Sachin Walls
If you're travelling to Greece and want to stay connected, you have several options for purchasing a SIM card. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, online, or in physical stores. Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient for immediate connectivity, but it is more expensive than buying one in the city centre. Athens Airport has two places where you can buy a Greece SIM card. One is right after passport control in front of luggage belt number one, and the other is a Sim Local store in the baggage claim area. You can also buy a SIM card online before your trip and get connected as soon as your plane lands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card price at Athens Airport | More than double the price of sim cards in Athens city center |
| eSIM price | $15 USD for 15 GB data |
| Prepaid SIM card deals | 7 GB data in Greece + 120 minutes international + 120 minutes for Greece valid for 15 days = €22.50 |
| Activation fee | €12.50 EUR ($13 USD) per sim card |
| Vodafone prepaid SIM card deals for 30 days | 15 GB data in all of Europe + 200 minutes in Europe + 120 international minutes = €22.50 EUR ($23 USD) |
| Taza Mobile prepaid SIM card deals for 30 days | 15 GB data in all of Europe + 200 minutes in Europe + 120 international minutes = €22.50 EUR ($23 USD) |
| Uber ride from Athens Airport to the city center | A little over €40 EUR ($41 USD) |
| Average taxi ride from Athens Airport to the city center | €40 EUR |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
International SIM cards at Greece airports are more expensive than in the city
International SIM cards can be purchased at Greece's airports, but they are more expensive than in the city. For instance, at Athens Airport, a Greece SIM card costs more than double the price of SIM cards in Athens city center. A similar pattern can be observed in Santorini, where SIM cards are available at the airport but are also offered at cheaper rates in the city center of Thera.
Athens Airport has two locations where travelers can purchase a Greece SIM card. One is located right after passport control in front of luggage belt number one, and the other is a Sim Local store in the baggage claim area. The limited options at the airport include a €12.50 EUR ($13 USD) activation fee per SIM card, with monthly plans ranging from €22.50 EUR ($23 USD) for 15 GB data to €22.50 EUR ($23 USD) for 18 GB data.
In contrast, SIM cards in Athens city center can be purchased for as low as $15 USD with 15 GB of data. These cheaper options are often found in small grocery shops, owned by Pakistani people, on Patision and Acharnon streets. Additionally, online options such as eSIMs can be ordered before traveling, providing immediate connectivity upon landing in Greece.
While buying a SIM card at the airport offers the convenience of immediate connectivity, it comes at a significantly higher cost. Therefore, travelers who prioritize cost savings are advised to explore alternatives such as purchasing SIM cards in the city or opting for online solutions like eSIMs, which offer competitive rates and can be easily arranged before departure.
Incheon Airport: Easy Sim Card Access
You may want to see also
Explore related products
eSIMs can be ordered online before your trip
ESIMs are a great way to stay connected when travelling to Greece, and they can be ordered online before your trip. This means you can avoid the hassle and cost of buying a prepaid SIM card on arrival at the airport or in Greece itself.
Firstly, it's important to check that your phone is eSIM compatible. If your phone is locked, you will need to ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock it before your trip. This may incur a fee.
Once you know your phone is compatible, you can order your eSIM online. There are several reputable providers, including Airalo, SimOptions, and Jetpac. Jetpac eSIMs for Greece start at $0.7 USD per gigabyte and include 5G and a free VPN subscription. SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider, and Airalo has been recommended for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
After purchasing your eSIM, you will receive a QR code or manual installation code by mail or WhatsApp, which you can install before your trip. Once you arrive in Greece, simply turn on data roaming and activate your eSIM data plan.
By ordering an eSIM in advance, you can benefit from a seamless connection as soon as your plane lands, without the need to visit a physical store and swap a physical SIM card.
Direct Flights: BWI to Gainesville Regional Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
SIM cards can be purchased at Athens Airport
Yes, SIM cards can be purchased at Athens Airport. However, it is important to note that buying a SIM card at the airport is generally more expensive than buying one elsewhere. If you are not in a hurry, it is recommended to wait until you reach the city center, where you can find better deals and a wider range of options.
At Athens Airport, there are limited options for purchasing a prepaid SIM card. There is a Sim Local store located in the baggage claim or baggage reclaim area, which operates from 6 am to 10 pm. This store offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists from major Greek providers such as Vodafone. An activation fee of around €12.50 EUR ($13 USD) per SIM card is charged, and you can pay by credit card or in Euros. There is also a Vodafone kiosk at Arrival Area A, between exits 1 and 2, where you can purchase a SIM card for around €30.
If you prefer to have a SIM card ready before your arrival, you can order an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM online. eSIMs are a convenient option as they can be set up online within a few minutes, and you can be connected as soon as your plane lands. Various websites offer comparisons and guides to help you choose the best option for your needs. Additionally, if you plan to visit other Greek islands, it is recommended to consider providers like Vodafone or Cosmote, which offer better 4G/5G coverage across the islands.
Athens Airport also provides free WiFi for all travelers, so if you are not in a rush to purchase a SIM card, you can take advantage of the airport's WiFi during your stay.
PCR Testing: Atlanta Airport Availability
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![LIGHTGO] Travel-friendly Vacuum Packing Backpack with Built-in Air Pump, Portable Compression Cube, TSA-approved Lock, and Waterproof for College Students and Family Trips.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61GpdJJgovL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Vodafone SIM cards are available at Athens International Airport
Yes, you can purchase Vodafone SIM cards at Athens International Airport. There are two Sim Local stores at the airport, one in the baggage claim area and the other in the Arrival Hall, where you can buy Vodafone prepaid SIM cards. The stores are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and you can pay by credit card or in Euros.
There is also a Vodafone kiosk in the Arrival Area A, between exits 1 and 2, where you can buy a SIM card for around €30.
However, it is worth noting that SIM cards at the airport are more expensive than in the city center. An alternative option is to purchase a SIM card from a small grocery store in the center of Athens for around €15. These stores can be found on Patision and Acharnon streets. Additionally, you can explore other phone stores in the city center, such as Cosmote or Germanos, which may offer more affordable options.
If you wish to avoid the hassle of purchasing a SIM card upon arrival, you can consider ordering an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Greece before your trip. eSIMs can be easily arranged online and provide you with a local connection as soon as your plane lands. They are often cheaper and more convenient than physical SIM cards, and you can find various options available for Greece, such as Jetpac, offering attractive data packages.
Cairo Airport: COVID Testing Availability
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova offer various SIM card options
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are the three main mobile network operators in Greece. Each company offers various SIM card options, including prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs with flexible data plans.
Cosmote has the best network coverage around Greece, so this is a good option if you plan to travel extensively within the country. Their prepaid packages include Cosmote Frog and Cosmote WhatsUp, which offers unlimited data, talking time, and customizable DIY bundles. You can purchase Cosmote SIM cards at a Cosmote or Germanos store, or from a street vendor. You will need your passport to purchase a Cosmote SIM card.
Vodafone also offers a range of SIM card options, including the Vodafone CU package, which is suitable for travellers. You can buy a Vodafone SIM card at the Athens Airport or at a Vodafone shop in the city. The airport option tends to be more expensive, so it may be better to wait until you reach central Athens.
Nova, formerly known as Wind, is another popular telecom provider in Greece, offering reliable mobile, broadband, and TV services. They provide prepaid SIMs and eSIMs with flexible data plans for travellers, ensuring smooth connectivity during your trip. You can purchase Nova SIM cards at Nova stores, airport kiosks, authorized retailers, or from street vendors in busy areas like Athens.
Overall, while all three providers offer similar packages, Cosmote stands out for its superior network coverage, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable connection during their travels in Greece.
Travelers' Dilemma: Beer Before Boarding?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy an international SIM card from Greece Airport. However, it is more expensive than buying one in the city centre. You can buy a SIM card from the Sim Local store in the baggage claim area or from another store in the Arrival Hall.
Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient for immediate connectivity. The staff at airport SIM card kiosks almost always speak English, are very helpful, and will make sure that everything is working before you leave.
You will likely pay a seriously inflated price compared to buying a SIM card in the city centre. There may also be a queue at the airport kiosks, and the desk may be closed if you arrive in the middle of the night or early morning.
