Best SIM Card in Athens: eSIMs, Mobile Networks & Wi-Fi Guide

Whether you’re visiting Athens for a few days or planning a longer stay as a digital nomad, choosing the best SIM card in Athens can make your trip much smoother. Reliable mobile data is essential for navigating the city, booking transportation, working remotely, staying in touch with family, and accessing maps or translation apps on the go.

Fortunately, Athens offers excellent mobile coverage, expanding 5G networks, fast fiber broadband, and several reliable SIM card and eSIM options for international visitors.

This guide compares Greece’s major mobile networks, explains the differences between physical SIM cards and eSIMs, highlights average internet speeds, and helps you choose the best SIM card in Athens based on your travel style and data needs.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best SIM Card in Athens?

For most travelers, Cosmote is the best SIM card in Athens thanks to its excellent nationwide coverage, fast 5G network, and reliable performance across both cities and the Greek islands. If you’re looking for the best balance between price and performance, Vodafone Greece is another excellent choice, while Nova offers affordable prepaid plans for lighter data users.

Visitors staying only a few days may find that purchasing an eSIM before arrival is the most convenient option. For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM card usually provides better value, larger data allowances, and more flexibility.

Is Internet in Athens Good?

The short answer is yes.

Reliable internet has become one of the reasons Athens continues to attract remote workers and long-term travelers. The city has invested heavily in fiber broadband infrastructure, while all three major mobile operators provide extensive 4G coverage and rapidly expanding 5G networks.

Whether you’re attending Zoom meetings, uploading large files, streaming videos, or navigating the city with Google Maps, internet performance is generally fast enough for everyday use.

Compared with many other Mediterranean destinations, Athens offers an excellent combination of reliable connectivity and affordable mobile data, making it an attractive base for digital nomads.

If you’re planning to work remotely during your stay, reliable mobile data and a dedicated workspace can make a significant difference to your daily workflow. For recommendations, explore our Best Coworking Spaces in Athens guide.

Average Internet Speeds in Athens

Internet performance is one of the key factors when choosing the best SIM card in Athens. Fortunately, Athens offers fast and reliable connections, although speeds vary depending on your provider and whether you’re using fiber broadband, 5G, or public Wi-Fi.

Most visitors can expect the following performance.

These speeds are more than sufficient for most online activities, including:

• Video meetings
• Remote work
• Cloud storage
• Streaming
• Social media
• Online banking
• Navigation apps
• Large file downloads

Although mobile speeds may slow slightly during peak evening hours in busy neighborhoods, major interruptions are relatively uncommon.

Best SIM Card in Athens

Choosing the best SIM card in Athens depends on how long you’ll stay, how much mobile data you use, and whether you plan to travel beyond the capital.

Greece has three main mobile operators—Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova. All offer prepaid plans suitable for tourists, but each has different strengths depending on your travel style.

Cosmote — Best Overall Choice

For most international visitors, Cosmote is the strongest overall recommendation.

It consistently delivers the widest nationwide coverage and some of the fastest mobile internet speeds in Greece. Whether you’re exploring Athens, working remotely from a café, or traveling to destinations such as Santorini, Crete, or Meteora, Cosmote provides dependable performance almost everywhere.

Pros

• Fast 5G network
• Excellent nationwide coverage
• Reliable for video calls
• Strong signal on many Greek islands
• Ideal for remote work

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than competitors
• Tourist packages vary throughout the year

Best for: Digital nomads, frequent travelers, island hopping, and anyone who prioritizes reliability.

Vodafone Greece — Best Value for Money

Vodafone Greece is an excellent option for travelers looking to balance performance with affordability.

Coverage across Athens is very good, and mobile speeds comfortably support navigation, streaming, video calls, and everyday remote work. Prepaid packages often include generous data allowances, making Vodafone one of the most popular choices for longer city stays.

For visitors who plan to spend most of their time in Athens and other major destinations, Vodafone offers outstanding overall value.

Pros

• Competitive prepaid prices
• Good 5G coverage
• Reliable city performance
• Generous data packages

Cons

• Rural coverage is slightly behind Cosmote
• Network congestion can occasionally affect speeds during busy periods

Best for: Budget-conscious digital nomads, students, and travelers spending most of their trip in urban areas.

Nova — Best Budget Option

Nova is Greece’s third-largest mobile network and is well suited to travelers with lighter data requirements.

Coverage is generally good throughout central Athens, while prepaid plans are often attractively priced. If your trip mainly involves sightseeing, messaging, social media, and occasional navigation, Nova offers excellent value.

However, users who rely on mobile data for daily video meetings or frequent hotspot use may find Cosmote or Vodafone more consistent.

Pros

• Affordable prepaid plans
• Good coverage within Athens
• Easy to purchase
• Suitable for casual users

Cons

• Smaller nationwide network
• Weaker coverage in some rural areas
• Less consistent outside major tourist destinations

Best for: Short city breaks, casual travelers, and visitors with modest mobile data needs.

Mobile Network Comparison

Choosing the best SIM card in Athens becomes easier when you compare the strengths of each provider side by side.

There isn’t a single provider that’s perfect for every traveler. If reliability is your top priority, Cosmote is usually the best choice. If you’re looking to reduce costs without sacrificing too much performance, Vodafone offers an excellent balance, while Nova remains a solid option for lighter mobile data users.

Official Mobile Network Websites

Before purchasing a prepaid plan, it’s worth checking the latest offers directly from Greece’s official mobile providers:

• Cosmote
• Vodafone Greece
• Nova Greece

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Should You Choose?

When choosing the best SIM card in Athens, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a traditional physical SIM card or use an eSIM.

Both options work well in Greece, but the right choice depends on the length of your stay, your smartphone, and how you plan to use mobile data during your trip.

If you’re visiting Athens for a short vacation, an eSIM is usually the most convenient option. You can purchase and activate your plan before departure, allowing you to connect to the internet as soon as you land without searching for a mobile phone store.

For digital nomads, long-term travelers, and anyone staying several weeks or months, a local prepaid SIM card often provides better value, larger data allowances, and more flexibility.

Before deciding, make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology if you plan to use one.

For most visitors staying less than two weeks, an eSIM offers the quickest setup. If you’re relocating or working remotely, a local prepaid SIM card is usually the better long-term investment.

Best eSIM Providers for Greece

If convenience is your priority, an eSIM can be an excellent alternative to purchasing a physical SIM card after arrival.

Most international eSIM providers connect to Greece’s major mobile networks, allowing you to activate mobile data in just a few minutes without visiting a store.

If you’re deciding between an eSIM and a local prepaid SIM card, these providers are among the most popular options for international travelers.

Airalo — Best Overall

Airalo is one of the world’s best-known travel eSIM providers and is an excellent choice for most visitors to Greece.

The app is easy to use, setup takes only a few minutes, and plans are available in different data sizes to suit both short vacations and longer stays.

Pros

• Easy activation
• Competitive pricing
• Flexible data plans
• User-friendly mobile app

Cons

• Data only
• No local Greek phone number

Best for: Short holidays and first-time visitors.

Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly is ideal for travelers who expect to use a large amount of mobile data throughout their trip.

Its unlimited data plans are particularly useful for streaming, navigation, social media, and frequent video calls.

Pros

• Unlimited data on many plans
• Simple installation
• Excellent for heavy users

Cons

• Higher prices
• No local phone number

Best for: Heavy data users and longer vacations.

Saily — Best for Digital Nomads

Developed by the creators of Nord Security, Saily has become increasingly popular among remote workers.

Its modern app, competitive pricing, and reliable connections make it a strong choice for professionals working while traveling.

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• Reliable connections
• Easy account management
• Clean mobile app

Cons

• Data-only service
• Smaller selection of plans

Best for: Digital nomads and remote workers.

Nomad — Best for Multi-Country Trips

Nomad offers a wide range of country-specific and regional eSIM plans, making it particularly attractive for travelers visiting multiple European destinations.

If Athens is only one stop on a longer European itinerary, Nomad can be a very practical option.

Jetpac — Best Budget eSIM

Jetpac focuses on affordable data plans for international travelers.

Its straightforward pricing makes it an appealing option for visitors who mainly need internet access for maps, messaging apps, and web browsing.

Which eSIM Is Right for You?

While an eSIM is the most convenient option for many visitors, it isn’t always the best SIM card in Athens for every traveler. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, data usage, and the length of your stay.

If you decide to use an eSIM, installing it before departure allows you to access maps, rideshare apps, hotel bookings, and messaging services as soon as you arrive in Athens.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Athens

If you decide that a local prepaid SIM card is the right choice for your trip, you’ll find plenty of places to buy one throughout Athens.

SIM cards are widely available at the airport, official mobile network stores, shopping centers, and electronics retailers across the city.

Athens International Airport

The easiest place to purchase a SIM card is after arriving at Athens International Airport.

Several telecom retailers operate inside the terminal, allowing visitors to buy and activate a prepaid SIM card before leaving the airport.

While airport prices are sometimes slightly higher than those in the city center, the convenience can be worthwhile after a long flight.

You can find the latest airport services on the official Athens International Airport website.

Official Mobile Network Stores

For the widest choice of prepaid packages, official carrier stores remain the best option.

Store staff can usually assist with:

• SIM registration
• Passport verification
• Plan recommendations
• Mobile data top-ups
• Technical support

English is commonly spoken in central Athens stores, making the process straightforward for international visitors.

Electronics Stores

Many electronics retailers also sell prepaid SIM cards.

Although plan availability varies, these stores can be a convenient alternative if you’re already shopping for travel accessories or electronic devices.

Convenience Stores and Kiosks

Some kiosks and convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards, but activation services aren’t always available.

If this is your first visit to Greece, purchasing directly from an official mobile provider is usually the easiest option.

💡 Maya’s Tip

If you’re staying in Athens for more than a few weeks, don’t choose a mobile plan based on price alone. A slightly more expensive provider with stronger nationwide coverage can make a noticeable difference when you’re attending video meetings, uploading large files, or traveling outside the city. For most digital nomads, paying a little extra for a more reliable network is usually money well spent.

What Documents Do You Need to Buy a SIM Card?

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Greece is generally quick and straightforward.

Most international visitors simply need:

• A valid passport
• An unlocked smartphone
• Payment for the selected prepaid plan

Some providers may also request basic contact details during registration.

Once your identity has been verified, activation usually takes only a few minutes.

How Long Does It Take?

In most official mobile stores, purchasing and activating a prepaid SIM card takes around 10–20 minutes, provided you have your passport ready.

Airport stores may be busier during the summer tourist season, while city-center branches are often quicker.

How Much Does Mobile Data Cost in Greece?

One reason many travelers choose a local SIM card instead of relying on international roaming is the excellent value offered by Greek prepaid plans.

Although prices vary between providers and promotional offers change throughout the year, the following estimates provide a useful guide.

Understanding local mobile data prices can help you choose the best SIM card in Athens, especially if you’re planning to stay for several weeks or work remotely.

If you’ll be relying on mobile data every day, paying slightly more for a larger monthly package is often worthwhile, particularly if you regularly upload files, join video meetings, or use your phone as a backup internet connection.

Can You Use Your Phone as a Mobile Hotspot?

Yes. Most local prepaid SIM cards and many travel eSIM providers allow tethering, making it easy to connect your laptop or tablet whenever Wi-Fi isn’t available.

This is particularly useful for digital nomads who occasionally work from cafés, parks, or temporary accommodation.

Before purchasing a plan, check whether hotspot usage is included and whether any fair usage limits apply, as some providers restrict high-volume data sharing.

Public Wi-Fi in Athens

Even if you have a reliable mobile data plan, you’ll also find plenty of free Wi-Fi throughout Athens.

Most hotels, cafés, restaurants, coworking spaces, shopping malls, and Athens International Airport provide complimentary internet access. For everyday activities such as browsing the web, checking emails, or planning your itinerary, public Wi-Fi is usually more than sufficient.

However, if you’re working remotely or accessing sensitive information such as online banking or company systems, using your own mobile data or a trusted VPN is generally the safer option.

Best Cafés with Reliable Wi-Fi

Athens has a thriving café culture, making it easy to find comfortable places to work for a few hours.

Many cafés welcome remote workers with reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and plenty of power outlets. Popular neighborhoods for working from a café include:

• Koukaki
• Pangrati
• Kolonaki
• Psyrri
• Syntagma
• Exarchia

If you regularly work online, choosing a dedicated coworking space can provide a faster internet connection, quieter surroundings, and better facilities.

Internet for Remote Work in Athens

Reliable internet is one of the reasons Athens has become a popular destination for digital nomads.

Whether you’re attending daily Zoom meetings, collaborating through Slack, uploading content to Google Drive, or managing projects in Notion, internet performance is generally more than capable of supporting professional workloads.

Many remote workers also use mobile data as a backup connection whenever accommodation Wi-Fi becomes unreliable. A reliable mobile network gives you the flexibility to work from cafés, coworking spaces, parks, or virtually anywhere with mobile coverage, helping you stay productive wherever your day takes you.

Mobile Coverage Outside Athens

If your travels continue beyond Athens, mobile coverage remains excellent across most of Greece.

Cosmote generally offers the strongest nationwide coverage, particularly on many Greek islands and in rural regions. Vodafone also performs well in most popular tourist destinations, while Nova provides reliable service in larger cities and towns.

Coverage is typically very good in destinations including:

• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Crete
• Rhodes
• Thessaloniki
• Nafplio
• Meteora

If you expect to travel frequently while working remotely, nationwide coverage may be just as important as price when choosing a mobile provider.

Tips for Staying Connected in Athens

A little preparation before your trip can help you avoid common connectivity problems once you arrive.

Before traveling, make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology if you plan to use one. Downloading offline maps is also useful, especially during your first few days in Athens when you’ll likely rely on navigation more often.

To make your experience even smoother:

• Carry a portable power bank for long sightseeing days.
• Enable two-factor authentication before changing SIM cards.
• Save important travel documents for offline access.
• Install your provider’s app to monitor data usage and top up your balance if needed.

These simple steps can help you stay connected throughout your trip while avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Common SIM Card Mistakes in Athens

Choosing the right SIM card is relatively straightforward, but avoiding a few common mistakes can save both time and money.

Buying the First SIM Card You See

Airport stores are convenient, but comparing a few prepaid plans before purchasing can help you find better value.

Not Checking eSIM Compatibility

Not every smartphone supports eSIM technology. Confirm compatibility before your trip to avoid unnecessary delays.

Choosing Too Little Mobile Data

Navigation, video calls, cloud storage, and social media often use more data than many travelers expect.

If you’ll be working remotely, selecting a larger data package is usually the better choice.

Using Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks

Avoid accessing online banking or confidential work systems over unsecured public networks whenever possible.

Your own mobile connection or a trusted VPN offers much better security.

Forgetting Your Passport

Most local mobile providers require identification before activating a prepaid SIM card.

Having your passport ready makes the registration process much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best SIM card in Athens?

For most travelers, Cosmote is the best overall choice thanks to its fast mobile speeds, excellent nationwide coverage, and reliable performance throughout Greece. Vodafone Greece is another excellent option if you’re looking for the best balance between price and performance.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Greece?

Yes. International visitors can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards from official mobile network stores, airport retailers, and selected electronics shops.

Is eSIM available in Athens?

Yes. Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology, and several international providers offer Greece data plans that can be activated before you arrive.

Is internet fast in Athens?

Yes. Athens offers reliable fiber broadband, widespread 5G coverage, and internet speeds that are more than sufficient for streaming, remote work, and video conferencing.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Greece?

Cosmote generally provides the strongest nationwide coverage, especially outside major cities and on many Greek islands.

Can I use EU roaming in Greece?

If your mobile plan includes EU Roam Like at Home roaming, you can usually use your existing allowance in Greece without buying a local SIM card. However, it’s always worth checking your provider’s roaming policy before you travel.

Is public Wi-Fi safe in Athens?

Public Wi-Fi is suitable for general browsing, but using your own mobile connection or a trusted VPN is recommended when accessing sensitive information.

Can I buy a SIM card at Athens International Airport?

Yes. Several retailers at Athens International Airport sell prepaid SIM cards, allowing you to connect shortly after landing.

How much mobile data do digital nomads usually need?

Most remote workers find that 30–50 GB per month comfortably covers video meetings, cloud storage, navigation, messaging, and everyday browsing.

Should I choose an eSIM or a local SIM card?

An eSIM is ideal for short trips because it can be activated before arrival. For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM card usually offers better value and larger data allowances.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best SIM card in Athens is easier than many travelers expect. Whether you choose a local prepaid SIM card or an eSIM, you’ll benefit from reliable mobile networks, fast internet speeds, and excellent coverage throughout the city and across much of Greece.

Choose an eSIM for convenience before arrival, or opt for a local prepaid SIM if you’re planning a longer stay and want the best overall value.

Continue Your Athens Digital Nomad Journey

Planning to stay in Athens for longer? These guides will help you prepare every stage of your move and remote work experience:

• Best Coworking Spaces in Athens
• Cost of Living in Athens
• Taxes in Greece for Foreigners