How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Greece (2025) | Athens, Santorini & Crete Coverage

Quick Answer: Planning a trip to Greece in 2025? An eSIM is the easiest way to get reliable 4G/5G data as soon as you land at Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG). Buy online, scan a QR code, and connect instantly to Greece’s main networks without searching for a SIM shop. This guide compares the best eSIMs for Greece, lists realistic price ranges, explains coverage on Cosmote/Vodafone/Wind, and gives you a simple setup checklist.

Why use an eSIM in Greece?

Greece is full of islands, ferries, and archeological sites where you’ll want maps and translation on the go. eSIMs make your trip easier:

Activate before you arrive—data works as soon as the plane lands.
No queues at airport SIM counters or ID requirements.
Keep your WhatsApp/number active while adding a local data line.
Pick flexible plans: weekend packs or unlimited-style for island hopping.

Quick Picks (2025)

Budget local: Airalo — low-cost packs (1–10 GB), ideal for Athens or short stays.
Unlimited-style: Holafly — “unlimited” data with fair-use (FUP); great for Santorini/Crete trips with heavy Instagram or video.
Regional Europe: Nomad — bundles covering Greece + Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, etc.

Greece eSIM Prices (2025 snapshot)

Provider	Plan	Price (USD)	Validity	Best for
Airalo	1–3 GB	$5–$9	7–15 days	Short city breaks
Airalo	5–10 GB	$13–$22	30 days	Island-hopping trips
Holafly	Unlimited-style	$29–$69	5–30 days	Heavy data / hotspot use
Nomad	Europe bundle 5–10 GB	$15–$32	7–30 days	Multi-country Euro trips

Coverage & 5G in Greece

Greece’s main networks are solid in urban and tourist areas:

Cosmote — widest coverage nationwide, including many islands.
Vodafone Greece — strong in Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Crete.
Wind (Nova) — improving rapidly; decent in cities, patchier on small islands.

In Athens (Plaka, Acropolis, Monastiraki), Santorini (Fira, Oia), Crete (Heraklion, Chania), and Mykonos you’ll have reliable 5G or strong 4G. On smaller Cyclades or ferries between islands, expect slower speeds—download offline maps before long rides.

Transport & ferries

Ferry ports (Piraeus, Rafina) have solid coverage. On ferries, signal drops mid-sea but recovers near islands. Trains (Athens–Thessaloniki) keep decent 4G most of the route. Metro Athens has coverage in most stations.

Setup: 2-minute checklist

Buy your plan (Airalo / Holafly / Nomad) and open the QR code email.
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
Scan QR → set eSIM as Mobile Data line.
Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM only.
Restart, then test maps or a browser.

Which Greece eSIM fits your trip?

Weekend Athens city break: Airalo 1–3 GB is enough.
Island-hopping 1–2 weeks: Airalo 5–10 GB or Nomad Europe pack if visiting Italy/Spain too.
Digital nomads in Athens/Crete: Holafly unlimited-style (FUP applies) is easiest.

Data-saving tips

Download offline maps (Athens, Santorini, Crete) on Google Maps.
Grab Greek language pack on Google Translate.
Stream video/music at lower quality when on mobile.
Use hotel Wi-Fi for large updates/backups.

Troubleshooting

No data: Toggle Airplane Mode; ensure eSIM is active data line.
Slow speeds: Switch between 5G/4G; indoors 4G can be more stable.
Calls/SMS: Data-only eSIMs; use WhatsApp/Skype or keep physical SIM.

FAQs

Is my phone compatible? iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 4+, usually support eSIM.

Is 5G included? Yes, in Athens, Santorini, Crete, and other tourist areas. Rural spots may fall back to 4G.

Can I hotspot? Airalo & Nomad allow it; Holafly may restrict heavy tethering under FUP.

Do I need a Greek number? No. Data-only covers maps, ferries, messaging, ride-hailing.

Useful Internal Links

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. We keep recommendations practical and update ranges as offers change.