Save 5% with the code VEGANDERLUST when you get a Saily eSIM
Pros
- Made by the creators of NordVPN
- Virtual location feature (change your browsing region)
- Built-in ad blocker + web protection saves data and improves privacy
- Free messaging on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber (text only in their 10 GB plan)
Cons
- Price is slightly higher, but includes privacy tools others don’t
Don’t forget the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 5% off!
Ubigi: Best for Unlimited Data in Portugal
Best for: Travellers who want flexible plan lengths, high-speed coverage, and the option to go unlimited
Ubigi is a strong choice if you’re heading to Portugal and want reliable service with flexible options. Whether you’re popping in for a day or staying for a few weeks, their prepaid plans are simple to activate and work on the trusted local network MEO.
Setup takes just a few minutes via the Ubigi app, and they run on top-tier local networks like Vodafone and MEO. If your trip includes other countries, they also offer Europe-wide plans, check out my best eSIMs for Europe guide for more.
📲 Save 10% with the code VEGANDERLUST when you get a Ubigi eSIM
Pros
- App activation is quick and easy
- Offers both Portugal-only and Europe-wide options
- Unlimited plans for 7 or 30 days
Cons
- No built-in VPN or privacy features
- No data perks after plan ends
Don’t forget the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off!
Airalo: Best for Budget Travelers
Best for: Travelers looking for the cheapest eSIM
If you’re trying to keep your trip to Portugal budget-friendly, Airalo is the cheapest option for short-term data plans. It’s been around for a while and is widely trusted, especially by digital nomads and frequent travelers.
Setup is easy through the app, and you’ll usually have data within minutes. One helpful feature: the app checks if your phone is eSIM-compatible before you purchase, which saves time and frustration.
That said, Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data or extra tools like security protection and their customer support as well as the functionality of the eSIM get very mixed reviews, some travelers love it, others say the eSIM didn’t work at all.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for the lowest price, just don’t expect premium features.
📲 Save 10% with the code VEGANDERLUST when you get a Airalo eSIM
Pros
- Often the lowest prices for short-term data
- App checks eSIM compatibility before you purchase
- Widely used and trusted
Cons
- No unlimited data plans
- No built-in privacy or security features
- Mixed reviews on customer service and eSIM reliability
Don’t forget the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off!
Roamless: Best for Flexibility
Best for: Travelers who want affordable Portugal plans or flexible data they can use anywhere
Roamless offers a unique two-option setup that’s great whether you’re just visiting Portugal or bouncing between countries.
If you’re only staying in Portugal, you can get a fixed plan, country-specific, with very affordable prices and solid coverage.
But if you want more flexibility, they also offer global, pay-as-you-go data plans that never expire. These flexible plans are more expensive per GB, but you can use them across multiple countries and top them up anytime.
📲 Save 20% with the code VEGANDERLUST when you get a Roamless eSIM
Pros
- Country-specific plans for Portugal are very affordable
- Flexible global plans don’t expire and can be used across trips
Cons
- Flexible plans are pricier per GB
- Fewer user reviews compared to larger brands
Don’t forget the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 20% off!
Jetpac: Best for Travel Perks
Best for: Travelers who want Google Maps and WhatsApp access even after data runs out
Jetpac stands out from the rest by bundling in travel perks you won’t find with most other eSIM providers, but it comes with a slightly higher price tag and some fine print.
If you purchase at least a 3GB plan, you’ll still be able to use essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and Grab even after your main data runs out, which can be a real lifesaver toward the end of a trip.
Their unlimited data plans allow full hotspot/tethering, with no hidden limits, great if you’re sharing data. Plus, if your flight is delayed, you’ll get free airport lounge access. Want lounge access no matter what? You can pay extra to unlock that too.
Just be aware: Jetpac is more expensive than most, and the perks come with specific requirements (like needing a minimum data amount), so it can be confusing what you’re actually getting.
📲 Save 10% with the code VEGANDERLUST when you get a Jetpac eSIM
Pros
- Access to essential apps after data ends (with 3GB+ plan)
- No limit on hotspot/tethering with unlimited plans
- Airport lounge access for flight delays (or pay to unlock it anytime)
Cons
- More expensive than other eSIMs
- Perks have usage requirements that can be confusing
- No built-in privacy or security features
Use the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off!
Portugal eSIM Comparison: Price, Features & Discount Codes
Prices and features below in the table below are based on Portugal-specific plans.
| Price for 20 GB in 30 days | Unlimited plan (price for 15 days) | Network Speed | Calls & SMS | Special Features | Best For | eSIM Discount Code | Get Your eSIM now | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | $27.99 | Yes ($48.99) | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G | No | VPN-like browsing, ad blocker, web protection | Security & privacy | VEGANDERLUST for 5% off | Get Saily |
| Ubigi | $28 (for 25GB) | Yes ($48 for 30 days) | 5G | No | Short- and long-term unlimited data, app-based setup | Unlimited data plans | VEGANDERLUST for 10% off | Get Ubigi |
| Airalo | $19 | No | 5G | No | App checks eSIM compatibility before purchase | Budget travelers | VEGANDERLUST for 10% off | Get Airalo |
| Roamless | $19.95 (fixed plan) $49 (flexible plan) |
No | 5G | Only in flexible plan ($0.01/min) | Fixed & flexible plans | Flexibility | VEGANDERLUST for 20% off | Get Roamless |
| Jetpac | $35 | Yes ($41.99) | 4G | No | Essential app access after data ends | Travel perks | VEGANDERLUST for 10% off | Get Jetpac |
What’s the Best eSIM for Your Trip?
If you’re only visiting Portugal, you’ll get the best value by choosing a Portugal-specific eSIM plan. In that case, I recommend:
- Saily if you want the best mix of security, privacy, and unlimited options. It’s made by the creators of NordVPN and includes features like virtual location, ad blocking, and web protection. 👉 Don’t forget to use the discount code VEGANDERLUST for 5% off.
- Airalo if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, no-frills eSIM from a well-established provider. 👉 Use discount code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off your purchase.
But if your trip includes multiple countries in Europe, some eSIM providers offer Europe-wide packages. These are usually more expensive but give you the flexibility to stay connected across borders without switching plans, ideal for multi-country itineraries.
👉 Check out my guide to the best eSIMs for multi-country Europe trips
Read more:
- Best eSIM for Europe: Country Coverage, Prices & Perks
- Best eSIM for Spain: Comparing Plans, Prices & Features
- Best eSIM for Portugal: Comparing Plans, Prices & Perks
- Best eSIM for the UK: Which One Should You Choose?
- Best eSIMs for Australia: Find the Right One for You!
- The Best eSIM I’ve Used While Traveling: Honest Experience
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