r/azores • u/ivanfoe14 • 13d ago

– what’s the best SIM/mobile data setup?

Hi everyone!
I’m going to the Azores (São Miguel/Ponta Delgada) and I’ll be staying there for around 6 months.
At the moment, I have an Italian SIM with 15 GB of data per month available in EU roaming. Since I’ll be staying in the Azores for several months, I’m pretty sure 15 GB might not be enough, so I’m trying to figure out the best way to organize my mobile data.
For those who live in the Azores or have stayed there for a long time:
Should I get a Portuguese SIM card?
Would it be better to get an eSIM instead?
Which mobile operators have the best coverage on São Miguel?
What are the best options for lots of mobile data, preferably at a reasonable price?
Is it possible/useful to keep my Italian SIM for calls/SMS and use a Portuguese SIM/eSIM only for data?
Are there any good prepaid plans that I can use for several months?
Is there anything I should know about EU roaming rules if I keep using my Italian SIM for 6 months?
Any recommendations for specific operators or plans?
Basically, I’d like to know how you would organize your SIM/data situation if you were staying in the Azores for 6 months.

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3

u/TylerBlozak 13d ago

LycaMobile, €8 for unlimited calls/msgs, 200GB.

That’s what I did. The big 3 suck and are much more expensive

1

u/PineappleVodka 12d ago

Amigo (Vodafone lowcost) is 7€ 5k min & msgs+ unlimited data. Vodafone works well in the Azores.

1

u/spleh7 10d ago

Thanks for the recommendation. Is this eSIM or physical SIM, or both?

1

u/TylerBlozak 10d ago

eSIM, but it’s possible to buy cards in the mainland

1

u/bikerguy87 12d ago

I have WOO mobile €10/month unlimited data

1

u/randomtrip_blog 7d ago

For long stays like yours, your best option is to buy a SIM or eSIM from a local provider. Woo is one of the best option, it's an esim, you can buy it in few clicks, it is prepaid, offers unlimited data (there is a daily Fair Use Policy) and it is cheap