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How to Get WiFi in Madrid: A Guide for Travelers
10 May 2024
pocket wifi
Joseph Philipson
Spain’s capital city, Madrid, has so much to see and do. You won’t want to waste your time worrying about your internet connection, not when you could enjoy everything Madrid offers, from public streets and squares like the Gran Vía and the Plaza de España to museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofía.
There are lots of ways tourists to Spain and Madrid can stay connected.
Let’s see what they are.
¡Vamos!
The Best Ways of Getting WiFi in Madrid
Across Madrid, mobile coverage (both 4G and 5G) is excellent. Companies like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange provide high-speed internet connections, with Movistar typically being the fastest in terms of uploads and downloads.
This is all good for madrileños, but what types of connections can tourists use to access the internet?
Renting a pocket wifi is typically the best option for tourists as it offers affordable high-speed connections, but it can’t hurt to research your other options so that you’ll be happy with your decision.
Pocket WiFi
Pocket WiFi is a way for tourists to stay connected to the internet while traveling by taking with them a dedicated device. The pocket WiFi device connects to a mobile network. Then, it creates a WiFi network through which users can connect devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Users in Madrid can rent these devices from providers and have their pocket WiFi either shipped to them before they leave, picked up at Madrid Barajas airport, or collected from their hotel or a parcel shop.
Pros
Pocket WiFi is an excellent option for groups like families and friends visiting Madrid together. With devices typically supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections, everyone can stay online during their trip.
Cons
Somebody will have to carry the pocket WiFi with them, and users will have to stay within range of the device. Most devices offer a range of 10 to 15 meters, so groups can use it without too many problems. Still, you can only explore Madrid with your device.
Cost
Hippocket WiFi offers Europe-wide pocket WiFi that works in Madrid and across Spain. For 14 days, this works out at €4.90 a day for 1GB per day or €6.90 per day for unlimited data, making it one of the most recommended options. You can rent your pocket WiFi in Madrid here with Hippocketwifi.
My Webspot costs €133 for 14 days or €9.50 per day with unlimited access.
Spain’s internet offers a sliding scale: the first 5 days cost €7, the next 5 cost €4, and days 11 to 20 cost €2. In total, this is €63 or €4.50 per day.
TravelWifi charges according to data limits. 1GB/day is €4.95/day, and 10GB/day is available for €6.95/day.
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SIM Cards
SIM cards are tiny cards with chips on them that your phone uses to access your mobile carrier’s network, make calls, send and receive messages, and access the internet.
You can use several prepaid SIM card options in Madrid for calls, messages, and internet access.
Pros
SIM cards are typically cheap and easy solutions for getting data when traveling in Madrid or around Spain. They’re widely sold in shops, locutorios (like Spanish web cafés), and even airports and train stations.
Cons
With an extra SIM card, you’ll have to remove your everyday SIM card if your phone doesn’t have a second slot. You will need to keep this safe, and your phone number will change while you use it.
Certain prepaid SIM cards don’t provide WiFi access across Europe, if you’re planning on going to a neighbouring country like Portugal, France, Andorra, or even further afield, you might need a better solution like pocket WiFi.
You’ll still be reachable via the same email address and across web-based services like WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, etc.
Cost
Spain’s main networks are typically the recommended choice for prepaid SIM cards, and most offer affordable options, usually costing between €10 and €40:
- Orange’s SIM cards offer between 25GB and 100GB of data over a month, costing between €10 and €20.
- Movistar’s prepaid SIM cards are between €10 and €20 for between 40GB and 140GB for the month.
- Vodafone’s prices range between €10 and €40 for between 50GB and 190GB.
eSIM
eSIM stands for embedded SIM, and it’s basically an integrated version of a SIM card that you don’t have to insert or remove to use as it’s built into your phone.
This means that to change eSIM cards, you change the settings of the eSIM, allowing you to change SIM cards without needing an actual physical card.
Travelers to Madrid can get your eSIM card before you go, set it up, make calls, send messages, and browse the internet from a different eSIM.
Pros
eSIM solutions are typically cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to use different mobile carriers without constantly changing SIM cards (for phones that don’t have multiple SIM card slots).
Cons
Only some phones are compatible with eSIM solutions. As this is newer technology, older smartphones won’t be equipped with an eSIM, and it’s not guaranteed that newer models will be, either.
If you are buying an eSIM for your trip to Madrid, check that you have a compatible smartphone.
While you can share your phone’s eSIM connection with other devices like laptops, computers, and tablets, this connection will be slower and will quickly drain your phone’s battery when not plugged in.
Both SIM and eSIM data roaming solutions are useful in the built-up areas within Madrid, but if you’re looking to visit more rural destinations like the Sierra Oeste, Sierra de Guadarrama, or any nearby nature reserves, pocket WiFi provides faster and more stable connections in areas with limited coverage.
Cost
Several companies offer eSIM solutions for travelers going to Madrid and Spain.
Nomad’s solutions range between $8 and $27 depending on the data limits and speeds, and all of their options last up to 30 days.
Airalo is another eSIM provider, and their range of Guay Mobile eSIM solutions costs between $4.50 and $26. Guay means “cool” in Spanish, in case you didn’t know.
Data Roaming International Plan
Data roaming is when your domestic mobile carrier provides you with internet access when abroad.
Mobile carriers usually offer different kinds of roaming solutions, but it’s always advised that if you choose this option, you contact your carrier before you go.
Roaming can be costly when you have yet to contract a data package or roaming solution.
Pros
Roaming is the easiest solution since you don’t need an additional device, another SIM card, or have to set up an eSIM. Instead, you contact your mobile carrier and contract your preferred roaming service.
You can typically do this via text, a call, their website, or even an app.
Cons
Data roaming is notoriously expensive, which is why competing companies offer so many other alternatives.
If you forget to contract a data roaming package or don’t have one as part of your contract, you could be charged thousands for simply using your phone abroad.
Cost
The cost of data roaming will depend on your mobile carrier. Rates vary widely, so we can’t say exactly how much it will cost.
If you get it wrong, it won’t just be the weather in Madrid that’ll make you sweat!
Use Free WiFi
Suppose you don’t get pocket WiFi, a prepaid SIM, an eSIM, or data roaming. In that case, you can always use WiFi in public spaces, cafés, tapas bars, stores, or hotels.
Free WiFi networks are widespread across Madrid. Just open the WiFi on your phone anywhere in the city. You’ll likely see several networks you could connect to.
Pros
The advantage of free WiFi, particularly in larger cities like Madrid, is that it’s free and often everywhere.
Customers expect WiFi connections, so most businesses will offer them. This is especially true given that it’s quite common for bars and restaurants in Spain to have their menus accessible online via a QR code rather than a printed menu.
Cons
Public WiFi networks can be dangerous for users. After all, you can’t be sure who else is using the network, whether it’s secure or even if it is what it says it is.
It’s common for scammers to set up fake WiFi networks to steal users’ data. If you’re using a public network, avoid accessing sites that use passwords, as this information could be stolen.
Cost
As the name suggests, free WiFi networks won’t cost you anything. Some may ask for personal details before you can browse the web, typically so they can send you newsletters and offers later on.
How to Choose the Best WiFi Option for Your Madrid Trip
With so much to see and do, Madrid attracts a range of different types of tourists. Some might stay for a week, looking to visit the Reina Sofía and El Prado, while others might be there for the weekend, sampling the tapas and Madrid’s nightlife.
Before choosing the right solution, you need to consider the following factors.
Connectivity
Madrid is a big and fairly urban city, so coverage and connectivity aren’t typically an issue. However, it always pays to check the reliability of different solutions, especially if you’ll be using your connection for work.
Data Limit
Suppose you send small files, read web pages, or use your connection infrequently. In that case, you can always opt for a limited service.
If you regularly use gigabytes of data both at home and when you travel, look for solutions without data limits.
Rental Duration
The longer you use a service, the cheaper it becomes each day. This applies to pocket WiFi, prepaid SIM cards, eSIM solutions, and data roaming.
However, some solutions aren’t available for shorter periods, so research and see which options are available for your trip to Madrid.
Usage
Casual users should be content with a 4G connection. This is great for lighter use and is certainly fast enough for most tourists to be happy with.
For business travelers and those needing a connection to send large files quickly, stream video for video calls, or those who prefer faster internet, 5G is the way to go.
