Posted by Providers, Prices & Practical Tips
On vacation, fast internet is almost as important as sun and sea these days. Whether for navigation, WhatsApp, Instagram, or simply booking hotels and ferries while traveling – mobile internet is practically indispensable.
In Greece, the mobile network is well-developed in cities and on popular islands, but its coverage isn’t uniform. Many travelers therefore opt for a local SIM card or eSIM to stay online affordably and reliably.
This article tells you everything you need to know about SIM cards in Greece:
Which providers are there, where can you get them, what will they cost in 2025, and is an eSIM a worthwhile option? You’ll also find plenty of practical tips for your vacation – whether you’re just spending a few days in Athens or planning several weeks of island hopping.
1. Why a Greek SIM card makes sense
If you’re from an EU country, your mobile contract will work in Greece thanks to “Roam Like at Home,” but there are limitations.
Many German mobile plans throttle data speeds after a few gigabytes or only allow EU roaming for a limited time.
Especially during longer stays, internet speeds can suddenly become slower or subject to charges.
A Greek prepaid SIM or eSIM offers clear advantages:
Cheaper data plans than in Germany or other EU countries
Faster and more stable connection on the local network
Easy top-ups via app or at the nearest gas station
Independence from your home plan
No risk of roaming charges outside the EU
For short trips, EU roaming is usually sufficient. However, for longer vacations or island hopping, a Greek SIM card is almost always worthwhile.
2. The most important providers in Greece
There are three major mobile network operators in Greece:
| Provider | Network quality | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmote (OTE Group) | Excellent network coverage, even on small islands | A bit more expensive, but very reliable |
| Vodafone Greece | Good quality in cities & tourist destinations | Many shops, good data plans |
| Nova (formerly Wind) | Cheapest provider | Slightly weaker on remote islands |
All three providers offer prepaid SIM cards specifically for tourists.
Registration takes place directly in the shop or at the airport with your ID card or passport.
3. Network Coverage & Speed
Greece has invested heavily in the expansion of 4G and 5G networks in recent years.
Cosmote, in particular, covers almost the entire country, including most of the islands, with 4G, while Vodafone and Nova are also reliable in tourist areas.
However, network coverage can be inconsistent in rural areas and on small islands – in these cases, a Cosmote SIM card is recommended.
In Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini, on the other hand, the internet is fast and stable.
On average, you can expect the following speeds in Greece:
4G: 30–70 Mbps
5G (in cities): 150–300 Mbps
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4. Prepaid SIM cards: Tariffs and prices 2025
You can get a Greek prepaid SIM card in almost any mobile phone shop, at airports, in larger supermarkets, or at kiosks.
Prices are similar, but vary slightly depending on the provider.
| Provider | Typical package | validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmote “Whats Up” | 10 GB of data | approx. €10 | |
| Vodafone “CU” | 12 GB data + 300 minutes | 30 days | approx. €10 |
| Nova Prepaid | 15 GB of data | 30 days | approx. €8 |
Most plans don’t include unlimited internet, but rather a fixed data allowance that you can increase at any time via apps or online portals.
After 30 days, you can either top up your credit or buy a new SIM card.
Top-up
You can get credit (“top-up”):
In supermarkets, kiosks, or gas stations
In the apps “Cosmote WhatsUp,” “Vodafone CU,” or “Nova”
By credit card or PayPal
The process is simple and usually available in English.
5. Registration and Activation
When purchasing a SIM card, you must present your ID card or passport.
The card will then be registered to you in the store and activated within a few minutes.
You will receive a text message with your phone number and the available data allowance.
After that, you can start browsing immediately.
Activation sometimes takes up to 10 minutes – just wait a moment or restart your phone.
The process is simple and usually available in English. The SIM card is available in all sizes (standard, micro, nano) and therefore fits any device.
6. eSIMs in Greece – the modern alternative
If you don’t want to open your phone or change a physical SIM card, an eSIM is the perfect solution.
eSIMs are digital SIM cards that you activate simply via QR code – no plastic or waiting required.
Advantages of an eSIM
Instant activation – no need to visit a store
Can be installed before your trip
No risk of losing the card
Ideal for island hopping or short trips
Works on all modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)
Disadvantages
No calls or texts (data only)
Only works on eSIM-compatible devices
No ID required – but also no Greek phone number
7. Popular eSIM providers (affiliate-enabled)
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| Provider | Advantages | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Very affordable, instantly activatable, various Greece and Europe packages | Airalo Greece eSIM ➜ |
| Holafly | Unlimited data volume, no registration required, runs on the Vodafone network | Holafly eSIM Greece ➜ |
| Simify | Physical or digital SIM cards, often combined packages for Europe | Simify offer ➜ |
Tip:
With an eSIM, you’re online as soon as you step off the plane – ideal for finding your accommodation or calling a taxi.
Activation takes just a few minutes via QR code or app.
8. Which solution is best for you?
| Travel type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Short break (1–2 weeks) | eSIM (e.g., Airalo or Holafly) – fast, uncomplicated |
| Longer trip (3+ weeks) | Physical SIM card (Cosmote or Vodafone) with top-up credit |
| Island hopping / Road trip | Combination: eSIM as primary card, physical SIM as backup |
| Long-term stay / Digital Nomad | Physical SIM from Cosmote with large package |
| Device without eSIM function | Buy a classic prepaid card locally |
9. Practical Tips for Your Stay
Unlock your smartphone: Check before your trip whether your phone is SIM-lock free.
Use a hotspot: Greece allows tethering in almost all mobile plans – ideal for laptops or tablets.
Monitor your data usage: Video streaming and navigation apps consume a lot of data.
Download offline maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me for your region in advance.
Activate a VPN: A VPN is recommended when using public Wi-Fi.
Apps in English or Greek: Most providers’ apps are only available in English.
Customer service: All major providers offer English-language support via chat or hotline.
10. Wi-Fi and Hotspots in Greece
Almost every hotel, many cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
However, the connection is often slow or unstable – especially on islands.
For longer trips or if you plan to work regularly, mobile internet via a SIM card is significantly more reliable.
Tip: Wi-Fi is good for downloading large files or updates – for navigation or video calls on the go, mobile data is usually better.
11. Cost Overview 2026
Here’s a brief overview of what you can realistically expect:
| use | Data volume | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week vacation | 5–10 GB | approx. €5–8 |
| 1 month stay | 10–20 GB | approx. €8–12 |
| Unlimited eSIM (Holafly) | unlimited | from €19 |
| Reloading | Approximately €1 per GB | variable |
Compared to Germany, prices are significantly cheaper.
Those who travel regularly can even choose a European eSIM plan that works in multiple countries.
12. Step-by-Step Instructions
Physical SIM Card
Buy a SIM card in a shop or at the airport
Show your ID
Insert the card
Wait for activation (approx. 5–10 minutes)
Activate your data package via app or SMS
Get started – internet access is immediate
eSIM
Select a provider (Airalo, Holafly, Simify)
Buy a data package online
Scan the QR code or open the app
Install and activate the eSIM
Check your internet connection
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I even need a SIM card in Greece?
Not necessarily, but it’s worthwhile for longer stays or if you travel a lot.
Can I continue using my German SIM card?
Yes, but be aware of data limits when roaming in the EU. After you’ve used up your data allowance, your provider may throttle your speed or charge extra.
Do Greek SIM cards work everywhere?
Yes, on the mainland and most islands. Reception may be weaker on very small islands.
Can I make calls with an eSIM?
Usually not, eSIMs are data-only. For calls, it’s best to use WhatsApp, Signal, or Skype.
How long is a SIM card valid?
Usually 30 days. You can extend it by topping up your credit.
14. Conclusion
A Greek SIM card is the best solution if you want reliable internet access during your vacation.
It’s inexpensive, quick to set up, and offers good reception throughout the country.
For maximum convenience, opt for an eSIM – activate it, scan the QR code, and you’re done.
For long-term stays or frequent travelers, Cosmote is a worthwhile premium provider, while Vodafone or Nova are perfectly adequate for a typical vacation.
And if you want convenience, take Holafly or Airalo – completely without paperwork or waiting at the airport.