Last updated on November 26th, 2023 at 07:17 pm
Looking to get a Crete SIM Card 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.
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:
- SIM Card in the Greek Islands
- Best Europe eSIM with Phone Number for Tourists
- Most Recommended Travel Insurance for Greece
- SIM Card vs eSIM
- How to get from Heraklion Airport to City Center
- eSIM Greece unlimited data
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, the numerous retail outlets might offer SIM card options. In the absence of a SIM card outlet at the airport, worry not; Heraklion city, a short ride away, has stores of local providers like Cosmote and Vodafone.
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 Heraklion – Heraklion Airport SIM Card
Cosmote
Cosmote is a top choice for its superior 4G/5G network coverage, making it ideal for tourists, especially those exploring various islands in Greece.
Prepaid Plans:
- COSMOKARTA:
- With a top-up of 12€, you get the COSMOKAPTA COMBO TO ALL bundle for 10,90€.
- With a top-up of 15€ or more, the COSMOKAPTA COMBO UNLIMITED bundle is activated for 13,50€
- Unlimited Data Package:
- For just 12 EUR, you can get a prepaid data sim offering unlimited data in Greece, with 12GB of data for use outside of Greece in the EU
Vodafone Greece
- Vodafone Greece / Vodafone Greece (Crete SIM Card) boasts expansive 4G services across the islands.
- Data Packages: Prepaid plans start at €15 for 6GB and unlimited national calls.
Orange:
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
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.