Complete Guide: NOS SIM card & eSIM for Visitors to Portugal

Planning a trip to Portugal and need reliable mobile connectivity? NOS, one of Portugal’s leading telecom providers, offers both traditional SIM cards and modern eSIM options for travelers. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, purchasing, and activating NOS mobile services to stay connected during your Portuguese adventure.

I. Quick facts about NOS in Europe

With competitive plans and strong European roaming benefits, NOS is a popular choice for travelers and locals alike.

• Leading Telecom Provider in Portugal: NOS is one of the largest telecommunications operators in Portugal, offering mobile, TV, internet, and entertainment services.
• Wide Network Coverage: NOS provides extensive 4G and 5G coverage across Portugal, ensuring reliable connectivity in urban centers and rural areas alike.
• eSIM Support: NOS is one of the pioneers in Europe to adopt eSIM technology, allowing users to activate mobile services without the need for a physical SIM card.
• Roaming in Europe: NOS SIM cards and plans support free EU roaming, letting you use your data, calls, and texts across European Union countries at no extra cost.
• Tourist-Friendly Options: NOS offers prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans, making it easy for visitors to stay connected while traveling through Portugal and Europe.
  Sustainability Initiatives: NOS is recognized for its sustainability efforts, working on reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy use across its operations in Europe.

II. NOS coverage and speed in Europe

1. NOS coverage

According to the OpenSignal July 2023 report on Portugal’s mobile network experience, NOS shows strong performance in Portugal’s mobile network landscape:

• NOS tied with Vodafone for the Availability award, highlighting the widespread accessibility of their network.
• NOS emerged as the outright winner in 5G Availability, indicating a wide and reliable 5G network across Portugal.
• NOS ranks first in 5G reach with a score of 6.0 out of 10, indicating users can access 5G almost everywhere they go.

2. NOS speed

NOS performed strongly in the Speedtest award and Opensignal’s July 2023 report on Portugal’s mobile network experience, sharing or winning awards in several speed categories:

• NOS secured outright wins in Download Speed (55.7 Mbps) and Upload Speed Experience (13.8 Mbps), showcasing its superior network performance.
• NOS was awarded the Fastest Mobile Network in Portugal for Q1-Q2 2023 with median download speeds of 343.98 Mbps and median upload speeds of 26.39 Mbps. This recognition highlights NOS’s commitment to providing fast and reliable mobile internet service.

III. NOS Connectivity options for travelers to the EU

Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of NOS connectivity options for travelers to the EU—covering prepaid SIM cards, eSIM, and roaming:

Option	Pros	Cons
Prepaid SIM	– Easy to purchase at NOS stores, airports, or kiosks.	– Requires a physical SIM slot on your device.
	– Affordable plans tailored for tourists (includes data, calls, and SMS).	– May require swapping out your home SIM, making you lose access to your main number.
eSIM	– Instantly activated via QR code—no physical card needed.	– Requires an eSIM-compatible device.
	– Allows you to keep your primary SIM active for calls/texts while using NOS for data.	– Not all travelers are familiar with eSIM activation processes.
	– Various affordable tourist packages as prepaid SIM with EU roaming included.	– Device compatibility and activation issues may arise if not configured correctly.
	– Cannot be lost or damaged like a physical SIM.	– Once activated, may not be transferable to another device.
Roaming (from Home Provider)	– No need to purchase or activate a new SIM or eSIM.	– Often significantly more expensive than local options like NOS prepaid SIM or eSIM.
	– Allows you to keep your home number active for all services.	– May have limited data allowances or slower speeds compared to local plans.
	– Convenient for short trips where minimal connectivity is needed.	– Some providers may not support full EU roaming or have hidden fees.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepaid SIMs are ideal for travelers with budget-friendly needs who don’t mind swapping SIMs.
• eSIMs are a great choice for tech-savvy users with compatible devices who want convenience and flexibility.
• Roaming is best for short trips or emergencies but can be costly for extended stays.

Choose based on your device compatibility, budget, and connectivity preferences!

IV. Best NOS SIM cards for tourists & costs

A NOS Portugal SIM card costs €2.50 EUR, and you can choose one of the packages below:

NOS Mobile Voice+Data Plans	Data	Local Calls	Messages	Validity	Total Cost
No contract plan	10GB	500 mins	500 SMS	4 weeks	€19.99 ($21)
24-months contract	10GB	1000 mins	1000 SMS	1 month	€28.99 ($30)
24-months contract	100GB	1000 mins	1000 SMS	1 month	€42.99 ($45)
Unlimited no contract	Unlimited	–	–	15 days	€15 ($15.6)
Unlimited no contract	Unlimited	–	–	35 days	€35 ($36)
Unlimited 24-months contract	Unlimited	–	–	1 month	€30 ($31)

V. Does NOS support eSIM?

Yes, NOS supports eSIM technology, and tourists can use NOS eSIM services. Tourists can request an eSIM NOS card for free at any NOS store or order it online (subject to stock availability). The NOS eSIM is fully compatible with 5G technology, ensuring high-speed connectivity in Portugal.

VI. Where can you buy a NOS SIM card & eSIM?

1. Where to buy NOS SIM card for travel

Travelers to Portugal can purchase a NOS SIM card or eSIM through the following options:

• NOS Stores: Available at shopping malls, and city centers. Staff assistance for setup.
• Supermarkets & Convenience Stores: Sold at partner retailers, kiosks, and convenience stores. Quick and easy purchase.
• Online (eSIM): Order on the NOS website. Instant activation via QR code.
• Airports: Major airports like Lisbon Airport (LIS), Porto Airport (OPO), and Faro Airport (FAO) often have kiosks or shops selling SIM cards, including NOS.

Choose based on your convenience: in-store for help, supermarkets for speed, or online for eSIM activation.

2. Where to buy NOS eSIM

• NOS Website: Purchase directly from the official NOS website. Free NOS eSIM Portugal activation with a QR code. Access to official NOS plans with EU roaming included.
• International eSIM Providers (e.g., Europe-esim.com): Offer various plans tailored for travelers, often covering multiple European countries. May provide better flexibility in pricing or broader coverage beyond Portugal.

Choose based on your travel needs: local reliability (NOS) or broader European flexibility (international providers).

Explore Portugal with seamless connectivity using the eSIM Portugal, featuring NOS as one of the supported networks for reliable 4G, LTE, and 5G coverage. Whether you’re sightseeing in Lisbon or relaxing in the Algarve, this eSIM ensures fast, uninterrupted internet access. With flexible plans ranging from 3 days to 30 days and data options from 500MB/day to unlimited, you can stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Enjoy free calls and SMS with select plans, instant activation via QR code, and the convenience of keeping your primary number active. 

Perfect for travelers, this eSIM is your gateway to affordable, high-speed internet across Portugal—powered by NOS and other leading operators.

VII. How to use NOS SIM card and eSIM

1. How to install and activate a NOS SIM card

• Insert the SIM Card: Place the NOS SIM card into your phone’s SIM slot.
• Restart Your Phone: Power off and restart your device to detect the SIM.
• Enter PIN Code: Input the default PIN (found on the card packaging).
• Activate the SIM: If not pre-activated, follow the instructions provided in the package or visit an NOS store.
• Configure APN Settings (if required): Go to settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN). Add NOS APN: Name: NOS & APN: internet.nos.pt
• Test Connectivity: Ensure calls, SMS, and data are working.

For further assistance, contact NOS customer support or visit a store.

2. How to install and activate NOS eSIM

• Request an eSIM: Obtain a NOS eSIM QR code from a NOS store or online.
• Ensure Compatibility: Verify your device supports eSIM and is network-unlocked.
• Scan the QR Code: Go to your phone’s settings. Scan the QR code provided by NOS.
• Download the eSIM Profile: Follow on-screen prompts to download and install the eSIM.
• Activate the eSIM: Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network during activation. Enter the provided PIN (if required).
• Test Connectivity: Confirm that calls, SMS, and data are working.

IX. NOS Call & SMS rates in the EU

Under EU Roam Like at Home regulations, NOS customers can use their mobile plans across EU/EEA countries at the same rates as in Portugal. Here’s a summary:

1. Calls:
   
   • Outgoing Calls: Included in your plan’s minutes (to EU/EEA numbers).
   • Incoming Calls: Free within the EU/EEA.
2. SMS:
   
   • Outgoing SMS: Included in your plan’s SMS allowance (to EU/EEA numbers).
   • Incoming SMS: Always free.
3. Out-of-Bundle Rates (if you exceed your plan):
   
   • Outgoing Calls: Approx. €0.19 per minute (excl. VAT).
   • SMS: Approx. €0.06 per message (excl. VAT).
4. Important Notes:
   
   • Rates apply only within EU/EEA countries.
   • Calls/SMS to non-EU countries are charged at international rates.

For specific rates or conditions, check your NOS plan details or contact NOS customer support.

X. How to top-up your NOS SIM card

• Via NOS Website: Go to the NOS top-up page. Enter your phone number and select the top-up amount. Complete the payment using a credit/debit card or other payment methods.
• Using the NOS App: Download and log in to the My NOS app. Select “Top-Up” and follow the prompts to add credit.
• At an ATM (Multibanco): Select “Payments and Services” > “Mobile Top-Up”. Enter your NOS number and choose the top-up amount.
• In Stores: Visit a NOS store, supermarket, or kiosk offering top-up services. Provide your number and pay for the desired top-up amount.

XI. How to check your NOS account usage and balance

• Using the NOS App: Download and log in to the My NOS app. View your current balance, available and used minutes, SMS, and mobile data. For prepaid or postpaid plans, you can also check the value in euros.
• Via Customer Area (Área de Cliente): Log in to your account on the NOS website. Access the “Usage and Balance” section to see detailed information on the remaining balance (if prepaid). Available and used minutes, SMS, and mobile data.

Both options provide a clear and real-time overview of your account usage and balance.

XII. FAQs

XIII. Final words

eSIM offers a seamless and flexible solution for staying connected in Portugal. With instant activation, competitive pricing, and coverage on top networks like NOS, these eSIMs are perfect for tourists. Whether you need data-only or plans with calls and SMS, their versatility makes them ideal for both single-country and multi-country trips. Simplify your travel experience with reliable, hassle-free connectivity wherever you go!