Using an eSIM in Gran Canaria
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.
Gran Canaria has excellent 4G and 5G coverage across the entire island. Whether you're working remotely from a café in Puerto del Carmen, exploring the César Manrique attractions, or road-tripping from Arrecife to the northern villages, a good eSIM means less stress and better connectivity.
Where does coverage work in Gran Canaria?
Ubigi and eSIM4Travel work reliably throughout Gran Canaria, including the main towns (Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Playa del Inglés), tourist areas, and most rural zones. Coverage is solid whether you're coworking, visiting Roque Nublo, or relaxing in the southern resorts. Since Gran Canaria is part of Spain's Canary Islands, these eSIMs also work perfectly if you island-hop to Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura.
This makes Gran Canaria ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. If you're considering an extended stay, check out our guide to Spain's digital nomad visa to learn how you can legally live and work from the island long-term.
In this post, you'll find our 2 recommended eSIM providers for Gran CanariaLanzarote, plus a link to our full directory if you want more options.
What is an eSIM, and why use one in Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria:
✅ Pre-install before flying, activate when you land
✅ No shops, lines, or ID checks
✅ Cheaper than most roaming plans
✅ Works across the entire island
✅ Easy to monitor and top up your plan
Best eSIM providers for Gran Canaria
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 in Gran Canaria.
Why we recommend Ubigi:
- Setup in under 5 minutes (app or QR code)
- Smart activation starts on arrival
- Strong coverage even in remote areas like Agaete or Tejeda
- Works well for hotspotting your laptop
- Real-time usage tracking in-app
- Unlimited data options available
- 10% off with code NOMADWISE
2. eSIM4Travel: Best price for basic usage
eSIM4Travel is a no-frills option if you just want to get online and save some money. It's especially good for travelers who don't need super fast speeds or lots of advanced features.
Why travelers choose eSIM4Travel:
- One of the cheapest options on the market
- No app required, manage everything via email and browser
- Solid coverage for browsing, messaging, and Google Maps
- Helpful live chat if you need support
It's a simple solution that gets the job done, ideal for short trips or if you're mainly using your phone for basic tasks.
Looking for more options?
Want to compare more providers or check eSIM options for other destinations? Check our full directory:
👉 See all Gran Canaria eSIM providers
How to choose the right eSIM for your Gran Canaria 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
🌍 Visiting other Canary Islands? Choose a plan that covers all of Spain
💬 Need support? Look for providers with good documentation or live chat help
Quick Setup Guide: eSIMs in Gran Canaria
- Check your phone's 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-Fi
Final thoughts and recommendations
Whether you're exploring Las Palmas' old town, sunbathing in Maspalomas, or hiking to Roque Nublo, a reliable eSIM is key.
- Want unlimited data and full coverage? → Ubigi (10% off with code NOMADWISE)
- Want friendly support and easy setup? → Choose eSIM4Travel
Planning to explore mainland Spain too? Check our complete guide to eSIMs for Spain, which covers Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and more.
