Whether you are island hopping in the aquamarine aegan sea, or contemplating the oracle at Delphi, buying a SIM card to stay connected is simple, but which is the best SIM Card for Greece?
There are three network providers in Greece
- Vodafone
- Wind
- Cosmote
There are also a couple of resellers that use the network infrastructure of these providers.
Where to buy a SIM card?
Wind, Cosmote and Vodafone shops are dotted around central Athens, and Cosmote SIMs can also be purchased from the Germanos electronic store, which is situated in the departures at Athens airport along with other locations. You can also buy SIMs from convenience stores and tobacco shops. Buying a mobile SIM card in Greece requires Passport or ID, but the process is straightforward and the shop should activate it for you.
Wifi availability
Wifi is readily available in all of the usual establishments in Greece. Coffee shops, airports, tavernas, bars, cafes, hotels etc.
With various different data and credit packages avaialbe, and good coverage and reasonable rates, Vodafone are a very good option.
You wil also find that the website and other details are available in English, which certainly makes life easier.
Where to Buy?
Buy from official Vodafone stores or from newsagents and gas stations etc.
How to Top up?
need is to have access to the web and a valid VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express credit /debit card, from vodafone store, or at an ATM. Check all options here.
Useful Numbers
Make a free call to 1252 to check balance
The most popular Greek provider with most extensive 3G and 4G coverage and fastest data speeds.
The what’s up plan is a good fit for most travellers, which allows you to buy a SIM for 5 euros with the same amount preloaded credit, and then add additional packages as desired.
The negative is that services are available only in greek which might be confusing when you are topping up online, or if you want to download the mobile app, etc.
Where to buy?
Buy from an official store, or from newsagents or Germanos electronic stores. You can also find a Germanos store in the departures section of the airport. You will need your passport or ID card to buy the package.
How to top up?
You can recharge your account online with a EU debit card or through paypal. Be aware the page is in Greek, but you can read instructions how to recharge in English here. Credit lasts for 90 days.
You can also recharge in Cosmote offices and Germanos stores.
Useful numbers
Check account balance by making a free call to 1252
The smallest provider with the most limited network coverage, but should be good in major cities and provide very cheap rates. Although 4G coverage is available in Athens, in rural areas data speeds are likely to be lower.
Website and other details provided in English for convenience
Where to Buy?
Find a Wind store here
How to Top up?
You can buy top up vouchers in WIND stores or online using MyF2G
Useful Numbers
Make a free call to 1269 to check balance
So Which is the Best SIM Card for Greece?
For most travellers, we would recommend Vodafone for its wide coverage, reasonable speed, and English-speaking service.
For those on a very low budget who will be visiting only the major cities, try Wind.
If travelling extremely widely, use Cosmote for the most extensive coverage.
Greek Phone Numbers
Mobile phone numbers in Greece start with 6. The country code for Greece is +30.
To call your mobile in Italy from abroad, callers will need to dial 0030 and then your number. 00 is the International Access Code and 30 is the country code for Greece.
Useful Contacts
Emergency:112
Ambulance:166
Fire Department:199
Police:100
Useful Greek Phrases
Good morning: Kalimera
Good evening: Kalispera
Do you speak English? Miláte angliká?
I do not speak Greek: Den milao elinika
I don’t understand: Then katalavéno
Where are the SIM cards: Poú eínai ta kártes sim
Thank you: Efharistó
