Your detailed Guide to Getting a Greece SIM card

A Greece SIM card is the perfect solution for travelers who want smooth connectivity without the high costs of roaming. In this guide, you’ll discover the best SIM options available, where to purchase them, and tips for setup. With local coverage and data, you’ll stay connected while enjoying the beautiful sights of Greece hassle-free.

I. Why choose a prepaid Greece SIM card over roaming?

While international roaming might seem convenient, getting a Greek SIM card is often the smarter choice for your Greece adventure.

International roaming can cost anywhere from €2 to €15 per day, depending on your home carrier. That’s why many travelers opt for a prepaid SIM card Greece, which offers several practical benefits:

• Significant cost savings compared to international roaming rates
• Reliable local network coverage throughout Greece
• Large data allowances at reasonable prices
• Easy connection to local Greek numbers
• Freedom to use your phone without constantly watching data usage

II. Greece SIM card type – Which is the best for tourists?

You can choose between two primary options: physical prepaid SIM cards and prepaid eSIMs. Here’s a concise comparison to help you decide which suits your needs best:

Feature	Prepaid SIM Card	Prepaid eSIM
Type	Physical chip	Digital download
Availability	Airport kiosks, mobile stores	Online (e.g. ,europe-esim.com)
Activation	Immediate at purchase location	Activate before or upon arrival
Convenience	Requires swapping out current SIM	No swapping; keeps home SIM active
Device Compatibility	Works on unlocked phones	Only on eSIM-compatible devices
Plan Options	Includes data and calls	Primarily data-only

III. How much does a Greece prepaid tourist SIM card cost?

Greece prepaid SIM cards are quite affordable, typically costing between $10 and $30. This price often includes some extra data when you activate the card. Below is the detailed table plans:

Operators	Plan Name	Price (USD)	Data	Local Calls	Messages	Validity	Total Cost (USD)
Cosmote	COSMOTE GIGAMAX	~$37	2.5 GB	Unlimited	2,000	30 days	~$42
	GIGAMAX	~$41	5 GB	Unlimited	2,000	30 days	~$46
	GIGAMAX	~$53	10 GB	Unlimited	2,000	30 days	~$58
	GIGAMAX 20GB	~$66	20 GB	Unlimited	2,000	30 days	~$71
	COSMOTE GIGAMAX UNLIMITED	~$85	Unlimited	Unlimited & Calls to EU	2,000	30 days	~$90
Vodafone	Voice & Mobile Internet Bundle	~$ 20	25 GB	200 minutes	–	20 days	~$25
	Voice & Mobile Internet Bundle	~$30	Unlimited	200 minutes	–	30 days	~$35
Nova	Q Star	~ $9	600 MB	300 minutes	–	30 days	~$14
	Q Star Big	~$11	3 GB	500 minutes	200 SMS	30 days	~$16
	Q Star Huge	~$16	5 GB	1000 minutes	500 SMS	30 days	~$21
	Free2GO Small	~$8	400 MB	400 minutes	40 SMS	30 days	~$13
	Free2GO Large	~$12	1 GB	1000 minutes	100 SMS	30 days	~$17
	Free2GO X-Large	~$15	2 GB	Unlimited	500 SMS	30 days	~$20

🔔 Note: If you’re getting an eSIM, expect activation costs between $5 and $40, depending on the data amount. Check prices with Greece’s main providers – Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova – to find the best prepaid SIM deals.

IV. Greece eSIM – Alternative to SIM card with unlimited data/data and calls for Greece

eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. With an invisible eSIM, you can keep your home SIM card in your phone while using the Greek eSIM for local data.

One reliable provider for Greece eSIM in the market is europe-esim.com, with packages ranging from 500MB/day to unlimited data, valid for 3 to 30 days with diverse eSIM plans.

The plans are prepaid and data-only, perfect for travelers who mainly need internet access for navigation and social media while exploring Greece. Check the eSIM setup guide if you need it!

Plans that may interest you

V. Buying a prepaid Greece SIM card in Greece – Where to buy?

There are 3 ways to get a SIM card in Greece for tourists: online, at the airport, and in physical stores. Below, let’s explore each method. 

1. Buying a prepaid Greece SIM card online

Ordering a SIM card online lets you arrive in Greece ready to connect. You can get one from a mobile carrier website or third-party providers to avoid complicated buying processes. 

2. Buying a prepaid Greece SIM card at the airports

Buying a SIM card right at the airport is convenient for immediate connectivity.

• Athens International Airport (ATH):
  • Sim Local Kiosks – Arrivals Hall, Baggage Reclaim Area
  • Germanos Store – Main Terminal
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG):
  • Vodafone Store – Arrivals Hall
  • Cosmote Kiosk – Baggage Claim Area
• Heraklion Airport (HER):
  • Wind Store – Arrivals Hall

3. Buying a prepaid Greece SIM card at physical Stores

Once in Greece, you can find SIM cards at various locations across cities and towns.

• Official Stores: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova have stores in the main areas of Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities.
• Retail Chains & Supermarkets:
  • Germanos – Popular tech retailer with SIM cards from multiple providers, found in shopping centers and main streets.
  • Periptera (Kiosks): Small kiosks throughout Greece sell SIM cards and recharge vouchers.
• Gas Stations: Some large stations, especially along highways, sell SIM cards and top-ups for added convenience on the go.

👉 Important Tips:

• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Greek networks.
• Bring your passport, as ID is often needed for SIM purchases.
• Compare plans to find one that suits your data needs best.

VI. How to use a Greece SIM card

Setting up your Greek SIM card is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure proper connectivity:

1. Before Insertion:

• Unlock Your Phone
• Power Off Your Device
• Access the SIM Slot:
  • iPhones: Use the SIM ejector tool to open the slot on the right side.
  • Android Devices: SIM slot locations vary by model, commonly on the side or under the back cover.

2. Important Settings to Check:

• Enable Data Roaming:
  • Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular).
  • Click Cellular Data Options > Toggle on Data Roaming.
• Network Selection:
  • Navigate to Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection.
• Select Automatic to allow your device to choose the best available network.

3. To Check Your Balance:

• Cosmote: Dial *101# and press call.
• Vodafone: Dial *123# and press call.
• Nova (formerly Wind): Dial *126# and press call.

4. Troubleshooting Tips

• No Signal: Try manually selecting a different network via Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators.
• Data Not Working: Verify Access Point Name (APN) settings:
  • Cosmote: APN: internet
  • Vodafone: APN: web.vodafone.gr
  • Wind: APN: gint.b-online.gr

VII. How much mobile data do you need when traveling to Greece?

Your data needs on a Greece SIM card will depend on how you plan to use it during your trip. Here are some typical data amounts to help guide your choice:

• Light Use: 1-2 GB – Ideal for a short stay with basic activities like maps and messaging.
• Moderate Use: 3-5 GB – Good for occasional photo sharing and light social media browsing.
• Heavy Use: 5-10+ GB – Perfect for frequent map usage, daily uploads, and video calls.

To stretch your data, connect to WiFi when available and download maps for offline use with Google Maps. Many Greece SIMs also include unlimited WhatsApp usage, which is very convenient.

For a 1-2 week sightseeing trip, 5 GB should be plenty for sharing photos and updates. If you plan on streaming or making regular video calls, consider adding more data. Top-ups are easy to get if you run low.

VIII. Best mobile operators in Greece

When selecting a mobile operator in Greece, Cosmote consistently ranks as the top choice, offering extensive coverage and high-speed data services. Here’s a concise comparison of the main operators:

Operator	Coverage Quality	Average Download Speed	5G Availability (% of Time)
Cosmote	99% population coverage	49.7 Mbps	17.7%
Vodafone	95% population coverage	35.1 Mbps	10.9%
Nova	90% population coverage	33.6 Mbps	9.8%

(Data sourced from Opensignal’s Report)

In general, Cosmote offers the most reliable service across Greece, making it a top choice for travelers seeking consistent connectivity. Vodafone provides solid performance, especially in cities, and offers flexible plans. Nova is suitable for budget-conscious users, though its coverage may be limited in less populated areas.

IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in Greece

1. Before Your Trip:

• Take a screenshot of your APN settings before removing your home SIM
• Download offline maps and essential apps before switching SIMs
• Check if your phone supports the Greek network frequencies (900/1800/2100 MHz)

2. Managing Your Data:

• Turn off automatic app updates to avoid unexpected data usage
• Download maps and travel guides on Wi-Fi when possible
• Use your phone’s built-in data usage tracker to monitor consumption
• Switch to airplane mode when visiting remote islands to prevent battery drain from constant network searching

3. Making Calls:

• Save emergency numbers: 112 (general), 166 (ambulance), 100 (police)
• For local calls, drop the +30 country code
• Keep your home SIM’s voicemail number handy – you might need it
• Use Wi-Fi calling apps when in areas with weak cellular coverage

4. Topping Up:

• Keep your SIM card’s phone number written down separately
• Save photos of your top-up receipts – they contain important codes
• Remember most kiosks and mini-markets accept cash only for top-ups
• Ask for “karta” when buying a top-up voucher

X. FAQs about buying a Greece SIM card

XI. Final Words

I hope you find this post helpful in choosing the best Greece SIM card for your travels. With the right SIM & eSIM card Greece, staying connected is simple and affordable, allowing you to explore Greece without worrying about high roaming fees. Enjoy your journey with smooth connectivity!