Athens International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s largest airport, serving over 25 million passengers annually. As the main hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, ATH connects Athens to worldwide destinations. When arriving at ATH, one of the first things visitors need is a local SIM card. Several stores inside the airport sell SIMs from Greek providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova (formerly Wind). Getting a SIM allows travelers data access during their time in Greece.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Athens International Airport
There are two places where you can buy a SIM card at Athens International Airport, both booths are operated by Sim Local and are open from 6 am to 10 p.m. They accept euros and credit cards.
If you’re in a hurry, the booth after passport control is the most convenient option. However, it’s often busy, so you may have to wait a few minutes. If you’re not in a hurry, the booth in the arrival hall is a bit quieter and you’ll have more time to browse the different SIM card options.
- Location 1: After passport control, right in front of luggage belt number one.
- Location 2: Arrival hall, on your left-hand side, next to the tourist information desk.
- Opening hours: 6 am to 10 pm
- Language support: The Sim Local staff speak English, Greek, and other languages.
- Payment methods: Euros and credit cards.
II. Greece Athens International Airport SIM Card options and costs
There are three main mobile networks in Greece so you can easily get a SIM card from each provider at ATH. Here are the average costs for SIM card at Athens airport:
| 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 |
The Cosmote SIM tends to be slightly more expensive but provides better coverage around Greece. The Vodafone and Wind SIMs are cheaper but have more limited networks.
Each SIM will come with an initial data package you can use right away. You can then recharge more data later if needed. For heavy data usage, you may want to purchase one of the larger data packages up to 50GB from the providers.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Athens Airport
Before buying your Greek SIM card at Athens Airport, here are some tips on what to have ready:
- Unlocked Phone – Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Contact your home provider in advance to request an unlock code.
- Passport – You need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card in Greece for identification.
- SIM Tool – Have a small SIM tool ready to swap out your existing SIM for the Greek one you purchase.
- Local Currency – Try to have some Euro cash on hand to pay for your SIM card and initial top-up.
- Activation Instructions – Request activation instructions for your SIM card so you can get it connected right away.
- Terminal and Gate Info – Know your terminal and departure gate info in case you need to find a SIM kiosk near your gate.
So if you have these things on hand, then the process of activating your Greek SIM card at Athens Airport will be simple.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Athens International Airport
Another option beyond a physical plastic SIM card is using an eSIM for your device. eSIMs are embedded digital SIMs that are programmed remotely. With an eSIM, you don’t need to physically switch SIM cards.
Some of the benefits of using an eSIM for Greece include:
- Also easy to set up before you get there – You can do this by setting it before your trip, and then have data right away when you land.
- Remote control – Run out of data? Just refill your eSIM plan on the phone.
- Multi-national options – A single eSIM can work in any country.
greeceesim.com is one of the most popular international eSIM providers. These providers offer Greece eSIM data packages that you can activate before leaving home.
The main disadvantage of eSIMs for travel is that not all devices are compatible. eSIMs work only with recent phone models like iPhone XS and above or Google Pixel 3 and above. Before doing this, however, check the Greece eSIM Compatible Devices List to see if it is compatible with eSIM.
V. FAQs about SIM Card at Athens Airport
How much does a SIM card cost at Athens Airport?
A prepaid Greek SIM card will cost around 10-15 EUR for the SIM plus 15-50 EUR for an initial data package depending on the provider.
Can I buy a SIM card at Athens airport arrivals?
Yes, there are SIM card shops located right in the arrivals hall after you exit customs where you can buy a Greek SIM.
Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM Greece?
Yes, your passport will be required as proof of ID when purchasing any SIM card in Greece.
Can I use my eSIM in Greece?
Yes, eSIMs from providers like greeceesim.com work great in Greece as long as you have an unlocked phone that is eSIM compatible.
Do I need to register my SIM card in Greece?
No registration is required. Just show your passport when purchasing your Greek SIM.
VI. Final words
Getting a local Greek SIM card at Athens Airport is easy and convenient right upon arrival. Major providers like Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind all sell prepaid SIMs at various kiosks, shops and vending machines located around the airport terminals. Pick up a SIM with a data package to stay connected during your Greece travels or setup an eSIM before your flight for immediate connectivity when you land. With a few simple preparation tips, you can seamlessly get a working SIM card at Athens International Airport (ATH).
