How to Get Mobile Internet in Greece for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Mobile internet in Greece plays a crucial role for tourists and travelers, allowing them to stay connected, access information, and enhance their travel experiences. Read on this travelers’ guide so you can choose the best option for your trip in Greece.

I. Mobile Internet in Greece – Coverage and Speed

In Greece, the major operators are Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova, each offering extensive coverage and varying speeds across the country.

1. Greece Mobile Internet Coverage

Regarding the overall coverage measured by the Availability metric, the Opensignal report shows:

• Cosmote leads with 94.3% Availability, meaning its users enjoy nearly ubiquitous connectivity.
• Vodafone ranks second with 93.4% Availability, just over 1% behind Cosmote.
• Nova lags significantly behind at 91.0% Availability, around 3-4% lower than the other two operators.

In summary, for overall coverage experience, Cosmote provides the best service according to this assessment, followed by Vodafone in second place and Nova ranking last.

Operator	Advantages	Disadvantages
Cosmote	– Extensive coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas. – Strong 4G network in major cities. – Leading Availability metrics.	– Limited 5G coverage in rural regions. – Weak 3G signals in remote areas.
Vodafone	– Widespread 4G coverage in urban and suburban regions. – Strong 3G coverage in remote areas. – Competitive Availability metrics.	– Limited rural 5G rollout. – Occasional congestion in urban areas.
Nova	– Decent 4G coverage in urban centers. – Competitive 3G connectivity in some urban areas. – Cost-effective plans where available.	– Limited rural coverage. – Slow transition to 5G technology.

► Recommendation: Vodafone is the top choice in Greece for its extensive 4G coverage in urban areas, strong 3G connectivity in remote regions, and competitive Availability.

2. Greece Mobile Internet Speed

Greece ranks a respectable 30th globally for median mobile download speeds, clocking in at 151.51 Mbps. The country’s median mobile upload speed of 22.90 Mbps. Another key metric, mobile latency, is a low 26ms in Greece – low enough to enable a smooth real-time data experience for applications

Overall, the download, upload and latency figures indicate Greek mobile users are enjoying good quality mobile data performance across operators. 

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Greece?

Travelers can connect in Greece through local SIM cards, eSIM, roaming with Greek operators, public WiFi, and Pocket WiFi devices.

	Cost	Where to buy	Convenience	Pros	Cons
Local SIM card	$10-30	Mobile shops, airports	Moderate	Affordable, widely available.	Requires unlocked phone, language barrier.
eSIM	$15-50	Provider’s app or store	High	Convenient setup, no physical card.	Limited availability, device compatibility.
Roaming	Varies	Automatically enabled	High	No need to switch SIM, immediate use.	High fees, potential slow speeds.
Public WiFi	Free/low	Cafes, airports	Moderate-High	No SIM needed, urban availability.	Security risks, limited rural coverage.
Pocket WiFi	$5-15/day	Online rental, stores	High	Connect multiple devices, reliable.	Extra device, cost.

► Recommendation: For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, using eSIM is preferred for its convenient setup and seamless connectivity, offering a hassle-free experience without the need for a physical card.

II. Internet Rates in Greece

Here is the table listing Mobile Internet rates (internet tariff) of each telecom operators in Greece:

Telecom Operators	SIM Card	eSIM	Roaming Public WiFi	Pocket WiFi
Vodafone	$15	$20	$2/hour	$5/day
Cosmote	$12	$25	$1.50/hour	$6/day
Nova	$10	$22	$2.50/hour	$7/day

Note: Prices are in USD and may vary depending on the current exchange rates and telecom policies.

► Recommendation: For travelers in Greece, Vodafone is recommended for its comprehensive coverage, diverse options.

III. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Greece

Choosing a data SIM card is a top option for tourists in Greece, ensuring connectivity and easy communication with people back home through apps, surpassing other alternatives.

There are a few SIM card packages which are recommended for tourists:

• Vodafone:
  • Package: “Tourist SIM”
  • Price: €15 EUR (approximately $17 USD)
  • Data Allowance: 10GB
• Cosmote:
  • Package: “Tourist SIM”
  • Price: €10 EUR (approximately $11.50 USD)
  • Data Allowance: 5GB
• Nova:
  • Package: “Traveler SIM”
  • Price: €12 EUR (approximately $14 USD)
  • Data Allowance: 7GB

Note: Prices and packages are subject to change, and it’s advisable to contact the operator for the most up-to-date information.

IV. Data eSIM for Greece – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

For tourists in Greece, a data eSIM is the best choice to connect mobile internet, blending convenience and connectivity seamlessly.

eSIM, an electronic SIM card, offers several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards. Its convenience and flexibility eliminate the need for carrying physical cards, enabling users to activate services quickly and easily. 

1. Buy eSIM from Greece Operators

In Greece, major network providers such as Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind Hellas commonly offer eSIM services.

In Greece, obtaining an eSIM is possible through two methods:

• Buying directly from the carrier: This typically requires presenting your passport.
• Acquiring it through eSIM resellers/providers: This offers a more convenient and straightforward process as it has simplified procedures, easy access, quick activation, flexible options.

Operators	Price	Pros	Cons
Cosmote	$10 – $20	-Wide popularity and good network coverage – Diverse range of plans	– Prices might be higher – Potential service limitations
				Vodafone	$10 – $25	– Fast network speed – Convenient payment with eSIM – Suitable for travelers	– Activation fees may apply – Some plans could be expensive – Possible service restrictions
Wind	$10 – $20	– Flexible plans – Good customer support	– Limited coverage in some areas – Possible speed or service quality limitations

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

Purchasing eSIM from reputable providers like Gigago is considered the most convenient solution because it requires no passport or ID card, no waiting for SIM delivery, and easy setup (via QR code scanning), providing internet connectivity as soon as arriving in the destination country.

Here are the steps to buy eSIM from Gigago for a specific country:

• Choose a suitable plan based on your needs, budget, and trip duration on Gigago’s eSIM page by searching for the country’s name.
• Make the payment online.
• Wait for the confirmation email from Gigago.
• Scan the QR code or manually input the activation code into your phone.
• Enable data roaming on your phone.
• Connect to the local network provider’s signal.

 When purchasing a Greece eSIM, you will receive an additional 1GB of bonus data valid for the same period as your selected plan. So for example, if you buy the 10GB 14-day package normally priced at $23.98, with this promotion you will receive 11GB of data for the same price. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of this bonus data offer when buying your Greece eSIM from Gigago!

V. FAQs

VI. Conclusion

Mobile internet in Greece is provided by major operators like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova, offering various data plans. Coverage is generally reliable in urban areas. For connectivity, consider either a traditional SIM card or eSIM, depending on device compatibility and convenience. Evaluate your data needs and device compatibility before choosing the best option for your mobile internet in Greece.