This article is tailored for travelers who want to navigate the complexities of staying online while abroad. You’ll learn how roaming in Cyprus works, the potential costs, and practical ways to save money, including exploring eSIMs as a reliable alternative.
Buying a SIM card at Larnaca Airport 2024: Travelers Guide
Larnaca is a beautiful city with a blend of historical places, vibrant local culture, and scenic beaches. Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is where your Cyprus trip begins, and buying a local SIM card is crucial to stay connected while exploring the beauty of Cyprus.
This guide provides where and how to purchase a SIM card at Larnaca Airport, the best options, and the best alternative for affordable calling, texting, and cellular data during your stay in Cyprus.
In this article
I. How to Get a SIM Card at Larnaca Airport (LCA)?
There are three main ways to get a Cyprus SIM card at Larnaca Airport:
- Directly at Larnaca Airport
- Online before flight
- In Larnaca center
Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
At Larnaca Airport | – Straightforward – Internet access right when you land at Larnaca Airport | – Fewer plan and carrier options – Rates are a bit higher compared to buying in city center |
Online before trip | – More SIM options – Affordable prices | – Delivery fees – Need to wait for delivery if you order a prepaid Cyprus SIM card |
In Larnaca center | – Various SIM plans – Cheap rates | – Need to commute to the Larnaca center |
▶ Our recommendations:
- If you need Internet right away after reaching Cyprus, buy a SIM card at Larnaca Airport.
- To find the best deals, commute to the Larnaca city center where you can get a cheap Cypriot SIM.
- For reliable connection as soon as you touch down at a fair price, order your SIM for Cyprus a few days before your flight.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Larnaca Airport?
Another option to buy SIM card for Cyprus is to get at Larnaca International Airport when you land. There are some locations within this airport where tourists may get a SIM card upon arrival.
1. Airport kiosks
Once you go through airport customs, you will see different stalls selling SIM cards and eSIMs from major Cyprus networks like Cyta, PrimeTel, and Epic. The kiosks provide multiple pay-as-you-go options without long agreements. These carrier kiosk are often located near the baggage claim and in the Arrival Hall.
2. Electronics Store
Electronics Store located within Larnaca Airport also sells Cyprus SIM cards from different operators. Rates for SIM cards in this shop may be a bit cheaper compared to the main carrier kiosks.
What to prepare: passport, EURO cash/credit card, unlocked phone.
Cost: A bit higher than in Larnaca center or online
Pros: instant Internet after landing, staff support
Cons: Stores there may not always stay open late
Important Note: If you your flight gets in late at night, some places may be closed, and you may not get a SIM card. So check with the SIM stores and kiosks about the opening time if you decide to buy a Cyprus SIM card at Larnaca Airport.
III. Do SIM card shops at LCA airport open after midnight?
Yes. While most shops at LCA airport are open 24/7, there’s a chance that SIM card shops might have reduced hours and close earlier, perhaps around 11 PM. So, if you arrive late, there is a possibility that you might not be able to purchase a SIM card or the selection might be limited, potentially leaving you with a SIM card that doesn’t fully meet your needs for your trip.
IV. Best Tourist Larnaca Airport SIM Card Price
Good to know: EUR 1 = USD 1.07; USD 1 = EUR 0.94 (as of April, 2024)
Best tourist Larnaca airport SIM plans are offered by the three main carriers in Cyprus: Cyta, PrimeTel, and Epic. The table below shows some of the most prevalent Cyprus SIM card options for tourists and prices according.
Operator | Plan Name | Data | Price | Validity |
Cyta | soeasy Plus 10 | 20 GB of data; 400 minutes; 400 sms; Free roaming in the EU | EUR 10 – USD 10.7 | 30 days |
soeasy Plus 20 | 50 GB of data; 1000 minutes; 1000 sms; Free roaming in the EU | EUR 20 – USD 21.5 | 30 days | |
soeasy Plus 35 | 100 GB of data; 2000 minutes; 2000 sms; Free roaming in the EU | EUR 35 – USD 37.6 | 30 days | |
Epic | 5G Value | 1 GB of data; 300 minutes;300 sms | EUR 9.99 – USD 10.7 | 30 days |
5G Advanced | 8 GB of data; 800 minutes;800 sms | EUR 19.99 – USD 21.4 (discount price) | 30 days | |
5G Unlimited Max | Unlimited GB of data; Unlimited minutes; Unlimited sms | 30 days | ||
PrimeTel | – | 5 GB of data | EUR 5 – USD 5.3 | 7 days |
– | 20 GB of data | EUR 15 – USD 16 | 30 days | |
Data + voice + sms | 100 GB of data; 1000 minutes; 1000 sms | EUR 20 – USD 21.5 | 60 days |
If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Cyta mobile operator because many people use this mobile operator with variety plans.
Note: The plan details above are for indicative purposes and are subject to change. Check carriers’ websites for the latest updates.
V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Larnaca Airport – Registration Process
Purchasing a SIM card at Larnaca Airport is a simple process. Here are some important items you need to prepare if you want to quickly get a SIM card for Cyprus:
- Your passport for identification. Keep it accessible when purchasing a Cypriot SIM;
- Money: Have both cash and credit cards ready to pay for the SIM since some kiosks may only accept certain payment types;
- An unlocked phone: Make double sure your mobile device is unlocked and compatible with Cyprus networks so it can work here;
- Time needed: 5-10 minutes after collecting your bags to find the SIM stalls and complete your purchase.
Pro Tip: Tourists do not need to bring a SIM removal tool as store staff will help set up and activate Cyprus SIM cards.
VI. Cyprus eSIM for Larnaca – An Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Larnaca Airport
Cyprus eSIM is the best alternative to prepaid SIM card at Larnaca Airport. eSIM for Cyprus delivers convenience, flexibility, great value, and security compared to regular plastic SIM cards. It is a smart digital way to access mobile networks on the island.
By choosing Gigago as your eSIM provider for your Cyprus trip, you will be able to have a smooth, secure, and cost-effective Internet connection when exploring this beautiful country. The eSIM purchase and activation process is simple as you can download and set up your eSIM online with no identity check.
Gigago offers a wide selection of eSIM plans for Cyprus from Cyta – one of the biggest carriers in the country with the most widespread 4G/5G network coverage and speed cell data. The eSIM plans start at only $3.00 for 1GB of data, valid in 3 days and vary from $3.00 – $95.90 , much more affordable than international roaming services in Cyprus.
Pro Tip: To choose the best eSIM plan for Cyprus, estimate the amount of data you need and the length of your stay in Cyprus trip. You can learn how much data you will need for traveling abroad.
VII. FAQs about SIM Card at Larnaca Airport
Can I buy a SIM card when I arrive at Larnaca Airport?
Yes, it is very convenient to purchase a SIM card at Larnaca Airport right after you collect your luggage. There are shops near the arrival gates in the public area where visitors can buy a SIM card.
Do I need to show any documents to buy a SIM card at Larnaca Airport?
Usually, no identification or documents are required to purchase a basic SIM card at Larnaca Airport. However, for premium plans you may need to show your valid passport.
Are SIM cards at Larnaca Airport easy to activate for tourists?
SIM cards bought at Larnaca Airport come with easy activation instructions in several languages to help international travelers start using their new SIM card right away. Activation is a quick and simple process.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a SIM card at Larnaca Airport is very convenient for travelers arriving in Cyprus. However, visitors have more options if they go into the city center of Larnaca. They can compare prices and plans from different carriers before choosing the best SIM card. An eSIM plan is also an excellent option since tourists can buy and set it up online for reliable Internet access.