Mobile Phone Guide for Expats in Portugal

Getting a mobile line in Portugal for Expats

Staying connected is crucial for expats, and getting a Portuguese mobile phone number is one of the first things you'll want to do upon arrival.

Why get a Portuguese mobile number?

Even if you have an EU phone number with free roaming, a Portuguese number can be incredibly useful for:

• Setting up mobile banking
• Downloading essential apps (healthcare, transportation, etc.)
• Navigating daily life in Portugal
• Avoiding potential roaming issues after Brexit (for UK residents)

How is the Portuguese mobile network?

Portugal has an excellent mobile network using the GSM standard. 4G is widely available across the country. 5G is increasingly available in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, with providers like MEO, Vodafone, and NOS expanding their 5G coverage.

Mobile operators in Portugal

The main mobile operators in Portugal are

• MEO (Altice Portugal): Largest market share, generally good coverage nationwide.
• Vodafone Portugal: Competitive pricing and reliable service.
• NOS: Offers bundled packages and a strong presence in entertainment.
• NOWO: Budget-friendly options.
• WTF: Targets students with data-rich plans.
• Yorn: Caters to younger users with affordable plans.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs): MVNOs offer mobile services using the infrastructure of the main operators. They often target specific niches with specialized plans and pricing. Examples of MVNOs in Portugal include:

• Lycamobile: Focuses on international calls and affordable rates for immigrants.
• UZO: Offers simple and straightforward plans with no frills.

How to choose a mobile operator?

• Coverage: Check coverage maps to ensure good signal strength in your area, especially if you live in a rural location. MEO generally has the best nationwide coverage.
• Price: Compare plans and pricing from different operators.
• Data Needs: Determine how much data you need based on your usage habits.
• Bundled Services: Many providers offer significant discounts if you bundle your mobile plan with home internet and TV services. These deals can be a great way to save money if you need all three services.

Prepaid SIM cards vs. Mobile contracts in Portugal

You have two main options for getting a mobile line in Portugal:

Prepaid SIM Cards (Pré-Pago) in Portugal

• Description: A SIM card that you purchase and load with credit. You pay for calls, texts, and data as you use them.
• How They Work: You buy a SIM card, typically with some initial credit included. You then "top up" (carregar) the card with more credit as needed. Top-ups can be done online, at ATMs, or in participating stores.
• Example Prepaid Plans:
  • MEO: Offers a "Moche" (and others) prepaid plan with 5GB of data for €10, valid for 30 days.
  • Vodafone: Has a "Yorn X" (and others) prepaid plan with 10GB of data for €15, valid for 30 days.
  • NOS: Provides a "WTF" prepaid plan with unlimited data for specific apps (social media, music) and a limited data allowance for other uses, starting at €12.50 per month.
• Plans and Pricing: Prepaid plans vary in price and data allowance. Some providers offer daily, weekly, or monthly data bundles. While flexible, the per-unit cost of calls, texts, and data is generally higher than with a contract.
• Pros:
  • No long-term commitment: You can switch providers or stop using the service at any time.
  • Easy to obtain: Available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and operator shops.
  • Idea for short-term stays or while waiting for your NIF.
  • No credit check required.
• Cons:
  • Pricier per call, text, and data unit compared to contracts.
  • Require topping up credit regularly.
  • May not be eligible for certain promotions or discounts.

Mobile Contracts (Pós-Pago) in Portugal

A monthly subscription plan that provides a set allowance of calls, texts, and data.

• How They Work: You sign a contract with a provider for a specific period, typically 24 months (though some providers offer shorter or commitment-free options at a higher price). You pay a fixed monthly fee, and you may be charged extra if you exceed your allowance.
• Plans and Pricing: Contract plans vary widely in price and data allowance. Some plans offer unlimited calls and texts, while others have limited minutes. Data allowances can range from a few gigabytes to unlimited data.
• Contract Lengths: Be aware that most mobile contracts in Portugal have a "fidelização" (loyalty period) of 24 months.
  • "Fidelização" Explained: The "fidelização" is a legally binding agreement that commits you to using the service for the specified period. If you break the contract early, you will typically have to pay a penalty fee that covers the remaining months . The penalty fee is usually calculated based on the remaining monthly fees, but it may also include other charges.
• Negotiating Your Contract: While the advertised prices are often fixed, there is sometimes room for negotiation, especially if you are bundling services or switching from another provider. You can try to negotiate for:
  • A higher data allowance
  • Inclusion of international calling minutes
  • Lower roaming charges
  • Free access to streaming services
• Pros:
  • More affordable for long-term use.
  • Larger data allowances.
  • Potential for bundled discounts (with home internet and TV).
  • These often include additional benefits, such as free access to streaming services or international calling minutes.
• Cons:
  • Require a long-term commitment (typically 24 months).
  • Need an NIF, proof of address, and bank account.
  • May require a credit check.
  • Early cancellation fees can be significant.

Portuguese Phone Numbers

• All mobile numbers have nine digits and start with a 9.
• To call a Portuguese number from abroad, dial +351 followed by the nine-digit number.

What an Expat must know?

• Get your NIF as soon as possible.
• Open a Portuguese bank account for easier payments.
• Compare plans and pricing carefully.
• Check coverage maps before choosing a provider.
• Consider your data needs and usage habits.
• Ask about bundled discounts if you also need home internet and TV.
• Be aware of the contract length and early cancellation fees before signing up for a mobile contract.

Expat insights and recommendations

To help you navigate the process of getting a mobile line in Portugal, here are some insights and recommendations from expats who have already gone through it:

• "Get Your NIF Sorted First": "You urgently require your NIF to sign up for a mobile contract," says S., an expat in Lisbon. "Don't even bother trying until you have it."
• "Don't Underestimate Data Needs": "I initially underestimated how much data I would need," shares J., an expat in the Algarve. "Now I pay a bit more for a plan with a larger data allowance, and it's worth it."
• "Check Coverage in Your Area": "Before signing up with any provider, check their coverage map for your specific area," advises M., an expat in Porto. "I discovered firsthand that not all providers offer adequate coverage in rural areas."
• "Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate": "Don't be afraid to negotiate with the providers," recommends D., an expat in Coimbra. "I was able to get a better deal by asking for a discount or extra data."
• "Read the Fine Print": "Always read the contract carefully before signing anything," warns E., an expat in Braga" "Pay attention to the contract length, early termination fees, and any other hidden costs."
• "Consider Bundling": "Bundling my mobile plan with my home internet and TV saved me a lot of money," says M., an expat in Setúbal. "It's definitely worth looking into."
• "Set Up Direct Debit": "The easiest way to pay your mobile bill is through direct debit," advises L., an expat in Évora. "It's automatic, and you don't have to worry about missing a payment."
• "Take Advantage of Free Roaming": "If you travel to other EU countries, take advantage of the free roaming that's included in most mobile plans," suggests M., an expat in Madeira.

Making a complaint

If you have issues with your mobile service, contact your operator's customer support. If you're not satisfied, you can file a complaint with ANACOM, the Portuguese telecommunications regulator.