Cosmote is the best physical SIM for most visitors to Greece, with the strongest network and unmatched coverage on the islands; Vodafone Greece is a close second and Nova is the budget pick. One catch: Greece requires passport registration to buy any prepaid SIM. A travel eSIM installs before you fly and skips that paperwork entirely, see our Greece eSIM guide to compare, or let the eSIM Finder pick for you.
What This Guide Covers
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Greece's Mobile Landscape
Greece has three mobile network operators: Cosmote (part of OTE Group), Vodafone Greece, and Nova (formerly Wind). Cosmote is the legacy national carrier and consistently rates as the strongest network, with the widest reach across the mainland and, crucially for travelers, the best coverage on the Greek islands. Vodafone is a strong number two, while Nova is the budget challenger that competes hardest on price.
For tourists, all three sell prepaid SIMs, but Cosmote is the safe default if you plan to island hop. Greece is an EU member, so every Greek prepaid SIM includes free EU roaming, and any eSIM or SIM bought elsewhere in the EU works here at no extra charge.
Passport Registration Is Required
Unlike some EU countries, Greece requires you to register every prepaid SIM with a valid passport or national ID. The shop will photograph or copy your document and tie the SIM to your name. You must be 18 or older. This adds a few minutes at the counter and is a key reason many travelers prefer an eSIM, which needs no in-person registration.
Cosmote
Cosmote: The Island-Hopping Standard
Greece's strongest network with the best coverage on Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete
Cosmote is the network to choose if your trip involves the islands. It runs 4G LTE almost everywhere and 5G in the busy spots, and on Mykonos and Santorini you will find genuine 5G speeds and strong coverage in Fira, Oia, and the main beaches. Crete is well covered end to end, including Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon. In remote corners of smaller islands, Cosmote still tends to hold a signal where rivals drop to 3G or nothing.
Cosmote's prepaid tourist bundles, sold both directly and through the What's Up brand, generally run EUR 13 to EUR 15 and include 2.5 GB to 4.5 GB of data plus generous local minutes. If you want more data, you can top up flexibly, for example roughly 9 GB for EUR 11.50 or an unlimited-data day pass for about EUR 2. SIMs are easy to find at Cosmote and Germanos shops and at Athens airport.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Vodafone Greece
Vodafone Greece: The Simplest Tourist Package
Strong coverage and clear, English-friendly tourist plans
Vodafone Greece is the easiest provider to deal with as a visitor, with a clearly packaged tourist plan and good English support in city stores. The headline option gives you 25 GB and 200 domestic minutes for EUR 20 over 20 days, while EUR 30 buys unlimited data and 200 minutes for 30 days. Coverage is strong across the mainland and the popular islands, trailing only Cosmote in the most remote spots. EU roaming is included, so the same SIM works if you continue on to Italy or elsewhere in Europe.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Nova
Nova (formerly Wind): The Budget Pick
FREE2GO prepaid plans that compete hard on price
Nova, the carrier formerly known as Wind, aims its FREE2GO (F2G) range squarely at travelers. Three bundles span EUR 13 to EUR 20 and pair 3.5 GB, 6.5 GB, or 11.5 GB of data with local minutes and texts; when you top up EUR 15 or EUR 20, the matching bundle activates automatically. Coverage is solid on the mainland and good on the major islands, though it is the weakest of the three networks in the most remote areas. For budget-focused travelers staying mostly in cities and big resorts, Nova offers the most data for the money.
Greece SIM Card Plans Compared
| Carrier | Data | Calls | Validity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmote | 2.5 to 4.5 GB | 1,000 min to unlimited | 30 days | EUR 13 to 15 | Island hopping, best coverage |
| Vodafone Greece | 25 GB | 200 min local | 20 days | EUR 20 | Most tourists, easy plans |
| Vodafone Unlimited | Unlimited | 200 min local | 30 days | EUR 30 | Heavy data users |
| Nova FREE2GO | 3.5 to 11.5 GB | Local min included | Short windows | EUR 13 to 20 | Budget, city stays |
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Greece
Carrier and Germanos Stores (Best Option)
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova all run hundreds of shops across Greece, and Cosmote also sells through the widespread Germanos chain. Staff handle the mandatory passport registration for you, speak English in tourist areas, and can set up the right tourist bundle on the spot.
Airport Stores
Athens International Airport has carrier counters in the arrivals area, and island airports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion, and Rhodes often have a kiosk or shop. Convenient on landing, though airport prices tend to run higher than in-town stores.
Periptero Kiosks and Convenience Stores
The classic Greek periptero (street kiosk) and convenience chains like OK, Smile, and AB Shop & Go sell prepaid SIMs and top-ups. Selection is narrower than at carrier stores, but they are everywhere in cities and resort towns.
Bring Your Passport
Wherever you buy, Greek law requires registering the SIM to a passport or national ID, and you must be 18 or older. Carry your passport to the shop. If you would rather skip the paperwork entirely, an eSIM needs no in-person registration.
eSIM vs Local SIM Card in Greece
| Factor | eSIM | Local SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 3 minutes (before your flight) | 10 to 20 minutes at a store |
| ID required | No | Yes (Greece requires passport registration) |
| Price (7 days, 5 GB) | ~$5 to $9 (Airalo/Nomad) | EUR 13 to 20 (includes more data and calls) |
| Phone calls | Data only | Included (local minutes on every bundle) |
| Best for | Short trips, data-only needs, island hopping | Longer stays, need a Greek number or calls |
For most visitors who just need data, an eSIM is the easiest and cheapest option, and it sidesteps Greece's passport-registration step at the shop. But if you want a Greek phone number for calling tavernas, ferry operators, or your accommodation host, a Cosmote or Vodafone tourist SIM is worth the extra cost.
Greece-Specific Tips
Practical Advice for Staying Connected in Greece
Island hopping: Cosmote holds a signal best on remote islands and on the ferry routes between them, so it is the safest choice if your itinerary leaves the big resorts.
Ferry coverage: You will keep a connection near ports and along busy channels like Santorini to Mykonos, but expect signal to fade in open water mid-crossing. Download maps and tickets before you sail.
EU roaming: Greece is in the EU, so any Greek SIM works across the EU at no extra cost, and a SIM or eSIM bought elsewhere in the EU works here too. No need to buy a new SIM if you already have one.
Top-ups: Recharge any Greek prepaid SIM at a periptero kiosk with cash, or through the carrier app with a card. Nova bundles auto-activate when you top up EUR 15 or EUR 20.
WiFi: Hotels, cafes, and tavernas across Greece offer free WiFi, which is handy for saving data on longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM in Greece?
Yes. Greek law requires every prepaid SIM to be registered to a valid passport or national ID, and the shop will photograph or copy your document. You must be at least 18. Bring your passport to the store, or use an eSIM, which needs no in-person registration.
Which carrier is best for the Greek islands?
Cosmote. It is Greece's strongest network and has the best coverage on the islands, with 5G on Santorini and Mykonos and reliable signal across Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. On smaller or remote islands, Cosmote tends to hold a connection where Vodafone and Nova can drop out.
Will my Greek SIM work in other EU countries?
Yes. Greece is an EU member, so under Roam Like At Home rules any Greek prepaid SIM works across the EU and EEA at the same rates, subject to fair-use limits. The reverse is also true: a SIM or eSIM bought elsewhere in the EU works in Greece, so a Europe-wide plan already covers your trip.
Will my phone work on the ferries between islands?
Mostly. You will keep a signal near ports and along busy routes such as Santorini to Mykonos, but coverage can fade in open water during longer crossings. Cosmote is the most reliable network on the ferries. Download your tickets, maps, and any bookings before you set sail.
Should I get an eSIM or a physical SIM for Greece?
For most travelers an eSIM is easier and cheaper. It installs before you fly, skips Greece's passport-registration step at the shop, and is ideal for data and island hopping. Choose a physical Cosmote or Vodafone SIM if you specifically need a Greek phone number for local calls or longer stays.