Greece means Athens, Thessaloniki and dozens of islands: Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu. You need data for ferry tickets, bookings and navigating narrow streets where addresses are hard to find.
Networks and coverage
The main operators are Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova. Cities and popular islands have good 4G and 5G. On ferries far from shore and on remote beaches the signal can weaken.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
A local SIM is bought on arrival, roaming without a package is expensive, while an eSIM takes a minute to buy from home: the QR code arrives instantly and your main number stays on for calls and texts. Worth knowing in Greece:
- Ferry tickets are easy to buy and show on your phone — you need data at the port.
- In summer, café and hotel Wi-Fi on the islands is overloaded by tourists.
- Visiting several European countries? Check the regional “Europe” plan — one eSIM for the whole trip.
How to prepare before you fly
- Check eSIM support: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID line, you're good. - Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. For most plans the clock starts at the first connection abroad; the exact rule is on the plan card.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM so it doesn't spend money.
Step by step, with videos: How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
Trip tips
- In Athens, FreeNow or Uber are handy for taxis.
- Download an offline map of the island — mountain roads can have a weak signal.
- Use the hotspot if you travel as a group.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: ask for directions, explain yourself at a pharmacy, find a café nearby.