Internet & SIM Cards
Since June 2017, the EU has implemented "Roam like at Home" — you can use your German, Austrian, or Swiss mobile tariff in Portugal without additional costs (calls, SMS, data). This applies to all EU/EEC tariffs. Note: Swiss tariffs often have a separate roaming package — check beforehand!
WLAN
Free WLAN is widespread in Portugal: In almost all hotels, restaurants, cafes, and even in many public areas (airports, train stations, shopping centers). The quality is generally good. Lisbon and Porto have public city WLAN in many central areas (Lisboa Wi-Fi, Porto Digital).
Portuguese SIM Card
If you stay longer or need a lot of data, you can buy a prepaid SIM. The three major providers:
- MEO — largest network, best coverage even in rural areas
- NOS — good coverage, attractive tourist packages
- Vodafone — good coverage in cities and along the coast
Prepaid SIMs are available in electronics stores (Fnac, Worten), in the providers' shops, and in some tobacco shops. A data package with 10–15 GB costs about €15–20. An ID is required for activation (mandatory since 2020). The SIM is activated in the store — it only takes a few minutes.
Digital Nomads
Portugal is a hotspot for digital nomads — especially Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Madeira. There are plenty of coworking spaces: Second Home and Factory in Lisbon, CRU Cowork in Porto, Digital Nomads Madeira on the flower island. Madeira has offered a special program for digital nomads with free coworking since 2021.