Are you moving to Portugal for a few weeks, a few months, or maybe even a few years? You’ve probably already wondered which internet plan to get for your home, and which mobile offer to choose without blowing your budget. To save you hours of research, here’s a complete, practical guide, based on real-life experience from people who already live in Portugal !

Home Internet, What to Expect ?

If you’re coming from another European country, you’ll quickly notice that internet plans in Portugal are slightly more expensive.

On average, for a standard package (fiber internet + TV box + landline), expect to pay around €35 to €40 per month.

There are three main operators dominating the market.

MEO : the historic provider, well established nationwide.
NOS : known for its TV packages and flexible options.
Vodafone : a reliable and well-rated operator, especially in cities thanks to its strong coverage.

Overall, these companies offer similar plans with little price variation. For context, over 95% of homes in Portugal already have fiber access (goodbye, ADSL !).

Digi, the New Player Shaking Up the Market

Since 2025, a new player has entered the scene: Digi ! Already well-known in Spain, this operator has brought the same strategy to Portugal, ultra-low prices, with fiber internet starting at €22/month and unlimited mobile plans from just €6/month!

At that price, both locals and expats are curious. Digi uses existing networks, but its arrival is forcing the big providers to adjust, great news for consumers.

What to Check Before Choosing Your Internet Plan ?

Contract duration : in Portugal, it’s very common to have a “fidelização” (commitment period) of 24 months.

Installation fees : often free, but some providers may charge up to €100.

Hidden extras : a second TV box, premium channels, express installation, all those can add unexpected costs.

And What About 3G/4G Dongles?

A surprisingly handy option : 3G or 4G dongles (or portable hotspots). They let you share a mobile connection with multiple devices.

They’re especially useful if you’re waiting for your fiber installation, if you move often, or if you live in a poorly connected area.

Major operators like MEO, NOS, and Vodafone all offer these devices with specific data plans. They can be convenient for short-term use but aren’t always the most economical choice if you use a lot of data.

Mobile Plans, What You Need to Know ?

When it comes to mobile offers, prices are similar to those across Europe. A typical unlimited plan costs between €20 and €25/month with the main operators. Some even include bonuses like free months of Spotify, included apps, or extended roaming.

But once again, Digi changes everything !

In Portugal, a local number (+351) is often required when contacting shops, locals, or public services. If you use a foreign number, some people may hesitate to call you back, afraid they’ll get charged extra (true story !).

Digi and Its Low-Cost Mobile Offers

Digi offers plans with unlimited calls and generous data for less than €10 a month. That’s unheard of, especially in Portugal, where unlimited plans weren’t the norm until recently.

In short : if you’re looking for the best value for money, Digi is the clear winner.

Prepaid or Contract ?

Prepaid (pré-pago) : you top up whenever you want. Perfect for short stays or for keeping your spending in check. In fact, if you already have a European plan, it may still be the most practical option.

Contract (pós-pago) : monthly billing, often with a commitment, but ideal if you plan to stay longer.

With prepaid, a €10 top-up usually gives you 5 to 10 GB of data and some call minutes. With postpaid, expect to pay €15 to €25/month, except with the famous Digi, which stays under €10.

And What About Roaming ?

Good news : since Portugal is in the EU, roaming is included!

No more nasty surprises, if you have a European plan, you can use your phone freely in Portugal during your holidays.

However, if you stay for several months, your home provider might limit your use or apply extra fees. In that case, getting a Portuguese number quickly becomes much more practical.

Negotiating, Is It Possible in Portugal?

Now, this is an interesting topic : negotiation ! In some countries, it’s almost a national sport, but in Portugal, it’s… less common.

One customer tried negotiating a lower rate with their provider. The agent first offered them a “computer protection service” or a “free mobile insurance.” Nice gesture, sure, but not quite what they had in mind. After some persistence, the customer finally got a €5/month discount, approved by a manager.

In short : negotiation isn’t impossible, but it’s not standard practice either. You’re more likely to get a free add-on (extra TV channels, device insurance, bonus options) than a direct price cut… but it’s still worth trying!

A Few Tips to Pay Less

Compare regularly : promotions change quickly depending on the season (back to school, summer, holidays…).

Bundle up : combining Internet + TV + mobile usually costs less than paying separately.

Try prepaid if you’re just passing through or don’t use much data.

Don’t hesitate to push customer service: even if direct discounts are rare, you can often get extra perks.

And For Expats ?

If you’re planning to stay longer in Portugal, note that to open a contract (Internet or mobile), you’ll always need : a NIF (Portuguese tax number), an ID, and sometimes proof of address.

Without a NIF, getting a contract is tricky ; this number is essential for almost everything in Portugal !

Choosing your Internet or mobile plan in Portugal requires a bit of research, especially to find the best deals.

For home Internet : offers range around €35-40, except Digi, which starts at €22.

For mobile : major operators sit between €15-20, while Digi stands out with unlimited plans under €10. 3G/4G dongles still exist, handy for temporary use.

Negotiating is possible, but not always easy, so don’t be afraid to insist.

With this information in hand, you’ve got everything you need to find the right plan for your budget and your lifestyle.