Best Tourist Sim Cards in Greece in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Greece across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
Menu
When traveling to Greece, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and access to the internet. Whether it’s finding the best restaurants, getting directions to your accommodation, booking a taxi, or sharing photos with your family, having internet access on the go can make your trip much more convenient.
While roaming is always an option, the fees can quickly escalate when traveling internationally. Therefore, we highly recommend either getting an eSim or a local sim card to take advantage of local phone rates.
The good news is that obtaining either option in Greece is extremely simple, but it’s important to know which one is your best choice. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about buying a sim card in Greece, including the most up-to-date pricing and the absolute best sim card suited for your needs.
The best sim card in Greece is the prepaid data sim by Cosmote. This package includes unlimited data in Greece for just 12 EUR, with 12GB of data able to be used outside of Greece in the EU. This makes it the perfect card for travellers planning to explore other neighbouring countries.
In addition to this, Cosmote’s network offers the most extensive mobile coverage across Greece, especially on the islands where some other operators are known to have weaker signal.
It’s for this reason why I highly recommend sticking with Cosmote or their sub-brands. I was recently travelling in Greece and Cosmote offered this prepaid card in numerous stores and it was much better value than the competitors. Bear in mind I couldn’t find it anywhere on their website but this should be available in person.
Airalo’s Greece eSim also uses the Cosmote network which means that coverage is also great, but you get the added convenience of an eSim. If you only require a few GB of data then this is a good option, but for the best value you are better off going to Cosmote directly.
A Tourist Sim Card in Greece costs 12 EUR in May 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Greece will cost between $5 USD and $49 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Greece which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $15 USD.
In Greece, the main SIM card providers are Cosmote, Vodafone, Nova (formerly known as WIND), and Free2Go. Cosmote is the largest provider with the widest coverage across the country. They offer various prepaid and postpaid plans, including data packages for internet access. Vodafone is another popular provider, known for its good network coverage and competitive pricing. They offer flexible tariff plans suitable for different needs. Nova, formerly WIND, is a relatively new player in the market, offering a range of services including mobile, internet, and television. Lastly, Free2Go is a budget-friendly option, offering cost-effective prepaid plans and data packages for those looking for affordable options.
Cosmote is a leading telecommunications provider in Greece, offering tourist sim cards tailored for travelers. These sim cards provide convenient and affordable data plans, allowing tourists to stay connected during their visit. With excellent coverage across the country, Cosmote ensures uninterrupted communication and internet access. Whether exploring historical sites or relaxing on beautiful beaches, Cosmote’s tourist sim cards are the perfect companion for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience in Greece.
The price of a Cosmote tourist sim card in Greece is 12 EUR.
The plan offered by Cosmote stores includes Unlimited data + 12GB EU roaming valid for 30 days.
Vodafone is a leading telecom provider in Greece that offers tourist sim cards for travelers. With extensive network coverage across the country, their sim cards ensure seamless connectivity throughout Greece. These sim cards offer generous data allowances, affordable call rates, and options for international roaming. Tourists can easily purchase and activate the sim cards at Vodafone stores or online, making them a convenient choice for staying connected while exploring Greece.
The price of a Vodafone tourist sim card in Greece is 30 EUR.
The plan offered by Vodafone stores offers Unlimited data + 200 minutes valid for 30 days.
Nova, formerly known as WIND, offers Free2Go tourist SIM cards in Greece. These SIM cards come with numerous benefits for travelers visiting the country. With Nova Free2Go, tourists can enjoy unlimited local calls, texts, and browsing, ensuring seamless communication. Additionally, Free2Go provides affordable data plans, allowing tourists to stay connected while exploring Greece’s picturesque destinations. Nova has become a trusted choice for tourists seeking reliable and cost-effective connectivity during their stay in Greece.
The price of a Nova (formerly WIND) Free2Go tourist sim card in Greece is 10.60 EUR.
The plan offered by Nova (formerly WIND) Free2Go stores includes Unlimited data (10GB in EU) valid for 30 days.
Identify mobile providers: Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova (formerly WIND) Free2Go are your best options in Greece.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Greece at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Greece then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Greece have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova (formerly WIND) Free2Go. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Greece are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Greece with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Greece. The Airalo Greece eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $15 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Greece without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Greece is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Greece and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Greece eSim uses the Cosmote and Wind networks to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Cosmote and Wind networksnetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Greece.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Greece eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $5 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $9 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $12 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $25 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $49 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $15 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Greece eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Greece eSim uses the Vodafone/Windnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Greece
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Greece eSim:
Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD
Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD
Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD
Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD
Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD
Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD
Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD
Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card that is permanently integrated into a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, the eSIM does not require any physical installation or removal from the device.
Instead, the eSIM is built directly into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need to physically insert or remove SIM cards.
The eSIM technology offers great convenience, flexibility, and user-friendliness, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch between different mobile networks or travel overseas. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it much simpler to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users typically need to either scan a QR code that is provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can seamlessly connect to the chosen mobile network and enjoy various services, including voice calls, data usage, and messaging, just like with a traditional SIM card.
Using an eSIM can be beneficial for several reasons:
– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, which is especially helpful for frequent travelers.
– Dual SIM functionality: Allows for two active mobile numbers on one device, making it useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot, freeing up space within the device for other components or making devices smaller.
– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card or store visit for plan changes.
– Future-proofing: By using an eSIM-compatible device, users can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available from more mobile networks and service providers.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
© Travel Sim Expert – Designed by us.
