SIM and eSIM in Greece: how to get online
Your Israeli operator's abroad package, a local SIM or an eSIM? Who the Greek mobile operators are, why you need a passport to buy a SIM, and how to save on data.
- Greece has three mobile operators: Telekom (formerly Cosmote, renamed in September 2026), Vodafone and Nova.
- Under Greek law you must identify yourself to activate a prepaid SIM. Tourists use their passport.
- Both Vodafone (CU brand) and Nova offer eSIM to prepaid customers. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
For a short trip, your Israeli operator's abroad package or a travel eSIM is simplest. For a longer stay, a Greek SIM is usually better value.
Three ways to get connected
- Your Israeli operator's abroad package – simplest, no SIM swap, and your Israeli number keeps working.
- A Greek SIM or eSIM – bought in a Greek operator's shop. Suits longer stays or if you need a Greek number.
- A travel eSIM – a digital data plan from an international company, bought in an app before you fly. Usually data only, without a local phone number.
We checked this information on 3 October 2026.
Your Israeli operator's abroad package
All Israeli mobile operators sell data packages for abroad, and prices change all the time. Before you fly:
- Check on your operator's website or app what the package includes in Greece and for how many days.
- Make sure roaming is on, and that you won't be charged per use without a package.
- The advantage: WhatsApp and your Israeli number keep working, and bank verification codes still arrive.
Greek mobile operators
| Operator | What to know |
|---|---|
| Telekom | Formerly Cosmote, the largest operator in Greece. In September 2026 it was renamed Telekom, its website moved to telekom.gr, and your phone will show TELEKOM.GR. You may still see old Cosmote signs. |
| Vodafone | Sells prepaid under the CU brand. |
| Nova | Formerly Wind. In 2023 Wind merged with Nova and all services moved to the Nova name. Its prepaid is called FREE2GO. |
You buy SIMs in the operators' shops, found in every town, and sometimes at kiosks and phone shops. Package prices change, so check the operator's website or shop.
You need a passport to buy a SIM
Under a 2009 Greek law, anyone activating a prepaid SIM must be identified. The law mentions an ID card or passport, and for foreigners an equivalent document. In practice: take your passport to the shop. Without identification the SIM won't be activated.
eSIM
- eSIM is a digital SIM. Instead of inserting a card, you scan a QR code.
- According to the operators' websites, Vodafone CU and Nova FREE2GO offer eSIM to prepaid customers. At Nova you get it in a shop. For Telekom, ask in a shop or check its website.
- Before buying: make sure your phone supports eSIM (most recent iPhones and Androids do) and is unlocked, not tied to one operator.
- Tip: with an eSIM you can keep your Israeli SIM in the phone to receive SMS, and use the eSIM for data. Turn off roaming on the Israeli SIM so you don't pay for it.
Travel eSIMs from international companies
Many companies sell eSIMs for data abroad through an app. The advantage: you buy and install it in Israel and connect the moment you land. Note:
- It is usually data only, without a Greek phone number.
- Check which Greek network the plan uses, how many GB, for how many days, and whether you can top up.
- Read reviews and refund terms before buying.
Travelling on in Europe with a Greek SIM
The EU has a "Roam like at home" rule: a subscriber from one EU country can use their phone in other EU countries at home prices. But the rule is meant for people who mainly use their SIM in the country of subscription, and operators may limit data on cheap plans. If you plan to continue to another country, check your plan's terms. Important: Israel is not in the EU, and using a Greek SIM in Israel can be expensive.
Wi-Fi
- Most hotels, apartments, cafés and restaurants have free Wi-Fi. Ask for the password.
- On open public networks, avoid banking or use a VPN.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps) in advance in case there is no signal in the mountains or on a ferry.
FAQ
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Greece?
Yes. Under Greek law every prepaid SIM must be registered to an identified person. Tourists identify themselves with a passport in the shop.
What is better in Greece: an abroad package or a local SIM?
For a trip of a few days, your Israeli operator's abroad package or a travel eSIM is simplest. For a long stay or if you need a Greek number, a local SIM is usually better value. Compare prices before deciding.
Can I buy a Greek eSIM?
Yes. Vodafone (CU brand) and Nova (FREE2GO) offer eSIM to prepaid customers. You need a phone that supports eSIM and is unlocked.
What happened to Cosmote?
In September 2026 Cosmote changed its name to Telekom. It is the same company and network, just with a new name, website and shops.
Information checked on 3 October 2026. Packages and prices change, so check with the operator before you fly. Useful words for the shop: Greek phrasebook.
