Barcelona is known as one of the greatest tourist experiences, from its peaceful Parc Guell, to the famous Las Ramblas avenue with cafes and activities. All tourists should see the Temple de la Sagrada Familia, a church that’s truly a work of beauty. Many other sites await, such as the daring architecture of Casa Mila, the funicular to Tibidabo, and the relaxing beaches.
What about a cell phone for Barcelona? While in Barcelona, you certainly don’t want to incur roaming charges on your personal cell phone. Of course you could buy a Barcelona cell phone on a Spanish network, but if you are there only as a tourist, the best solution would be to get what’s called a SIM card and put it into your own phone.
If it’s an unlocked phone that you are carrying. the SIM card should work fine, right away. However, if your phone is locked (that is, tied to a certain network as would be the case with many people) you have to buy a SIM that will work on that network only.
Mobile phone shops and Internet cafes usually can help with a SIM card. But try it out right away to make sure everything’s working OK. Then you’ll have a cell phone for Barcelona.
Happy Mobile is one of the most popular Barcelona cell phone networks. It’s a very economical system allowing a pay as you go policy. In Spanish, the company name is Happy Movil.
But the biggest mobile network in Barcelona and in all of Spain is the giant Movistar network that operates globally throughout Latin America as well. They are so big as to be able to accommodate any use, whether you want a simple pay as you go plan, or you have the more sophisticated needs of a corporate business traveler.
Other networks operating in Barcelona include Yoigo, which unfortunately has limitations within urban areas and might restrict you while you are there, and Simyo, which has the reputation of being a cut-rate, no-frills network that’s economical but not the strongest company available for use within Barcelona.
You don’t have to wait until you get to Barcelona to get your cell phone arrangement set up. You can contact your favorite store or network provider before you leave home and arrange for an international package that will work once you are in Barcelona. There may be extra charges for unlocking you phone, or giving you a special SIM card. You should make sure the technician double checks specifically for the city of Barcelona usage, and doesn’t sell you just some general international equipment, hoping it will work in Barcelona.
The best news of all is that Barcelona recently was awarded the title of Mobile World Capital. It’s been the site of the Mobile World Congress trade show, and has built the Mobile World Center with great exhibits and shops.
Barcelona has been recognized for its commitment to furthering the reach of mobile phones throughout the city and all of Spain.





