Greece has excellent mobile coverage — even on small islands. The three networks (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind/Nova) all offer good tourist plans. Plus eSIM options like Airalo are now mature. Here's what to actually buy.
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, most modern Androids), this is the easiest option in 2026.
Top eSIM services for Greece:
How to use: Buy on app before flight, scan QR code, activate when you land. Keep your home SIM active for SMS/calls.
Cosmote — best coverage on remote islands, marginally most expensive. Owned by Deutsche Telekom. Tourist plan "What's Up Roaming" €15-30 includes 6-15 GB + 100+ minutes.
Vodafone Greece — equivalent coverage in tourist areas. "Vodafone CU" tourist plan €15-25 with similar data allotments.
Wind/Nova — newest, sometimes cheapest. Coverage slightly weaker on tiny islands but fine on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete.
Where to buy: Athens airport (terminals A and B have all 3 networks), city center carrier stores (Cosmote on Stadiou, Vodafone on Athinas), or any "periptero" (kiosk) which sells prepaid SIMs.
Greek law requires SIM registration with passport (anti-terrorism legislation). Bring:
SIM card itself: typically €5-10. Plan added on top.
Greece has excellent free WiFi infrastructure:
Most travelers find WiFi + an eSIM with 5GB is plenty for 1-2 weeks in Greece.
eSIM if your phone supports it. Easier (no shop visits), instant activation, often cheaper. Physical SIM if your phone doesn't have eSIM, or if you need a Greek phone number for booking calls (eSIMs are usually data-only).
Average traveler: 3-5 GB for a week using maps, social media, light streaming. Heavy users (video calls, streaming): 10+ GB. Most people find €15 plans (5-10 GB) plenty.
EU travelers: yes, included free roaming (under EU regulations). Non-EU travelers (US, UK post-Brexit, Australia): roaming is usually €5-15/day from major carriers. Verizon's TravelPass is $10/day; T-Mobile international is included free; Vodafone UK offers daily roaming. Check your specific plan — sometimes home roaming beats buying a Greek SIM.
Yes, all modern phones use the same GSM technology Greece uses. Just need an unlocked phone for SIM swaps. iPhones bought in the US usually have eSIM only (no physical SIM slot in newer models) — check before assuming you can buy a physical Greek SIM.
Better than you'd expect. Major islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu): full 5G coverage. Smaller Cyclades and Dodecanese: 4G/LTE consistent. Tiny islands like Folegandros, Sikinos: 4G in main villages, may drop to 3G in remote bays. Cosmote has the best small-island coverage.
Ask Stelios directly — replies during Athens hours.
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