Stay connected across Athens, Santorini and the islands with a Greece eSIM. Instant delivery, 4G/5G data, and no roaming bills.
Picture yourself watching the sunset over the Aegean from Santorini, ready to share it instantly. With a Greece eSIM, you're online the moment you land at Athens airport, no SIM swap and no roaming shock.
Why use an eSIM in Greece
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install before you fly. It activates the second you arrive, so you skip airport kiosks and language barriers.
No physical card to lose or swap
Keep your home number active for calls and WhatsApp
Pay one upfront price instead of surprise roaming fees
Hop between the mainland and islands on the same plan
Greece has three strong mobile networks: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova (Wind). All offer fast 4G/5G coverage in Athens, Thessaloniki, and tourist hubs like Heraklion on Crete. Cosmote generally has the widest reach across remote islands, while all three perform well in cities and popular resorts. 5G is expanding quickly across urban areas.
How to get connected
1. Buy your Greece eSIM online and receive a QR code by email within minutes.
2. Scan the QR code in your phone's settings to install the eSIM.
3. Activate data roaming for the eSIM line when you land, and you're online.
How much data do you need
Light use (maps, messaging): 1–3 GB for a short trip
Average traveler (social media, browsing): 5–10 GB per week
Heavy use (streaming, hotspot, video calls): 15–20 GB or an unlimited plan
Greece has plenty of free Wi-Fi in cafes and hotels, so most travelers do fine with a mid-size plan.
Good to know
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Capital: Athens
Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Time zone: EET (UTC+2), EEST in summer
Famous places: The Acropolis in Athens, Santorini's caldera, and the medieval Old Town of Rhodes
FAQ
Is my phone compatible with an eSIM?
Most phones from 2018 onward support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. Check your settings for an "Add eSIM" option.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install it before you travel using Wi-Fi at home. You can set it up early and simply switch it on once you arrive in Greece.
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. Your eSIM only provides data. WhatsApp stays linked to your original number, so your chats and calls continue uninterrupted.
Yes. A HelloSIM eSIM connects to Greece's local mobile networks the moment you arrive, giving you data in Athens, the islands and across the mainland without buying a physical SIM card.
Is my phone compatible with a HelloSIM eSIM for Greece?
Most recent phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note and Z models. Look for an 'Add eSIM' option in settings, or dial *#06# to check for an EID.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use the Greece eSIM?
Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use any third-party eSIM. Phones bought outright are usually unlocked; if yours came on a carrier contract, ask for it to be unlocked before you travel.
How do I buy and install a HelloSIM eSIM for Greece?
Order the Greece plan on HelloSIM and receive a QR code by email. Scan it from your phone's cellular settings, or tap the direct install link if you are ordering on the same phone you will bring.
How do I install the eSIM with the QR code?
On iPhone go to Settings then Cellular then Add eSIM then Use QR Code; on Android open Settings then Network & internet then SIMs then Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your HelloSIM email and follow the prompts.
Can I install the Greece eSIM before I fly?
Yes, and it is best to install it while you have home Wi-Fi. Set it up in advance so it is ready, then switch it on when you land in Greece. Installing does not start your data; that begins on activation.
When does my Greece data plan start counting?
Most HelloSIM plans begin when the eSIM first connects to a network in Greece, not at the moment of purchase, so buying ahead does not waste data. Check your plan details, as some start on first use.
Should I activate on arrival or before I leave home?
Install before departure but let the plan activate on arrival in Greece, when the eSIM connects to a local network. This keeps your validity window aligned with your actual travel dates.
Which networks does HelloSIM use in Greece?
HelloSIM connects through Greece's main operators, which include Cosmote, Vodafone Greece and Nova. The best available network is assigned automatically based on where you are.
Which network has the best coverage in Greece?
Cosmote generally has the widest and strongest coverage across the mainland and islands, while Vodafone and Nova are also solid. HelloSIM picks a reliable partner network for your location automatically.
Is there 5G in Greece with a HelloSIM eSIM?
Yes, 5G is available in Athens, Thessaloniki and many tourist areas and is expanding fast. Where 5G is not present you fall back to widespread 4G/LTE, which covers the mainland and the islands well.
How good is 4G coverage on the Greek islands?
4G coverage is good on popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, especially in towns and resorts. Remote beaches, mountain trails and open sea between islands can have weaker or no signal.
How much data do I need for a week in Greece?
For a week of maps, messaging, browsing and social media, most travellers are fine with around 3 to 5 GB. If you stream video, share lots of photos or tether devices, consider 10 GB or an unlimited-style plan.
How much data do I need for two weeks island-hopping in Greece?
A two-week island-hopping trip with everyday use of maps, chat and social apps usually needs about 7 to 12 GB. If you post lots of videos or work online, choose a larger plan to stay comfortable.
How much does a Greece eSIM cost?
Cost depends on the data amount and number of days you choose. Small short-trip bundles are inexpensive while larger multi-week plans cost more. See the HelloSIM Greece page for current options, as we quote ranges rather than fixed prices.
Can I use the eSIM as a hotspot in Greece?
Yes. HelloSIM plans support tethering, so you can share your connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion's phone. Bear in mind that hotspot use, especially streaming, uses your data quickly.
Can I keep my home number while using the eSIM in Greece?
Yes. The eSIM handles data while your normal SIM stays active for calls and texts on your home number. Switch off data roaming on your home line to avoid extra charges.
How does dual SIM work with the Greece eSIM?
Modern phones run your home SIM and the HelloSIM eSIM at the same time. Set the HelloSIM eSIM as your data line and keep your home line for calls and SMS, with its data roaming turned off.
Do I need to change APN settings for the eSIM in Greece?
Usually not, as the APN is configured automatically when the eSIM connects. If you have no data after activation, HelloSIM can supply the correct APN to enter manually in your cellular data settings.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for the eSIM?
Yes. Because the eSIM uses a Greek partner network, enable Data Roaming for the HelloSIM line in your settings. This adds no fees; it simply allows the eSIM to use the local network.
Will I have internet when I land at Athens airport?
In most cases yes. After you land at Athens International Airport and switch on the eSIM line, it registers on a local network within a minute or two, so you can book a taxi or message home before leaving the terminal.
Is there Wi-Fi at Greek airports if my eSIM needs a moment?
Yes, Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion airports offer free Wi-Fi, which is handy while the eSIM registers. With an eSIM, though, you usually come online automatically on arrival without searching for a hotspot.
Can I use my Greece eSIM in other European countries?
It depends on the plan. HelloSIM offers regional Europe plans covering many EU countries as well as Greece-only plans. If your trip includes other countries, pick a Europe-wide plan for seamless coverage.
Does the Greece eSIM cover nearby countries like Italy or Cyprus?
A Greece-only plan is meant for Greece, but our regional Europe plans include many neighbouring countries. If you are also visiting places like Italy, choose a regional plan; note Cyprus may be listed separately depending on the plan.
Can I make calls and send SMS with the eSIM?
HelloSIM eSIMs are data-only and have no local phone number for standard calls or texts. You can call and message over the internet using apps like WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime or Signal.
How do I make calls in Greece without a local number?
Use internet calling apps over your eSIM data. WhatsApp and Viber are both widely used in Greece, and FaceTime, Signal and Telegram also work well over your data connection.
What do I do if I run out of data in Greece?
Top up. Add more data to your existing plan through your HelloSIM account or wallet and you stay connected on the same eSIM, with no need to reinstall or swap anything.
How do I top up my Greece eSIM?
Log in to your HelloSIM account, choose a top-up for your active Greece plan, and the extra data is added to the same eSIM instantly. There is no need for a new QR code.
What happens when my plan validity expires?
When the validity period ends, any remaining data stops working. If you are still travelling, top up or buy a new plan before it expires. A reminder set a day ahead helps you avoid a gap in coverage.
My eSIM shows no service in Greece. What should I do?
Check that the HelloSIM line is enabled, Data Roaming is on for it, and it is set as your data line. Then toggle Airplane mode or restart the phone. If it still fails, manually select a network such as Cosmote.
The eSIM is not registering on a network. How do I fix it?
Turn off automatic network selection and manually choose a Greek operator such as Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova. If one does not connect, try another. A restart after installing usually clears registration issues.
Why is my data slow on a Greek island?
Speeds can dip on remote islands, crowded beaches in peak season, or where only older networks reach. Confirm you are on 4G or 5G, try moving location, or reselect the network manually if it persists.
What is the emergency number in Greece?
Dial 112 for any emergency in Greece; it works across the EU and connects you to ambulance, fire or police. Emergency calls go through even without an active data plan or a local number.
Which cities and areas will I have coverage in?
You will have strong coverage in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion, plus good service in popular island towns and resorts on Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu.
What download speeds can I expect in Greece?
On 4G you can typically expect comfortable speeds for maps, browsing and video calls, and 5G in cities can be much faster. Speeds vary with location and network load, and remote islands may be slower.
Will the eSIM work while taking a ferry between islands?
Coverage near ports and close to shore is usually fine, but signal can drop out in open water during longer ferry crossings. Download anything you need, like tickets or maps, before you sail.
Will the eSIM work for navigation and maps in Greece?
Yes. The eSIM gives you live navigation with Google Maps or Apple Maps across the mainland and islands. Download offline maps in advance so directions still work in the occasional dead spot.
Should I download offline maps before travelling to Greece?
Yes, it is wise. Download offline maps of Athens, the islands and any hiking areas over Wi-Fi before you go, so you can navigate even where signal is weak or when you want to conserve data.
Can I install the eSIM on more than one device?
No. Each HelloSIM eSIM is tied to the single device where you scan its QR code and cannot be moved or copied. To connect a second device, use your phone's hotspot or buy another plan.
Can I get a refund on my Greece eSIM?
If an eSIM has not been installed or activated, it is generally refundable under HelloSIM's policy. Once it has connected and data has been used, refunds are limited. Contact support with your order details for help.
How long is the eSIM valid for Greece?
Validity depends on the plan you choose, from a few days to several weeks. The countdown usually starts when the eSIM first connects in Greece, so pick a validity that comfortably covers your whole stay.
Any tips for a smooth eSIM experience in Greece?
Install before you fly, save your QR code and confirmation email, enable data roaming for the HelloSIM line on arrival, download offline maps and ferry tickets, and use WhatsApp or Viber for calls. That keeps you connected from touchdown.
