Staying connected in Greece is essential for navigation, accommodation coordination, and everyday communication during your trip. This overview explains SIM card options for tourists in Greece and outlines how to choose the right provider, data plan, and setup based on your travel requirements.

Greece Travel SIM Cards

Travel SIM cards in Greece are designed for international visitors and provide mobile data access without requiring a long-term contract. These SIM cards typically offer:

• Data-only plans or options that include calls and text messages

• Short-term validity, usually ranging from 7 to 30 days

• Simple setup, with most unlocked devices connecting automatically

• Customer support provided in Greek and English

Before selecting a SIM card, consider your expected data usage, length of stay, and budget. Mobile providers in Greece offer a variety of plans, from smaller data packages such as 1GB to larger or unlimited data options suited for frequent use.

Ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with Greek mobile networks. In Greece, 2G services operate on GSM 900 and GSM 1800 bands, while 3G networks use the UMTS 2100 band. For 4G LTE, operators primarily rely on LTE 800, LTE 1800, and LTE 2600 bands, which provide coverage across urban and many rural areas. 5G services are being deployed mainly on Band n78, with availability focused on major cities and selected locations. [1]

You can also check our eSIM Greece page or read our articles on the best eSIM for Greece and roaming charges in Greece.

Prepaid SIM Cards for Greece

Prepaid SIM cards are a practical option for international visitors traveling to Greece. These pay-as-you-go plans allow you to purchase mobile services in advance, with a fixed amount of data, calls, and text messages valid for a specific period. They are suitable for travelers who want clear pricing, short-term use, and mobile access during their stay.

Greek mobile operators and international SIM providers offer a range of prepaid SIM card options for tourists. These plans are available for short durations and can be purchased online before arrival or from mobile stores, kiosks, and airport locations across Greece. Prepaid options are offered as both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, making them compatible with many modern smartphones and devices.

Greece Mobile Data Plans for Tourists

Mobile data plans in Greece are designed to support both short visits and longer stays. Depending on the length of your trip, you can choose a plan that aligns with your expected data usage and travel plans.

For short trips, 7-day prepaid plans with sufficient high-speed data are commonly used for navigation, messaging apps, and general browsing. For longer stays, 15-day or 30-day plans with higher data allowances or unlimited data options are widely available. Some providers may also include hotspot functionality, allowing you to share data with other devices. When selecting a plan, it’s useful to consider how often you will rely on mobile data versus Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, or public areas.

While physical SIM cards remain a common choice for travelers in Greece, a global eSIM such as Roamless offer an alternative that does not require visiting a physical store. Compared to traditional SIM cards, eSIMs provide several practical advantages:

• Activate before arrival: Install and configure your eSIM in advance and connect as soon as you land in Greece

• No store visit required: Avoid queues at airports or mobile shops by using a digital setup

• Flexible plan management: Change or manage data plans directly from your device, which is useful for multi-city or multi-country travel

• Keep your SIM slot available: Use mobile data in Greece while keeping your primary SIM card active

• Less physical waste: eSIMs do not require plastic cards, reducing material use

• Broad device support: Most recent smartphones support eSIM technology

Once you arrive in Greece, using a travel eSIM allows you to access mobile data immediately. There is no need to search for SIM vendors or review unfamiliar contract terms. You can use maps, messaging apps, and online services as soon as you connect. For travelers looking for a fleaible and straightforward way to stay connected, eSIMs offer a reliable alternative.

For detailed information about eSIMs, you can read our post on What is eSIM and how does it work to understand the basics.

Best SIM Cards for Greece Travel

If you're traveling to Greece, staying connected is important for navigation, communication, and access to online services. Prepaid SIM cards are a common choice for international visitors who need mobile data and calling options for short visits or longer stays. Whether you prefer a physical SIM card or an eSIM, several providers offer plans suitable for travelers. Below is an overview of some of the most well-known SIM card and eSIM options available for tourists visiting Greece.

Each provider offers different plan structures, so the best choice depends on your device, length of stay, and expected data usage. Roamless is suitable for travelers who prefer an eSIM set up in advance, while local operators such as Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova offer physical SIM cards with established coverage across the country. Comparing available plans can help you select the option that best fits your travel needs in Greece.

Greece SIM Cards: What to Look For

When choosing a SIM card for your trip to Greece, it’s helpful to consider a few key points:

• Data allowance: Plans range from smaller options such as 3 GB to high-data or unlimited packages

• Validity period: Most tourist SIM plans are valid for 7, 15, or 30 days

• Network coverage: Coverage is provided by major Greek mobile networks such as Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova

• Extra features: Some plans include hotspot access, local calling, or EU roaming within certain limits

• Pricing: Prices depend on data size and validity, typically ranging from €10 to €35

As an example, a 10 GB prepaid plan valid for 30 days usually costs around €15 to €20, while higher-data or unlimited plans are commonly priced between €25 and €35. Some unlimited plans may apply speed limits after a specific data threshold, so it’s recommended to review plan details before purchase.

While physical SIM cards are widely available in Greece, eSIM options such as Roamless provide added flexibility for travelers:

• You can activate your plan before arriving in Greece

• There’s no need to visit a store or queue at the airport

• You can manage or switch data plans directly from your device

• Your phone’s physical SIM slot remains available

• eSIMs reduce the need for plastic SIM cards

• Most recent smartphones support eSIM technology

Roamless allows travelers to connect shortly after landing without searching for SIM card options or dealing with unfamiliar setup steps. Access to maps, messaging apps, and online services is available as soon as the connection is active. For many visitors, eSIMs offer a practical and reliable way to use mobile data while traveling in Greece.

Greece SIM Card Costs

The cost of prepaid SIM cards in Greece depends on the amount of data, plan duration, and provider. Below is a general overview to help you estimate mobile data expenses while traveling in Greece:

Provider options in Greece include major local mobile operators such as Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova, along with global eSIM solutions like Roamless. Local providers typically offer prepaid plans valid for a fixed period, while eSIM services focus on flexible data usage without physical SIM cards. Choosing a plan that matches your trip length and expected data usage can help you manage mobile connectivity costs during your stay in Greece.

How to Buy SIM Cards in Greece

Buying a SIM card in Greece is generally straightforward. Common options include:

• Pre-ordering online for delivery to your home or pickup before your trip

• Buying at airport kiosks upon arrival, available at major airports such as Athens International Airport and Thessaloniki Airport

• Visiting local retail stores in city centers and tourist areas

• Purchasing from official mobile carrier stores operated by Greek providers across the country

In many cases, you may be asked to show an ID when purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Greece, as local regulations can require registration. It’s also important to ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Greek mobile networks to avoid connectivity issues.

While physical SIM cards are easy to find throughout Greece, eSIMs offer an alternative option for travelers. You can purchase an eSIM online, activate it before your flight, and arrive in Greece with mobile data access already available. This can help reduce time spent at airports or retail stores, especially after long journeys.

eSIMs: A Digital Alternative to Physical SIMs

eSIM technology is changing how travelers stay connected, offering several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards in Greece:

• Instant activation: Purchase and activate your plan before traveling, so you can connect shortly after arrival

• Multiple profiles: Keep your primary number active while using a Greece data plan

• No physical swapping: Avoid handling or storing small SIM cards

• Reduced plastic use: Digital SIMs help limit the need for physical materials

For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, this option provides a flexible way to access mobile data without visiting a store or dealing with physical SIM packaging.

SIM Card, Pocket WiFi, or eSIM for Greece?

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, there are three main ways to stay connected: Pocket WiFi, physical SIM cards, and eSIMs. Each option has different characteristics depending on your travel needs and device preferences.

Pocket WiFi

• Allows multiple devices to connect at the same time, which can be useful for families or groups

• Provides stable internet access in many urban and tourist areas

• Requires carrying a separate device and keeping it charged

• May include daily data limits or reduced speeds after a certain usage level

SIM Cards

• Work directly in an unlocked phone for calls and mobile data

• Often a practical option for longer stays

• Require manual installation and checking device compatibility

• Typically used on one device at a time

eSIMs

• Can be purchased and activated online before arriva

• Allow more than one mobile plan to be used on a single device

• Available only on phones and tablets that support eSIM technology

The best choice depends on your device, length of stay, and how you plan to use mobile data while in Greece. Travelers with newer, eSIM-compatible phones may find eSIMs suitable for flexible data access, while physical SIM cards remain widely available across Greece with various prepaid data options.

Will My Phone Work in Greece?

Most unlocked smartphones released in recent years are compatible with mobile networks in Greece, particularly those that support 4G LTE and 5G. Before traveling, it’s recommended to confirm that your device supports the frequency bands used by Greek mobile operators. Using a local prepaid SIM or an eSIM can help manage mobile data access and maintain reliable connectivity during your stay, whether you are navigating city centers or visiting more remote areas.

Greece SIM Card: Athens Airport

Athens International Airport (ATH) offers limited but accessible options for travelers who need a SIM card upon arrival. After clearing passport control, you can find mobile operator counters and retail kiosks in the arrivals area that sell prepaid SIM cards from Greek providers. These SIM cards usually include basic data packages with validity periods ranging from 7 to 30 days.

Airport SIM card options are convenient but often come with higher prices and fewer plan choices compared to what is available in city centers. Setup is typically straightforward, though in some cases manual configuration may be required depending on your device.

An alternative option is to arrange a travel eSIM before your trip. By installing an eSIM in advance, you can activate mobile data shortly after landing at Athens Airport without visiting a store or waiting in line.

You can also read our guide on Athens Airport WiFi to learn how to access internet connectivity while you are still inside the terminal.

SIM Card for Athens

Mobile connectivity is an important part of staying connected while traveling in Athens. When choosing a SIM card for your stay, consider the following factors:

• Network coverage across the city and nearby areas

• Data speeds suitable for navigation, transportation apps, and online access

• Availability of SIM cards through local stores or online before arrival

Greek mobile operators such as Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova provide mobile services throughout Athens. Coverage is available in central districts as well as residential and commercial areas. Reviewing plan details in advance can help ensure compatibility with your device and data needs. For additional information, you can visit our eSIM Athens page to review digital SIM options available for the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy a SIM card without a plan in Greece?

Yes, you can buy a SIM card in Greece without an active plan. However, the SIM card will not work until a prepaid data or calling package is added. Activation steps and requirements depend on the provider and must be completed before the SIM can be used.

Do Greece SIM cards have an expiry date?

Most prepaid SIM cards in Greece have an expiration period linked to the validity of the selected plan or account activity. In many cases, SIM cards may expire after a period of inactivity, such as 30 to 90 days, depending on the provider. Checking the specific terms of your plan will help avoid unexpected deactivation.

Where can I buy a SIM card in Greece?

SIM cards can be purchased at international airports, official mobile operator stores, authorized retailers, and online platforms. Many travelers also choose to pre-order a SIM card or use an eSIM to have connectivity available shortly after arrival.

How do I activate a SIM card or eSIM in Greece?

Activation usually takes only a few minutes. For physical SIM cards, you insert the SIM into your phone and follow the provider’s setup steps, which may include registration or basic configuration. For eSIMs, activation typically involves scanning a QR code and following on-screen instructions on your device.

Can I use an eSIM in Greece?

Yes, most modern smartphones support eSIM technology, and eSIM data plans are available for use in Greece. An eSIM allows you to set up mobile data before traveling and connect without using a physical SIM card, provided your device is compatible.

Source:

[1] GSMArena. (n.d.). Network bands in Greece. Retrieved from https://www.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=GREECE