Cosmote SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Cosmote is the largest mobile network operator in Greece. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Cosmote SIM card or eSIM when visiting Greece as a tourist.

1. Quick facts about Cosmote

Cosmote is operated by the largest telecommunications provider in Greece, OTE Group. Some key facts about Cosmote:

• The Greek telecommunications company, Cosmote, offers mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet access and television services.
• With more than 3.5 million mobile customers and over 1.6 million fixed-line users, it is the largest telecommunications company in Greece.
• Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary Cosmote is the fourth-largest mobile operator in the Balkans.
• The firm was established in 1998, and it began business in Greece in 2001.
• As an advanced user of new technologies, Cosmote was the first company in Greece to introduce 3G, then 4G and later 5G networks.

2. Greece Cosmote Coverage and Speed

Cosmote has extensive network coverage across Greece and the Greek islands. Here’s an overview of their coverage and data speeds you can expect when using a Cosmote SIM:

2.1. Cosmote coverage in Greece

According to Opensignal’s July 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report for Greece, Cosmote has the best overall network coverage in the country. Cosmote won the Availability award outright, with a score of 99.1%. This means that Cosmote customers have a 99.1% chance of having a signal on their phones, anywhere in Greece.

Cosmote also has the best 5G Availability, with a score of 13.2%. This means that Cosmote customers are more likely to have a 5G signal than customers of any other operator in Greece.

Cosmote’s network coverage is especially heavy in urban areas, where it provides nearly universal coverage. Cosmote has good coverage in rural areas, but there could be some places with a weaker signal.

Overall, as Greece’s largest network, Cosmote has great coverage across mainland Greece and the Greek islands. Data speeds and coverage have improved a lot in recent years.

2.2. Cosmote speed

According to Opensignal’s July 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report, Cosmote also has the fastest mobile network speeds in Greece.

• In the Download Speed Experience category, Cosmote won top honors with a score of 52.2 Mbps. That is, Cosmote users will be able to download data at an average rate of 52 Mbps.
• Cosmote also bagged the 5G Download Speed award outright,with a score of 183.4Mbps. As a result, Cosmote customers will see an average speed of 183.4Mbps when downloading data on the 5G network.

In general, Cosmote has the fastest mobile network speeds in Greece, and its customers can expect to enjoy superfast downloads and streaming almost anywhere within Greece.

3. Cosmote connectivity options for travelers to Greece

As a tourist visiting Greece, you have two main options to get connected on Cosmote’s network:

No matter what type of connectivity you choose with Cosmote, there’s no question that it will be a stable and reliable signal. With the most comprehensive network coverage and fastest speeds in Greece, Cosmote keeps you connected everywhere.

4. Best Cosmote SIM cards for tourists & cost

Cosmote has three main prepaid SIM card options suitable for tourists visiting Greece:

Cosmote does not have any specific plan for tourists and only offers a data-only plan. If you still want to use the Cosmote SIM plan you can consider these plans below, price includes the SIM card price:

5. Does Cosmote Greece support eSIM?

Yes, Cosmote launched eSIM support in 2019, but limited for Greeks. The charge for the eSIM is ~5 USD.

Currently Cosmote eSIM is not suppported for tourist visiting Greece. If you want to use eSIM in Greece, consider Greece eSIM from greeceesim.com. 

Get a Greece eSIM package starting from just 5 USD. No need to worry about roaming fees or changing SIM cards.

Simply purchase a Greece eSIM plan online, receive the QR code via email and scan to activate on your device. Then you can start surfing Greek islands with high-speed 4G data.

Visit greeceesim.com today and buy your Greece eSIM package for easy mobile connectivity across the country. Start discovering Greece with a tap!

6. Where can you buy a Cosmote SIM card and eSIM?

It’s easy to find Cosmote SIM cards and eSIMs both in Greece and online. Here’s where to buy:

6.1. Where to buy Cosmote SIM for Greece

You can easily get a Cosmote Greece SIM card at:

• Online. You can purchase a Cosmote SIM card online from the Cosmote website. Once you have placed your order, your SIM card will be shipped to you within a few days.
• Retail stores. You can also purchase a Cosmote SIM card from a variety of retail stores in Greece. Some of the most popular stores where you can buy a Cosmote SIM card include:
• Cosmote stores: Cosmote has a large network of stores throughout Greece. You can find a Cosmote store in most major cities and towns.
• Supermarkets: Many supermarkets in Greece also sell Cosmote SIM cards. This is a convenient option if you are already at the supermarket and need to purchase a SIM card.
• Kiosks: Kiosks are small shops that are located all over Greece. They sell a variety of items, including newspapers, magazines, and SIM cards.
• At the airport: If you are arriving in Greece by plane, you can purchase a Cosmote SIM card at the airport. There is a Cosmote store located in the arrivals area of most major airports in Greece.

Once you have purchased a Cosmote SIM card, you will need to activate it. To do this, you will need to provide your personal information and sign a contract. You can activate your SIM card at any Cosmote store or at a Cosmote kiosk. Do not forget to bring your personal ID or passport.

6.2. Where to buy Greece Cosmote eSIM

To get a Cosmote eSIM for your trip:

• Purchase online on Cosmote’s website. They email you the eSIM profile.
• Download the Cosmote eSIM app then activate your plan.
• Have an unlocked phone that supports eSIM provisioning. Latest iPhones or Android devices. Check the Greece eSIM Compatible Devices List.

So Cosmote eSIMs need to be ordered online on their website before you travel. Pick up a prepaid SIM card after you arrive for maximum convenience.

greeceesim.com offers Greece Cosmote eSIM data plans that work on the Cosmote network in Greece.

Once you purchase the plan, the Greece Cosmote eSIM details will be delivered to your email immediately. This includes the QR code and instructions to install the eSIM.

7. How to activate Cosmote Greece SIM/eSIM

Activating a new Cosmote SIM or eSIM is very easy:

7.1. How to activate Cosmote Greece SIM

Follow these steps:

• Insert the COSMOTE SIM card into your mobile device and turn it on
• Enter the four-digit PIN1 code you can find on the back of the SIM card
• If your battery is charged, the display shows that you are connected on the COSMOTE network
• All you need to do now is call any number*. As soon as you make that call, a recorded message welcomes you to COSMOTE prepaid telephony and informs you about your number’s activation status.

7.2. How to activate Cosmote Greece eSIM

To start using your Cosmote Greece eSIM: Scan the QR activation code and your eSIM profile will automatically be installed on your device.

And at the same time, you will be registered on COSMOTE’s mobile network. An internet connection is required to activate an eSIM. The QR activation code is unique and can only be used once.

8. Greece Cosmote Call & SMS rates

Cosmote prepaid SIMs and eSIM in Greece provide:

Please note that these rates are subject to change, so it is always best to check the Cosmote website for the most up-to-date information.

9. Useful USSD codes for Cosmote Greece SIM/eSIM

You can recharge in Cosmote offices and Germanos stores or buy the top-up voucher. 

1. To check the account balance, send SMS with ‘ΥΡ’ to 1314,
2. To check the expiration date, send SMS with ‘LIXI’ to 1314,

10. How to top-up Cosmote Greece SIM/eSIM

You have several ways to recharge your Cosmote prepaid credit or data packs:

• Vouchers – Sold at stores for ~$10 to ~$50 top-ups. 
• Online – Recharge using Mastercard/Visa on Cosmote website or app.
• Stores – Pay cash for top-up voucher at Cosmote stores and other retailers.
• ATMs – Some Greek ATMs let you top-up Cosmote. Look for on-screen menu.

For eSIM, you must recharge online using a credit/debit card on your account. Overall, easy ways to top-up Cosmote.

11. Alternatives to Greece Cosmote

The other top networks in Greece are:

• Vodafone Greece: Second biggest network. Good value prepaid SIMs and tourist deals.
• Nova (Wind): Third largest provider. Affordable prepaid SIM plans.
• F2G: Newer provider focused on data plans and low prices.
• greeceesim.com – Virtual network provider selling eSIM data passes from local networks globally. Options for Greece included on Vodafone, T-Mobile and Wind networks.

All major providers have stores and retailers across Greece. Compare rates as Cosmote can be pricier than some smaller networks.

12. FAQs about Cosmote in Greece

13. Final words

Cosmote is the top mobile network in Greece making it a great choice for prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs. Travelers can enjoy extensive 4G LTE coverage, good speeds and reasonable rates across this historic European destination. Compare Cosmote’s latest prepaid SIM and Greece eSIM deals through their website before your trip. With wide availability, activating and recharging a Cosmote SIM or eSIM is then quick and convenient after you arrive in Greece.