Travel Guide 2026
UK travelersBest eSIM for Greece from the UK
Greece for UK travelers: eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM. Stay online on islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) and avoid daily roaming charges on week-long holidays.
A Greece holiday usually means island time: transfers, ferry schedules, beach clubs, and navigation on unfamiliar roads. That is exactly when you do not want to rely on hotel WiFi.
What matters for Greece (from the UK)
- Island coverage: main towns are strong; remote coves can be weaker - having the right partner network matters.
- Setup before travel: install on WiFi before you fly; connect on landing in Athens or at the island airport.
- Predictable spend: avoid daily roaming fees that add up on longer holidays.
- Hotspot: useful for workations and families (device-dependent).
Local networks in Greece
Your data uses partner networks (e.g. Vodafone (5G), Wind (5G)). 5G may be available in major cities and some island hubs; LTE still covers most tourist usage.
Comparison: roaming vs local SIM vs eSIM
| Option | Setup time | Good for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM (TimeTransfers) | 2-3 minutes on WiFi | Most UK holidays | Needs eSIM-compatible unlocked phone |
| UK roaming | Automatic | Short stays | Daily fees + fair-use limits |
| Local SIM | Store visit | Long stays | Time cost + registration/ID checks |
| Resort WiFi | Instant | In-hotel browsing | Often congested in the evenings |
Our recommendation for Greece
For island trips, a prepaid eSIM is usually the best balance: fast setup, predictable spend, and reliable mobile data for transfers and navigation.
FAQ
Is an eSIM worth it for a Greece holiday from the UK?
Often yes. Since Brexit, many UK plans charge a daily fee for roaming in Europe. On a 7-14 day Greece trip that can add up. A prepaid eSIM keeps costs predictable.
Will it work on islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu?
In most tourist areas yes. Cities and main roads usually have strong coverage; remote coves and mountain roads can vary by network.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. The eSIM provides data and your UK SIM can stay active for calls/SMS while WhatsApp keeps your number.
How do I install it?
Right after purchase we email an iOS/Android install link and a QR code. Install on WiFi before travel, then connect on arrival.
Is hotspot allowed?
Usually yes (device-dependent). Useful for sharing internet during ferry transfers or in hotels with weak WiFi.
What if my hotel WiFi is slow?
That is a common reason to use an eSIM. Your own mobile data avoids congested resort WiFi during peak evening hours.