Greece eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIM Routes works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIM Routes. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIM Routes plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIM Routes travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIM Routes plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

No, roaming in Greece with your UK (O2, EE, Vodafone) or US SIM card is generally not free and can be very expensive.

This is a common roaming trap for travelers. While your UK or US SIM card will technically "work" in Greece, allowing you to make calls and use data, your home network will almost certainly charge significant fees. Post-Brexit, most UK carriers like O2, EE, and Vodafone have reintroduced daily roaming charges for using your phone in Greece. Similarly, US and Canadian providers often charge high "Day Pass" fees.

• **UK Networks (O2, EE, Vodafone):** Expect daily roaming fees, typically £2-£6 per day.
• **US & Canadian Networks (e.g., AT&T, Verizon):** Be prepared for expensive "Day Pass" charges, often $10-$14 daily.
• **The Roaming Trap:** These daily fees apply to your data, calls, and texts, quickly accumulating to high costs.

These daily charges quickly add up, making data roaming in Greece far more expensive than expected. A popular and significantly cheaper alternative for many travelers is to use a prepaid eSIM, which offers a one-time fee for your data needs without recurring daily charges.

Yes, absolutely. Our eSIM plan covers all the Greek islands, not just the mainland. You will have a strong 4G/5G signal in Athens, Thessaloniki, and on all major islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, and Santorini. 

Yes, for most of the journey. The ferry routes between the main islands (Piraeus -> Mykonos -> Santorini) are very busy and have excellent 4G coverage. While you may briefly lose signal in the deepest open water, you will be connected for 95% of your trip, allowing you to stream or browse while sailing. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Greece (and the EU). This is a critical point. If you are on a cruise that stops in Kuşadası (Turkey) or take a ferry from Corfu to Albania, your connection will stop as they are not in the EU. For this, we highly recommend our Europe Regional eSIM, which covers both Greece and Turkey. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical "Tourist SIM" at Athens Airport (from Vodafone, Cosmote, etc.) requires waiting in long queues (especially after a big flight lands) and going through a mandatory passport registration process as required by EU law. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly, so you are connected the moment you land. 

Our Greece eSIM connects to Greece’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically Cosmote or Vodafone Greece, ensuring you get the best speed and coverage. Cosmote is widely regarded as the top provider in Greece, known for its fastest speeds and the most extensive 5G/LTE coverage, particularly beneficial when exploring the Greek islands. Vodafone Greece also offers excellent network performance across the country, providing reliable connectivity for your travels.

Choosing an eSIM for Greece offers several advantages for travelers looking for easy, reliable connectivity:

• Instant Online Delivery: Get your eSIM delivered digitally, no physical SIM card needed.
• Simple QR Code Activation: Activate your service quickly by scanning a QR code, connecting you to networks like Cosmote or Vodafone.
• Prepaid Convenience: Enjoy a prepaid data plan without contracts or unexpected roaming charges.
• Seamless Network Access: Automatically connect to the best available Tier-1 network, including Cosmote's extensive 5G/LTE coverage.

This seamless setup means you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, whether you're navigating Athens, relaxing on a beach in Mykonos, or exploring ancient ruins. You'll have peace of mind knowing you're connected to Greece's best networks without the hassle of traditional roaming.

Yes. Wi-Fi in many "cave" hotels and Airbnbs in Oia (Santorini) or Mykonos Town is notoriously slow, congested, and shared with all guests. A personal eSIM gives you a private, fast 4G/5G connection that works in your room, by the pool, and, most importantly, on the beach, where hotel Wi-Fi never reaches. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing. 

 Yes. Free Now is the most popular taxi app in Greece (Uber is limited to taxis), and reliable data is essential to book rides in Athens or Thessaloniki. 

 Yes. Coverage is generally strong near the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, allowing you to upload photos of the "floating rocks" instantly.