Portugal packs a lot into a short trip: the hills and trams of Lisbon, Porto and the Douro valley, the beaches of the Algarve, and the Atlantic islands of the Azores and Madeira. With an EU SIM, the whole country is covered by Roam Like at Home, islands included. Visitors arriving with a British, American or Brazilian SIM usually pay roaming by the day.
Coverage is good in the cities, along the coast and in most villages; the places to prepare for are the island trails and the forested interior in summer.
Key facts for Portugal
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: NOS, MEO, Vodafone (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112
- Embassies: in Lisbon, with consulates in Porto for some countries
Lisbon and Porto
Lisbon's metro, trams and buses cover the main sights, and Uber and Bolt operate in both Lisbon and Porto, including at the airports. Coverage is strong across both cities, so maps and ride-hailing work from the moment you land.
The Azores and Madeira
The islands are part of Portugal and of the EU, so EU plans work there as they do at home. On Madeira's levada walks, the paths run through tunnels and steep valleys where the signal drops: carry a torch, check the weather and tell someone your route. In the Azores the weather changes fast, and fog on the crater rims can hide the trail within minutes.
Summer wildfires
In summer, wildfires break out regularly in the forests of central and northern Portugal. Follow the instructions of the civil protection authorities, check road closures before driving through wooded areas, and keep your phone charged in case you need to change plans.
Paying
Cards and phone payments are widely accepted. Locals often use MB Way, which needs a Portuguese bank account, but visitors manage well with a contactless card; a few small cafés and markets still prefer cash.
Getting connected
EU SIM: the mainland, the Azores and Madeira all count as home for roaming. A travel eSIM still helps if your tariff includes little data abroad.
SIM from outside the EU: install a travel eSIM before you leave. Its validity starts with the first connection in Portugal; your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes, and your apps run on the eSIM's data.
Portuguese prepaid SIMs are sold at the airports and in operator shops.
Consular protection: who to call in Portugal
- 112 reaches the police, an ambulance and the fire service, on the mainland and on the islands.
- 808 24 24 24 is SNS 24, the national health line, open around the clock for health advice when it is not an emergency.
- Embassies are in Lisbon, and some countries also have consulates in Porto. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- Emergency phrases in Portuguese are ready to show on screen in the app.
Questions travellers ask about Portugal
Does my EU plan work in the Azores and Madeira?
Yes. Both are part of the EU and covered by Roam Like at Home.
Who do I call for health advice?
SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24, or 112 in an emergency.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Portugal?
NOS, and MEO or Vodafone on some plans, with 4G and 5G where available.
Do I need cash in Portugal?
Rarely. Cards are widely accepted, though a few small cafés and markets prefer cash.
The short version
From the EU, your plan covers the mainland and the islands; from outside the EU, install a travel eSIM before you fly. Save 112 and 808 24 24 24, and pack a torch for the levadas.
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