If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol, whether to retire, work remotely, or enjoy a new lifestyle in Spain, one of the first things you’ll need is a reliable mobile phone provider. From keeping in touch with family back home to navigating daily life in Mijas, Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, or Estepona, choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Here’s our 2025 guide to the best mobile phone providers in Costa del Sol for expats.
The Big Four Mobile Providers in Spain
- Movistar (Telefónica) – The biggest provider in Spain with unbeatable coverage, especially strong if you plan to live inland in villages like Mijas Pueblo or Álora. Slightly pricier, but very reliable.
- Vodafone – Popular among expats thanks to English-speaking support and excellent roaming options. Coverage is strong along the coast in Málaga, Marbella, and beyond.
- Orange – A great value choice with competitive bundles for mobile and home internet. Coverage is solid in most Costa del Sol towns and cities.
- Yoigo – Known for unlimited data packages at affordable prices. Coverage is best in urban areas but can be patchy in rural Málaga province.
Expat-Friendly Mobile Operators in Costa del Sol
In addition to the big networks, two smaller providers stand out for expats:
- Lobster – Designed for the English-speaking community in Spain, with contracts, customer service, and billing all in English. Their plans include unlimited calls to the UK and most of Europe, making them a top choice for expats in Marbella, Fuengirola, and Benalmádena.
- Lycamobile – Great for international calling, with very low rates to destinations outside Europe. Popular with expats who regularly phone friends and family abroad.
Mobile Provider Comparison for Expats in Costa del Sol
| Provider | Coverage Strength | Language Support | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar | Excellent nationwide (incl. rural Málaga) | Spanish + some English | Reliable service, strong fibre bundles | Long-term residents needing top coverage |
| Vodafone | Very good across Costa del Sol | English support available | EU roaming, family discounts | Frequent travellers & families |
| Orange | Strong in coastal towns & cities | Mainly Spanish, some English | Competitive home+mobile bundles | Value seekers |
| Yoigo | Improving, weaker in rural inland | Mostly Spanish | Unlimited data options, affordable | Heavy data users in urban areas |
| Lobster | Uses Movistar network | 100% English service | Unlimited calls to UK/EU, simple setup | English-speaking expats |
| Lycamobile | Good in major towns/cities | Limited English support | Cheapest international calling | Expats calling abroad often |
What Expats in Costa del Sol Should Consider
- Coverage – If you’re living inland (e.g., Coín, Álora, or Ronda), Movistar offers the most reliable service. On the coast, Vodafone, Orange, and Lobster are all strong.
- Language Support – Lobster is the only fully English-speaking provider. Vodafone and Movistar offer English contracts and helplines, while others may require Spanish.
- Contract vs Prepaid – For short-term stays or second homes, prepaid SIMs are easiest. If you’re relocating full-time, contracts usually include discounts on home internet.
- Roaming & International Calls – Vodafone and Lobster stand out for EU roaming, while Lycamobile is unbeatable for low-cost calls outside Europe.
- Bundled Packages – Orange, Movistar, and Vodafone offer mobile + fibre internet + TV bundles, ideal if you’re setting up a permanent home.
Our Recommendations for Expats
- Movistar or Vodafone – For reliable coverage and English-language support.
- Orange – For value and bundled home internet.
- Lobster – For English-speaking expats who need unlimited calls to the UK and Europe.
- Lycamobile – For expats who make frequent international calls outside Europe.
👉 Whether you’re in Mijas, Marbella, Estepona or Nerja, choosing the right mobile provider in Costa del Sol ensures you stay connected from day one. Compare coverage, language support, and international calling options to find the plan that best fits your expat lifestyle in Spain.