This article is for people traveling to Greece and trying to pick the best mobile internet in Greece. It will explain why having good internet is important and suggest visitors get local SIM cards or eSIMs. By reading this, travelers can move around Greece easily, stay connected, and enjoy their trip to the fullest.

how about the mobile internet in greece

I. Mobile Internet coverage and speed in Greece

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, knowing the mobile internet coverage and speed here is very crucial. 

1. Greece Mobile Internet Coverage

Greece Mobile Operator Coverage
Greece Mobile Operator Coverage

Greece’s cell phone internet situation has got better lately. The top three companies – Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova – are competing to offer the best mobile internet option in Greece to tourists.

According to the Opensignal report in January 2024,  some key points about Greece’s mobile coverage could be seen:

  • Cosmote leads in overall and 5G download speeds, averaging 49.7Mbps across networks and 161.6Mbps on 5G.
  • Cosmote wins the Coverage Experience award with a score of 8.2 out of 10 and excels in 5G Coverage Experience at 3.6 out of 10.
  • Cosmote retains the Consistent Quality award with a 78.2% score, indicating top performance in testing for demanding mobile applications.
  • Nova is the 5G Games Experience winner with a score of 79.2, offering superior multiplayer mobile gaming over 5G.
  • Cosmote is ahead in 5G Availability at 17.7%, beating Vodafone and Nova by 7.4 percentage points.

Based on this data, Cosmote is currently the top company in Greece’s mobile market, doing well in both 5G and general coverage.

2. Greece Mobile Internet Speed

Greece’s mobile internet speeds have caught the attention of both locals and travelers from around the world. The Speedtest Global Index (January 2024) offers a detailed look at how fast the internet is here, giving important information about the country’s digital connections.

Here are a few important details about mobile internet speed in Greece:

mobile internet speed in greece
Mobile Internet Speed in Greece. Source: Speedtest
  • National ranking:
    • Greece ranked 34th globally for mobile internet speed. Median download speed: 75.17 Mbps, upload speed: 13.72 Mbps.
    • Mobile internet latency in the country was 26 ms, showing a responsive network for real-time communication and gaming.
    • Compared to its neighbors, Greece has faster mobile speeds than Albania (ranked 54th) and Turkey (67th), but slower speeds than Portugal (ranked 29th).
  • Cities ranking: Athens, ranked 53rd globally for mobile download speeds, had a median of 87.51 Mbps with 17 ms latency.

These numbers indicate significant progress in Greece’s mobile internet system, offering good and fast connections nationwide. For optimal internet in Greece, choose top mobile providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, or Nova with strong 4G/5G coverage for seamless connections on the go.

II. Mobile Internet in Greece: Connection options for tourists

For travelers in Greece, picking the best way to stay connected can take a lot of work with so many choices. Here’s a comparison of the main mobile internet option in Greece:

Connectivity Option Pros Cons
Free wi-fi Free Limited data. Slow speeds. Lack of flexibility and reliability.
Pocket wifi Reliable. Flexible. No roaming. Additional cost. Remember to return the device.
eSIM Flexible. No sim swap. Check compatibility. The device must support eSIM.
SIM card Inexpensive. Flexible. Local rates. Need to purchase in advance or upon arrival.
Roaming Automatic connectivity. Very expensive compared to local plans.

To sum up, getting a SIM card is the best and cheapest mobile internet option in Greece for tourists staying there for a long time. Besides, eSIM is a great choice for traveling to Greece since it can get messages, calls, and data like a regular SIM card. 

Also, eSIM lets you switch service providers without needing to swap the physical SIM card on your device. Greece-eSIM by Gigago is a trusted local eSIM provider that offers various plans without the physical card hassle. 

You can buy an eSIM online, starting at only $5. We have customer support to help you out. Just make sure your device is compatible before you get one. Check the list of Greece eSIM-compatible devices.

Get Greece eSIM – Beat roaming fees and bypass airport SIM shops
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III. Mobile internet rates in Greece

Find out about cellular data plan rates from major providers. Understanding mobile internet pricing lets visitors browse, message and internet on the go throughout their Greek trip. Let’s check out affordable mobile data options:

Option Price Range (USD) Notes
SIM Card Greece ~ $10 - $30 per month Varies based on data allowance and provider
Greece eSIM  ~ $7 - $40 per month Only compatible with lastest phones
Roaming ~ $0.05 - $0.50 per MB Can quickly become expensive, check your plan's roaming rates
Public WiFi ~ Free - $5 per day Quality and reliability can vary greatly
Pocket WiFi ~ $5 - $15 per day Provides reliable internet but requires renting a device

Recommendation:

  • When traveling to Greece, it’s best to get a Greek SIM card for your phone. It provides a good and affordable way to use the internet while you’re there. You can get a plan for $10 to $30 a month with plenty of data.
  • eSIM is another option but check the coverage and data limits first.
  • Roaming is costly, and public WiFi isn’t always reliable.
  • Pocket WiFi is another choice, but you need to rent a device for it.

IV. Best mobile operators in Greece

Greece has a lively telecom market, where big mobile companies compete for customers. Let’s compare the top three providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova with different factors.

Operator Main Points Pros Cons Best For
Cosmote Largest network coverage, owned by OTE Group, diverse service offerings Extensive coverage, reliable network, good customer service Higher prices for some plans Those prioritizing network quality and service reliability
Vodafone Strong network coverage, part of global Vodafone brand, competitive pricing Wide range of plans, good value for money, international roaming advantages Some customer service issues reported Cost-conscious customers, frequent travelers
Nova Disruptive newcomer, affordable pricing, focus on mobile data Inexpensive data plans, no-frills approach, good for heavy data users Limited physical presence, coverage gaps in some areas Data-heavy users, those on a tight budget

Recommendation: Cosmote is the best mobile operator in Greece. It has great coverage, reliable service, and many options. Vodafone and Nova are good for saving money or using lots of data.

V. FAQs about mobile internet in Greece

Is 5G available in Greece?

Yes, 5G is starting in Greece, mainly in big cities and some areas. Companies like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind are expanding it.

Can I use my phone internet in Greece without extra charges?

EU residents can usually use their phones in Greece without more fees due to EU rules. But it’s good to ask your provider to be sure.

How can I see my phone data usage in Greece?

Most companies have apps to track your data, or you can call certain codes from your operator to check your balance and data use.

Can I top up my mobile internet data in Greece online?

Yes, you can easily top up your prepaid SIM card online through the provider’s website, mobile app, or even through various ATMs and kiosks.

VI. Conclusions

In general, mobile internet in Greece has become a must-have for both locals and visitors. It gives you awesome access to info and keeps you connected on the move. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, the perks of mobile internet are crystal clear and deeply woven into everyday life.