Lisbon Airport SIM card – floor map, stores, prices, tourist tips

Welcome to Portugal! This guide will inform you about getting a Lisbon Airport SIM card in Vodafone shops, Unicambio currency exchange offices, and 24/7 vending machines in Terminal 1, and buying an eSIM online at ohayu.com. We will review the airport map and real photos to ensure you know where to shop and what to expect.

Understanding the Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport map

Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) has two areas: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2).

T1: This is the main area. All flights that come to Lisbon land here, including both international and domestic flights. If you are flying with a major airline like TAP or Lufthansa, you will leave from T1.

T2: This is only for departing flights, mostly for low-cost airlines (i.e., easyJet) and European flights. You will not arrive here.

Key terminal sections

Baggage claim (T1): After you go through passport control, you will reach the baggage claim area. Look for screens that tell you the carousel number for your flight.

Arrival (welcome) hall (T1): Once you have your luggage and cleared customs, you will enter the main hall in Terminal 1. This is a large zone where you will see people waiting, information desks, and some shops.

Departure (boarding) area (T1): This area is on an upper floor in T1. Here, you will find check-in desks and security. After passing through security, there are shops, places to eat, and lounges.

Boarding area (T2): This is a smaller terminal. It is simpler than Terminal 1. There are fewer shops and food places here. If your flight leaves from Terminal 2, you need to take a free shuttle from T1 to T2. The bus goes every 10 to 20 minutes and takes about three minutes to get there. It runs from 3:30 AM to 12:30 AM.

Where to buy a Lisbon Airport SIM card

You’ll find places to buy SIM cards mainly in T1.

• Vodafone: As you leave customs and enter the arrivals hall, look for a Vodafone store or kiosk. It is easy to notice.
• Exchange counters: These are mainly for changing money, but some exchange counters at Humberto Delgado also sell SIM cards.
• Vending machines: You might see automated retailers that sell mobile data packages in the luggage claim or arrivals. These machines are open all day and night.

Quick tip: Keep your passport with you. You will need it to register your SIM card in Portugal – it is a local rule.

Vodafone

You will find carrier kiosks in T1.

Arrivals hall: After you get your luggage and go through customs, look for Vodafone signs. They are usually easy to see. In particular, there is a store near carousel 9, open from 7 AM to 1 PM, and another spot in the main welcome zone, open from 7 AM to 11 PM.

Departures: There is also a store in the boarding lobby, usually open from 8 AM to 5 PM. This is helpful if you didn’t see it when you arrived or need to buy something before you leave.

After security: You may also find a spot in the luggage section after you pass security. This spot is often open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

• Opening hours: 07:00 – 23:00 (Arrivals); 08:00 – 17:00 (Departures); 06:00 – 21:00 (Baggage)
• Location: T1 Before Security; T1 After Security
• Telephone: +351 808 919 191

Currency exchange counters

Humberto Delgado has bureaux de change, mainly run by Unicambio, in T1. You can find them in the welcome hall, which is where you come out after getting your luggage, or in the boarding lounge. They are easy to see because they have bright signs that say “Exchange” or “Câmbios.”

The currency exchange counters are open for a long time, usually from early morning until late at night. When it comes to cellphone data plans, they usually sell ones for a specific mobile provider, which is often Lycamobile.

• Locations: Welcome Hall, Departures South Pier and Central Square, Luggage Claim Area, Underground Station
• Opening hours: 07:00 – 20:00 (Departures South), 05:00 – 00:00 (Arrivals, Departures Central, Baggage), 09:30 – 18:30 Monday to Friday (Underground Station)
• Telephone: 962 017 516 (Arrivals, Departures South), 967 238 325 (Departures Central), 969 800 009 (Baggage), 967 252 132 (Underground Station)

Vending machines

Using a vending machine to purchase a Lisbon Airport SIM card is a very good choice. They are usually open all the time, even at night, on weekends, or during holidays when other shops may be closed. This way, you will stay connected no matter when your flight lands.

Look for vending machines in the baggage claim after you get your luggage or in the welcome lobby after you pass through customs and enter the main lobby.

• Opening hours: 24/7
• Location: T1 Welcome and Baggage lobbies

Lisbon Airport SIM card providers (2026 prices)

In Portugal, there are three main mobile operators: Vodafone, MEO, and NOS. There is also Lycamobile, which is an MVNO that leases other networks. Lycamobile is often available at currency exchange points.

Vodafone

MEO

NOS

Lycamobile

Step-by-step purchase guide

Let’s go step by step through the Lisbon Airport SIM card buying process to help you get connected easily.

Prearrival preparation

• Phone unlock verification: First, make sure your phone is “unlocked.” This means it can use any SIM card, not just the one from your home country. If you’re not sure, please contact your phone company for help.
• Card size: Most new devices use a “nanoSIM.” Older models might use “micro” or “standard.” Check your phone’s manual to find out what size you need. Stores have all sizes, but it’s good to know what fits your device.
• Documents needed: Bring your passport or a valid ID with you. In Portugal, local sellers may require ID registration to activate prepaid SIM cards (especially SIMs with phone numbers).

At the Lisbon Airport process

So, you’ve landed. Here’s what to do next:

1. Understanding your needs: Before buying a Lisbon Airport SIM card, think about a few things: How many gigabytes do you need? How long will you be here? Do you want to make international calls? This will help you find what fits you best.
2. Purchase process walkthrough:
   1. Go to your chosen vendor (e.g., Vodafone).
   2. Show your passport.
   3. Choose your plan. The staff usually explain options.
   4. Pay for the purchase.
3. Activation steps: The staff will likely help you activate the SIM. If you buy it from a vending machine, follow the instructions on the package. Insert the card into your phone, restart it, and the network should show up.
4. Checking the connection: Before leaving the shop, try calling someone, sending a text, or opening a webpage. In short, make sure everything works.

Lisbon Airport vs. city prices

• Cost differences: At Humberto Delgado, prices are usually a bit higher than in the city. This is because airport shops have higher operating costs.
• Convenience premium: When you buy something at Lisbon Airport, you pay a little more for the convenience. You can connect to the internet right after you land. This lets you order a ride, find a hotel, or check maps right away.
• When airport purchase makes sense: It is a good idea to buy a SIM when you land if you need internet right away. This is especially helpful for short trips or if you arrive late at night. Many travelers think the extra cost is worth it for peace of mind. But if you want to save money or are staying longer, it might be better to go into town.

EU roaming considerations

This is a great benefit for tourists who travel to more than one European country. 

Many mobile data plans in Portugal now have a policy called Roam Like at Home (RLAH). This means that they’re available in countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) without paying extra fees for roaming. UK roaming depends on the provider and the specific plan (some providers don’t include it and can set extra roaming fees in the United Kingdom). Usually, you can use your data allowance or a fair part of it while traveling.

This includes EU countries plus EEA countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

However, there are some limits and rules to be aware of:

• While “unlimited” data might mean you can use as much as you want, EU roaming data might have a limit. For example, if you have 100GB, you might only be able to use 15GB in the EU. So it’s important to check the details.
• The RLAH rule is only for temporary travel. If you spend most of your time using your phone outside of Portugal, your provider may charge you extra fees.

Lisbon Airport SIM card vs eSIM

The “e” in eSIM means “embedded” (it’s digital). Instead of a small plastic card that you put into your device, an eSIM is built into the hardware. It’s a tiny chip inside your device.

To explain it simply:

• A regular SIM card is like a key that you put into a lock. An eSIM is more like a digital code that unlocks the same features directly on your phone without needing to use a physical key.
• With a regular SIM, you need to take out one card and put in another to change your mobile service. With an eSIM, you just download a “profile” or “plan” (digitally). This profile has all the information your device needs to connect to a network.

Also, many eSIM-compatible smartphones hold multiple eSIM profiles at the same time. This means you could have a home country plan and another for Portugal (or several international ones) saved on the same device. As a result, you can easily switch between these plans in your phone’s settings.

Conclusion

After you learn about the different options, you’re ready to choose a Lisbon Airport SIM card! Here are some options you have:

• You’ll find stores and money exchange counters that sell prepaid plans with data, calls, and EU roaming. The staff can help you too.
• There are also vending machines that, among other things, provide 24/7 access.
• eSIMs are another option. You can usually use the eSIM before arrival and use it after you arrive in Portugal by activating your profile so it can connect to the supported local networks. E.g., you can install eSIM like Ohayu online, using in-flight Wi-Fi or Airport Wi-Fi, and activate it when you land. This is very helpful for travelers.

No matter what you pick, think about your trip and what you need. Choose the best option for how long you’ll stay and how many GB you need. This way, your time in Lisbon will be easy and fun!

And if you’re also thinking about going to Japan or Singapore soon, check out guides for Haneda and Changi airports. Safe travels!

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Article by Allison Reed

Editor in Chief at Ohayu

Allison's secret passion during the last 10+ years is travel journalism. She loves to pack up, leave the comfort zone and discover new destinations and cultures to later have good memories and share her adventures. She covers digital nomad trends, global mobility, and travel tips.

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