And what it reveals about mobile data culture, regional coverage gaps, and whether a sleek startup can actually handle real-world roaming
We didn’t plan on testing mobile data services this summer. We planned on beaches, sierras, lazy mornings in the van, and afternoons answering emails with the sound of wind through pine. But Spain, like every country, has a way of revealing what works and what doesn’t—especially when you rely on connectivity.
This summer, we took Mossroam with us. From Benicàssim to Alicante, Teruel to the edge of the Sierra de Cazorla, we drove, worked, streamed, uploaded, and got booted out of Zoom calls more times than we’d like to admit. Here’s what Mossroam got right, what it didn’t, and how it held up across sun, signal, and the strange micro-climates of Spanish data coverage.
Need reliable data while living slow in Spain? Try Mossroam — your beach-proof eSIM.
Use code NEW20 for 20% off your first plan. Get Your eSIM here today.
1. What Mossroam promises—on paper
Mossroam sells itself as a pan-European eSIM data solution that works across borders, connects automatically to the best local networks, and eliminates the hassle of physical SIM swaps or day-pass gimmicks. It’s marketed to digital nomads, vanlifers, and anyone trying to avoid predatory roaming fees or patchy prepaid cards.
It’s sleek, app-based, and built around flexibility: choose a country, buy a plan, and activate the eSIM. The process is meant to be frictionless. But like many startup products, the test is what happens when you leave the app and hit the road.
2. Setup is painless—but assumes confidence
Installing Mossroam was quick and genuinely easy. Using an iPhone, we added the eSIM in less than two minutes. No plastic, no waiting for mail. The app walks you through the process clearly.
But it also assumes you’re confident with mobile settings. While Mossroam does offer help prompts, the process requires toggling data lines, prioritizing eSIMs, and manually selecting which line to use for cellular data and voice. If you’re tech-averse or distracted by travel chaos, this setup may feel slightly abstract.
Still, once installed and selected, it just worked. The switch to local Spanish carriers happened within minutes.
3. Speeds were excellent—in the right places
On the coast—Benicàssim, Altea, Jávea, Alicante—speeds were consistently strong. Mossroam connected us to Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange, depending on the exact zone. In cafés and while parked beachside, we regularly saw 80–100 Mbps downloads and 10–15 Mbps upload. Zoom calls worked. Google Docs synced without pause.
In towns like Dénia and El Campello, Mossroam even beat local Wi-Fi. We ended up using it as our default connection for several evenings.
In short: if you’re staying coastal, Mossroam delivers.
Need reliable data while living slow in Spain? Try Mossroam — your beach-proof eSIM.
Use code NEW20 for 20% off your first plan. Get Your eSIM here today.
4. The test: inland, high up, or far from anything
The real challenge came as we moved inland—into the dry hills above Alcoy, the forests near Teruel, and the winding roads of the Sierra de Cazorla. In these regions, mobile coverage is spotty for everyone, not just eSIMs. Mossroam held signal longer than we expected, often switching to Orange or Yoigo when Movistar faded.
However, the switch didn’t always happen fast. There were moments—especially while driving—when Mossroam clung to a weak tower instead of handing off to a better one. We had to toggle airplane mode a few times to force a reconnect.
Uploads stalled in parts of the Sierra. Speeds dropped under 3 Mbps in shaded gorges. Video calls became impossible. That’s not necessarily Mossroam’s fault—it’s the cost of remoteness. But it means that if you work while wandering, you’ll need to plan your uploads for flatter terrain.
5. Data packages are transparent, but can burn fast
Mossroam’s plans are clear: buy by gigabyte, use as needed. There’s no hidden expiration (unless specified), and you can top up directly in the app.
For our work-from-the-road rhythm—mostly browser-based tasks with occasional calls and video—we used about 6 to 8 GB per week per person. Streaming bumped it up. Uploading large files bumped it even more.
The good news: no throttling. The bad: it’s easy to burn through 10 GB in three days if you’re not careful. There’s no warning system mid-session—you just get a notice when your data’s gone.
6. Compatibility varies slightly by phone
On newer iPhones and flagship Androids, Mossroam runs smoothly. But we tested it on an older Pixel device and had some hiccups with signal lock—especially after crossing zones with no coverage.
Restarting the phone resolved it. But it showed us that not all devices handle network switching equally. Mossroam depends heavily on your phone’s ability to hand off eSIMs and refresh mobile settings cleanly.
For travelers using older phones or second-hand tech, performance may vary more than the marketing suggests.
7. Support is digital—but human enough
When we needed to reach Mossroam support (once for a reset issue, once for a top-up that didn’t apply), we received replies within hours. The tone was human, not scripted. They resolved the issue by manually adjusting our credit.
The lack of a live chat or helpline might deter nervous users. But if you’re patient and know what you’re asking for, support is responsive and helpful.
8. When it beats local SIMs—and when it doesn’t
Local prepaid SIMs in Spain still offer better value if you’re parked for weeks. Companies like Simyo, Lowi, and DigiMobil give 30–40 GB for less than €15. But they require ID, store visits, APN configuration, and usually don’t work outside Spain.
Mossroam is built for movement. For trips that cross borders, involve short stays, or demand instant data, it’s a better fit. You pay more per gigabyte, but buy access and agility.
In our case, not needing to swap SIMs every region was worth it. We didn’t want to waste beach time in phone stores.
9. What vanlife adds to the test
Traveling by autocaravan meant we needed coverage not just in towns, but on mountain pull-offs, beachside parkings, and rural roads. Mossroam met that need 80% of the time. It allowed us to find groceries, check forecasts, join meetings, and even upload content without Wi-Fi.
We kept a backup tether through a local SIM in one device—but used Mossroam as our main line. The few times it failed, everything else did too. When there’s no tower, there’s no data.
The result: Mossroam held its own in real vanlife conditions.
Need reliable data while living slow in Spain? Try Mossroam — your beach-proof eSIM.
Use code NEW20 for 20% off your first plan. Get Your eSIM here today.
The Final Verdict
For digital nomads, vanlifers, or travelers tired of buying new SIMs every border, Mossroam is a strong contender. It’s not a miracle solution—and it’s not the cheapest—but it delivers what it promises in most environments.
It’s fast in cities, flexible at the beach, and competent in the mountains. If you know what kind of traveler you are—and how much data you’ll burn—it’s a great tool.
Just remember: no system is perfect when you’re 30 minutes from the nearest cell tower. But Mossroam gets you close. And sometimes, almost connected is the best kind of freedom.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.