Why Retail Stores Still Matter
Despite living in a digital age, physical stores handle the majority of mobile top-ups in Spain. There's a reason: they're immediate, accept cash, and most charge zero fees. The experience varies dramatically depending on where you go.
I've topped up at tobacco shops (estancos), supermarkets, phone stores, and even some corner shops. Here's what I learned about each type.
Tobacco Shops (Estancos): The Most Common Option
Estancos are everywhere in Spain, and most handle mobile top-ups. They're licensed tobacco shops that also sell lottery tickets, stamps, and phone credit. The process is simple: tell them your operator and amount, pay cash or card, and the credit appears instantly.
What to Expect
Most estancos charge zero commission, but some add 1-2%. Always ask before confirming. The staff usually know the process well, but I've encountered a few who weren't familiar with certain operators.
Processing time: Immediate (credit appears within 30 seconds)
Fees: Usually 0%, sometimes 1-2%
Payment: Cash or card accepted
Hours: Typically 9am-9pm, closed Sundays in some areas
Tips for Estancos
- Know your operator name in Spanish (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo)
- Have your phone number ready
- Check if they charge commission before confirming
- Keep the receipt until you receive confirmation SMS
Supermarkets: Convenient but Limited
Major supermarket chains like Mercadona, Carrefour, and El Corte Inglés have self-service kiosks for mobile top-ups. The experience is hit or miss.
Mercadona
Mercadona has top-up machines near the checkout. They're easy to use, accept cards only, and charge zero fees. The machines support all major operators.
Processing time: Immediate
Fees: 0%
Payment: Card only
Best for: Regular grocery shopping with top-up
Carrefour
Similar to Mercadona, but the machines are sometimes out of order. When they work, it's free and instant.
Processing time: Immediate
Fees: 0%
Payment: Card only
El Corte Inglés
More upscale, and they have staff-assisted top-ups at customer service. Zero fees, but you might wait in line.
Processing time: Immediate after service
Fees: 0%
Payment: Card or cash
Phone Operator Stores: Official but Sometimes Expensive
Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange have official stores in most cities. They definitely handle top-ups, but some locations charge small fees (1-3%).
Advantages: Staff know exactly what they're doing, can help with account issues, accept all payment methods.
Disadvantages: Often busy, sometimes charge fees, limited hours compared to estancos.
I only use operator stores when I have account questions. For simple top-ups, estancos are faster and usually free.
Corner Shops and Kiosks: Inconsistent
Small corner shops sometimes offer top-ups, but the experience is inconsistent. Some charge 3-5% commission, others are free. Processing can be slow if the staff isn't familiar with the system.
I avoid these unless it's an emergency. The risk of errors or overcharging isn't worth the convenience.
What Can Go Wrong
I've had a few issues over the years:
- Wrong phone number entered: Always verify the number before they process
- Wrong operator selected: Double-check they selected the right operator
- Delayed processing: Sometimes credit takes 5-10 minutes instead of instant
- Hidden fees: Some places don't mention fees until after processing
- Machine errors: Self-service kiosks sometimes fail—keep your receipt
Always keep your receipt until you receive the confirmation SMS. If something goes wrong, the receipt is your proof of payment.
When Retail Stores Make Sense
Use retail stores when:
- You prefer paying with cash
- You need credit immediately
- You don't have a Spanish bank account
- You're already shopping and can combine trips
- You want to avoid online platforms and their fees
Avoid them when:
- You're in a hurry and stores are busy
- You want to automate monthly top-ups
- You're looking for the absolute lowest cost (bank transfers are free)
My Recommendation
For cash payments, estancos are your best bet. They're everywhere, usually free, and the staff know what they're doing. Supermarket kiosks are good if you're already shopping there.
I use retail stores about 30% of the time—usually when I'm out and need credit quickly, or when I have cash I want to use. For regular monthly top-ups, bank transfers are better. For urgent online top-ups, online platforms work.
Finding Stores Near You
Most estancos display a sign if they handle mobile top-ups. Look for "Recarga móvil" or operator logos (Movistar, Vodafone, etc.) in the window.
Supermarket kiosks are usually near the checkout area. If you can't find them, ask staff—they'll point you in the right direction.
Operator stores are easy to find: just search "Movistar store" or "Vodafone store" in Google Maps. They're usually in city centers or shopping malls.