How to call from Greece? Calls, SMS, Data Usage, Internet

On vacation or living in Greece, we all need to keep in touch. The cell phone has become indispensable. How to call from Greece? Can I use my phone plan? Here are some tips…

I’m a tourist in Greece: calling and using the internet via my cell phone

Since June 15, 2017, a negotiation at the European level has put an end to phone roaming charges (also known as roaming) practiced by operators.

This is good news for one-time users. And especially for Europeans visiting Greece. This means that you can use your package call and SMS in your country of residence (Europe) or in Greece.

However, concerning the use of data (internet), it will be more limited. You will not be able to use your entire package in Greece. You need to calculate beforehand how many Giga you can consume in a month.

The calculation is as follows: price of your monthly subscription / 7.7€ x2 = the number of Giga you can use in Europe.

For example: For a 19.9€ subscription, you will only be able to use 5.16 Giga during the month in Greece. (i.e. 19.9€/7.7×2)

Some operators are more generous and have special offers. Ask your operator for information with your operator before you leave.

I am a resident in Greece: what are the solutions to call and use the internet via my cell phone?

Phone plans in Greece are generally much more expensive much more expensive than in France. Unlimited packages are rare and packages under 30€ are usually very limited in calls, SMS and data. This is a real budget that should not be underestimated.

You can make the wise choice to keep a French phone. This will allow you to:

Keep a French number, very useful or even essential for certain operations: for example your bank or your insurance.
Do not “disappear” from your French contacts.
Benefit from your call and SMS package in Greece (see paragraph above).

Nevertheless, you should know that if you use more of your plan in Greece than in the national territory over a period of 4 monthsyour operator may ask you to clarify your situation. You risk being overcharged by 3.2 cents per minute of call, 1 cent per SMS and 7.7 euros per GB consumed.

If you choose a Greek laptophere are some practical tips:

In order to subscribe to a Greek line, you will need to be in possession of a ΑΦΜ (obtainable from the Greek authorities)
Take a good look at the formulas: call, SMS, data and check your consumption regularly. In France, we are used to unlimited calls and the first bills can be painful.
Use wifi as much as possible. Almost all public places have them (cafes, museums, airport…) Using WhatsApp or Skype, you can communicate “for free”.
In Greece, there are also formulas without subscription by prepaid card. Practical for those who stay only a few months.
The main operators are : Cosmote, Vodaphone and Wind. Their formulas change regularly. If you settle down, look at their triple play offer (TV, Fixed, Mobile) often interesting.