Mts in greece for tourists. Communications and communications in Greece

Local SIM cards in Greece: is it worth connecting?

Holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular. Our compatriots often choose this direction. Therefore, the issue of inexpensive mobile communications is relevant. Previously, most travelers opted for local starter packages, however, this option is not the most convenient. Since many countries have their own subtleties with the purchase of a SIM card, its activation, in addition, not all offers are advantageous in terms of price.

In Greece, the following companies provide cellular services:

• space;
• Vodafone;
• wind.

Of course, they are not the only ones, there are also virtual or child branches. Which greatly complicates the choice for the tourist. Therefore, if you decide to take a local SIM card, it is better to study the tariff plans in advance, at least in general terms. Otherwise, you can spend more than in the case of roaming from a Russian operator.

The Cosmote operator offers its subscribers quality services - the country coverage is excellent, but the data transfer speed leaves much to be desired, at least for now. Wind pleases with its affordable rates, but coverage is a minus. In remote areas, it is quite possible to be left without communication. Note that in Greece you need to choose the right starter package and tariff plan based on your preferences: there are SIM cards only for voice services, the Internet or sending SMS messages. The cost of mobile Internet in the case of local tariffs is not the lowest. So, for 120 MB, a subscriber who has chosen Cosmote must pay 3 euros.

In addition to the unfavorable cost, I also want to note that only an adult can activate a SIM card (since identification is required). Be vigilant: if you are offered more expensive packages (together with a 3G modem), do not agree. This is such a trick from local sellers.

As you can see, today buying a SIM card from Greek operators is no longer the best option. You can connect really inexpensive Internet in Greece from an international company.

Inexpensive mobile Internet in Greece for tourists

There is plenty to choose from for a tourist who is going on vacation. We bring to your attention such tariffs for connection. By the way, all the proposed SIM cards are universal (that is, they work in more than one country, you can travel the world with them).

• The cellular mobile operator Globalsim allows the subscriber to connect the SmartData 1GB package for $19 per month. Plus, the client can make very cheap calls to Russia - 3 rubles per minute. SIM card works in 200 countries
• Orange tariff Go Europe - 1 euro for every 100 MB. The SIM card works in Europe (36 countries).
• In addition to Globalsim and Orange, we offer to evaluate the tariffs of Vodafone (Italy), Ortel Mobile (Germany) for Europe and Greece, more details on the Euroroaming website

Everyone knows that international communication very expensive and if you go abroad with your SIM card, then call from Greece to Russia will be very expensive. The question immediately arises, how is it better to contact relatives and friends, being in the territory of another country, in particular, Greece? The best solution would be to purchase local sim card or connecting a special tariff, thanks to which you will not have to part with your SIM card.

So, to begin with, we will offer information for reflection: we will tell you which mobile operators operate in Greece and what tariffs they offer. Only by collecting complete information, it will be possible to conclude whether it is worth considering local rates Or is it better to purchase a limited plastic card for a vending machine phone. There are three operators providing mobile services in Greece:

• space;
• Vodafone;
• wind.

The above operators are large, each of them has child operators, or virtual ones: Cosmote - Frog Mobile; Vodafone-Tazamobile; Wind – Q. All three mobile operators provide 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE data services.

Mobile operatorspace has the best coverage in the country, but its data exchange speed is not very good. European operatorWind offers the lowest mobile phone and internet rates, but coverage is not the best.

SIM cards in Gretions are available in many stores in the country, but they will not work without activation. In order to activate the SIM card, you need an identity card. According to Greek law, young people under the age of 18 are not allowed to activate a SIM card on their own.

Tourists should be aware that in stores they will try to sell starter packs at a higher price (offering packages with a 3G modem), justifying this by saying that the usual starter packs are out of stock. Keep in mind, where there are starter packs with attached modems, there are bound to be regular starter packs.

All mobile operators gretsai provide various packages and tariff plans. So, there are packages only for making calls and exchanging text messages, and there are also separate packages only for data exchange.

Let's take a closer look at mobile operators in Greece and their services.

Mobile operator Cosmote

Telecommunications operatorspace is the largest provider of mobile communications and Internet services in Greece. In addition, it should be noted that it has the best 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE coverage. Internet at 4G/LTE speed was launched back in 2012, today the coverage has reached 70% of the entire territory of Greece. This speed is provided to absolutely all Cosmote subscribers without any additional payments. This also applies to prepaid tariff packages.

A starter package sold on a prepaid basis is called Cosmokarta. With it, you can make calls and exchange text messages. SIM cards for data exchange are called What's Up. The cost of any sim cardsCosmokarta or What's Up is 5.01 euros without credit on the balance. Buy sim card from the mobile operator Cosmote is possible in company stores, as well as in most stores in the country and at some gas stations, which is not welcomed by local residents.

The proposed tariff lines can be changed. In order to switch from a package for making calls and text messaging to using the Internet, you must send a message with the text ALPAK. The first time the tariff is changed is free of charge, subsequent times the cost of the change will be 3 euros.

Top up sim cardssWhat’ s Up or Cosmokarta, you can online using international bank cards in the amount of 5 to 30 euros or purchase a top-up voucher for 5, 10, 20 or 30 euros. By purchasing a top-up voucher for 30 euros (one-time payment), the operator provides a bonus of 10%. However, it should be noted that there is a 12% telecommunications tax that applies to all top-up vouchers. That is, replenishing the balance sim cardsCosmokarta for 5 euros, in fact you get only 4.86. Keep this in mind when topping up.

Both tariffs have a default data rate of 1 euro per bag per 20 MB at maximum 3G speed. After the end of the provided data limit, the speed will be reduced. For sim cardsCosmokarta and What's Up the following packages can be connected:

Both packages can be activated by sending a free text message to 1330, you can renew the tariff at any convenient time without waiting for its expiration date.

It is necessary to tell about the existing tariffs for data exchange on a prepaid basis:

All of the above packages can be booked, they are called prepaid Internet services. What data volumes are provided within the above tariff packages:

The mobile operator Cosmote offers various formats of SIM cards: standard, combined, micro, nano.

Technical information:

• API: internet

Mobile operator Vodafone

Telecom operator Vodafone is the second largest company providing mobile communication and data exchange services in Greece. Vodafone offers 4G/LTE coverage, but only in a limited area: Athens, Thessaloniki and some others. High-speed data exchange is offered to all subscribers without exception, regardless of the tariff and payment terms.

The tariff plan, which includes the ability to make phone calls, exchange text messages, as well as data, is called Vodafone prepaid or Vodafone CU.

The first tariff starts working only when a prepaid system of 5 euros is installed, starting work with a second SIM card is much easier, for this the balance can even be zero. You can switch from one tariff to another once a month by simply calling 1266.

SIM cardsVodafone it is recommended to purchase in company stores, where they will be quickly and successfully activated. Besides, sim cardsVodafone available in various stores, gas stations and service stations, etc. However, purchased there sim cardsVodafone may not immediately activate, but with some delay.

You can top up your SIM card using vouchers for 10, 15, 20 and 30 euros, which can be purchased at any kiosks, gas stations and shops in the country. In addition, you can top up a SIM card on the mobile operator's website using a bank card or the PayPal electronic payment system.

When replenishing a SIM card, do not forget about the 12% tax, so do not be surprised that after replenishment, you will miss a certain amount of euro cents on your SIM card account.

The data exchange rate is set by default at 1 euro per 15 MB. Two additional packages are offered for both phone calls and data exchange:

The above rates are for smartphones and can be obtained by calling to activate the SIM card or by sending a text message.

European operatorVodafone developed international tariff especially for tourists and travelers. It's brand new tariff "International". Possibilities of use sim cardsInternational:

On rateInternational Vodafone you can also switch from Vodafone prepaid and Vodafone CU tariffs. SIM cardInternational are international calls with the biggest discounts: 50-90 minutes within 30 days to any mobile and landline phones in the EU, as well as 160 minutes in the USA for only 5 euros.

For those who do not need to make phone calls and exchange text messages (Internet for a tablet, for example), Vodafone offers sim cardsKartointernet with the speed of 2G and 3G, which can be purchased only in the operator's branded stores.

The starter package includes a maximum amount of data of 2 GB provided for a period of 15 days. This SIM card supports instant messaging programs, but cannot be used to make phone calls.

Suggested ratesKartointernet:

Vodafone offers the following SIM card formats: combo, standard, micro. SIM card balance checkVodafone is carried out using a free call 1252.

Technical information:

• APN for Kartointernet: web.session
• APN for prepaid SIM cards and CU: webonly.vodafone.gr / internet.vodafone.gr

Mobile operator Wind

The smallest in terms of the number of attracted subscribers and in terms of territorial coverage today in Greece is telecommunications operatorWind. However, along with a small audience and not very good coverage, the speed mobile operatorWind can give quite a good one. 4G/LTE began to operate from the Wind operator only in 2015, and then only in large cities: Athens and Thessaloniki, but gradually it becomes available in other cities of Greece. High-speed Internet is provided to all Wind subscribers without exception, including prepaid tariffs.

The prepaid starter packages are called F2G and include the possibility of telephone calls, text messaging and data exchange. Connect tariffF2 G Wind can be completely free, but it must be immediately replenished by 10, 15, or 30 euros. It is worth noting that telecommunications operatorWind provides quite high bonuses if you replenish the balance sim cardsF2 G online using an international bank card or through the PayPal electronic payment system. Replenishing sim cardF2 G Wind online for 10 euros or more in one calendar month, the subscriber receives 1 GB of data completely free of charge.

It turns out that telecommunications operatorWind offers quite good conditions when buying a SIM card for 5 euros:

• 0.55 euros on the balance sheet;
• 60 minutes of telephone conversations within the country;
• 50 text messages;
• 20 MB valid
• action 30 days.

If you replenish the SIM card not immediately in the store, but later via the Internet, you will receive additional bonuses.

By default, the cost of 1 MB of data is 1 euro per day. Therefore, in order not to overpay, it is worth considering the following options for connecting package services:

Tariff packageGiga Surf can be activated up to 4 times a month. Besides, telecommunications operatorWind offers a dedicated Blender project that includes:

• 400 minutes of telephone calls within the country;
• 100 domestic text messages and/or 1 GB of data for €8 for a period of 30 days.

Mobile operatorWind offers SIM cards designed for data exchange only. There are three ways to connect the package:

• SIM: 3 GB for 30 days for 14.90 euros;
• SIM with 3G USB modem: 3 GB for 30 days for 29.90 euros;
• SIM with 3G Wi-Fi router: 3 GB for 30 days for 49.90 euros.

Technical data:

• APN: gint.b-online.gr / or / gnet.b-online.gr

Here we have described the proposals of the three main operators mobile phone in Greece. Greece is a country quite popular among Russian tourists. Here you can find many interesting historical sights, and resort holidays for every taste. In this regard, the need to use a local SIM card to communicate with relatives in Russia is quite high.

Each mobile operator in Greece (and indeed in any country in the world) offers a wide range of services, which are quite easy to get confused. How expensive will the connection with Russia be? Do I need to buy local SIM cards to call home or can I get my own and use international roaming? This is only a small part of the questions that may be of interest to subscribers.

Modern technologies give today much more opportunities. So, today in Moscow or in other cities of Russia you can buy SIM cards from European mobile operators. And even more importantly, get qualified support in your native language - Russian.

Perhaps you are now wondering where you can get such services? They are provided by special companies (for example, Euroroaming), which have offices in almost every city in Russia, so that tourists and travelers can easily get acquainted with any information of interest about mobile communications and Internet use abroad.

And so you can choose:

Orange(Spain) rate Mundo

• Mundo 1 Gb - 7 euros
• Mundo 2 Gb - 10 euros
• Mundo 3 Gb - 15 euros
• Internet packages are designed for a month, but they can be extended as needed. And the operator does not limit the distribution.

The Estonian operator has appeared on GlobalSim cards . For only $19 you can
connect 1 GB or 2 GB for only $35. The package can be reconnected as needed. You can also set up distribution to third-party devices if you eat with a company.

Operator Three offers 12 GB monthly traffic.

For only 48 euros you get 12 GB of internet in 43 countries. Fast and high quality internet connection. The card is only compatible with 3G and 4G smartphones or tablets.

Megafon operator - option "Internet abroad"

Packages with a mandatory daily subscription fee: 350 rubles. – 70 MB This is a “low” price provided that no other options for voice or SMS services are connected. When they are connected, the amount of payment for packages increases. See more at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/internet_abroad.html

Operator Megafon - option "The whole world" - calls and SMS

Subscription fee - 39 rub. per day Inbox: first 30 minutes per day free of charge, from 31st minute per day Outgoing: according to the roaming tariff of the host country SMS: according to the roaming tariff of the host country The option is valid in Europe. See more at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/allworld.html

Operator Megafon - option "Around the world" - calls and SMS

Subscription fee - 9 rub. per day Inbox: 13 rub./min. Outgoing: 13 rub./min. in Russia and in the host country. Service connected callback - callback SMS: 11 rub. The option is valid in Europe. See more at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/aworld.html

Operator Megafon - option "Packages of minutes" - calls

The package includes 25 minutes for 329 rubles. The package includes 50 minutes for 529 rubles. The option is valid in Europe. See more at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/minute_packs.html Operator Megafon - option "SMS packages" - sms Package 50 SMS for 195 rubles. Package 100 SMS for 295 rubles. Plastic bag "50 SMS Europe" And "100 SMS Worldwide" only valid in European countries. See more details at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/pakety_sms.html Also, you can follow the link and check how prices change when you connect several tariff options at the same time , see more at http://moscow.megafon.ru/roaming/world/?aid=117

MOBILE INTERNET AND BEELINE COMMUNICATIONS IN GREECE

Beeline operator - option "The most profitable Internet in roaming"

Package: 40 MB - 200 rubles. per day.
Further until the end of the day after the package is exhausted - 5 rubles / 1 MB.
The option is valid in Europe. See details at http://moskva.beeline.ru/customers/products/mobile/services/details/mobilneei-internet-v-royminge/

Beeline operator - service "The most profitable roaming" calls and SMS

Package 20 minutes per day 200 rubles.
1 minute before the end of the day after the package is exhausted 10 rubles. in a minute
Outgoing SMS 10 rub.

The option is valid in Europe. See details at http://moskva.beeline.ru/customers/products/mobile/services/details/samiy-vigodniy-rouming/

MOBILE INTERNET AND MTS COMMUNICATIONS IN GREECE

MTS operator - option "Zero without borders" - calls

Daily fee for using the option is 95 rubles. Incoming calls in the host country from the 1st to the 10th minute of the call - free of charge from the 11th minute of the call - 25 rubles / min. Outgoing calls to all Russian numbers 1st minute and from 6th minute at the base rate for roaming in the host country - ?rub/min. Basic rates see more details at http://www.mts.ru/mob_connect/roaming/i_roaming/tariffs/ from the 2nd to the 5th minute of the call - 25 rubles/min. The option is valid in Europe. For more information about the option, see http://www.mts.ru/mob_connect/roaming/i_roaming/discount_roaming/wwb/

MTS operator - option "Free travel" - calls

Subscription fee- 250 rubles. per day 60 minutes are provided for incoming and outgoing calls to Russian numbers From the 61st minute of the call 10 rubles/min. The option is only valid in countries: Australia, Austria, Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Canada, Cyprus, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico , Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, UAE, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, USA, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Japan.
The fee for using the option is deducted daily, regardless of the country of residence and amounts to 190 rubles. per day.

100 SMS for 350 rub.

50 SMS for 250 rub.

The fee is debited in full at the time of connection. The package is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of activation.

Updated 06/17/2017.

When planning a vacation in Greece, for many, the issue of access to high-speed Internet is an urgent issue. As a rule, you should not rely on hotel wifi, especially for those who plan to work there in parallel. In hotels in Greece, wifi is often overloaded and unstable, in addition, sometimes the Internet is available only from the general lobby of the hotel, and not from the room.

Using a SIM card from a Russian operator is also not an option, it is very expensive, even when you connect special travel options 100mb (that's 10-20 open Internet pages) will cost you about 1000 rubles.

The way out is to buy a SIM card from a local operator with access to a 3g or 4g network with a pre-paid tariff.

But there is another option - buying a tourist SIM card. This is the only operator of international tourist SIM cards, where the cost of mobile Internet in almost all countries is comparable to local operators. DrimSim is currently the best in terms of conditions. The cost of the Internet in Greece with a DrimSim SIM card is 1gb - 10 euros. In any case, you should have this card, at least temporarily, in order to always and everywhere be in touch. And for some who use only a smartphone, this may be enough for the whole vacation.

Regarding COSMOTE tariffs:

1 day = 1GB = 5 euros.

5 days = 2GB = 10 euros.

15 days = 3GB = 18 euros.

30 days = 5GB = 30 euros.

For 15-20 euros get a 2GB package (Cosmote Internet On The Go AnyWay 2GB), exceeding 0.0307 per 1mb

For 20-25 euros get a 5GB package (Cosmote Internet On The Go AnyWay 5GB), exceeding 0.0307 per 1mb

Regarding WIND:

Perhaps the most attractive is the monthly tariff (link) - for 20 euros you get 1.5GB per month.

The daily rate is completely ridiculous (link) - for 1 euro per day you get 20mb per day and for every additional 20mb another 1 euro. In general, it is not enough and if you use a lot, then it is expensive.

And there is also a 500MB card for 5 euros (link). For overlimit you will pay 0.10 euros per megabyte.

That's all for now, if something new appears, we will add it to this page.

Internet

Network services are excellent in Greece - in almost all airports, large hotels, shopping streets, some supermarkets, restaurants and other public places, you can find both Internet cafes and wireless access points. On the islands, the picture is somewhat worse, but in Crete, Kos, Mykonos and Rhodes you can also find many hotspots.

Tariffs in Internet cafes are usually from 2 to 4 euros per hour (in Athens - 1.5-4 euros per hour). Almost all hotels and guesthouses provide free Internet for their guests, which distinguishes Greece from the countries of Western Europe, where they like to charge a separate fee for the Internet.

cellular

The mobile communication network covers almost the entire territory of Greece, with the exception of some small islands. Roaming with local operators COSMOTE - Mobile Telecommunications S.A.GSM (GSM 900/1800) www.cosmote.gr , Vodafone-Panafon (GSM 900/1800, 3G, 2100) www.vodafone.gr and Q-Telecom/Wind Hellas Telecommunications S.A. (GSM 900/1800, 3G, 2100) www.wind.com.gr is available to subscribers of major Russian operators.

The coverage is very good, there is cellular communication even in the Athens subway. Local sim-cards can be purchased at the offices of telecom operators, in supermarkets and in any kiosks ("peripteros"). The cost of such a card depends heavily on the operator and service package, but on average they cost from 3-5 to 8-20 euros, roaming within Europe on them is within 0.5 euros. Recharge cards with a face value of 3-6 euros are available in any store, even in the provinces.

It is believed that Q-Telecom offers the most favorable tariffs. For some packages, cellular calls within the country are even cheaper than wired lines (for any number - 0.25-0.3 euros per minute, there are all kinds of special offers and discounts). By the way, in Greece it is allowed to switch to another operator while keeping the number.

Almost all Greek operators provide GPRS services, but some of them are set up automatically, while others require you to call a special number and get instructions.

Telephone communications

Greece's telecommunications system is modern and covers the entire country. Pay phones can be found everywhere. Most devices work with prepaid cards (tilekartes) sold at newsstands. They are designed for a certain number of calls to anywhere in Greece and abroad and cost from 4 to 20 euros. Also in some hotels, bars, restaurants and coffee houses there are phones that work on coins - you can not only call from them in the same way as from a "card" phone, but also receive an incoming call on them.

OTE, FACE and Talk Talk prepaid cards are considered the most optimal for paying local and long distance calls (a 5 euro card includes almost 2.5 hours of prepaid conversation with the Russian Federation), but in general there are a huge number of local tariff plans that imply better conditions for those or other cases. Therefore, when choosing a phone card, it is recommended to describe to the seller where and with what frequency calls will be made, in which case he will be able to suggest the best option. After 20.00 there are various discounts.

It is possible to call from the hotel, but this is much more expensive due to additional taxes (in some hotels it is allowed to call abroad from the room only with a credit card). You can also call from a special telephone bureau or from a pay phone at newsstands, but Skype and Wi-Fi have become the best option lately.

All Greek telephone numbers are ten digits long and include an area code which is not allocated as such. The international country code is 30. To call Greece, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 30 - the area code - the number of the called subscriber. To access international communication from Greece, dial 00 (beep) - country and city code - number of the called subscriber.