Work From Spain: Internet, SIM Cards, and Costs

Work From Spain: Internet, SIM Cards, and Costs

ByEvan Parker

If you’re an American eyeing Spain as your next remote-work destination, let me save you a few hours (and headaches). Spain has a lot going for it: incredible weather, excellent food, and a culture that actually encourages taking a proper lunch break. But when it comes to working remotely, it’s not all siestas and sunsets. Internet speeds, SIM cards, and the true costs of living can make or break your experience.

Landing in Spain: What I Wish I Knew on Day One

First things first, set your expectations. Spain’s major cities—Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia—have robust infrastructure. But once you drift into small towns or beach paradises, things can get… quirky. I’ve spent months working from both bustling cities and sleepy villages, and here’s the honest breakdown.

Pro tip: Never assume “high-speed WiFi” in an Airbnb means what you think it means. Always ask for a screenshot of the actual internet speed from the property owner.

Step 1: Sorting Out Internet

Home WiFi: If you’re renting an apartment or planning to stay longer than a month, home broadband is your best bet. The go-to providers are Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. Prices float between €30–€45/month for fiber (300–600 Mbps in cities, sometimes less elsewhere). Installation takes 3–10 days, so plan ahead.

Short stays? Many Airbnbs and hotels offer “high-speed WiFi,” but test it before you commit. I once booked a “digital nomad-friendly” apartment in Málaga only to discover the router was powered by hopes and dreams. My Zoom calls looked like a Picasso painting.

  • Speedtest.net: Run a test on arrival. You’ll want at least 25 Mbps down/5 Mbps up for video calls.
  • Backup option: Have a data SIM or eSIM ready (more on this below).

Step 2: SIM Cards & eSIMs for Work

Spain’s mobile data is solid in cities and most tourist areas, but patchy in the countryside. Here’s how to stay connected:

Physical SIM Cards

  • Prepaid SIMs are available at airports, kiosks, and supermarkets.
  • Popular options: Orange Holiday Europe (20GB for €20, valid 14 days), Vodafone Yu (25GB for €20, valid 28 days).
  • You’ll need your passport. The process is quick—10 minutes tops.

eSIMs: The Easy Button

  • Skip the kiosk and go digital. I use Airalo or Holafly (affiliate links below).
  • Set up takes about 5 minutes. Packages start at $15 for 5GB/15 days.
  • Coverage is good in cities; check the map if you’re headed rural.

Real talk: When my home fiber died in Valencia, my eSIM kept my workday afloat. Not glamorous, but it worked.

Co-Working Spaces: Are They Worth It?

Spain’s co-working scene is alive and kicking, especially in cities and digital nomad hotspots like Las Palmas or Barcelona.

  • Day passes range €12–€25; monthly desks run €150–€300, depending on city and perks.
  • Most offer blazing-fast fiber, free coffee, and actual chairs (not the back-breakers you’ll find in some rentals).
  • Great for community, networking, or if you just need a break from your Airbnb’s rickety kitchen table.

Best picks:

  • Impact Hub (Madrid, Barcelona): Flexible passes, great coffee.
  • La Vaca (Barcelona): Chill, friendly, with reliable WiFi.
  • CoWork Valencia: Professional vibe, good for productivity.

Housing Costs: The Real Numbers

Here’s where Spain really shines (outside the tourist zones):

City 1-Bedroom Airbnb (Monthly) Local Apartment (Long-Term)
Madrid €1,200–€1,800 €800–€1,200
Barcelona €1,400–€2,000 €900–€1,300
Valencia €900–€1,400 €700–€1,000
Seville €800–€1,200 €600–€900
Las Palmas €1,000–€1,500 €700–€1,000

Note: Prices jump during summer and local festivals. Booking at least a month in advance can save you 20–30% over last-minute rates. If you’re staying for a few months, check Idealista or Fotocasa for local rentals—just be ready to message in Spanish (Google Translate is your friend).

What About Utilities and Extras?

  • Utilities: Usually included in Airbnb, but add €60–€100/month for local rentals.
  • Co-working: Add €150–€250/month if you need a dedicated space.
  • SIM/eSIM: Factor in €15–€40/month, depending on your data usage.

15-Minute Spain Remote-Work Checklist

  • Book your first week in a central Airbnb or hotel with strong reviews for WiFi.
  • Buy an eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) before arrival for immediate connectivity.
  • Test internet speed on arrival. If it’s under 25 Mbps, consider a backup plan.
  • Scout local co-working spaces—many offer free trial days.
  • Start apartment hunting for longer stays on Idealista or Fotocasa.
  • Set up a Spanish bank account for cheaper rent/deposit payments (not mandatory, but helpful for leases over 3 months).
  • Message landlords in Spanish for quicker replies. Copy-paste works!
  • Budget for coffee—you’ll want to blend in at local cafés, and WiFi is usually fast.

Handy Tools & Links

Story From the Road: WiFi Woes in Granada

Last year, I booked a charming 18th-century apartment in Granada—arched ceilings, stone walls, the works. The listing said “fast WiFi,” but on arrival, the router was at the far end of a 30-meter stone hallway. My video calls dropped every 10 minutes, and my Slack messages arrived in batches like carrier pigeons. The fix? A €35 TP-Link WiFi extender from a local shop. Ten minutes to set up, and suddenly, I was back in business (with only slightly medieval latency).

The lesson: Always have a backup plan, and don’t underestimate old buildings.

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Thanks for reading! If you’ve got specific questions about working remotely from Spain, feel free to drop them in the comments or reach out. Happy travels, fast WiFi, and may your Zoom calls be ever crisp!

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