About Me

Why I Created This Guide

My Story

My name is James Mitchell, and I've been living in Madrid since 2022. I moved here from London for work, expecting the transition to be smooth. Mobile phone top-ups seemed like a minor detail—something I'd figure out quickly.

Three months later, I realized I'd wasted over €50 on unnecessary fees and inefficient methods. That's when I decided to test every available option systematically.

What I've Tested

Over the past three years, I've tried:

  • 12 different online platforms
  • 3 major Spanish banks (BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank)
  • Countless retail stores (estancos, supermarkets, operator stores)
  • Various payment methods (cash, card, bank transfer, PayPal)
  • Different operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo)

I've kept detailed notes on fees, processing times, reliability, and user experience. This guide is the result of that research.

My Approach

I'm not affiliated with any mobile operator, bank, or platform. I don't receive commissions or sponsorships. This guide exists because I wish someone had written it when I arrived.

All information is based on my personal experience. Fees, processing times, and recommendations reflect what I've actually encountered, not marketing materials or secondhand information.

Keeping Information Current

Mobile top-up services change frequently. Operators update their systems, banks modify their processes, and platforms adjust their fees. I update this guide regularly based on new experiences and reader feedback.

If you notice outdated information or have questions, please contact me. I read every message and update the guide accordingly.

Beyond Mobile Top-Ups

While this site focuses on mobile top-ups, I've learned a lot about living in Spain as an expat. The same principles apply to many services here: there are often cheaper, better options that aren't immediately obvious.

Whether it's banking, utilities, or mobile services, taking time to research pays off. This guide is my contribution to helping others avoid the mistakes I made.

Contact

I'm always happy to hear from readers. If you have questions, suggestions, or corrections, please reach out through the contact page.

Email: james@mobiletopupspain.com

Location: Madrid, Spain