Basics[]
Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira Islands) has four network providers operating in the country:
- MEO (by Altice, formerly tmn)
- Vodafone (formerly telecel)
- NOS (formerly Optimus)
- Digi Portugal (available only for postpaid users)
MEO is market leader with the best coverage in the country, followed by Vodafone in 2nd spot and NOS as smallest network.
2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G is on 2100 MHz with MEO and NOS and on 900 MHz with Vodafone. 4G/LTE was launched in 2012 on all three networks on the 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands (B3, B7, B20). It already reaches most of the population and is open for prepaid on all network providers. 5G/NR was launched by MEO, Vodafone and NOS on 04/NOV/2021, and as of September 2024 is now open for many prepaid packages.
According to network tests in 2020 Vodafone had the fastest and most widespread 4G network in the country.
All three networks are available too in the Portuguese branches of The Phone House: store locator and Worten.
MVNOs only have a small margin with 2% share in Portugal. Lycamobile is the most successful, phone-ix and Vectone mobile have closed in 2018.
Top-ups can be made in every Payshop agency: store locator. Worten does top-ups as well Minimum top-up is 5 € every 6 months (3 months with Lycamobile). For top-ups on location, often a top-up fee of around 0.50 € is charged. MEO and NOS can't be topped up by international credit cards or PayPal, Vodafone can, but only after you have owned the SIM card for 3 months.
Portuguese SIM cards don't need to be registered. Be aware that some basic tariff lines consume so-called 'maintenance fees' when you don't use them for a while, which is very unusual in the EU. So better run down your balance to zero before leaving the country and staying away for a while or it will be gone when you return.
Price comparison with other countries[]
UK internet comparison site cable.co.uk has ranked Portugal as 147th out of 237 countries/territories and 18th in the OECD (36 countries) in terms of mobile data affordability with data costing on average €1.67 (approximately US$1.79) per GB (August 2023). This is US$0.82 lower than the global average and fairly in line with the global median (source).
While mobile data prices have gone down somewhat in Portugal in recent years, many still think prepaid data prices in Portugal are quite high. As such, you may want to consider roaming with your existing plan if you are from the EU or purchasing an international eSIM for use in Portugal, if you're from outside the EU. The entrance of Digi from Romania as 4th MNO in Portugal is expected to increase competition and decrease prices further.
EU roaming[]
MEO (formerly tmn, by Altice)[]
MEO, called "tmn" not so long ago and now owned by Dutch Altice Group, has good coverage incl. 4G/LTE in the country and it gives it out to prepaid custumers without a surcharge. It's still the market leader with a 40% share.
Availability[]
The SIM card is available from MEO stores (store locators) or Phone House and Worten branches. Their usual prepaid SIM card is branded 'M Movél Prépago' and sold at 9.99 € including 5 GB and 10 GB for messe nging apps and 1000 mins/SMS for 30 days. You can alternatively order a SIM online , but you have to send it to a Portuguese postal address.
After all of your credit has gone, your SIM will be active for 90 more days for incoming calls or SMS.
Recharging[]
Top-ups can be made in many shops e.g. Payshop that has many agencies in Portugal (see Basics), but charges a small fee for its service.
Finally, you can top up MEO SIM cards by credit card or PayPal on your personal account.
Be aware that MEO applies an inactivity fee for their SIMs which is rather rare in Europe. If you don't use a MEO SIM for more than a month (and still have positive balance) 1 € per month is debited from your prepaid account for 'maintenance'.
Voice and data SIMs[]
Their Pré-pago SIM comes in two different plans - the base tariffs Flex or combo plans M Móvel:
- Flex: is their old base tariff which comes in two varieties:
- Flex 96: with unlimited free on-net calls, but more expensive off-net calls
- Flex Total: with the same higher rate for all domestic calls
Default rate is 1.99 € for 250 MB per day, but you can add extra packages.
Alternatively, they offer a new weekly combo plan called M Movél with either 500 mins/SMS or 1000 mins/SMS per WEEK and weekly data quota:
| Data | Apps | 500 mins/SMS | 1000 mins/SMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 3 € | 3.50 € | |
| 1 GB | 3.50 € | 4 € | |
| 3 GB | + 10 GB | 4.25 € | 4.75 € |
| 5 GB | + 10 GB | 5 € | 5.50 € |
The 10 GB in the bigger plans can be used for messenger apps: WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Hangout, iMessage and Facetime. All plans auto-renew on a weekly basis.
Data feature packages[]
You can add extra data packages or passes for social media to all plans: MEO offers these data packs valid for 15 or 30 days in Portugal and the EU/EEA:
- 250 MB: 3.99 €
- 500 MB: 6.99 €
- 1 GB: 9.99 €
- 5 GB: 14.99 €
Subscribe by texting the name of package to 12399. These packs recur every month and it's possible to go into negative credit, which will cause the internet to stop until a positive credit is reached again (even if an add-on is still valid).
You can check your data consumption and allowance anytime on your personal account. To query credit, call *#123*, this should return the "universal" credit that can be used for any calls and data plus the "extra" credit that is only valid for calls to MEO and fixed lines; the online credit information does not distinguish between the two, so is practically useless. The online usage information is not always recent (and in the case of add-on data might not even appear), so another way to query it is by calling this number (a message will come back): *#123*99#
After pack data runs out it reverts to default rate of 1.99 € for 250 MB per day. Beware: the pack data runs out silently. SMS sent to inform you might be delayed and the online information of remaining data is not real-time either.
For social media and streaming you can add these passes:
- Messaging pack, max. 10 GB (WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, iMessage, Facetime, Hangouts): 4.99 €
- Social pack, max. 10 GB (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, Linkedin, Pinterest): 4.99 €
- Video pack, max. 20 GB (YouTube, Netflix, Periscope, Twitch): 6.99 €
- Music pack, max. 10 GB (Spotify, Google Music Play, Deezer, Apple Music, Soundcloud, TuneIn): 4.99 €
Check consumption by *#124#. These special packages will auto-renew, if not stopped. They are valid only in Portugal and not for roaming abroad.
Tourist SIM (Connected Holidays)[]
MEO has introduced two Connected Holidays plans for tourists visiting Portugal:
- Connected Holidays Smartphone: 60 mins voice, 500 SMS and 2 GB mobile internet for 14.99 €, valid for 15 days. Calls/SMS are domestic, to the EU, US, Canada, Angola, Brazil and Israel.
- Connected Holidays Data: SIM card costs 14.99 €, also valid for 15 days, and includes 30 GB mobile data.
Both plans can only be topped up with 30 GB for another 15 days at 15 €. They are available only in a few stores mentioned here (in the middle of the page). Stores are not mentioned anymore, but they are still not always available.
Data-only SIM []
For modems and tablets, MEO has released new data-only SIM cards without voice called "Enjoy Internet Movél". This one can be bought by tourists and is a good alternativ to the Tourist SIM.
Watch out: There are two different Versions of "Enjoy Internet Movél" ( see also inside the meo forum) sold online and inside the stores:
- 15 € loaded with 30 GB valid for 15 days. There is a cap of 7 GB for EU roaming without surcharges.
- 20 € loaded with UNLIMITED internet valid for 15 days. This one might also be called "M Net Mobile" (price increased from € 15 to € 20 as per 1-1-2024)
This is quite confusing, and even MEO employees do not always know about that fact. You can distinguish the cards by their packing: The unlimted Version is yellow/blue and doesnt mention the 30GB on the cover. People with the 30GB Simcard can switch to unlimited by calling the hotline, but it seems to be complicated because even the hotline employees dont know about it ( see also inside the meo forum). Sometimes they even refuse to sell it to you. Even if they know about it. I am not sure why this is. Hop to the next Meo store to get it anyway.
Top up the 30GB Version:
The "Enjoy Internet Movél" plans are topped up like this: for each 10 € top-up you are given 20 GB valid for 5 more days up to a max. of 36 days. Minimum top-up is 10 €. Billing increments is in 100 KB units. Data will be shut off, if depleted or time has run out.
Top up the Unlimted Version:
10 € Top up = 10 days Internet, 20 € Top Up = 20 days Internet, etc. etc.
the above is no longer true since 1-1-2024. You can top up the unlimited version with €20 for 15 days , €40 for 30 days etc
EU roaming[]
MEO has implemented EU roaming on most plans without volume restrictions, except where mentioned in the text. This refers to the streaming packs and the data-only plan. From 2019 you have to top up at least 15 € in order to activate roaming on your account.
More info[]
- VolP and tethering are allowed and possible
- Website in English: https://www.meo.pt/en
- APN: internet
Vodafone[]
Vodafone Portugal is the major competitor of MEO in the country with a 33% share and according to network tests the best coverage and highest speeds on both 3G and 4G. Note, that on top of the 2100 MHz they also have 3G on 900 MHz allowing for better indoor coverage which is rare in Europe and not carried by all devices.
Availability[]
The SIM cards are available in every Vodafone store: store locator
- Cartão SIM You (deprecated): 9.90 € including 3 GB and 500 mins/SMS and apps for 30 days on the You plan (see below)
- Cartão SIM Easy Total: 9.90 € including 5 € credit on the Easy plan (see below)
- Cartão SIM World: 12.50 € including 500 MB and the same credit for 30 days on the World plan (see below)
- Cartão de Dados GO: 15 € - data-only on the GO plan (see below)
To keep your SIM alive, you are supposed to make a top-up every 6 months and in some tariffs "maintenance fees" are applied.
Voice and data SIMs[]
Their prepaid cards are called "Easy", "World" and "Directo". Be aware that they don't sell you prepaid SIMs with a monthly fee (called mensalidade). All plans have a 'maintenance fee' of 1.50 € every 60 days.
Directo is the base plan without a base fee and Easy has lower call fees. Easy total has lower fees on all networks and Easy 91 only amongst Vodafone customers. This reduction is paid by a 0.27 € or 0.37 € daily fee on the day you place calls.
To change between plans, dial 16911, but they don't make a big difference for data users as the same packages from below can be added.
Vodafone World[]
World is their plan for discounted foreign calls and includes 500 MB "free" data, but it comes with a catch for data users and a rigid reload scheme. You need to top-up 7.50 € for 15 days or 12.50 € for 30 days of service. To add data volume you can only top-up 7.50 € for another 500 MB "free" data for 15 days, none of the packages below.
Tourist SIM[]
Vodafone also offers a special package for tourists, called Vodafone Travellers: 5 GB, 500 domestic minutes/SMS, and 30 minutes/SMS to the EU (when in Portugal), USA, Canada, Brazil, Angola, Australia, and New Zealand, valid for 30 days for 20 €. Data and domestic minutes/SMS are valid in EU roaming.
Data feature packs[]
Default rate for data on all plans is 1.99 € for 100 MB in 5 days in 3G up to 7.2 Mbps. Overuse is charged at 1.03 € per 50 MB. These internet packages called Aditivos can be added to Easy and Directo plans on 4G/LTE too in up to 300 Mbps:
- 250 MB: 5.49 €
- 500 MB: 7.49 €
- 1 GB: 10.49 €
- 2 GB: 14.99 €
- 5 GB: 20.49 € (incl. Spotify Premium)
Subscribe by texting INTERNET <size of package> (digits only, don't add "MB" or "GB") to 1277. For example, texting "INTERNET 1" to 1277 will subscribe you to 1 GB package. The pack will renew automatically every week or month. To unsubscribe call 1277.
Vodafone You[]
In 2018 'Vodafone You' plans were introduced giving customers the possibility to create their own tariff, according to their needs. Customers can choose from 200 MB to 5 GB of data per month, and from 500 to 5,000 minutes/SMS. Bundles are valid for two or four weeks. They can also add sets of applications from different categories - Chat, Music, Social and Video - that come with unlimited data for an additional fee, as offered under the Vodafone Passes. These options are available:
| Data | Mins / SMS | Time | Price | Vodafone Passes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | included: 500
1000: +1 € 2000: +2.50 € 5000: +3.50 € |
14
days |
6 € | optional (for 1-5 GB packs):
Chat Pass: +1 € (included in 3 and 5 GB packs) Music Pass: +1.50 € Social Pass: +1.50 € Video Pass: +2.50 € |
| 1 GB | 7 € | |||
| 3 GB | 8.50 € | |||
| 5 GB | 10 € | |||
| 200 MB | included: 500
1000: +1 € 2000: +2.50 € 5000: +3.50 € |
28
days |
12 € | optional (for 1-5 GB packs):
Chat Pass: +3 € (included in 3 and 5 GB packs) Music Pass: +3 € Social Pass: +3 € Video Pass: +5 € |
| 1 GB | 14 € | |||
| 3 GB | 17 € | |||
| 5 GB | 20 € |
Passes are available as add-ons for data packages of 1-5 GB. They are not unlimited and include these apps:
- Chat Pass: up to 10 GB per month for WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Skype, Viber, Facetime, iMessage, Hangouts, Message+, Call+ (no VoIP calls included, Chat Pass already included in 3 GB and 5 GB packages)
- Music Pass: up to 12.5 GB/month for Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play Music, SoundCloud
- Social Pass: up to 12.5 GB/month for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr
- Video Pass: up to 15 GB/month for YouTube, Twitch, Netflix, Periscope, TV Vodafone
All options can be customized on your online profile or by app. For roaming regulations see below.
Go (data-only)[]
They sell the following data-only SIMs open for 4G/LTE up to 300 Mbps, that include data and SMS in Portugal only, but no voice. Starter packs are free and contain one of these two different tariff lines that can't be switched:
- Go including 30 GB for 15 days: 14.99 €
- Go Light including 15 hours of usage during 90 days: 14.99 €
Different top-ups can be made for the two Go tariffs. On the Go Plan you will always receive 30 GB and a time frame to use them, on the Go Light plan you will get unlimited data for the specified hours within 90 days.
|
Plan |
Go | Go Light |
|---|---|---|
|
Top-up |
30 GB for | validity of 90 days |
| validity of: | usage hours: | |
| 10 € | 5 days | 10 hours |
| 15 € | 10 days | 15 hours |
| 20 € | 15 days | 20 hours |
| + 5 € | + 5 days | + 5 hours |
| ...... | ...... | ...... |
| 100 € | 90 days | 100 hours |
To check data balance, send SMS with the word "Go" to 1277. SIM card stays valid for 14 months after the last recharge. From June 2017 the data plans won't be offered for internatl. roaming.
Note that both data-only plans Go and Go Light don't offer international roaming.
Tethering[]
Tethering is allowed. Android users can go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names and edit the default APN from net2.vodafone.pt to internet.vodafone.pt keeping all the other settings intact.
EU roaming[]
Vodafone applies "roam like home" with domestic prices roaming all over the EU/EEA to its call and data plans including You and the tourist plan. Their data-only plans Go however work only in Portugal and all international roaming is blocked.
What the passes are concerned note that when roaming in the EU, these passes (and thus your total data usage) are limited by a FUP, determined by the specific combination you have selected, and usage beyond will incur a 0.54c per MB (5.40 € per GB) charge. Check here to see what the combined FUP is for your particular combination. Note that this FUP applies to all usage combined, and the roaming allowance is offered separately from your domestic allowances.
Additionally, the number of minutes affects the FUP limit as well, so purchasing more minutes than you need will allow you to use more data in EU roaming for less than the surcharge on the same usage. For example, 5 GB with Chat Pass allows 6 GB of EU roaming if purchased with 500 minutes, and 8 GB of EU usage if purchased with 5000 minutes; if you know you need the extra 2 GB of EU roaming, it would be cheaper to pay the extra 3.50 € for the extra minutes and EU roaming than to pay 7.40 € x 2 for the extra 2 GB of EU roaming separately.
More info[]
- APN: internet.vodafone.pt net2.vodafone.pt vas.vodafone.pt
- Website in Portuguese only: http://www.vodafone.pt
NOS (fomerly Optimus)[]
NOS, previously called Optimus, has the smallest network with a 20% share, but still gives a good performance. All tariffs now include 4G/LTE, but better check coverage before at their coverage map.
Availability[]
Their SIM cards are sold in their stores (Locator)
- for 9.90 € with the same credit without a monthly base rate
- in promotions for free but without credit
Top-ups can't be made by credit card, but only via Portuguese online banking. In Portugal foreigners should go to Payshops (locator) that are found in many places or to a NOS branch. Be aware that both agents charge a 0.50 € fee for each top-up and minimum top-up value is 7.50 €.
They now offer these different prepaid plans:
- Livres (free): with a base rate (Livres Base) or a daily rate (Livres Dia) and additional data packs
- À medida: with combo packs
- Mundo: with discounted foreign calls and a 500 MB data package
- Kanguru Livre: data-only SIM
You can change between voice and data tariff lines by calling 16995 or go to a NOS store.
Livres[]
This is their base portfolio that comes in two varieties:
- Livres Base has a base fee for all calls and SMS and charges a maintenance fee of 1.50 € every two months
- Livres Dia: has lower call and SMS fees, but charges 0.27 € per day when you use it
Both plans come without data and you can add these packages:
- 250 MB: 3.99 €
- 500 MB: 6.99 €
- 1 GB: 9.99 €
To activate call 12300 for free. Packages will auto-renew after 30 days. To check data volume, enter *111#. Outside of packages, you surf on a rate on the daily rate of a high 1.29 € for 30 MB per day.
À medida[]
This is their main offer with combo packages. They include voice, SMS and data per month and come in a postpaid and prepaid version. Be sure to get the prepaid (com carragemento).
| Data | Voice and SMS | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 500 mins/SMS | 12 € |
| 500 MB | 800 mins/SMS | 17 € |
| 1 GB | 800 mins/SMS | 18 € |
| 1 GB | 3000 mins/SMS | 19 € |
| 2 GB | 3000 mins/SMS | 20 € |
| 3 GB | 4000 mins/SMS | 22 € |
| 5 GB | 7000 mins/SMS | 25 € |
| 10 GB | 10000 mins/SMS | 29 € |
You can change between plans online or by app, but only at certain times of the day, not in the night.
Mundo[]
Mundo is their plan for discounted foreign calls and includes 500 MB "free" data, but it comes with a catch for data users and a rigid reload scheme. You need to top-up 7.50 € for 15 days or 12.50 € for 30 days of service. To add data volume you can only top-up 7.50 € for another 500 MB "free" data for 15 days, none of the packages above.
Kanguru Livre[]
Their data-only SIM called Kanguru Livre costs 2.50 € and includes 24 hours of unlimited Internet. Afterwards you can choose between two plans:
- Livre S: 3 GB for 60 days: 15 €
- Livre XL: "unlimited" for 15 days: 15 €
NOS reserves throttling of speed as a way to limit "unlimited", but doesn't specify this limit yet. You can top-up both lines with these add-ons.
| Price | Livre S: Volume | Livre XL: Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 5 € | 500 MB | 2 days |
| 10 € | 1 GB | 5 days |
| 15 € | 3 GB | 15 days |
| 20 € | 5 GB | 20 days |
| 25 € | 7 GB | 25 days |
| 30 € | 9 GB | 30 days |
The allowances for Livre S are valid for 60 days each. Livre XL is an unspecified "unlimited" data for the given period. Kanguru SIM cards stay valid for 90 days after the last top-up. Note that these data plans are not open to internatl. roaming and the minimum top-up value is 12.50 €.
EU roaming[]
All talk and surf plans like Livres, À medida and Mundo can be used in EU/EEA roaming without a surcharge. The data-only Kanguru Livre plan is domestic only and can't be used abroad.
More info[]
- APN: umts /or/ internet
- Website in Portuguese: http://www.nos.pt
UZO[]
UZO is a low-cost subsidiary of MEO that started back in 2005. It uses MEO's network in 2G, 3G and now on 4G/LTE too.
Availability[]
UZO SIM cards are sold in Gal, M24, Tangerinas, BP and Cepsa stores, at Payshop agents, Casa da Sorte, Campião, in kiosks and CTT post offices (store locator). They come at 5 € with "15 € credit". The 15 € bonus is in fact 5 € instant credit and twice a 5 € bonus for your first two top-ups of 5 € or more.
Top-ups can be made at all Pay Shop agencies in the country. Credit and SIM cards stays valid for 5 months past each reload. From abroad top-ups can be made through 3rd party agencies for a surcharge. Check balance by *#123#.
As an ongoing promotion at least until the end of 2018, UZO gives 500 MB / SMS / mins (or any mixture of it, calls and text on-net only) for 30 days when you top-up 7.50 € or more.
Data feature packages[]
For mobile internet they offer three package options:
- 1.99 €: daily rate valid until midnight and up to 250 MB. This is the default tariff too, when you start using data without a package and doesn't need to be activated.
- 2.99 €: 200 MB for 30 days
- 7.99 €: 1 GB for 30 days
Activation of monthly packages is by calling 1234 or through your MEO UZO personal online account. Monthly packages auto-renew after 30 days. To stop call 1234.
EU roaming[]
All domestic allowances can be used in EU/EEA countries without surcharges.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website in Portuguese: https://www.uzo.pt
Lyca Mobile[]
old logo
Lyca Mobile Portugal is the second MVNO in the country that started in 2012 using the network of Vodafone on 2G and 3G, and now also on 4G/LTE. It's the most successful MVNO in the country so far.
Availability[]
SIM cards are available online on their website to be sent to a Portuguese address for free, but it needs one week or longer until the cards arrive. Offline in some agencies like Payshop or People's Phone SIM cards can be purchased for 5 € with an prepaid amount of 5 € already topped up, but can be sometimes hard to find. Topping up is possible via credit card on their website.
Alternatively you can do that by using a cash machine. For that you have to use a Portuguese bank card or try in their agencies, post offices, service stations. Of course you can also buy top-up vouchers via cash or credit card at various locations like service stations, too or online on their website.
Lycamobile deactivates all SIM cards after 67 days, if they are not actively used by placing a call, sending a SMS or using data in that period.
Data feature packs[]
Default rate for data is 0.09 € per MB.
They offer a weekly pack with 1 GB data and 500 domestic minutes at 3.25 € (activation: *139*1503#).
These following data packs are valid for 30 days in Portugal and for EU roaming:
| Data | EU/UK roaming | Voice (mins) | SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (+2) GB | 5 GB | 500 national | €8 | *139*51001# | |
| 20 (+5) GB | 16 GB | 1000 national | €10 | *139*51003# | |
| 30 (+10) GB | 21 GB | 1000 national | €15 | *139*1006# | |
| 40 (+10) GB | 26 GB | 1000 national | €20 | *139*1007# | |
Activation is by code. You will receive a confirmation message shortly after buying your plan stating that it has been applied to your account. You should wait for this message before starting to use your plan allowance.
Check balance by dialing *137# free of charge. They will automatically renew your plan once it expires. To cancel the auto renewal, you have two options: Dial *190# before the expiry date and follow the instructions or call customer services on 1632 from your Lyca Mobile SIM or 26 500 16 32 from another phone (call charges may apply) before the expiry date. Note that any auto-cancellation requests made on or after the expiry date won't be accepted.
For more data, you can add this bolt-on:
- 1 GB: 5 €, activation: *139*602#
The add-on package is only valid for the rest of the running time of the base plan.
EU roaming[]
Lyca Mobile has finally implemented "roam at home" for their data packages. You can use all allowances of packages as well as the standard rate of 9c/MB for roaming in the EU without surcharges.
More info[]
- Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.pt/en/home
- APN: data.lycamobile.pt username: lmpt password: plus
- No tethering supported, doesn't work in an hotspot
- On some devices you may need to enable roaming even in Portugal for Lycamobile PT as it's recognized as a roaming SIM card
Nowo[]
Nowo is the prepaid product of a Portuguese telecommunications company and triple play operator with the same name NOWO (pronounced “novo”). It operates as MVNO on the network of Digi Portugal since November 2024 (before that, it used MEO) in 4G/LTE with not so competitive prices.
Availability[]
SIM cards cost 5 € and are preloaded with the same amount in credit. They are available at around 20 NOWO shops (locator) in the country and mostly likely in Worten stores (locator) too. Call 16809 to choose which plan you want and top up if needed.
Top-ups can be made in Payshops in Portugal, but not outside the country by credit card. To check balances, dial #123*10#.
Data feature packs[]
Data seems to work only after having activated one of three monthly packages:
| Data | Voice & Text | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 500 MB | 500 mins/SMS | 7.50 € |
| 1 GB | 1000 mins/SMS | 13.50 € |
| 2 GB | 2000 mins/SMS | 16 € |
| 4 GB | 4000 mins/SMS | 21 € |
To activate or change plans call 16800 or go to your personal online account.
EU roaming[]
All included allowances are valid all over the EU/EEA. Be aware that you can't top up from abroad.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website in Portuguese: https://www.nowo.pt/movel/planos-movel/
Digi Portugal (postpaid only)[]
Digi from Romania commercially launched its Portuguese operations on 04/NOV/2024 as the country's 4th MNO. However, they currently do not offer any prepaid services.
More info
- Website in Portuguese: https://www.digi.pt/
phone-ix (by CTT)[]
Phone-ix was the first MVNO in Portugal. It started in 2007 on the MEO network, that was resold in 2G and 3G. It was operated by CTT (Correios de Portugal), the Portuguese Postal Services and MEO. The MVNO ended its service on 01/JAN/2019.
Vectone Mobile[]
Vectone Mobile by UK Mundio Mobile was the latest arrival on the scene that started 2013 on the Optimus, now NOS network. It's said to have attracted only a few thousand users. Vectone Mobile Portugal ceased operating in July 2018, prompting the regulator to insist that the MVNO must give its users a three-month window within which to port their number to an alternative provider.
Portugal Internet[]
Portugal Internet is a company that provides rental of data SIM cards and mobile WiFi routers (MiFis), specifically targeted to visitors to Portugal.
The data SIMs and WiFi routers can be delivered to any place in Portugal including airports and hotels. Booking has to be made at least 2 workdays in advance. Delivery and shipping are free.
Data SIM Card Rental[]
Portugal Internet rents data SIM cards that are already pre-configured and ready to use. The SIMs come in tri-SIM format which makes them compatible with regular, micro and nano sizes. The data SIMs have "unlimited" traffic and use 4G/LTE network which allows a download speed of up to 50 Mbps. Retals are from 3 to 365 days. For rates see table below.
WiFi Hotspot Rental[]
Portugal Internet also rents mobile WiFi routers (also called MiFis) that establish a 3G/4G internet connection and allow to connect up to 10 devices. The router gives speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s on 4G and 6-8 hours operating time on battery and includes unlimited mobile internet in Portugal. The price given in the WiFi Hotspot column includes WiFi Hotspot and Data SIM for rentals of 3 to 360 days.
| Duration | SIM card | WiFi Hotspot |
|---|---|---|
| up to day 3 | 5 € per day | 7 € per day |
| day 4 to day 8 | 3 € per day | 4 € per day |
| day 9 to day 16 | 2.50 € per day | 2.50 € per day |
| day 17 to day 30 | 1.50 € per day | 1.50 € per day |
| from day 31 | 1 € per day | 1 € per day |
They use the networks of Vodafone and NOS. Their 4G/LTE network is avaliable in 80% and 3G in 99% of Portuguese territory., no roaming. The networks FUP is not to block internet access, but to reduce the speed of connection once certain levels of traffic are reached. However, they don't disclose at what amount the speed is decreased.
- More info on their website in English: http://www.portugalinternet.com