Getting online in Thessaloniki is easy — but the cheapest way depends entirely on where you're coming from. Greece is in the EU, which changes everything for European visitors, while travellers from further afield have a couple of good options. Here's how to stay connected, sorted by where you're from. (Planning to work here rather than just visit? See our digital nomad guide.)
If you're from the EU or EEA
You're sorted already. Under the EU's "roam like at home" rules, your home mobile plan works in Greece at no extra cost — same calls, texts and data allowance as back home, subject to any fair-use limits on very large plans. Just switch on data roaming when you land and carry on as normal.
If you're from the UK
Since Brexit, free EU roaming is no longer guaranteed for UK travellers — some networks kept it, others reintroduced daily roaming charges. Check your specific plan before you fly. If your carrier charges for EU roaming, a cheap eSIM (below) is usually far better value than paying a daily fee for a week or two.
If you're from outside Europe
Travellers from the US, Canada, Australia and elsewhere should sort data on arrival rather than rely on home roaming, which is often expensive. Two good options:
An eSIM (easiest)
An eSIM is a digital SIM you buy online and install on your phone — no physical card, no shop. You can set it up before you travel and it activates when you land, so you step off the plane already online. It works on most recent phones (roughly iPhone XS and newer, and recent Android models). Providers like Saily sell Greece and Europe data plans you can activate in minutes; compare current plans and sizes for your trip length. This is the simplest choice for a short visit.
A local SIM card
For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM can work out cheaper. Greece has just three mobile networks — Cosmote (the largest, with the best overall coverage), Vodafone and Nova — and effectively no budget "virtual" carriers (MVNOs), so there's no cheaper alternative-brand SIM to hunt for the way there is in some countries; for a short trip an eSIM is usually the more economical route. Buy a local SIM at a carrier shop in the city centre — you'll need your passport, as prepaid SIMs must be registered — top it up with a data bundle, and you're set. A few kiosks and airport counters sell them too, though a proper carrier shop gives you the best range of plans. (Prices change, so check the current bundles in-store.)
Coverage and speed
Mobile coverage in Thessaloniki is good: 4G is everywhere in the city and 5G is widespread across the centre, comfortably fast for maps, calls and streaming. All three networks run 5G, with nationwide population coverage now above 90%, so whichever SIM or eSIM you end up on you'll get modern speeds. You'll have signal on the seafront, up in Ano Poli, and on the metro. Out on day trips, coverage stays solid on the main routes and towns, thinning only in the remote mountains. Café, hotel and restaurant Wi-Fi is common throughout the city too.
Which should you choose?
- EU/EEA visitors: nothing to do — use your home plan.
- UK visitors: check your roaming terms; get an eSIM if your carrier charges.
- Short non-EU trip: an eSIM, sorted before you fly.
- Longer non-EU stay: a local Cosmote or Vodafone SIM for the best per-GB value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eSIM for Thessaloniki?
Only if your home plan doesn't cover you cheaply. EU and EEA visitors roam free on their existing plans and need nothing extra. UK visitors should check whether their carrier still includes EU roaming. Travellers from outside Europe usually save money with an eSIM or a local SIM rather than paying home-roaming rates.
Does EU roaming work in Greece?
Yes. Greece is in the EU, so under "roam like at home" rules European visitors use their normal home allowance for calls, texts and data at no extra charge, subject to any fair-use limits. Just enable data roaming on arrival.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Thessaloniki?
At the shops of the main networks — Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova — in the city centre, and at some kiosks and airport counters. Bring your passport, since prepaid SIMs have to be registered. A carrier shop gives you the widest choice of data bundles.
Is the mobile signal good in Thessaloniki?
Yes. 4G covers the whole city and 5G is widespread in the centre, with reliable signal on the waterfront, in Ano Poli and on the metro. Coverage stays strong on day-trip routes and towns, dropping only in remote mountain areas.
