Remote in Spain: eSIM/Data, Power Adapters, Etiquette
Spain: sunshine, siestas, and sangria—or so Instagram tells you. But if you’re planning to work remotely from Spain, you’ll quickly realize you need more than a beach selfie to stay productive. Let’s get practical: from eSIM hurdles to “what, another fiesta?” scheduling, here’s a real-world guide to working from Spain without losing your mind (or your meeting connection).
First Things First: Internet and eSIMs
Landing in Madrid, my phone’s roaming charges looked scarier than the Sagrada Familia’s construction delays. Switching to a local data plan is non-negotiable. Let’s break down the options:
eSIM vs. Physical SIM: What’s Better?
- eSIM: Super convenient. No shops, no paperwork, just scan a QR code. Downside: not all devices support it (check your model!).
- Physical SIM: Ubiquitous, but requires finding a store and showing your passport. Can be a pain after a red-eye flight.
Personal note: I started with an Orange Spain eSIM, activated it online in 10 minutes at the airport café. Worked instantly, but I later found out that smaller providers like Simyo or Digi offer better deals for heavy data users.
“In Spain, there’s WiFi in every coffee shop, but the real MVP is a solid mobile data plan when you’re between towns or stuck in a noisy hostel.”
Quick Price Comparison (2024)
| Provider | Plan | Data | Monthly Price | eSIM? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Go Fly | 30GB | €20 | Yes |
| Movistar | Prepaid | 25GB | €20 | Yes |
| Digi | Combo | 50GB | €15 | No (SIM only) |
| Simyo | Flexible | 40GB | €13 | Yes |
Tip: For short stays, Airalo is the easiest way to get an eSIM before you land. But for longer than 2 weeks, local eSIMs are cheaper.
Power Adapters: Don’t Fry Your Laptop
Spain uses Type C and Type F sockets, 230V, 50Hz. Most modern laptops and phone chargers handle this, but check the fine print on your gear. My American laptop charger was fine, but my wife’s hair straightener? Not so much.
- Buy a universal adapter with USB-C and regular USB ports. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter has saved me more than once.
- Voltage converters are only needed if your device can’t handle 220-240V. Double-check, or you’ll be shopping for a new device.
If you forget an adapter, El Corte Inglés (Spain’s department store) or even some supermarkets sell them. But prices are higher than buying on Amazon before your trip.
Spanish Etiquette: Work and Life Balance
Spain’s work culture is a blend of tradition and modernity, with a side of “mañana, mañana.” Here’s what actually matters:
Business Hours and Quiet Times
- Standard Work Hours: 9:00–14:00, break, then 16:00–19:00. Yes, the afternoon “siesta” is still a thing in some regions.
- Quiet Hours: 2:00–4:00 PM (siesta) and after 10:00 PM—avoid loud calls or noisy work setups if you’re in a shared flat or co-living space.
- Public Holidays: There are a lot, and sometimes they vary by region. Always check Public Holidays Spain before booking meetings.
Meeting Times: CET vs. ET Headaches
Coordinating with teams in North America? Here’s my cheat sheet for avoiding scheduling disasters:
- Madrid (CET): 9:00 AM = 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT
- Overlap sweet spot: 3:00–5:00 PM CET is 9:00–11:00 AM ET—prime time for cross-Atlantic meetings.
- Use: World Time Buddy or Cal.com to propose meeting slots and avoid calendar ping-pong.
Pro tip: Spaniards value face-to-face time, but remote workers are now totally normal. Just be punctual—“fashionably late” isn’t a thing in business meetings.
Co-Working and Getting Stuff Done
Co-working spaces in Spain are everywhere—from chic Barcelona rooftops to quiet corners in Seville. Here’s how to find your spot:
- Work from cafés? Sure, but buy something every hour or so. WiFi is decent in most places, but power outlets can be rare.
- Best co-working chains: Urban Campus, Aticco, WeWork. Prices range from €15/day to €250/month.
- Day passes: Many spaces offer trial days. Try before you commit—some places are more “networking event” than quiet workspace.
- Book ahead in high season (April–October, especially in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Malaga).
My quick co-working checklist
- Is the WiFi fast and reliable? (Ask for a speedtest screenshot!)
- Are there phone booths or quiet rooms for calls?
- Can you bring in outside food/coffee?
- Are community events optional or constant interruptions?
- What’s the daily/weekly/monthly rate?
- How late is the space open? (Some close early on weekends!)
“One time in Valencia, I picked the prettiest co-working space from Instagram. After a week of salsa music and group yoga in the main room, I learned: pretty is good, but peace and power outlets are better.”
Handy Tools and Resources
- Airalo – eSIMs for quick setup, global and Spain-specific options.
- Simyo – Cheap local eSIM/data plans.
- World Time Buddy – Scheduling across time zones.
- Coworker.com – Reviews and booking for co-working spaces.
- Public Holidays Spain – National and regional holiday calendar.
- Epicka Universal Adapter – Travel plug for Spain and everywhere else.
Spain Remote Starter Pack
| Need | Solution |
|---|---|
| Local Data | eSIM (Orange, Simyo, Airalo) |
| Power | Type C/F adapter (universal is best) |
| Quiet Workspace | Co-working (Urban Campus, Aticco, Coworker.com) |
| Timezone Help | World Time Buddy, Cal.com |
| Etiquette | Respect siesta, check holiday calendar, stay punctual |
Final word: Spain can be a remote worker’s dream, but only if you sort out the basics. A little prep goes a long way—don’t be the person in the Zoom call whose WiFi drops every five minutes because they thought “free WiFi” meant “good WiFi.”
Some of the links above may be affiliate links. You pay the same, but I might earn a small commission—helps keep the coffee flowing while I test more co-working spaces for you.
