Your detailed Guide to Getting a Cyprus SIM card

Buying a local SIM card is essential for staying connected in Cyprus. With a Cyprus SIM card, you’ll have a local phone number, reliable data access, and affordable calling rates. This guide walks through the entire process, so you can get set up quickly and focus on enjoying your time in the country.

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

Using a local SIM card while traveling to countries like Cyprus is often more economical and practical than roaming. It gives you access to affordable data and local calls without the risk of high roaming charges or unpredictable fees.

Here are some benefits of using a Cyprus SIM card over roaming:

• Cost Savings: Generally cheaper for data and local calls than roaming.
• Data Packages: Generous data allowances tailored for tourists.
• Network Quality: Direct access to local networks for better coverage and speed.
• Local Number: Easier and cheaper for making local calls.

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

When choosing a SIM card type in Cyprus, you have two main options: a physical SIM card and a virtual (Cyprus eSIM):

Feature	Cyprus SIM Card	Cyprus eSIM
Pros	– Widely available at local shops, airports, and kiosks. – Compatible with almost all unlocked phones. – Easy to replace if lost or damaged.	– Convenient to set up online before or after arrival. – Instant activation without needing a physical store visit. – Allows switching between multiple numbers or plans easily on the same device. – No need to physically swap SIM cards.
Cons	– Requires a visit to a physical store to purchase and install.	– Only compatible with newer, eSIM-enabled phones.
	– Easy to lose or damage the small SIM card.	– Switching phones requires re-downloading and activating the eSIM.
	– Limited flexibility for switching plans or numbers quickly.

• Cyprus SIM cards are a great option if you’re using an older phone or prefer having a physical card. They are easy to find, inexpensive, and offer reliable service, though you will need to visit a physical store.

• Cyprus eSIMs offer a hassle-free experience, ideal for tourists with newer smartphones that support eSIM technology. They provide flexibility in switching between multiple numbers or data plans without needing to physically change SIM cards. However, they require an eSIM-compatible phone and may be less suitable for those using older devices.

III. How much does a Cyprus prepaid tourist SIM card/ eSIM cost?

A Cyprus SIM card with data packages ranges from €7 ($7.53) for smaller plans up to €52 ($55.90) for larger options. 

In the table below, you’ll find a comparison of Cyprus prepaid SIM card options offered by major Cypriot providers, including Cytamobile-Vodafone and PrimeTel:

Provider	Plan Name	Data Allowance	Validity	Additional Credit	Prices
Cyta Vodafone	Cyta Tourist eSIM	20GB	30 days	50MB upon activation	$10.99
PrimeTel	Combo Top-up 1	60GB	30 days	600 mins, 600 SMS, €2 credit	$11.00
	Combo Top-up 2	250GB	30 days	2500 mins, 2500 SMS, €2 credit	$22.00
Cyprus eSIM	Data-only	Daily 1GB	3 days		$6.00
		Daily 3GB	3 days		$13.90
		10 GB	10 days		$16.50
	Data with Calls	12GB – 70GB	14 days/ 28 days	Unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, 2 hours of global calls, 1,000 global SMS.	Starts at $21.90

Note: For the most current information, please visit the official websites of the providers or contact their customer service directly.

In summary, for reliable coverage across Cyprus, Epic is recommended. For budget-friendly options, Cytamobile-Vodafone provides good value and flexible data plans for SIM cards in Cyprus.

IV. Buying a prepaid SIM card in Cyprus – Where to buy?

You can buy a Cyprus prepaid SIM Card from three main places: online, airport, and physical stores.

1. Online

• Cyprus SIM cards can be found online on official provider websites (such as Cyta, Epic, and Primetel) and various online retailers (like SIMOptions and SimCorner). There are lots of plans for Cyprus, starting from around $2.

2. Airport

• Visitors can purchase a  SIM card for Cyprus upon arrival at the country’s main international airports: Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO). Some kiosks, booths, or convenience stores offer Cyprus SIM cards.

3. Physical stores  

• Visitors coming to Cyprus can purchase a Cyprus SIM card at various physical locations, including official provider stores (Cyta, Epic, Primetel), convenience stores, or supermarkets like Alphamega and Sklavenitis may offer SIM cards at their customer service desks or electronics sections. 

V. Cyprus eSIM – Alternative to SIM card

Using a SIM card in Cyprus is a convenient way to stay connected, offering reliable coverage and affordable plans. However, drawbacks like SIM registration requirements and compatibility issues with locked phones may arise. 

For an alternative, consider an eSIM Cyprus. This hassle-free, flexible way to stay connected while traveling eliminates the need for a physical Cyprus SIM card for tourists. With quick activation, eSIMs are ready to use instantly, allowing seamless access to data upon arrival.

Stay connected in Cyprus with a Cyprus eSIM

VI. How to use a Cyprus SIM card

To activate a SIM card for Cyprus, follow these general steps (specific steps may vary by provider):

• Insert SIM: Power off, insert SIM, power on.
• Activate
  • Cyta (Cytamobile-Vodafone): After inserting the SIM, call 1882 to activate it.
  • Epic (formerly MTN): Insert SIM, restart the phone, and allow auto configuration.
  • PrimeTel: Insert the SIM card, restart your device, and follow any prompts for activation.
• Top-Up: Add credit online, via app, or with a voucher.
• Set Up APN (If Needed): Sometimes, you may need to adjust your phone’s APN settings. This is typically sent by the provider via SMS after activation.

Once activated, your Cyprus SIM card should be ready to use for calls, texts, and data.

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

To determine how much mobile data you might need while traveling in Cyprus, you need to consider your average data use by activity:

• Navigation (Google Maps): ~5-10 MB per hour
• Social Media Browsing: ~100-150 MB per hour
• Photo/Video Uploading: ~5 MB per photo, ~50-100 MB per minute of HD video
• Streaming (YouTube, Spotify): ~300 MB per hour for music, ~700 MB per hour for HD video
• General Web Browsing: ~60 MB per hour

The table below estimates the amount of mobile data you might need during a trip to Cyprus, depending on typical travel activities and internet usage patterns.

Usage Type	Activities Included	Estimated Data Needed (per week)
Light User	Basic maps, messaging, and minimal social media	1-2 GB
Moderate User	Regular social media, map use, occasional photo/video uploads	3-5 GB
Heavy User	Frequent streaming, high-resolution uploads, video calls	10+ GB

For most travelers, a 3-5 GB plan should provide ample coverage for navigation, social media, and occasional uploads. However, if you anticipate frequent video streaming, uploads, or remote work, consider a 10 GB or unlimited plan for a worry-free experience.

VIII. Best mobile operators in Cyprus

Cyprus’s internet services are reliable, and Cyprus ranked 32nd globally for mobile internet speeds (according Speedchecker). In Cyprus, the primary mobile network operators are Cyta-Vodafone, Epic, and PrimeTel.

Feature	Cytamobile-Vodafone	Epic	PrimeTel
Coverage	Nationwide, including rural areas	Urban and suburban focus	Good in cities, limited rurally
Download Speed	31.43 Mbps	55.90 Mbps	26.01 Mbps
Upload Speed	9.55 Mbps	17.62 Mbps	8.52 Mbps
Tourist Plans	Data-heavy, easy activation	Generous, flexible setup	Customizable options
Pricing	Premium	Competitive	Affordable
Customer Satisfaction	High, reliable service	Positive, great value	Favorable, flexible plans
Best For	Coverage and reliability	Speed and affordability	Budget-friendly options

In conclusion, Epic is the leader in speed, with Cyta-Vodafone and PrimeTel following. Coverage is extensive across all networks, but is most robust for Cyta-Vodafone and Epic.

IX. FAQs about getting a local Cyprus SIM card

X. Conclusion

Therefore, following this guide, one can get a very easily accessible SIM card for Cyrus, and you will have flawless connectivity during your visit. To make your Cyprus trip more comfortable, consider Cyprus eSIM for tourists from Europe.