Movistar Roaming: prices, zones and when an eSIM makes sen
Travelling with your usual mobile line is convenient, but the cost of connecting can change completely when you cross a border. While in much of Europe you can use your Movistar plan almost as you would in Spain, destinations such as Switzerland, the United States, Andorra, Türkiye or Morocco are subject to different conditions.
Before taking off, it is worth checking how much you will actually pay and comparing it with a fixed-price alternative. For those who mainly need mobile internet, eSimFLAG offers unlimited data in more than 170 destinations without having to remove your usual SIM. In fact, Movistar recommends this Telefónica service from its own roaming page.
When does Movistar roaming make sense and when does an eSIM make sense?
The answer mainly depends on the country and how much data you are going to use.
| Destination | Recommended option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| European Union and United Kingdom | Movistar roaming | You can use calls, SMS and a data allowance from your national plan |
| United States | eSimFLAG | 7 days cost €24.50, compared with €42.35 using data every day with Movistar |
| Switzerland | eSimFLAG | 7 days cost €27.30, compared with €42.35 with Movistar's daily rate |
| Andorra | eSimFLAG Europe | 7 days cost €22.40, compared with €63 with Movistar |
| Türkiye or Morocco | eSimFLAG | Movistar charges data traffic per MB under its standard rate |
| Travel with almost no internet use | Roaming | It may be sufficient if you keep data disabled and only receive SMS |
Within the EU and United Kingdom, the simplest option is usually to continue using Movistar. Outside that area, eSimFLAG normally offers greater peace of mind because you know the price from the start and do not have to monitor every megabyte. Check how much your eSIM costs for your destination and avoid overpaying for roaming
How does Movistar roaming work?
Roaming allows you to use your Movistar line through foreign operators' networks. You keep the same number and can make calls, send messages or connect to the internet according to the destination's rates.
Before travelling, check the service in Mi Movistar > Line management > Roaming. You should also activate data roaming on your phone: on Android it normally appears under Settings > Mobile networks; on iPhone, under Settings > Mobile Data > Options.
When you arrive, Movistar sends a free SMS with the applicable conditions. Usage and spending can also be checked from the customer area.
Roaming vs eSIM: differences, advantages and disadvantages
Roaming has an obvious advantage: you do not need to install anything and you can use your usual line. In Zone 1, it also allows you to use the allowance included in your national plan.
The problem arises when you leave that zone, as apps can connect in the background and activate a daily charge or generate per-MB charges without you being aware of the usage.
The eSimFLAG eSIM is a digital line intended for mobile data. It is installed using a QR code, connects automatically to a local network when you arrive and allows you to keep your Movistar SIM for calls and SMS.
Its main advantages are:
- Unlimited data and a fixed price for the contracted days.
- The ability to share your internet connection, 24/7 support, top-ups and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you cannot use the service.
To use it, the phone must be eSIM-compatible and must not have operator restrictions. The United States eSIM, for example, uses Verizon's network and allows data sharing.
How much does Movistar roaming cost? Real usage examples
Movistar divides destinations into several zones. In Zone 1, your national plan's allowance applies. In Zones 2 and 3, the published standard rate is €12.10/MB, unless the country has a special condition.
The United States and Switzerland have a rate of 500 MB for €6.05 per day, while Andorra includes 3 GB per day for €9. You are only charged on days when you use data.
| Activity | Approximate usage | In the US or Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps for 30 minutes | 5–30 MB | Activates the €6.05 charge |
| WhatsApp and email during the day | 20–100 MB | €6.05 |
| 20-minute WhatsApp video call | 100–250 MB | €6.05 if you stay below 500 MB |
| One hour of Netflix | 300 MB–3 GB | May use up or exceed the daily allowance |
| Social media with videos | 100–500 MB per hour | Can consume the full allowance |
Usage figures are approximate and depend on video quality, apps and device. The important point is that even minimal connectivity can activate the full daily charge.
How to avoid problems with Movistar roaming
Roaming usually connects automatically, but an incorrect configuration or a border network can cause loss of service or unexpected charges.
How to avoid surprise bills
Check the country in Movistar's official search tool, disable automatic updates and download maps, music or videos over Wi-Fi. Outside Zone 1, you can disable Movistar mobile data and choose eSimFLAG as the exclusive line for browsing.
It is also advisable to disable automatic data switching between both SIMs, to prevent the phone from using the Movistar line again when coverage changes.
Border areas and involuntary roaming
In areas near Andorra, Morocco or countries not included, your phone may connect to a foreign antenna. This also happens on ships, where maritime networks have particularly high prices: Movistar publishes a cost of €36.30/MB for maritime data.
To avoid this, select the network manually or disable roaming while you remain near a border.
What to do if roaming does not activate automatically
Check that roaming is enabled in Mi Movistar and activate roaming on your phone. Then restart the device or use airplane mode for a few seconds.
In some border destinations, you need to expressly authorise data usage. Movistar allows you to do this from the private customer area, from the app or by calling +34 696 223 570.
Alternatives to Movistar roaming
International eSIM
The most convenient option for using data outside Europe is an international eSIM. eSimFLAG offers unlimited connectivity, automatic activation, digital installation and plans for more than 170 destinations. You can buy the plan before travelling and have 90 days to activate it.
Local physical SIM card
A local SIM requires you to find a shop, change the card and, in some countries, identify yourself with your passport. It also does not guarantee an immediate connection when you land.
Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can help you save data, but it is not always available and may be less secure. It is also impractical for checking maps, ordering a car or translating information while you are on the move.
Movistar roaming zones: included countries and rates
Movistar recommends checking each country in its search tool, as conditions may vary between contract and prepaid plans.
Free roaming in the European Union and United Kingdom
Zone 1 includes European Union countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom, including Gibraltar. Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and Poland are part of this zone.
You can make calls and send SMS as in Spain and use an amount of data that depends on your plan. After exceeding that allowance, Movistar publishes a cost of €0.0015/MB including VAT. Fair use rules also apply, especially if for four months you stay and consume more while roaming than in Spain.
Movistar roaming Zone 1: countries and prices
In Zone 1 there is no additional daily charge, but data is not necessarily unlimited. The exact number of GB available should be checked in the Mi Movistar app.
Calls to EU countries are treated as national calls. However, calling from Zone 1 to a destination outside this zone costs €4.83/minute plus €0.79 connection fee.
Movistar roaming Zone 2: countries and prices
Movistar includes countries such as Albania, Algeria, Bosnia, Canada, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia and Türkiye in Zone 2. The United States, Andorra and Switzerland also appear on the list, although they have special data rates.
The standard rate is €12.10/MB. Local calls or calls to Spain cost €1.82/minute plus a €1.21 connection fee, and receiving calls has the same cost.
Zone 3 and the rest of the world: countries and prices
Zone 3 includes much of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Data costs €12.10/MB and local calls or calls to Spain cost €3.03/minute plus a €1.94 connection fee.
At that rate, using just 100 MB could reach €1,210. That is why in these destinations it is essential to keep Movistar data disabled and use an eSIM or a secure Wi-Fi network.
eSIM or roaming: which option is cheaper depending on the destination?
eSimFLAG vs Movistar roaming when travelling to the United States
Movistar charges €6.05 for each day with data usage and provides 500 MB. Over seven days, the cost reaches €42.35.
The eSimFLAG eSIM for the United States costs €24.50 for seven days, includes unlimited data and allows internet sharing. The saving is €17.85, in addition to not being subject to the 500 MB daily limit.
eSimFLAG vs Movistar roaming when travelling to Switzerland
Movistar roaming also costs €6.05 per day for 500 MB: €42.35 over seven days.
The eSimFLAG plan for Switzerland offers unlimited data for seven days for €27.30 and uses the Salt network. The saving compared with Movistar is €15.05.
eSimFLAG vs Movistar roaming when travelling to Andorra
Movistar charges €9 per day for 3 GB. A week of daily data usage totals €63.
Andorra is available from €1.60/day within eSimFLAG and the seven-day Europe plan costs €22.40 with unlimited data. Taking that plan as a reference, the saving would be €40.60.
Frequently asked questions about Movistar roaming
Is Movistar roaming free in Europe?
It is included in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom. You can use the conditions of your national plan, although data has a specific monthly allowance.
How much does Movistar roaming cost outside the EU?
It depends on the destination. The United States and Switzerland cost €6.05 per day for 500 MB; Andorra costs €9 per day for 3 GB. In many Zone 2 and Zone 3 countries, €12.10/MB applies.
How do I know if I have roaming activated?
Check it in Mi Movistar, under Line management > Roaming. You must also enable data roaming in your phone settings.
What happens if I exceed my roaming data allowance?
It depends on the destination and plan. Within Europe, you are charged for usage above the allowance. In countries with a daily charge, you should check the specific allowance conditions in the SMS received on arrival.
When is eSimFLAG's eSIM more worthwhile than Movistar roaming?
It is especially worthwhile outside Zone 1, on trips lasting several days or when you need maps, video calls, social media, streaming or internet sharing without monitoring your data usage.
Can I use the eSimFLAG eSIM and keep my Movistar line at the same time?
Yes. You can keep Movistar for receiving calls and SMS and choose eSimFLAG for data. Disable Movistar data roaming and automatic switching between lines to avoid charges.