Holafly vs TravelNet in Portugal: prices, data limits and when you need an eSIM at all
Considering Holafly for Portugal? Below, its prices for 3 to 30 days sit next to TravelNet’s, with what each “unlimited” plan does after your daily data and which networks you get in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. One thing first: if your phone plan is from an EU country, EU roaming rules let you use your home data in Portugal at no extra roaming charge, within your operator’s fair use limit. A travel eSIM is mainly useful if your plan is from outside the EU, or if your EU plan’s data allowance abroad is too small.
Holafly vs TravelNet prices in Portugal (USD)
Holafly prices unlimited data by the day (1 to 90 days; 1 day costs $3.90). TravelNet offers two unlimited tiers and two fixed-data plans in Portugal.
| Trip length | Holafly (unlimited) | TravelNet Unlimited Standard | vs Holafly | TravelNet Unlimited Plus | vs Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $11.90 | $3.99 | $7.91 less | — | — |
| 7 days | $27.50 | $8.49 | $19.01 less | $15.99 | $11.51 less |
| 15 days | $50.50 | $13.99 | $36.51 less | $27.99 | $22.51 less |
| 30 days | $73.90 | $24.49 | $49.41 less | $48.49 | $25.41 less |
In Portugal, both TravelNet unlimited tiers cost less than Holafly at every length shown. Unlimited Standard costs $7.91 less for 3 days and $49.41 less for 30 days; Unlimited Plus costs $11.51 to $25.41 less from 7 days. TravelNet has no 3-day Unlimited Plus plan in Portugal.
If you need less data: TravelNet fixed plans
| TravelNet plan | Price | Holafly, same number of days |
|---|---|---|
| 10 GB / 15 days | $8.49 | $50.50 (unlimited) |
| 20 GB / 30 days | $14.99 | $73.90 (unlimited) |
10 GB for 15 days at $8.49 and 20 GB for 30 days at $14.99 are the lowest-priced options on either side for a stay of two weeks or more with normal use.
What “unlimited” means on each side
- TravelNet Unlimited Standard: full speed for the first 1 GB each day, then 512 kbps.
- TravelNet Unlimited Plus: full speed for the first 2 GB each day, then 2 Mbps.
- Holafly: unlimited data; its FAQ says an operator fair usage policy may reduce speed for up to one day in rare cases.
Networks and coverage in Portugal
- Holafly lists MEO, NOS and Vodafone Portugal, and mentions 5G where available.
- TravelNet connects on 4G through MEO and NOS (Vodafone Portugal also appears on its coverage page). TravelNet plans in Portugal are 4G only.
- Coverage: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Coimbra and Braga are covered by both. Holafly flags weaker signal in Serra da Estrela, Peneda-Gerês National Park and inland mountain routes on Madeira and the Azores.
Hotspot, validity and extras
- Hotspot: Holafly allows 1 GB of shared data per day. TravelNet includes hotspot on its Portugal plans, within each plan’s data or daily full-speed limit.
- Activation: both start on first connection in Portugal; TravelNet gives 30 days after purchase to activate.
- Holafly extras: “Always On” (1 GB backup data per month) and an included telemedicine service.
- TravelNet refund: full refund if the eSIM is not activated, replacement first if it is faulty
Which one fits your trip
- EU phone plan: check your operator’s EU data allowance first; you may not need an eSIM.
- Non-EU plan, any trip length: TravelNet costs less than Holafly for each duration shown, on both unlimited tiers.
- Long stay with normal use: TravelNet 20 GB / 30 days at $14.99.
- You want 5G or need a duration TravelNet does not sell (e.g. 10 or 21 days): Holafly sells any number of days and mentions 5G; TravelNet sells 3, 7, 15 and 30 days on 4G.
FAQ
How much does Holafly cost for Portugal?
On October 2, 2026: $3.90 for 1 day, $11.90 for 3 days, $27.50 for 7 days, $36.50 for 10 days, $50.50 for 15 days and $73.90 for 30 days.
Do I need an eSIM in Portugal if I have an EU phone plan?
Usually not: EU roaming rules let you use your plan in Portugal without roaming charges, within your operator’s fair use limit. An eSIM helps if your plan is from outside the EU or your EU data allowance is too small.
Which networks do Holafly and TravelNet use in Portugal?
Holafly lists MEO, NOS and Vodafone. TravelNet uses MEO and NOS on 4G.
Is Holafly or TravelNet cheaper in Portugal?
TravelNet, at every length we compared: for example 7 days of Unlimited Standard is $8.49 against $27.50 for Holafly. TravelNet’s Standard tier slows to 512 kbps after 1 GB a day.
Does the eSIM work in Madeira and the Azores?
Holafly says its Portugal eSIM works in both. For TravelNet, check the coverage section of the Portugal plan before you buy.