Planning a trip to Greece? A local SIM card or eSIM is an essential you’ll need to stay connected. But tourists exploring this Mediterranean paradise can enjoy some of the best connectivity options offered by Vodafone Greece. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Vodafone Greece SIM Card or Vodafone Greece eSIM in Greece:

Vodafone Greece SIM Card

1. Quick Facts about Vodafone Greece

Here are some quick facts about Vodafone Greece:

  • According to March 2023 data, Vodafone Greece’s market share is the second-highest among mobile network operators in Greece at 33.8 %.
  • It is a member of the Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.
  • Vodafone Greece provides a comprehensive range of mobile services, including voice, data, and messaging.
  • It also provides fixed broadband and TV services.
  • Vodafone Greece has 4.5 million mobile subscribers and more than a million fixed broadband customers.
  • The headquarters of the company is in Athens, Greece.
  • Vodafone Greece was the first mobile network operator in Greece to offer 4G LTE services.
  • It is also the first mobile network operator in Greece to deploy 5G services.

Vodafone Greece is one of Greece’s most important telecommunications companies.

vodafone-greece

2. Why Vodafone When You’re Exploring Greece – Coverage and Speed

For those traveling in Greece, an operational data connection is essential. Its coverage and speed are the best of all cellular networks.

2.1. Vodafone Coverage in Greece

Greece Mobile Operator Coverage
Greece Mobile Operator Coverage

According to the Opensignal July 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report for Greece, Vodafone has the best overall coverage in the country.  Here is a summary of Vodafone’s coverage in Greece, based on the Opensignal report:

  • Availability: Vodafone is a joint winner as far as the Availability award is concerned, with users able to get a 3G or better signal 99.1 % of the time.
  • 5G availability: With users connected to 5G services 10.8 % of the time, Vodafone has the second-highest availability of any operator in Greece.
  • Urban coverage: Vodafone’s urban coverage is particularly good. You can connect to the 4G or 5G signal most of the time.
  • Rural coverage: Vodafone has extensive coverage in rural areas. Users can get a 3G signal more than 90 % of the time.

In general, Vodafone has the best coverage of all mobile network operators in Greece.

2.2. Vodafone Speed

Greece Mobile Operator Speed
Greece Mobile Operator Speed

As per the Opensignal July 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report for Greece, Vodafone has the fastest overall download speeds in the country. Here is a summary of Vodafone’s speeds in Greece:

  • Download Speed Experience: The Download Speed Experience award this month goes outright to Vodafone, with users experiencing average download speeds of 52.2Mbps on its network year-to-date.
  • 5G Download Speed: Vodafone wins the 5G Download Speed award hands down, with users enjoying an average 5G download speed of 183.4Mbps.
  • Upload Speed Experience: Vodafone takes outright honors in the Upload Speed Experience award with average upload speeds of 29.2Mbps.

In short, Vodafone has the fastest speeds of any mobile network operator in Greece.

However, these are only averages, and a given user’s speed can vary depending on his location, network conditions and device. But the results from Vodafone in a recent Opensignal report indicate it provides mobile users with the best overall speed experience in Greece.

3. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Greece

Vodafone offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM (digital SIMs) for tourists visiting Greece:

Option Description
Pay-As-You-Go SIM Card Vodafone offers a variety of Pay-As-You-Go SIM cards for travelers to Greece which allows you to top up as needed.
Prepaid SIM Card Vodafone also offers prepaid SIM cards that you can purchase and activate without a long-term contract commitment. Funds do not expire for 1 year.
Vodafone Pocket WiFi This portable WiFi hotspot allows you to connect multiple devices to high-speed internet through the Vodafone network.
Vodafone Roaming Vodafone customers from other countries can use their existing plan seamlessly through roaming on the Vodafone Greece network.
eSIM Vodafone's eSIM option digitally provisions a SIM profile for use without a physical nano-SIM card. Simply scan a QR code during setup.

4. Best Vodafone Greece SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here are some of the best Vodafone Greece SIM card options for tourists visiting Greece. With a huge data allotment, this SIM card works very well for long vacations, digital nomads, remote workers etc.

Plan Name Price (USD) Data Local Calls Messages Validity Total Cost (USD)
Voice & Mobile Internet Bundle ~$ 20 25 GB 200 minutes - 20 days ~$25
Voice & Mobile Internet Bundle ~$30 Unlimited 200 minutes - 30 days ~$35

For power users, Vodafone’s unlimited data SIM card ensures you never run out of high-speed data during your Greece travels. It’s great for heavy video streaming, gaming etc.

All Vodafone Greece SIM cards include free EU roaming. So you can use your data, minutes, and text allocations across Greece and Europe.

5. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Greece?

Yes, Vodafone Greece offers eSIM plans for the latest iPhone and Android devices. With an eSIM, you can digitally install a Vodafone plan without needing to insert a physical SIM card.

Currently, Vodafone Greece does not offer eSIM for tourists visiting Greece. If you want to use the Vodafone network in Greece, get a Greece eSIM from greeceesim.com and enjoy fast, affordable data without roaming charges.

Greece eSIM Plans

6. Where Can You Buy a Vodafone SIM card and eSIM?

Whether you need a physical Vodafone Greece SIM Card or an eSIM, Vodafone offers a variety of purchase options to meet your connectivity needs when traveling internationally.

6.1. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM for Greece?

As a popular tourist SIM, Vodafone Greece SIM Card are easy to find in Greece:

  • At Athens, Thessaloniki, and other airports after you clear immigration.
  • At Vodafone retail stores which are found in all cities and many large towns.
  • From street kiosks and convenience stores which offer a variety of SIM card top-up and data packages.
  • Some hotels, cafes, and restaurants may resell SIM cards though at slightly marked-up prices.
Vodafone store in Greece

When purchasing, remember to carry your passport as ID proof. The Vodafone Greece SIM card will need to be activated in your name per local laws.

6.2. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM in Greece?

Vodafone eSIMs can only be purchased online in Greece:

  • Directly through the Vodafone website or mobile app.
  • Via third-party resellers like greeceesim.com who offer prepaid eSIM plans for Greece.

Purchasing directly from Vodafone requires online verification of your passport. Third-party providers like greeceesim.com do not verify the ID and the process is simpler for tourists.

No matter where you purchase from, the eSIM is digitally delivered to your iPhone/Android after purchase.

Greece eSIM Plans

7. How to Activate Vodafone SIM/eSIM in Greece?

Getting connected to Vodafone’s reliable network while exploring Greece is simple. Just follow these brief activation instructions for either a physical Vodafone Greece SIM card or digital eSIM plan purchased from the operator.

7.1. How to Use a Vodafone SIM Card in Greece?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

  1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
  2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
  3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Vodafone Greece SIM card will be pre-activated
  4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
  5. Check your services.

7.2. How to Activate Vodafone eSIM?

Getting started with an Vodafone Greece eSIM for is quite easy as follows:

  1. Install the eSIM
  2. Activate the eSIM
  3. Set up the eSIM
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

8. Greece Vodafone Call & SMS Rates

Prepaid Vodafone Greece SIM cards and eSIMs come with bundled domestic and EU minutes and texts. Here are the rates without bundles:

Destination Call Rate SMS Rate
Domestic (Greece) $0.28 per minute $0.27 per SMS
European Union and Zone A countries Unlimited minutes and SMS $0.072 per SMS
International (other countries) $1.73 per minute $0.67 per SMS

Zone A countries include Albania, Switzerland, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

Important notes:

  • All rates are in USD and include VAT.
  • Call rates are charged per minute, with a minimum charge of 60 seconds.
  • SMS rates are charged per message.
  • Roaming rates may apply when using your Vodafone Greece mobile phone outside of Greece.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone SIM/eSIM

To check your balance, make a free call to 1252, change language, then option 1 from the top menu. 

There doesn’t seem to be an SMS or USSD option for checking Vodafone Greece balance.

10. How to Top-up Vodafone SIM/eSIM

It’s easy to recharge Vodafone SIMs and eSIMs in Greece.

  • Recharge vouchers are available for €15, €20, and €30.
  • Recharge vouchers can be obtained from kiosks, service stations, and supermarkets.
  • You can also top up your account online with a credit card or PayPal.
  • A 12% tax applies to all recharge vouchers and online top-ups.

11. FAQs about Vodafone in Greece

Does Vodafone offer 5G in Greece?

Vodafone has begun rolling out 5G in a few Greek cities but coverage remains very limited. 4G LTE up to 300 Mbps is the fastest connectivity widely available from Vodafone Greece as of late 2022.

How long is a Vodafone SIM card valid for tourists?

Vodafone tourist SIMs have a 7-day validity while regular prepaid plans are valid for 120-365 days. To keep the SIM alive, you need to recharge with credit/data within the validity period.

Does Vodafone SIM work in Crete and the islands?

Yes, Vodafone has excellent coverage on Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and other Greek islands. Both their 3G and 4G networks are available on the islands.

Can I roam with Vodafone SIM in other EU countries?

Yes, Vodafone prepaid SIMs and eSIMs allow roaming across the EU at domestic Greek rates. No extra roaming charges within the EU.

12. Final Words

Vodafone Greece provides excellent connectivity on the mainland and islands with wide 4G LTE and 3G coverage. Prepaid Vodafone Greece SIM cards start from $10 with great options for tourists. Keep in mind Vodafone has limited 5G coverage right now.

For ultimate convenience, the Vodafone eSIM allows dual SIM capabilities on your phone. Purchase online and digitally install the plan without a physical SIM. With free EU roaming, strong networks and easy top-ups, Vodafone has you covered for calling, texting, and mobile data during your Greek adventures!