Mallorca internet and Phones

Debbie and I have run into a little wrinkle using our phones overseas. It seems our T-Mobile phones are locked until we run out of the promotion deal

So therefore, we are required to use the T-Mobile international data plans. That’s $35 per phone that gives us 5 GB of international data plus phone calls and text. 70 bucks total for that week when we are gone. For those of you that have unlocked phones. The information below may be of use. I have used two of these plans ( Airalo or Saily) and both of them work well. You can use the eSIM’s if your phone is unlocked and it’ll cost you about $10 per phone for the same 5 GB.

📶 Internet Access in Majorca

  • Wi-Fi Availability:
    • The rental house will likely have Wi-Fi.
    • Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and many public areas.
    • If needed, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be rented for group use, though it’s usually not necessary unless you’re going into remote areas. Debbie and I own a portable hotspot and I will be bringing it with us.

📱 Phone Usage Options

✅ Option 1: Use Your U.S. Carrier’s International Plan

Most major U.S. carriers offer international roaming plans:

  • Verizon TravelPass, AT&T International Day Pass, T-Mobile International:
    • ~$10/day for high-speed data, calls, and texts. This can add up quickly.
    • Great for convenience—no SIM swap or setup required.
    • Automatically activates when you use your phone abroad.

✅ Option 2: Use an eSIM with a European Data Plan

Since all iPhone 12 and newer models support eSIM, this is a flexible and cost-effective option:

  • Use a service like:
    • Airalo
    • Holafly
    • Nomad
  • Plans start around $10–$25 for 1–5 GB, depending on provider and duration.
  • Can be activated before or after arrival.
  • No need to remove your physical SIM card—you can toggle between your U.S. number and the eSIM.

➡️ Ideal if you want data and Wi-Fi but don’t need to make calls with your U.S. number. This is the best bet. when we are out and about we use the data from the eSIM. When we need to make a phone call, we will use Wi-Fi and swap back to our own phone number. Yes I know it can be confusing, but it’s the cheapest option. This lets us use data and keep our own phone lines.

✅ Option 3: Buy a Local SIM Card (Physical or eSIM)

  • Available at Palma Airport, phone shops (Vodafone, Orange, Movistar).
  • Usually includes data + EU calls + some international calls.
  • Cheaper than U.S. carrier roaming plans, but slightly more setup.

🧳 What I Recommend for our Group

  • Light users (texts, maps, light browsing): eSIM via Airalo or Saily or T-Mobile international plan if you already have it.
  • Frequent users (photos, video calls, navigation): eSIM with 10–20 GB or your carrier’s international plan.
  • Tech-savvy users: eSIM is easiest and cheapest.
  • Non-tech folks: Stick with your U.S. plan (e.g., Verizon or AT&T), just turn it on when needed. This is also the most expensive.
To use your phone number and an eSIM on vacation in Mallorca,

keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts on your original number, but switch your data to a local or international eSIM plan. First, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with eSIMs, then purchase a data-only eSIM from a worldwide service provider or a Spanish provider before or upon arrival. After installing the eSIM, set it as your primary data source in your phone’s settings, disable data roaming on your primary SIM, and you’ll be able to use your original phone number for calls and texts while using the local data from the eSIM. 

 
Before you travel 
  • Check for eSIM compatibility and unlock status: Go to your phone’s settings to check if your device is compatible and unlocked from your home carrier. You may need to contact your carrier to get it unlocked.
  • Choose an eSIM plan:
    • Worldwide data eSIM: Providers like Holafly or Simify offer data plans for many countries, including Spain, that can be purchased and installed before you leave.
    • Spanish data eSIM: You can also buy a data-only eSIM from a Spanish provider like MobiMatter or through a carrier’s app or website, which may require a local phone number or passport for verification.
    • Data-only vs. voice + data: Many travel eSIMs only provide data. If you need to make traditional phone calls, your original number will still be active for calls and texts, or you can use apps like WhatsApp over data for calling.
  • Install the eSIM: Install the eSIM on your phone before your trip, as it’s often easier to do this at home with a stable Wi-Fi connection. You’ll usually do this by scanning a QR code provided by the provider or by using their app. 
 
During your trip 
  1. Activate your eSIM upon arrival: Once you land, activate your eSIM plan. Some providers may require you to have an active Wi-Fi connection to complete the activation process.
  2. Set your data source: Go into your phone’s settings and set the eSIM as your primary data source for mobile data.
  3. Disable data roaming on your primary SIM: This is crucial to avoid roaming charges on your original plan.
  4. Keep your original SIM active: Your original phone number will remain active for calls and texts (like iMessage and two-factor authentication messages), but you’ll use the data from your new eSIM.
  5. Make calls and texts:
    • To call a local number in Spain, dial the country code (

      +34

      +34

      ), followed by the nine-digit number.

    • For calls to your home country, you can use your original number if your plan includes international calling, or use a calling app that relies on data.