Your Guide to Cosmote Greece SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

This guide covers Cosmote Greece SIM cards for tourists, including prepaid SIM and eSIM options, coverage, speeds, activation tips, and where to buy. Stay connected in Greece with Cosmote’s reliable, affordable solutions.

I. Quick facts about Cosmote in Europe

Cosmote is Greece’s leading mobile network provider, offering reliable services and wide coverage. Whether you’re exploring cities or islands, Cosmote keeps you connected. Below are some key points about it:

• Market Leader: Greece’s largest mobile operator surpasses Vodafone and Wind Hellas.
• Strong Coverage: Covers 99% of urban areas and 85% of the country, including islands.
• Fast Connectivity: Recognized as Greece’s fastest network (Q1-Q2 2024) with download speeds of 106.27 Mbps and upload speeds of 15.23 Mbps.
• Tourist Plans: Offers prepaid SIMs with ample data, free local calls, and affordable international rates.
• Easy Access: Available at airports, kiosks, and Cosmote stores for quick purchase and activation.

With Cosmote, you’ll enjoy dependable connectivity throughout your trip, making it an excellent choice for exploring Greece.

II. Cosmote’s coverage and speed in Europe

Cosmote offers top-tier coverage and speed in Greece, making it the ideal choice for seamless connectivity. Whether you’re traveling through urban centers or enjoying the serene Greek islands, Cosmote ensures you stay connected with its robust network and fast internet.

1. Cosmote Coverage 

Cosmote is a top choice for travelers in Greece, thanks to its excellent coverage and fast internet speeds.

• Population coverage: Covers 99% of the population in urban areas.
• Geographic coverage: Reaches 85% of the country, including remote islands and rural areas.
• Advanced infrastructure: Strong 4G LTE and 5G networks for reliable connectivity.
• Versatile service: Works smoothly in Athens or on a peaceful Greek island.

With its wide reach and dependable network, Cosmote keeps you connected wherever you go in Greece.

2. Cosmote Mobile Speed 

Cosmote stands out as the fastest network in Greece, making it perfect for travelers who value speed and reliability.

• Download speed: Delivers an impressive average of 49.7 Mbps, leading the competition.
• Upload speed: Strong performance at an average of 10.8 Mbps, ideal for instant sharing.

The 5G network enhances the experience further, ensuring smooth streaming, quick downloads, and lag-free video calls. Cosmote’s consistent performance across urban and rural areas makes it ideal for staying connected throughout your Greek adventure.

III. Cosmote connectivity options for travelers to the EU

Cosmote Greece SIM cards offer four reliable ways to stay connected when traveling through Greece or the EU. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Connectivity Option	Description	Pros	Cons
Prepaid SIM Card	Buy a physical SIM with local data and calls	Affordable, easy to recharge	Requires unlocked phone
eSIM	Digital SIM activated via your phone settings	Instant setup, no physical SIM needed	Needs eSIM-compatible phone
Roaming	Use your home SIM with Cosmote’s network	Keeps your current number	Expensive, limited by home plans
Mobile Hotspot	Portable Wi-Fi device connecting devices	Supports multiple gadgets	Requires extra device and charging

Each option suits different needs – choose prepaid SIMs or eSIMs for affordability, roaming for convenience, or mobile hotspots for sharing. Cosmote ensures you’ll stay connected wherever you travel!

IV. Best Cosmote Greece SIM cards for tourists & costs

Cosmote offers 3 main prepaid SIM card options that are perfect for tourists exploring Greece. While there isn’t a dedicated tourist plan, Cosmote provides a data-only option that is easy to use and widely available. Below is a detailed table plans of Cosmote:

Plan	Price (USD)	Data (GB)	Local Calls	Messages	Validity	Total Cost (USD)
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

V. Does Cosmote support eSIM?

YES, Cosmote in Greece supports eSIM technology. However, their eSIM options are not specifically designed for tourists, which might limit flexibility for short-term visitors. 

For a more convenient solution, consider using an international eSIM provider, which allows you to connect in multiple countries with one eSIM. This is a practical option if you travel beyond Greece during your trip.

VI. Where can you buy a Cosmote SIM card & eSIM?

1. Where to buy a Cosmote SIM card Greece for travel

• Cosmote Retail Stores: Located in major cities and towns across Greece.
• Germanos Stores: Affiliated with Cosmote, offering SIM cards in various locations.
• Athens International Airport (ATH): Cosmote has outlets in the arrivals area for immediate access upon landing with SIM card at Athens Airport.
• Authorized Kiosks and Street Vendors: Common in urban areas, especially around busy metro stations like Syntagma and Monastiraki in Athens.

2. Where to buy a Cosmote Greece eSIM 

• Nova Mobile Website: You can make your purchase directly online. After you make the purchase, you’ll receive a QR code to activate the eSIM on your device.
• International eSIM Providers: You can also get a Nova-compatible eSIM from trusted platforms like europe-esim.com. These eSIMs are super convenient, offering coverage across multiple European countries. Activation is simple – just scan a QR code, and you’re good to go! It’s a great choice if you’re planning to visit several destinations during your trip.

Stay connected seamlessly in Greece with our Cosmote network eSIM plans starting from just $3! Enjoy reliable 4G/LTE/5G coverage across the Greek islands and mainland with flexible options from 3 to 30 days and data allowances ranging from 1GB to unlimited*. Perfect for travelers, our instant-delivery eSIMs offer hassle-free activation – just scan and go. 

With plans that include daily data options from 500MB to 3GB, you can stay connected without the worry of physical SIM cards or expensive roaming charges!

VII. How to use Cosmote SIM card and eSIM

1. Activating a Cosmote SIM Card

• Insert the SIM Card: Place the Cosmote SIM card into your mobile device and power it on.
• Enter PIN: Input the four-digit PIN found on the back of the SIM card.
• Make a Call: Dial any number to receive a welcome message confirming activation.

2. Activating a Cosmote eSIM

• Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your eSIM-compatible device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
• Scan QR Code: Use your device to scan the QR activation code provided by Cosmote.
• Automatic Installation: The eSIM profile will install, and your device will register on Cosmote’s network.

For tourists, it’s advisable to visit a Cosmote or Germanos store with your ID or passport to purchase and activate a prepaid SIM or eSIM. This ensures you receive the appropriate plan and assistance for your stay in Greece.

VIII. Useful USSD codes for Cosmote EU SIM

Here’s how to manage your account using some helpful USSD codes:

• Check Balance: Send “ΥΡ” to 1314 to see your current balance.
• Check Expiry: Send “LIXI” to 1314 to check your SIM’s expiration date.
• Top-Up with Voucher: Dial 101 + your top-up code + #, then press call.
• Emergency Top-Up: Send ‘EP 3’ to 1315 to add €3 (fee: €0.35).
• Activate Data: Dial *135# to choose and activate a data plan.
• Check Data Balance: Send ‘MB’ to 1314 for your remaining data.

These codes help you easily manage your Cosmote SIM during your trip.

IX. Cosmote Call & SMS rates in the EU

With Cosmote, you can use the call minutes and SMS you include across the EU just as you would in Greece, at no extra cost. This means you can stay in touch with friends and family in any EU country without worrying about roaming fees. 

If your plan offers unlimited calls and texts, you’ll continue to enjoy those benefits while traveling within the EU. Remember that standard rates will apply if you go over your plan’s limits. Additional charges may be incurred for calls or messages to non-EU countries or premium numbers.

X. How to top-up your Cosmote SIM card

1. Online Top-Up:

Through My COSMOTE App or Website: You can recharge your balance using a credit/debit card or PayPal. This method is quick and secure, and you can top up anytime.

2. Top-Up Cards:

• Purchase Locations: Available at COSMOTE and GERMANOS stores, kiosks, and various points of sale across Greece.
• Available Denominations: Top-up cards are available in €13, €15, €20, and €30.
• Activation: Call 1314 from your mobile phone and follow the recorded instructions to apply the top-up.

3. Bank Services:

If you have an account or credit card with select banks, you can top up directly through:

• ATMs (available 24/7)
• Web Banking
• By calling the bank’s customer service

4. Balance Transfer:

COSMOTE Mobile Easy Transfer: Request a balance transfer from another COSMOTE subscriber by calling 1350. If you’re part of a COSMOTE ONE or COSMOTE Mobile Family Plan, you receive an extra 20% on the transferred amount.

5. Emergency Top-Up: 

If your balance is below €2, add €3 by:

• Calling 1315
• Sending an SMS with “EP 3” to 1315 A fee of €0.35 applies, which will be deducted during your next top-up.

XI. FAQs

XII. Final words

In conclusion, the Cosmote Greece SIM card is a great choice for tourists looking for reliable and fast connectivity during their travels in Greece. With various options like prepaid SIM cards and eSIM, it’s easy to find a plan that fits your needs. Whether you’re exploring the islands or the cities, Cosmote ensures you stay connected, making your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.