In the past, I described how to get affordable 3G access when traveling to Italy or Switzerland. Today, we’re continuing our little series with a tip how to get prepaid mobile Internet in Greece.
In Greece, there’re three carriers, Cosmote (coverage map), Vodafone (coverage map) and Wind (coverage map). The standard Internet access charge is 1 € per day (at all three carriers), plus the cost of the SIM card.
Foreigners can buy SIM cards in local stores, just bring your passport or ID. Be aware that many shops prefer to sell you more expensive bundles (e.g. with 3G USB sticks) stating they ran out of stock of naked prepaid SIM cards.
I went for a 20 € KartoInternet pack from a local Vodafone Store that includes 10 days of Internet access (so the SIM card runs at 10 €). The card is valid for 12 months after the last refill. It comes in standard SIM 
format. If you plan to use it in an iPhone 4 or iPad, cut it down to Micro SIM format (either manually, or using a Micro SIM cutter).
The maximum data volume for the 10 days is 3 GB. Check the online status page (link only working when logged on) to see how much data volume you’ve left. To fill up the account, you can purchase top-up vouchers in many supermarkets (they don’t offer the SIM cards!).
APN: web.session (blank username and password)
➜ All articles how to get 3G data access internationally
8 Comments
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Guido
The Greek government doesn’t want any anonymous phones floating around, so be prepared to have all the info in your passport meticulously copied.
Ortwin Gentz
Right, this is pretty much standard across Europe.
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Philipp
Hey, I’ve bought one of these 12 hours ago. All my passport data was copied etc., the problem is it does not work on either tablet or usb modem or phone. Did yours start to work immediately or there was some time gap in between? I am not sure what to do actually with mine…
Ortwin Gentz
Mine worked immediately. I’d go to the store again and let them check it.
Eddie
Hi there,
My question is whether you need to use a USB modem in order to access the internet since Vodafone’s website mentions it comes with the package or could you just insert the SIM card into a 3G capable handset to access the internet?
I ask because I will be travelling to Greece and was hoping to use my handset for internet without having to bring my laptop.
Ortwin Gentz
Eddie, you don’t have to use a USB modem. Actually it’s more convenient in most cases to plug the SIM card into your (unlocked) phone or MiFi. In my experience, they always try to sell you the pack including the USB modem (50€) instead of just the SIM card. They’ll probably state they’re out of stock of the sole SIM cards. Of course you can take the SIM card from the pack and put it in your device. You can also try to buy the SIM card in advance on eBay (calculate 2 weeks shipping to be on the safe side) or go to a Cosmote or Wind store instead.
George
4G MiFi with Unlimited Internet access Rental service is offered from WiZiFi since 2016. Data-only SIM cards are also offered. WiZiFi package is delivered to any address in Greece including Hotels, Yachting Marinas, Enterprises and Apartments.
FUP is applied allowing full 4G connection for up to 1GB per day. If limit is exceeded, connectivity is not blocked but the speed is throttled.