# What Are the Best SIM Cards for International Calls from Portugal? (2026)

> Best SIM cards in Portugal for international calls in 2026. Compare Lycamobile, Vodafone World, MEO and other options for calling abroad.

By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/telecom/international-calling-sim

Updated August 2026. **Most expats should use WhatsApp or other VoIP apps** for international calls because they are free over Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you need a Portuguese number with bundled international minutes, **Lycamobile** and **Vodafone World** add-ons are the main options.

## Which SIM Is Best for International Calls?

### Best for cheap international minutes

Lycamobile prepaid bundles for calling Africa, Asia, and Brazil.

### Best for EU/USA calls

Vodafone World or main-brand add-ons.

### Best free option

WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Zoom over data.

### Best data plan for apps

WOO or UZO 100GB at EUR 5 per month (August campaign prices; UZO lists at EUR 8 from September).

## What Are the International Calling Options?

You have four practical options: use internet calling apps, buy a Lycamobile bundle, add an international minute pack to a main-brand plan, or use a travel eSIM with a calling app. Most people do not need a dedicated international-calling SIM.

## Top SIM Cards for International Calls

### NOS Like Internacional

3.8Pay per use on NOS for n/a. No address needed.

Best forInternational callers[Get plan](https://www.nos.pt/movel/tarifarios-movel/tarifarios-movel-pre-pagos)Pay per usen/amonthPay per use on NOS. eSIM available.

Pros

- n/a/month
- eSIM
- No address needed

Cons

- Price and minute allowance not published online
- Destination country list needs in-store confirmation

### DIGI pré-pago 200GB

3.8200 GB on DIGI for EUR 7. No address needed.

Best forInternational callers[Get plan](https://www.digi.pt/tarifarios-telemovel/)200 GBEUR 7month200 GB on DIGI. eSIM available.

Pros

- **EUR 7**/month
- eSIM
- No address needed

Cons

- **€10** prepaid SIM kit fee
- International minute destination list applies

### UZO pay-as-you-go

3.8Pay per use on MEO for EUR 0. No address needed.

Best forInternational callers[Get plan](https://www.uzo.pt/tarifarios-telemovel/carregamento)Pay per useEUR 0monthPay per use on MEO. eSIM available.

Pros

- **EUR 0**/month
- eSIM
- No address needed

Cons

- Data at **€0.015**/MB is costly for smartphones
- Number deactivates after 120 idle days

### Lyca Boss 100GB

3.8100 GB on Vodafone Portugal for EUR 8. No address needed.

Best forInternational callers[Get plan](https://www.lycamobile.pt/pt/bundles/)100 GBEUR 8month100 GB on Vodafone Portugal. eSIM available.

Pros

- **EUR 8**/month
- eSIM
- No address needed

Cons

- List price **€8** after three promo months
- Amigo **100GB** on same network costs **€5**

## Related Guides

[### Best SIM Cards Top plans for residents.](/telecom/sim)[### eSIM Guide Activate before arrival.](/telecom/esim)[### Mobile Plans Guide Compare plans.](/telecom/mobile-plans)[### SIM Cards for Newcomers Get connected quickly.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which Portuguese SIM is best for international calls?

Lycamobile is the most popular MVNO for international calls because it specialises in low-cost calling to Africa, Asia, and Brazil. Vodafone World add-ons are also a good option for frequent calls to specific countries.

### Are international calls included in low-cost plans?

Usually not. Low-cost data plans from WOO, UZO, and DIGI focus on data and EU calls. International calls are either charged per minute or require a separate add-on.

### Is WhatsApp the cheapest way to call abroad?

Yes, for most people. WhatsApp, FaceTime, and similar apps use data and work over Wi-Fi or mobile data, avoiding international call charges entirely.

### Do I need a Portuguese number to call abroad?

No. You can use VoIP apps with any internet connection. If you want a local number with international calling bundles, choose Lycamobile or a Vodafone World plan.

---

Source: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/telecom/international-calling-sim
Last updated: n/a
Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.