Description
Madeira is a year-round favourite with UK holidaymakers thanks to its mild climate, levada walks, dramatic cliffs and the harbour town of Funchal. People come for hiking holidays, winter sun, New Year’s Eve fireworks and cruise stops. Many walks start far from town, so having data for maps, weather and bus times makes a real difference.
A travel eSIM gives you that data without depending on your UK roaming terms. It is added beside your UK SIM, so your UK number stays in the phone for bank codes and calls while the eSIM covers maps, messages and browsing.
Choose your Madeira data plan
There are 12 plans for Madeira. 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 | £3.00 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £4.12 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £4.88 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £6.75 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £8.25 |
| Unlimited – 3 days | £8.62 |
| Unlimited – 5 days | £14.25 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £14.25 |
| Unlimited – 7 days | £20.25 |
| Unlimited – 10 days | £26.25 |
| Unlimited – 15 days | £36.75 |
| Unlimited – 30 days | £51.75 |
- Cruise stop in Funchal: 1GB for 7 days or unlimited for 3 days covers a day or two ashore.
- A week of levada walks: Unlimited for 7 days or 5GB for 30 days covers trail maps, weather checks and photos.
- Two weeks of winter sun: 10GB for 30 days or unlimited for 15 days suits a longer stay with video calls home.
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 Madeira.
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 on Madeira
Flights from the UK arrive at Madeira’s airport near Santa Cruz, east of Funchal, and cruise ships dock at Funchal harbour. Data helps with walking route apps, checking the weather before heading into the mountains, bus timetables, taxi bookings and the ferry to Porto Santo.
Signal is usually good in Funchal and along the south coast, but it can drop in deep valleys, in tunnels on the levada trails and on the high peaks around Pico do Arieiro. Download your walking routes offline before setting off.
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 Madeira 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.
- Madeira plan: this plan is for Madeira. If you are also visiting mainland Portugal or the Azores, ask us which plan suits your route.
- Unlimited plans: a fair-use policy can apply. Ask us if you expect very heavy use.
Questions
Will it work on the levada walks?
On many routes yes, but signal can disappear in deep valleys and tunnels. Download maps offline and tell someone your route before walking.
Does it work on Porto Santo?
Porto Santo is part of the Madeira archipelago. Ask us before you order if you plan to spend time there, so we can confirm cover.
When should I buy my Madeira 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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