How Does SIM Card & Internet Work in Greece?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Cosmote offers the best island coverage; tourist SIMs are available at airports, phone shops, and kiosks.
2What You Need to Know
Greece has three main mobile operators: Cosmote (best coverage overall including remote islands), Vodafone GR, and Wind. Tourist SIM cards with data packages are sold at Athens Airport arrivals, phone shops in cities, and many kiosks (periptero). EU residents can use their home SIM for free under EU roaming rules. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile internet coverage can be patchy on the smallest islands and in the interior of Crete.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy a Cosmote tourist SIM at Athens Airport on arrival for the most reliable coverage across all islands.
- 2EU residents can roam for free on their home SIM — check your data allowance before arrival to avoid bill shock.
- 3Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) for islands before you leave the mainland, as connectivity can drop in rural areas.
How does this compare?
SIM Card & Internet rules in nearby and similar countries:
Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any Saturn/MediaMarkt electronics store — Telekom offers the best coverage across Germany.
Buy a UK SIM at the airport or Argos for instant data; Three's £10 tourist SIM offers excellent value, and Airalo eSIMs work well before you land.
Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile all offer tourist SIMs available at airports, phone shops, and tabacs — EU residents benefit from free roaming across France.
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Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; there is no strict national dress code elsewhere.
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