Staying connected in Greece with a local SIM card is one of the best ways. In this guide, let’s find out the practical tips about where to buy, prices and plans of Greece SIM cards or alternative options (eSIM), helping you make an informed decision that best suits your connectiviy needs.
Table of Contents
I. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Greece Trip?
Yes, visitors should use a local SIM card when traveling to Greece. Compared to other connectivy options such as roaming, SIM cards are much more reasonable choices as you can find any plan to fit your needs/
- Cheaper data rates and calls than other connectivy options, a local SIM card will allow you to purchase data plans at a lower data cost.
- Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home network
- Better network coverage from a local provider in Greece
In summary, for the extensive trip of more than 2 weeks, a physical SIM card in Greece will offer visitors to enjoy much more affordable connectivity throughout your trip without worry over roaming fees. Just make sure your device is compatible first. A SIM is well worth it for longer visits.
II. Greece SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
There are a couple of different options for Greece tourist SIM cards:
| SIM Card Type | Pros | Cons |
| Prepaid | No contract required, flexible plans, can be purchased easily and conveniently at airports, convenience stores, and other retailers | May have lower data speeds than postpaid SIM cards, may be more expensive for long-term use |
| Postpaid | Typically offers higher data speeds and more data than prepaid SIM cards, often includes additional benefits such as free international calling or roaming | Requires a contract, may be more difficult to purchase |
| eSIM | Convenient and easy to install, no need to carry a physical SIM card | May not be supported by all phones and carriers, may be more expensive than physical SIM cards |
Additional Considerations:
- Coverage: When choosing a SIM card, be sure to factor into consideration the coverage area of the carrier. But one carrier may have better coverage in some parts of Greece than another.
- Price: Prices for SIM cards also depend on the carrier and plan. Compare prices before buying.
- Data: It is especially necessary to choose a plan with enough data if you want to use a lot of data.
- International calling: You must choose a plan that includes this option if you need to make international calls.
- Roaming: You must choose a plan with roaming if you are planning on traveling outside of Greece.
Recommendation:
If you are in Greece for a short time, then prepaid plan is best. It's convenient, flexible, and easy to buy. If you will stay in Greece for a longer period, then you will need to consider a postpaid SIM card which usually has better data speeds and gives more data than prepaid cards.
III. How Much Does a Greek SIM Card Cost?
Choosing the right SIM card for visitors to Greece depends on your needs.
- 5 GB is a sensible amount for a 1-2 week trip focused on sightseeing and sharing your adventures. But plan extra data if you’ll stream videos or frequently have video calls. Top-up options are available if needed.
Greece prepaid SIM cards are very affordable, usually between $10 – $30 for the SIM card including some bonus data on activation.
| 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 |
If buying an eSIM, the activation cost is similar or slightly higher, around $5 – $40 depending on data allowance.
Shop between the main Greece providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova to compare the latest prepaid SIM pricing.
✨Note: Prices in USD are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 euro ~ 1.14 USD.
IV. Greece eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
Instead of using a plastic SIM card, an eSIM is a digital SIM profile installed directly on your phone. eSIMs are still relatively new globally but becoming more widespread.
Here are some key advantages of using a Greece eSIM for your trip:
- Convenience of ordering online and activating before you arrive
- Quick and easy to switch data plans via the provider’s app
- Avoid visiting stores to buy a physical SIM card
Explore Greece freely with an affordable local data plan for your mobile. Consider using Greece eSIM from greeceesim.com and get reliable 4G coverage throughout your trip. No SIM swapping is needed – just scan and you’re online. Order by midnight for same-day activation upon arrival.
V. Where to Buy a Greece SIM Card?
You have a couple of options for where to purchase your Greece SIM card, either before you arrive or once you land in the country:
- Physical stores across country: Visitors can easily purchase those once you arrive in Greece. SIM cards in Athens are sold at convenience stores, kiosks, and phone provider shops across the country.
- Greece International Airport: Telecoms at the airport offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, however, prices may be inflated so shops in the city tend to be cheaper. You will need to show your passport when registering the SIM cards.
The downside is spending time lining up and registering the SIM, so arriving with an eSIM can save the hassle. But physical SIMs offer maximum choice and value if you need lots of data.
VI. How much Data is enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM card in Greece?
Data usage on your Greece SIM card comes down to your travel style and preferences. Here are some typical data ranges to consider:
- Light use: 1 – 2 GB data for a short trip with basic maps/messaging usage
- Moderate use: 3 – 5 GB for occasional photo uploads, light social media use
- Heavy use: 5 – 10+ GB for extensive maps, daily uploads, video calling, etc
To maximize your data, utilize WiFi whenever possible and download maps offline via Google Maps. Most Greece SIMs also offer free unlimited WhatsApp usage which is very hand
VII. FAQs
Do I need to register my Greece SIM card?
Yes, you’ll need to provide your passport details when purchasing any Greek SIM card, both prepaid and contract types. This meets local registration laws.
Can I use a Greece SIM across Europe?
Your Greece SIM will provide cheap rates inside Greece. But roaming charges apply if you travel into other European countries. Consider a pan-European SIM if visiting multiple countries.
Are Greek SIM cards secure?
Leading Greek providers use secure networks and encryption standards. Use common sense with protecting your phone and SIM like avoiding public WiFi for sensitive tasks.
How can I recharge my Greek SIM?
Top-up credits are available through provider websites, mobile apps, or in-person at convenience stores, kiosks, and phone shops across the country.
What language are the Greek SIM cards?
SIM cards are available in both Greek and English languages. English is commonly spoken in major cities and tourist areas.
Where to buy a Greek SIM card?
Greece SIM cards can be found at several spots: Athens Airport, or mobile kiosks acrossthe country.
VIII. Conclusion
The most convenient route for cheap data and calls while in this lovely land is a Greece SIM card. Setup is also easy with prepaid and eSIM options. Cosmote and Vodafone are major providers with reliable connections across mainland Greece and islands. At just $10-$20 for data bundles, a tourist SIM is an excellent investment to complement your Greece trip preparation.
