Last updated on March 5th, 2024 at 05:02 am
Looking to get a SIM Card in Crete at Heraklion Airport (Heraklion airport SIM Card)? While Vodafone and Cosmote and great physical SIM options, Holafly is great for eSIM option.
We’re taking a deep dive into this guide to help you choose the best Heraklion SIM Card to remain connected during your Greek adventure.
Visiting Crete on your next trip? Looking for the best guide on getting SIM card in Crete or Heraklion airport SIM Card purchase?
Landing at Heraklion Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Heraklion Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Cosmote the leading SIM card providers in Crete and Greece.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Crete. For eSIM options, you can opt for Go for Holafly or Airalo.
If you are going from Heraklion Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 10 minutes by taxi and 20 minutes by public transportation.
Landing in Heraklion, with its mesmerizing Mediterranean landscapes and ancient ruins, is truly an experience to cherish. In today’s digital age, staying connected is paramount.
Whether you’re visiting Crete for a fleeting visit or an extended sojourn, grasping your connectivity options is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding SIM card choices in Heraklion.
Related Travel Guides:
WHERE TO STAY IN HERAKLION
You can sleep in a dorm room or a room from €10-25, while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as €50. There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from €100.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN HERAKLION
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Navigating Heraklion Airport – Heraklion Airport SIM Card
Terminal Building – Heraklion Airport
Heraklion Airport, the primary gateway to Crete, is designed for seamless navigation, easing your quest to obtain a local SIM card upon arrival. Once you land, you’ll find various facilities within the terminal to assist you.
While the airport doesn’t have a dedicated SIM card kiosk, you can find vendors outside the airport or inside with local providers like Cosmote and Vodafone. The data packages aren’t so bad since they have good offers are pretty similar to buying a sim card in Crete at the phone store.
For the shopaholics, the duty-free shop and other retail outlets might present an opportunity to grab a local phone accessory or two.
And if the hunger pangs strike amidst your SIM card hunt, the airport houses two full-service restaurants and several cafes offering a blend of traditional Greek and international cuisines.
Wi-Fi and Internet Connectivity:
As you step into Heraklion Airport, you’re greeted with free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, a boon for travelers needing to make online communications or last-minute travel adjustments. While you sort out your SIM card situation, the airport’s Wi-Fi ensures you remain connected.
In case you opt for a digital SIM or need to download eSIM profiles, the Wi-Fi connectivity at the airport comes in handy. Our recommended eSIM purchases are discussed later in this guide.
Additionally, the airport lounge offers a quieter space with Wi-Fi access for any data-related tasks you might have before heading out to explore Crete.
Top SIM Card Options in Crete
Cosmote is a top choice for its superior 4G/5G network coverage, making it ideal for tourists, especially those exploring various islands in Greece.
Cosmote Crete Sim Card
- COSMOKARTA:
- With a top-up of 14€, you get 15 GB data valid for 30 days.
- With a top-up of 20€ you get 30 GB data valid for 30 days.
Cosmote has the best coverage for sim card in Crete. Check out the exact location of Cosmote stores in Crete.
Vodafone Crete Sim Card
- Vodafone Greece / Vodafone Greece (Crete SIM Card) boasts expansive 4G services across the islands.
- Data Packages: Prepaid plans start at €20 for 15 GB and unlimited national calls.
Vodafone is the cheapest sim card in Crete and you can get unlimited data for only €30. Check out the exact location of Vodafone stores in Crete.
Orange Crete Sim Card
Known for robust network coverage, Vodafone Greece stands as a reliable choice for travelers.
Prepaid Plans:
- 25GB Package:
- For a top-up cost of 20€, you get 25GB data, 200 minutes to all national networks (mobile & fixed) with a duration of 20 days.
Check out the exact location of Orange stores in Crete.
Nova (formerly Wind):
Nova, previously known as Wind, offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards catering to different user needs.
Other Additional Options for SIM Card (Crete SIM Card, Heraklion Airport SIM Card
Orange:
A multinational telecommunications corporation offering SIM and eSIM options with data, text, and call features for many European countries.
Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card:
- 10GB of high-speed internet data, 120 minutes of calls, and 1000 texts valid in 30 European countries.
- 👉🏽 Check it out here.
Orange Europe Prepaid SIM Card
- 10GB internet data in 4G/LTE + 50 mins call in Europe (Different bundles for Spain).
- Supported hotspot and valid for 28 days.
- 👉🏽 Check it out here
Three
A British telecommunications and internet service provider offering prepaid SIM cards with data, text, and calling options in multiple countries.
Three Prepaid European SIM Card:
- 10GB Data, 3000 minutes, and 3000 texts for 30 days.
- 12GB free roaming in 73 destinations including most of Europe.
- 👉🏽 Check it out here.
eSIM Options for Crete SIM Card (Heraklion Airport SIM Card)
Physical SIM cards are progressively giving way to eSIMs, presenting unmatched convenience. Here’s an in-depth look at the eSIMs available:
Benefits of eSIMs:
- Instant Activation: No more waiting for delivery. Scan a QR code, and you’re set.
- Space-Saving: eSIMs are integrated into phones, eliminating the risk of misplacement.
- Flexibility: Store multiple profiles for different countries and switch as required.
- Eco-Friendly: Opt for a sustainable digital alternative.
Airalo – Crete SIM Card
Airalo is an eSIM marketplace offering a variety of data plans for different countries, facilitating seamless connectivity for travelers.
Airalo offers Greece Meraki Mobile eSIMs with the following options:
- 1 GB of data valid for 7 days at $5 USD.
- 2 GB of data valid for 15 days at $9 USD.
- 3 GB of data valid for 30 days at $12 USD.
- 5 GB of data valid for 30 days at $15 USD
Holafly
Holafly provides unlimited virtual SIM card options with calls included for Greece. The plans range from 5 to 90 days with prices starting at $19 USD and going up to $99 USD. Upon activating the eSIM, you’ll receive an Austrian (+43) phone number. The service connects to either Vodafone Greece or Cosmote depending on which has a better connection in your area.
Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile offers a range of prepaid and unlimited data eSIM plans for Greece with the following options:
- 3 GB Data Pass valid for 5 to 30 days at $0 USD.
- 5 GB Data Pass valid for 5 to 30 days at $0 USD.
- 10 GB Data Pass valid for 5 to 30 days at $0 USD.
- 20 GB Data Pass valid for 5 to 30 days at $0 USD.
- Unlimited Data Pass valid for 5 to 30 days at $0 USD.
- Europe+ Unlimited Data Pass (covering 30 countries) valid for 5 to 30 days at $18 USD
These eSIM options from Airalo, Holafly, and Maya Mobile provide a variety of data plans to cater to different user needs, offering flexibility and connectivity for travelers visiting Greece.
Our Best SIM Card Recommendations for Crete SIM Card and SIM Card Heraklion Airport
Price (Crete SIM Card)
- Low Budget: For travelers on a budget, Airalo eSIM options stand out with their $5 USD plans, for 1GB, good if you know you only need some data and will have wifi access most of the time
- Moderate Budget: The Three UK Data SIM Card priced at $25.99 for 3GB of data valid for 60 days is a good option
Signal (SIM Card Heraklion Airport)
- Local Providers: Cosmote and Vodafone Greece are known for their superior network coverage in Greece and are likely to provide reliable signal quality in Crete/Heraklion
- Roaming: If preferring a roaming option, Holafly connects to either Vodafone Greece or Cosmote, ensuring a strong signal, and also provides an unlimited data option with calls included
Unlimited Data – Crete SIM Card
- eSIM: Both Holafly and Maya Mobile offer unlimited data eSIM plans, with Holafly providing 60 minutes call feature as well
- Physical SIM: If you prefer a physical SIM, travelers might need to explore local stores in Heraklion for unlimited data options upon arrival.
Conclusion:
- For budget-conscious travelers, Airalo eSIM plans or the Three UK Data SIM Card could be cost-effective choices.
- For those prioritizing reliable signal, opting for a SIM card from Cosmote or Vodafone Greece upon arrival or choosing Holafly eSIM are advisable routes.
- If unlimited data and/or calls are a priority, Holafly eSIM would be a solid choice, especially for those planning extended stays.
Each traveler’s needs may vary, so considering the balance between price, signal reliability, and data allowance is crucial for making an informed decision on the best SIM or eSIM option for a hassle-free connectivity experience in Crete/Heraklion.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.