Using an eSIM in the Canary Islands
I didn’t use eSIMs at all during my first few months as a digital nomad. Once I gave them a shot, I stopped dealing with kiosks and shop queues for good.
The Canary Islands have excellent 4G and 5G coverage across most major towns and tourist areas. Whether you're working from a coworking spot in Las Palmas, hiking on Tenerife, or hopping between islands like Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, a good eSIM means less stress and better connectivity.
Which islands are covered?
Ubigi and Saily work well in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and even lesser-visited spots like La Palma. Coverage is reliable whether you’re coworking, sightseeing, or heading off-grid for a few days.
In this post, you’ll find our 2 recommended eSIM providers for the Canary Islands, plus a link to our full directory if you want more options.
What is an eSIM, and why use one in the Canary Islands?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device, no plastic card needed. Just scan a QR code or install it via an app, and you’re connected.
Why eSIMs are great for the Canary Islands:
✅ Pre-install before flying, activate when you land
✅ No shops, lines, or ID checks
✅ Cheaper than most roaming plans
✅ Works across all major islands
✅ Easy to monitor and top up your plan
Best eSIM providers for the Canary Islands
1. Ubigi: Best for fast setup and full island coverage
Ubigi is our top recommendation for travelers who want fast setup, reliable speeds, and an easy-to-use app. You can buy your plan in advance, and it won’t activate until you arrive.
Why we recommend Ubigi:
- Setup in under 5 minutes (app or QR code)
- Smart activation starts on arrival
- Strong coverage even outside major towns
- Works well for hotspotting your laptop
- Real-time usage tracking in-app
- Unlimited data options available
- 10% off with code NOMADWISE
2. Saily: Best for secure browsing and smart top-ups
Saily is built by the team behind NordVPN, with privacy tools baked right into the service. Great for remote work, especially when only public Wi-Fi at cafés, hostels, or coworking spaces is available.
Why we recommend Saily:
- Built-in ad blocker + web protection
- Stable coverage across the islands
- Easy app experience, no QR code needed
- Friendly live chat support
- 5% off with code NOMADWISE5
👉 Explore Saily plans and get 5% off
Looking for more options?
Want to compare more providers or check eSIM options for other countries? Check our full directory:
👉 See all Canary Islands eSIM providers here
How to choose the right eSIM for your Spain trip
📱 Device compatibility: iPhones XR+, most new Androids, and Pixels support eSIM
📊 Data usage: 3–5GB/week is plenty for browsing, maps, and remote work
🌍 Going beyond Spain? Choose a plan that also covers other EU countries
💬 Need support? Look for providers with good documentation or live chat help
Quick Setup Guide: eSIMs in the Canary Islands
- Check your phones compatibility by going to Settings → Mobile Network → Search for “Add eSIM”
- Buy your plan and follow the setup instructions
- Install the profile via app or QR code
- Activate and test your connection before leaving Wi-F
Summary: Best eSIM for the Canary Islands
Whether you're surfing in Fuerteventura, hiking Mount Teide, or coworking from Las Palmas, a reliable eSIM is key.
- Want unlimited data and full coverage? → Ubigi (10% off with code NOMADWISE)
- Want safer browsing on public Wi-Fi? → Saily (5% off with code NOMADWISE5)
👉 Explore all Canary Islands eSIMs
