Greece is one of those lands with so much glorious scenery and interesting history around every corner that traveling around the country can be like walking in a dream. On your Greece trip, it’s really important to stay connected so you can get directions, look something up, share photos, and keep in touch with folks back home. Getting a local Greece SIM card for your unlocked phone is most convenient and economical.

Greece SIM Card

1. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Greece Trip?

greece sim card

For most travelers, getting a local Greece SIM card is one of the best mobile internet option in Greece. The main benefits are:

  • Cheaper data rates and calls than using your home country’s SIM card
  • Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home network
  • Better network coverage from a local provider in Greece

If you’re only making short trips into Greece and not relying heavily on mobile data, you could potentially just use your own cell phone in Greece and enable roaming in Greece on your existing SIM card. But a Greece SIM is usually the better choice for longer trips, or if you’ll be using apps like Google Maps to get around.

Some key things to check before buying a Greece SIM:

  • Your phone must be unlocked to use a different SIM card
  • Confirm your phone is compatible with Greece mobile networks
  • Disable data roaming on your home SIM before inserting the Greece SIM

As long as your phone meets those criteria, purchasing a Greece SIM card is a very straightforward process once you arrive in the country.

2. 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 upon 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 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.

3. How Much Data Is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for 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 handy.

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.

4. How Much Does a Greece SIM Card Cost?

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.

5. Greece eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

Greece eSIM

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

A few limitations to note currently with eSIMs in Greece:

  • eSIM options are still limited, mainly from provider greeceesim.com.
  • Data allotments tend to be lower than regular SIMs
  • Compatible with newer iPhone and Android models only

For short vacations where you won’t need huge data, eSIMs provide a handy alternative to queuing up for a standard SIM card on arrival. As more Greek networks add eSIM capabilities, this will become an even more viable option. 

Explore Greece freely with an affordable local data plan for your mobile. Download a Greece eSIM from greeceesim.com and get reliable 4G coverage throughout your trip from €5. No SIM swapping is needed – just scan and you’re online. Order by midnight for same-day activation upon arrival. Buy Greece eSIM now at greeceesim.com.

Get GIGAGO, get greeceesim.com: Endless data awaits!
Buy my eSIM

6. Where to Buy a Greece SIM Card?

You have a couple options of for where to purchase your Greece SIM card, either before you arrive or once you land in the country:

6.1. Buy eSIM online

As eSIMs are digital, you can conveniently order them online ahead of your trip and remotely activate the SIM profile on your device. Providers like greeceesim.com offer Greece eSIMs via website for delivery via email.

Benefits of pre-ordering online:

  • Skip buying a SIM in person on arrival
  • Faster airport exit without a SIM store stop
  • Guaranteed SIM access, which can be activated when you land

The main limitation is that eSIM data allotments are generally lower than regular SIMs. But ordering online works well if you just need basic data.

6.2. Buy a physical SIM Card

If you prefer a regular plastic SIM, you 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.

You can often find SIM card at Greece airports upon arrival, 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.

Benefits of buying in person:

  • Wider range of providers and packages
  • Larger data bundles available for physical SIMs
  • Ask staff for advice on the best deal for your trip

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.

SIM Local at Athens Airport
SIM Local at Athens Airport

7. How to Use Greece SIM

Using your Greece SIM card is very straightforward. Follow these steps once you’ve purchased your SIM:

  1. Insert – Eject tray from your phone and insert the nano/micro SIM
  2. Activate – Power on your phone and activate the SIM using the provided instructions
  3. Top-up – Purchase a data pack and add credit for calls if needed
  4. Connect – Disable data roaming on your home SIM to connect solely via Greece SIM
  5. Setup – Add SIM to your contacts, set data limits to conserve usage

Then you’re all ready to use data, messaging, calls, etc through your Greece SIM card! If you have dual SIM functionality, be sure to manually select the Greece SIM for data. Keep track of your usage so you don’t need to buy a top-up on the go.

8. Best Mobile Operators for Greece SIM Cards

Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are Greece’s biggest mobile networks. Both carriers provide pre-paid SIM cards for tourists.

Mobile Operator Coverage Network Speeds Prepaid Plans Postpaid Plans Tourist Plans
Cosmote Excellent Excellent Yes Yes Yes
Vodafone Greece Excellent Excellent Yes Yes Yes
Nova Good Good Yes Yes Yes

Here is a brief overview of each Greece mobile operator:

  • Cosmote: Greek mobile leader Cosmote has the best network coverage and speeds.
  • Vodafone Greece: The second largest mobile operator in Greece, Vodafone’s network is similar to Cosmote. It also provides a wide range of prepaid and postpaid SIM card plans.
  • Nova: Nova is the third largest mobile operator in Greece. Its network is not as extensive but slightly less than that of Cosmote and Vodafone. But it still provides good signal and speed coverage in most places Nova has various pre-paid and post-paid SIM card plans.

Which operator should you choose?

Based on Opensignal’s latest Greece mobile network report, Cosmote is the one to choose for the best network coverage and speeds. However, Nova may be the better option if you’re on a budget. It offers good value for money.

9. Tips for Saving Data for Greece SIM Card

To make the most of your Greece SIM data allowance, here are some tips:

  • Connect to free WiFi whenever possible in hotels, cafes, etc.
  • Download offline maps on Google Maps and use GPS mode to avoid data drain
  • Switch off auto app updates and disable background data usage
  • Limit streaming of videos, and music and minimize video calls
  • Turn on data saving mode in your phone settings
  • Monitor usage closely and top-up promptly if needed

Following these tips and check guides to use your phone in Greece will help you control data consumption and stay below your prepaid SIM allowance during your Greece visit.

10. 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 Greece 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 Greece 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 Greece SIM cards?

SIM cards are available in both Greek and English languages. English is commonly spoken in major cities and tourist areas.

11. 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.