How to buy a SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

If you are among the travelers who are interested in ways to get access to the internet on the same day of your arrival to Greece, please read and remember the following at this article detailing where and how to get the SIM card from the Thessaloniki International airport as you get into Greece.

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport SKG?

Buying a SIM card at the airport is a traditional approach favored by many travelers. You should consider some factors to consider:

• Convenience: saving you time and effort in setting up mobile service before leaving the airport.
• Cost: more expensive due to convenience charges or lack of competition
• Coverage and Quality: Ensure the selected SIM card provider offers adequate coverage and reliable service in the areas you plan to visit.
• Customer Support: offer multilingual assistance, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Buying an Airport SIM card to satisfy your immediate internet necessity is a way to skip queues, yet it is more expensive and it has less package rights than other options.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport?

Here’s a guide on how to purchase a SIM card at kiosks, stands, or booths at Thessaloniki International Airport:

1. Locate the SIM Card Kiosks/Stands: look for the kiosks, stands, or booths selling SIM cards in the arrival or baggage claim area of the airport.
2. Choose a Network and Plan: select the network provider you’re interested in, such as Cosmote, Vodafone, or Nova.
3. Registration and Activation: provide personal information and identification documents and  the staff will activate the SIM card for you.
4. Payment: Select your desired plan and proceed with payment. 
5. Check Connectivity: test the connectivity of the SIM card on your mobile phone to ensure everything is working correctly.

III. How Much Does a SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport Cost?

The cost of a SIM card at Thessaloniki International Airport can be different depending on the mobile network provider and the specific plan you choose. Here’s a brief comparison:

Operator	Price Range	Includes
Cosmote	$15-20 USD	– 30-50 minutes local calls – Few national long distance calls- Unlimited local SMS – 100-200 int’l SMS – 500MB-1GB domestic data
Vodafone	$15-20 USD	Same as Cosmote
Nova	$10-15 USD	Same as Cosmote
Convenience stores	$5-10 USD (without credit)<br>$10-15 USD (with credit)	Varies but around same as above
eSIM options (Airalo)	$10-15 USD	Varies based on data package selected

Price varies based on provider, plan, and timing. It’s best for travelers to compare prices before purchasing.

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport – Registration Process

When getting a SIM card at Thessaloniki International Airport, you should prepare the following:

• Documents: Bring your passport or other valid identification documents for SIM card registration.
• Unlocked Phone: Ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the SIM card you intend to purchase.
• Payment Method: Be prepared to pay for the SIM card and plan. Payment methods may vary, so it’s advisable to have both cash and card options available. Some providers may accept only cash or card, depending on their policies.
• No Need for SIM Removal Tool: Typically, the staff at the counter will assist with setting up the SIM card, so you won’t need to bring a SIM removal tool.

By preparing these items, you’ll streamline the process of getting a SIM card at Thessaloniki International Airport.

V. Best Tourist Thessaloniki International  Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

Tourists in Greece can easily get prepaid SIM cards from top telecom providers at Athens International Airport.

Cosmote:

• Tourist SIM: €19.90 ($22) includes 10GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, valid for 30 days
• COSMOTE Travel & Data SIM: €29.90 ($33) includes 25GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, 500 international minutes, valid for 30 days

Vodafone:

• Holidays Pack: €19.90 ($22) includes 8GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, valid for 15 days
• Holidays Pack Plus: €29.90 ($33) includes 20GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, 100 international minutes, valid for 30 days

Nova:

• Nova Traveler Pack: €14.90 ($16.50) includes 5GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, valid for 10 days
• NovaTraveler Plus Pack: €24.90 ($27.50) includes 12GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Greece, 120 international minutes, valid for 30 days

Choose a plan that suits your travel duration and usage in Greece. Staff at airport stores can assist you.

VI. Greece eSIM for Thessaloniki – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Thessaloniki International Airport

Gigago is an international eSIM provider, allowing users to quickly purchase prepaid data plans online that allow them to use mobile services during their trips to different countries.

With Gigago you will be able to lifewith world eSIM services and plans for Greece priced from $3 to 125, giving 1GB to 50GB of data. No need to physically insert a card, use eSIM with other SIM, reduced expenses on roaming, and experience 4G speeds.

VII. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Thessaloniki International Airport?

There are many places selling SIM cards right outside Thessaloniki International Airport as follows:

1. Official Stores of Mobile Operators: Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova

• What to prepare: Bring your passport or other identification documents for SIM registration.
• Cost: From $5 to $50, depending on the chosen plan and included services.
• Location: Official stores are typically located in major shopping centers or central areas of the city.

2. Convenience Stores:

• What to prepare: You may not need identification documents, but have cash or a payment card ready for purchase.
• Cost: From $10 to $60, potentially higher than official stores but more convenient.
• Location: Convenience stores are ubiquitous and can be found throughout the city, including suburban and rural areas.

3. Gas Stations (if available):

• What to prepare: Similar to convenience stores, you may not need identification documents but have cash or a payment card ready.
• Cost: From $10 to $60, similar to convenience stores.
• Location: Gas stations are typically situated along major roads or important intersections within or outside the city.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

In particular, buying a SIM card at Thessaloniki International Airport for an emergency Internet connection is an ideal option, but it is not necessary because of limited options and possibly higher prices. Rather than that, you can try other retailers or stores in the town.

Further, today’s market is giving an option for eSIM, an alternative and convenient SIM-free solution for people without a physical SIM card in their device.