Which Sim cards for Algarve / Portugal?

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Hi Guys,

I'm driving down to the Algarve next week with the intention of spending about 50% of the winter onboard. I have two devices that need Sim cards for comms with the UK, one is an unlocked iPhone and the other is the onboard Huawei E5332 Unlocked Mobile Wi-Fi Modem.

Is pay as you go sim the best way or can I get something better whilst not being a resident / having a bank account there? 90% of usage would probably be email.

I'm a computer numpty btw - basic english only please. :o

Ta.

Steve
 
A couple of years ago I found the Optimus Kanguru dongle gave the best pre-pay benefits for data. Now it may be different.
 
Up till now I have used Kangaru but their fates are not as good as they used to be so I will be having another look when I get there later this month. You need a fiscal number to get a contract and because of their way of billing you need to be able to pay by direct debit for up to 3 months after you close the account. There are now many places in the Algarve with free wifi so you are unlikely to be cut off whilst you sortthings out. There are quite a few independant retailers around some national chains with many outlets some one man operations. Probably best to seek local advice on outlets local to your location.
 
We use Vodafone because they have the best coverage. Have 4G router on contract for onboard internet, unlimited downloads £25 p.m but IIRC it was half price for first 6 months. A Fiscal card is needed for contracts which is very easy to obtain (many people use boatyard or marina for address) but contract can be paid monthly at Voda shop so no need for bank account.

SWMBO has Voda 3G for tablet, 10 euro for one Gb, valid 3 months but IIRC there's another option for 10 hours valid 1 month.

Both have Voda PAYG phone sims.

Suggest you shop around on arrival, it's getting quite competitive.

Edit - Forgot to say the Voda contract can be suspended for up to 3 months per year, all at once or in several shorter periods.
 
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Wot's Wrong With Lagos

GrahamM376 said:
Oh dear, you're going to be in very dodgy company, Nortada and Chinita:)
Click to expand...

True & no doubt Chinita will be back err long to add colour to the place. Moreover there the are other YBW fugitives hiding out here in the Wild West.

But your could make even a bigger mistake in the Faro bad lands.;)
 
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i
drumbeat said:
Hi Guys,

I'm driving down to the Algarve next week with the intention of spending about 50% of the winter onboard. I have two devices that need Sim cards for comms with the UK, one is an unlocked iPhone and the other is the onboard Huawei E5332 Unlocked Mobile Wi-Fi Modem.

Is pay as you go sim the best way or can I get something better whilst not being a resident / having a bank account there? 90% of usage would probably be email.

I'm a computer numpty btw - basic english only please. :o

Ta.

Steve
Click to expand...
Got to Bruces Yard in Faro in August, talked to some forumites and a guy in the yard. there was a deal on with Meo. 10 euros for a sim card, 10gb of data free. It worked good in my Samsung mini 3. I set it up as a wifi hotspot. Swmbo connected with her samsung tab and i connected with my mini ipad. Connection was as fast as can be. I used the sim card back in the uk to talk to someone in portugal. no probs. I walked in to the Meo shop in Faro, handed over 10 euros, didnt even ask for my name, they put the card in my phone and set it up there and then!
Stu
 
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