Are you planning your trip to Greece and want to buy an eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for traveling to Greece including a comparison of the best Greece eSIMs for 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order an eSIM for Greece on the internet and get connected in just a couple clicks. Below you will find up to date prices as per September 2024 and all specifications per eSIM including info about EU data roaming.
This guide will explain how eSIMs work, show you where and when to order an eSIM, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, answer the most FAQ about eSIMs, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Greece and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Greece online.
Since 2012 I am traveling the world continuously and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly travel to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used in the last two years.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides about every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.
Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Greece in 2024.
Find on Traveltomtom eSIM guides from all around the world: Morocco, Australia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Dubai, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Thailand, Europe, Asia, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Greece are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom rates the two eSIMs as the best eSIMs for traveling to Greece in 2024:
1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - $59 USD
- 100 GB data in all of Europe
- 5G ready
- Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
- 120 international minutes
- 1,000 international sms
- Valid for 28 days
- $0.59 USD per Gigabyte
You can order the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM for $59.90 USD via SimOptions or for $59 USD via Sim Local + 15% extra discount so only $50.15 USD.
On top of that Sim Local now gives all Traveltomtom readers 15 % discount on all eSIMs when using the coupon code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!
The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is upgraded for Summer 2024 with NOW DOUBLE DATA up to 100 GB and therefore the best eSIM for Greece in 2024.
This eSIM comes with a phone number from France starting with +33 and is valid in 39 countries in Europe. Unlimited calls and sms within Europe are included.
Since the Orange Holiday eSIM comes with free EU data roaming and is valid in all countries in Europe it is therefore also listed as the best sim cards for traveling to Europe.
2. Jetpac eSIM for Greece - $11 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Greece only
- 5G ready
- Valid for 30 days
- Only $1.1 USD per Gigabyte
The Jetpac eSIM for Greece is data-only and does not support calling and texting and it does not come with a phone number, but the Jetpac eSIM rates go down to only $1 USD per Gigabyte, which makes Jetpac one of the best eSIMs for Greece.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM for Greece or in general before using an eSIM.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIMs only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIMs only work if your smartphone supports eSIMs, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIMs. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Greece.
However, you can still order a sim card for Greece on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Greece in 2024 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Comparison of the best eSIMs for Greece
As of September 2024 the mobile internet operators in Greece now also sell eSIMs for tourists. When buying a sim card in a phone store of Vodafone, Cosmote or Nova you can choose between a physical prepaid sim card and an eSIM. Luckily you can order eSIMs for Greece easily online.
There are multiple website on the internet that sell eSIMs for Greece. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Greece from one of the well-known eSIM providers like Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad, Sim Local, SimOptions, etc. that have proven to be reliable operators.
SimOptions and Airalo have been Traveltomtom's favorite eSIM providers for many years, but are they still the best and/or cheapest? The competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM for Greece first read all my tips below!
SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Greece. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Greece and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Greece.
Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Greece.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider that offers amazing eSIM deals for traveling to Greece. Jetpac has eSIMs for more than 100 countries around the world. The Traveltomtom Team extensively tested the Jetpac eSIMs all over Europe as well as in Asia and came back with excellent reviews.
Jetpac also offers extra service for its eSIM users: free VPN and free lounge access. More info below.
Here are the Jetpac eSIM deals for Greece:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $31 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Greece eSIM from Jetpac.
The Jetpac eSIMs for Greece go as low as $0.7 USD per Gigabyte, which is why Jetpac is one of the top recommended eSIMs for Greece in 2024.
Jetpac eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
All Jetpac eSIMs are now upgraded and they support 5G. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the Nova (former Wind) network.
Jetpac offers an additional service to its eSIM users like a free VPN subscription for the duration of the eSIM as well as free lounge access in case your flight is delayed. However, you have to register your flight before your trip on the Jetpac platform.
The eSIMs can be installed before traveling to Greece, but only from the first moment it connects to a supported network the eSIM validity of 30 days starts counting. For more info check out the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Greece eSIM.
Why using SimOptions? They offer eSIMs including calling and texting. Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only offer data-only eSIMs.
Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIMs for Greece:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $7.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $12.90 USD
Unfortunately SimOptions don't specify which mobile network operator in Greece they use, but at least 2 of them are 5G ready. The third one is an eSIM for Europe valid in 32 countries. Not 5G ready but great value with only $2.6 USD per Gigabyte.
These SimOptions eSIMs for Greece do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Greece.
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Greece.
SimOptions also provides international eSIMs for traveling to Greece.
- 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
- 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here to order an international eSIM for Greece directly online.
The above international eSIMs for Greece are valid all over Europe and they include free EU data roaming. The best thing about these eSIMs for Greece is that they also include unlimited calling and texting.
Unfortunately only one two of them are 5G ready, the rest only supports 4G/LTE.
These international eSIMs for Greece are also valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Why using Airalo?
Ordering your eSIM for Greece through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.
Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great eSIM for traveling in Greece.
Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs but does not innovate much and prices pretty much stay the same while other eSIM providers are constantly updating the prices of their eSIMs, Airalo stays a bit behind.
Airalo is a very solid eSIM brand, but more expensive.
Here are Greece eSIM plans for 2024 from Airalo:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $9 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Greece from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIMs for Greece operate on the Nova 4G/LTE/5G network in Greece. Yes, the Airalo eSIMs for Greece are 5G ready as of 2024.
The Meraki Mobile eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Nomad
Another trusted and reviewed eSIM provider is Nomad and Traveltomtom has used Nomad now in more than 10 countries. Nomad sometimes has amazing competitive eSIM plans with cheaper prices compared to Airalo and SimOptions.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Greece in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Greece from Nomad.
The prices of Nomad eSIMs rival Jetpac. However, the Traveltomtom Team has received mixed reviews in the past about the performance of Nomad eSIMs regarding the installation and therefore prefers using Jetpac over Nomad.
The Nomad eSIMs for Greece are from 1GLOBAL and are 5G ready. All eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.
The Nomad Greece eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Greece. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Greece:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs for Greece are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
According to the Holafly website these Holafly Greece eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Orange. However, in Greece there is only Wind, Vodafone and Cosmote. I am sure this is a glitch on the Holafly website. However, it also makes me doubt if the Holafly eSIMs for Greece are actually 5G ready.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Greece.
Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Greece but I was put off a bit by Holalfy.
The mobile internet providers in Greece now also all offer eSIMs for tourists, but you can only buy them on arrival in Greece in one of their official phone stores.
Cosmote
- 4 GB for 1 month = €8.5 EUR - $9.4 USD
- 6 GB for 7 days = €4 EUR - $4.4 USD
- Unlimited data for 7 days = €6.5 EUR - $7 USD
Vodafone
- 25 GB data in Greece (14.7 GB free EU data roaming) + 200 minutes = €20 EUR - $22 USD
- Unlimited data in Greece (22 GB free EU data roaming) + 200 minutes = €30 EUR - $33 USD
Nova
- 3.5 GB data + 1,000 minutes + 300 sms = €13 EUR - $14 USD
- 5.5 GB data + unlimited minutes + 500 sms = €15 EUR - $16.5 USD
- 9.5 GB data + unlimited minutes + 1,000 sms = €20 EUR - $22 USD
Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIMs? I travel the world full time and I am on the road constantly so pretty much every week I am in a new country, which means I probably buy like 30 - 40 sim cards per year.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Greece?
There is no doubt that Jetpac has the cheapest eSIM for Greece. It only charges $1 USD for 1 GB data for 4 days.
Another cheap eSIM for Greece is an eSIM from SimOptions or Nomad for $4.5 USD with 1 GB data for 7 days. Airalo has a similar eSIM plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for $5 USD. All these eSIMs are only valid in Greece and do not support calling and texting.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Greece
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Greece in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Greece without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Greece with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Greece, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Greece so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
International data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in every tourist destination in Greece.
Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Greece. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Greece you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Greece eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Greece eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Where to buy an eSIM for Greece?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Greece on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are uncountable eSIM providers for Greece. Traveltomtom compared and reviewed multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones: Jetpac, SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly and Airalo are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Greece in 2024.
On arrival in Greece
When you arrive in Greece and you want to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all mobile internet operators in Greece offer eSIMs for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card.
In Athens they also sell prepaid sim cards for tourists on the streets, next to the entrances of big metro stations. These official resellers are often students and they only sell physical prepaid sim cards.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Greece in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Greece, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Flying into Greece and landing in Athens then you can also buy a sim card for Greece on arrival. However, there are NO eSIMs sold at Athens Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards and expect to pay tourist prices. The eSIMs mentioned in this guide are much cheaper.
Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Athens Airport.
When to order an eSIM for Greece?
You can order an eSIM for Greece pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Greece. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Greece eSIM on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Greece. All international airports in Greece have free public WiFi.
How do I know? Traveltomtom also wrote a sim card guide for Athens Airport.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Greece
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Greece eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Greece. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Greece or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Greece and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Greece recommended above are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Greece.
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions and Airalo eSIMs for more than 5 years now without ever facing a major issue.
Also check out Traveltomtom's detailed SimOptions Review including pros and cons.
Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, a couple mixed reviews have come back about Nomad from the Traveltomtom Team lately.
Jetpac has so far gotten excellent reviews by the Traveltomtom Team about its eSIM performance as well as their services.
Holafly only sells eSIMs with unlimited data, but since Traveltomtom is not a fan I barely use Holafly. However, the Traveltomtom Team has been testing them while traveling and also with mixed reviews.
Traveltomtom has lately also reviewed the eSIM providers Sim Local and Roamless and they also are trustworthy when looking for eSIMs for traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Greece eSIMs, only RECOMMENDS you to use eSIMs for traveling to Greece.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Greece eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Greece. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Greece eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
If your Greece eSIM also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Greece, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Greece eSIM.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.
Can I make phone calls with a Greece eSIM?
This depends on the type of eSIM that you order. Only the international eSIMs from SimOptions offer calling and texting. All the eSIMs from Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly and Airalo are data-only.
The international eSIMs from SimOptions come with unlimited calling in all of Europe as well as free EU data roaming. Which means you can call to and from any country in Europe to any European phone number at no extra charge. You can also use your data in every country in Europe.
Does a Greece eSIM come with a phone number?
This also depends on the type of eSIM that you buy. Data-only eSIMs do NOT come with a phone number. eSIMs that support calls and sms they come with a phone number.
All the international eSIMs from SimOptions come with a phone number, which means they can also receive calls and sms.
In the above Greece eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.
Can I use 5G on a Greece eSIM?
Yes, most of the Greece eSIMs are now 5G ready. All the Airalo, Jetpac and Nomad eSIMs are 5G ready and Holafly also claims to have 5G ready eSIMs.
SimOptions has several eSIMs that support 5G, most of the international eSIMs from SimOptions only support 4G/LTE.
This Orange Holiday Europe with 100 GB data for 28 days and unlimited calling and texting for $59.90 USD is rated by Traveltomtom as the best sim card for traveling to Europe in 2024.
This eSIM is valid in all of Europe, is 5G ready and includes unlimited calling and texting.
The Airalo eSIMs for Greece operate on the Nova 5G network, which is actually the weakest 5G network compared to Vodafone and Cosmote. For more info about the 4G/5G network coverage check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best prepaid sim cards in Greece in 2024.
Are there eSIMs for Greece with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Greece include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Greece and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Greece eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Greece with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
For $59.90 USD you get 100 GB data on an Orange eSIM that is even 5G ready and you can order via SimOptions.
These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Greece in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Greece?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Greece, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Greece?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Greece:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than eSIMs. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Greece in a phone store and NOT on the internet.
More info about the best Greece prepaid sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Greece in 2024.
For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Greece you will find that for €12 EUR ($13 USD) you can buy a local prepaid sim card with unlimited data in Greece + calling minutes.
If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Greece you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel.
They also sell Vodafone sim cards at Athens Airport, but for tourist prices. Ordering an eSIM on the internet is cheaper and more convenient.
The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Greece. Some of them are great for using in Greece as well as in all other countries in Europe and you can easily order them online.
Traveltomtom also put together a list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Greece directly online.
The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is they all included calling and texting. Most eSIMs are data-only sim cards.
eSIMs
There are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Greece in a mobile internet provider store
The big difference is that eSIMs provided by the local internet operators in Greece: Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova can only be purchased at one of their official phone stores on arrival in Greece.
As of September 2024 tourist eSIMs from Cosmote, Nova and Vodafone are now also available and you can also buy eSIMs on arrival at Athens Airport. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Athens Airport.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Greece, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Greece. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Greece eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Greece Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact eSIMs for Greece are the cheapest as they already start from just $4.5 USD.
However, if you are a heavy data user local prepaid sim cards are much better value for money as for €12 EUR ($13 USD) you already get a physical Greece prepaid sim card with unlimited data, including calls.
However, after a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected.
Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Greece. Faster, easier and less stress and depending on your needs sometimes even cheaper.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Greece were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Greece right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Greece!