Description
The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, popular with UK travellers for whale and dolphin watching, crater lakes, hot springs and green hiking trails. Most visitors base themselves on São Miguel, and many add Terceira, Pico or Faial. Island hopping by plane and ferry, and changeable weather, make mobile data very handy.
A travel eSIM gives you that data without relying on your UK roaming allowance. It sits next to your UK SIM, so your UK number stays in the phone for bank codes and calls, and the eSIM handles maps, bookings and messaging.
Choose your Azores data plan
There are 12 plans for Azores. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £3.75 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £6.75 |
| Unlimited – 3 days | £8.62 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £9.00 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £12.75 |
| Unlimited – 5 days | £14.62 |
| Unlimited – 7 days | £20.25 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £21.75 |
| Unlimited – 10 days | £27.00 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £36.00 |
| Unlimited – 15 days | £36.75 |
| Unlimited – 30 days | £51.75 |
- Long weekend on São Miguel: Unlimited for 3 days or 1GB for 7 days covers maps, whale-watching bookings and messaging.
- A week of hiking: Unlimited for 7 days or 5GB for 30 days covers trail maps, weather checks and photos.
- Two weeks island hopping: 10GB for 30 days or unlimited for 15 days suits flights, ferries and plenty of sharing.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Azores.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in the Azores
Most UK visitors fly to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, often via Lisbon or Porto. Data helps with inter-island flight and ferry times, weather forecasts and webcams before hiking up to the crater lakes, whale-watching bookings and finding hot springs and viewpoints.
Signal is usually fine in towns and along coastal roads, but it can drop in crater valleys, on high trails and at sea between islands. Download offline maps for each island you visit, and check the weather before driving up to viewpoints, as cloud can roll in and hide the view.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Azores and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Azores plan: this plan is for the Azores. If you are stopping in Lisbon or Porto on the way, ask us about a plan for mainland Portugal too.
- Unlimited plans: a fair-use policy can apply. Ask us if you expect very heavy use.
Questions
Does it cover all nine islands?
Ask us before you order if you are visiting the smaller islands such as Flores or Corvo, so we can confirm cover for your route.
Will it work on a whale-watching boat?
Close to the coast it often will, but further out at sea signal can drop. Your photos will upload once you are back in range.
When should I buy my Azores eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
Would a physical SIM suit me better?
If your phone has no eSIM, look at our EU roaming SIM cards, which we post to UK addresses.
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