For travelers starting a Grecian adventure, getting a SIM card in Athens is key for a seamless trip. Athens, rich in history and culture, draws many tourists yearly. This article will help those wanting to stay connected affordably by getting a local SIM card. Gain tips from locals on buying a SIM card, enhancing your travel in this vibrant city.
Table of Contents
I. Which mobile operator is the best in Athens?
When touring Athens, having mobile internet is a must. According to network performance reports from Opensignal, Cosmote stands out as the premier network for visitors to Athens:
| Operator | Coverage | Speed | Reliability |
| Cosmote | Widest 4G coverage across Athens (>95%) | Fast LTE speeds (avg 30Mbps) | Most reliable connectivity |
| Vodafone | Excellent 4G in central Athens (90%) | Quick speeds (avg 25Mbps) | Occasional downtown outages |
| Nova | Good coverage of tourist areas (80%) | Moderate speeds (avg 20Mbps) | Patchy connectivity in the outskirts |
From this table, you can see that Cosmote is the go-to for tourists in Athens, with great coverage and fast speeds for reliable connection. Thanks to Cosmote’s user-friendly multilingual support and affordable data plans, travelers can stay connected easily while exploring.
II. Best Athens SIM Card and cost
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are big mobile operators in the mobile network scene in Greece, offering solid coverage in Athens and beyond. Check out the comparison table below for the newest prepaid SIM card plans from these Greece mobile operators:
| 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 |
Recommendation: All 3 cellular operators give travelers affordable and variable plans. But it seems that Nova gives people the cheapest price. But the choice is up to you. Make sure that it fits your needs.
III. Where to buy a SIM card in Athens?
You can get a SIM card while traveling to Athens in 2 common places: at the airport and in the city. Now, let’s discover together.
1. Getting a SIM Card at Athens airport
Getting connected right away is easy when arriving at Athens International Airport, as there are several convenient options for purchasing a local SIM card at Athens Airport within the airport terminals:
- After Passport Control, right in front of Luggage Belt #1
- Arrival Hall, on the left side next to the Tourist Information Desk
There is a SIM Local booth selling Vodafone and Taza Mobile SIM cards here. Below are a few popular prepaid plan options available at the SIM Local booth in the airport:
- Vodafone Prepaid SIM Cards:
- 15GB data + 200 mins EU + 120 intl mins – €22.50 (~$25 USD)
- 18GB data – €22.50 (~$25 USD)
- Taza Mobile (Vodafone network):
- 15GB data + 200 mins EU + 120 intl mins – €22.50 (~$25 USD)
- 5GB extra data for 7 days if you download the app
Both SIM Local booths are open from 6 am to 10 pm and accept Euros and credit cards. The staff speaks English, Greek, and other languages. The SIM card options at Athens Airport are a bit limited and pricier compared to getting one in the city center.
2. Getting a Prepaid SIM Card in Athens
Visitors in Athens can buy local Greek SIM cards for cost-effective data and voice services instead of expensive roaming charges, ensuring reliable connectivity during their trip.
- Mobile Carrier Stores: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova have retail stores in Athens, including locations in central areas like Syntagma Square.
- Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Greek chains like Sklavenitis, AB, and Masoutis. Smaller stores and kiosks in the city also offer SIM card options.
IV. eSIM card for Athens travelers – a smart alternative
Travelers heading to Athens can ditch regular SIM cards for the eSIM – a hassle-free option to stay connected with reliable data during your trip to Greece.
To get an eSIM for your Athens trip, Greek carriers like Vodafone and Nova support eSIM technology. Another smart choice is to purchase an eSIM from a specialized provider like greeceesim.com.
You can get these benefits if getting one from Gigago:
- No proof of ID is needed; ready upon purchase
- Easy installation via QR code scan
- 24/7 customer support
- Data packages from 1GB to 20GB, starting at only $5
- Use in Greece & Europe without extra roaming fees
So remember to prepare an eSIM before your trip to Athens to skip buying a SIM card there. Stay connected right from arrival, so you can explore, chat, and share freely without data worries or extra charges.
V. Things to prepare when buying SIM cards in Athens
Here are some important things to get ready for when you get a SIM card in Athens:
- Have your passport ready for photocopying when getting a SIM in Athens.
- Check out carriers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova for top plans.
- Choose between pay-as-you-go or monthly contracts.
- Ensure your device is unlocked and works with Greek 4G LTE.
- Think about a multi-SIM adapter for multiple SIMs.
VI. Tips and recommendations when buying a SIM card in Athens
Buying a SIM card in Athens, notice that you should:
- Avoid the airport – SIM cards there are pricey. Visit local stores in the city center for better rates.
- Try a data-only SIM – If you only need internet, it can be more cost-effective.
- Inquire about eSIM – Newer phones support eSIM for a temporary Greek number.
- Bargain a bit – Negotiate with telecom reps for better deals.
VII. FAQs about a SIM card in Athens
How can I add credit to my SIM card in Athens?
You can add credit to your SIM card in Athens at the company’s shops, many small shops, supermarkets, and online using the company’s website or app.
Can I use my Athens SIM card in other parts of Greece?
Yes, you can use a SIM card bought in Athens anywhere in Greece without problems. The signal strength and internet speed might differ based on where you are.
How soon does it take to start using a SIM card in Athens?
Usually, you can start using a SIM card in Athens quickly, often within a few minutes after signing up. Sometimes, it might take up to 24 hours.
Are there staff who speak English at shops where I can get a SIM card in Athens?
Yes, most phone shops in Athens, particularly those in tourist spots and at the airport, have English-speaking staff to assist you with getting and setting up your SIM card.
VIII. Conclusion
To sum up, buying a SIM card in Athens is easy if you know where to go. Just visit well-known shops, check prices and deals, and make sure your phone can use it.
This way, you’ll stay connected while exploring. Having a SIM card in Athens doesn’t just keep you in touch, it also helps you dive into the city’s culture by giving you access to local info and services.
