You can use a Sky TV subscription card from the UK in Spain so that you can watch all your Sky TV and British TV channels in Spain.

However, if you use a Sky card in a different Sky box, then for some Sky TV channels, like Sky Sports and Sky Movies, then you will be unable to watch these channels. You will get the “This is the wrong card for this set top box” error message on the screen.

This is because the Sky premium channels, Sky Sports and Sky Movies, are only available if the Sky viewing card is paired to the Sky digibox you are using.

Use the Sky viewing card in the wrong Sky digibox for these premium channels, and you will see the  “This is the wrong card for this set top box” error message.

However, using certain satellite receivers, you can now watch Sky Sports and Sky Movie channels in your holiday home, without the need for “pairing” the card with Sky TV.

These special receivers use the Sky encryption software, allowing you to use your Sky card from home , and watch all your Sky TV channels that you pay for. No need to keep pairing the Sky viewing card between boxes any more.

The Sky viewing card is a smart card used by Sky TV subscribers in the UK to access encrypted satellite television services. Inserted into the Sky digital receiver, the card decodes the channels included in the subscriber’s package. It also enables access to pay-per-view content and additional features like Sky Box Office. The card is uniquely paired with the subscriber’s Sky box, ensuring that only authorized users can view premium content. Periodically, Sky issues new cards to maintain security and service integrity. The Sky viewing card is essential for uninterrupted access to Sky’s extensive range of TV programming.

For more information on Sky cards, see here

* Update : Due to changes in security, Sky Sports, Sky Movies, and Sky HD channels are no longer available to watch on “non Sky” digiboxes. The improved security, to help combat cardsharing and piracy, means these receivers are no longer an option.