With Greece being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, buying a local SIM card should be on your checklist when visiting the beautiful Mediterranean country. Getting a SIM card at Greece airport upon arrival is the most convenient option to stay connected during your trip. But which airport offers SIM cards? Where exactly can you buy them? And what do you need to prepare beforehand? This definitive guide provides all the key information you need to know about purchasing SIM cards at airports across Greece.
Table of Contents
1. Which airport in Greece offers SIM cards for tourists
The total number of international and domestic airports in Greece is 46 airports.
- Athens International Airport (ATH) – Being the busiest airport in Greece located near its capital city, Athens International Airport is where most tourists arrive. The airport has SIM Local stores that offered SIM by main telecom providers such as Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova located at the Arrivals area.
- Thessaloniki Airport – As the second largest Greek city and a popular destination, Thessaloniki Airport also offers prepaid SIM cards from Vodafone, Nova, and Cosmote at the terminal building. The prices are generally the same as in Athens Airport.
- Other airports – Most other airports including Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, etc have SIM card desks inside the terminal buildings or right outside the Arrivals area. But selections might be more limited compared to Athens and Thessaloniki airports.
- Resort airports – Smaller airports servicing resort towns and islands like Santorini, Kos, Skiathos, and Mykonos often have very minimal options when it comes to SIM card purchases. Getting one in advance online is recommended.
2. Where to buy Greece SIM cards at Greece airports\
Here are some good places to buy SIM cards at Greece airports:
- SIM card desks – Manned desks and counters of Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova located in the Arrivals area are the most fail-safe options. Sales reps can provide plan info and activation assistance.
- Vending machines – Self-service SIM card vending machines can be found airside and landside. Allows purchasing cards at any time but provides limited plan info.
- Kiosks and shops – Smaller kiosks and retail shops at airports also sell SIM cards from major providers. Prices may be inflated.
- Duty-free shops – Some duty-free stores have started selling SIM cards though selection is quite limited.
Getting SIM card at Greece airports from official sources is recommended over airport cafes, transport desks, etc. as there is a higher risk of scams with unknown providers.
3. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Greece airports
Here are a few things to prepare to buy a SIM card at Greece airports:
- Unlocked phone – Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Contact your home carrier in advance to unlock it.
- Passport – Carry your passport as ID proof is required when purchasing a SIM card in Greece.
- Cash – Have some Euro coins and bills ready as some kiosks may not accept card payments.
- Nano/micro SIM – Check your phone’s SIM card size – nano and micro SIMs are commonly used. Pick this size when buying.
- Activation instructions – Read activation instructions provided to set up data, recharge credit, etc. Alternatively, you can request staff for assistance.
- Patience – Queues can be long during peak tourist season. Be prepared to wait for your turn.
4. Greece eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card
Instead of a plastic SIM card, you can also opt for an eSIM or digital SIM purchased online in advance from providers like greeceesim.com, etc. eSIMs are installed through a QR code and work for both iPhone and Android phones.
Benefits of eSIM over airport SIM card:
- Convenience of digital purchase and activation
- Avoid airport queues and confusion
- Flexible plans to match your trip duration
- Often cheaper rates compared to airport prices
Downsides to consider:
- Need eSIM compatible phone
- Technical troubleshooting harder than physical SIMs
- Coverage may be lower than local SIMs
So while airport SIM cards offer the peace of mind of a telco-provided service, eSIMs are easier to acquire. Choose what suits you best.
Need Greek data for your trip? Get a Greece eSIM from greeceesim.com. Plans from just $5. Instant delivery by email, then just scan and you’re connected to local networks. Buy now for easy data in Greece!
5. FAQs about SIM Card at Greece Airport
Do I need to show passport/ID to buy SIM at Greece airport?
Yes, you need to show your passport as proof of ID when purchasing any SIM card in Greece including at the airports.
Can I use airport SIM across Greece?
Yes, SIM cards bought at airports provide nationwide coverage across Greece’s mainland and islands. However, some smaller local carriers may have limited networks.
How much data do Greece airport SIMs provide?
5GB to 10GB data for 30 days is commonly offered in tourist SIMs. Unlimited data plans are rare. Check for any fair usage policy.
Is there free WiFi at Greece airports?
Limited free WiFi is available at Athens, Thessaloniki airports provided by Skytelecom. Connection can be unstable so having your own SIM is recommended.
Can I use eSIM in Greece?
Yes, eSIMs work in Greece if you get them from reputed providers. Airport WiFi at Athens is suitable for eSIM activation. Confirm phone compatibility.
6. Conclusion
The easiest way of staying in touch on your trip is to get a local Greece SIM card at Greece airports upon arrival at the airport. The biggest selection of providers and plans is available at Athens and Thessaloniki airports. For reliable service, choose Cosmote, Vodafone or Wind. To enjoy a hassle-free experience, prepare your unlocked phone, passport and payment in advance. Or, look into eSIM options to avoid airport lines and hassles. Basically, a Greece SIM card is an indispensable travel essential you just cannot leave home without.
