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More cost effective - a Greece SIM card or Consumer Cellular International Roaming?

Anticipating very few phone calls but possible data use if rental car nav system is a problem, am wondering which is better for upcoming 12 day Naxos trip - CC International Roaming rates: phone 6 cents @ minute, text 1c @ message, data $7 @ gig, vs. a Vodaphone SIM card.

Was warned by CC person that they don't recommend using the foreign SIM cards because of potential phone damage - the phone may not work back in the US. And if this happens my iPhone (3rd gen SE) still under warranty will not be covered.

Thank you in advance

Posted by
64 posts

There are plans for 14 days that cost less than $30.00. I have used a European eSIM or physical SIM on 8 trips without any problem in my iPhone. Usually use around 5-6 GB of data on it per trip along with WiFi in the hotels. Vendors in the Athens airport charge an extra €12.50 for a plan. If your iPhone utilizes an eSIM order one ahead of time to save standing in line at the airport. There is a web site (Traveltomtom) that has recommendations for Greece.
Also if you do not have a VPN app for your phone recommend using one when you connect to any WiFi.

Posted by
1289 posts

I always get a Cosmote SIM card when I arrive in Greece.

Available at Germanos Stores or even from street sellers in Athens.

There is a Vodophone kiosk at the airport but doesn't sell Cosmote SIM cards but I hear it works well also.

Inexpensive and works well all over Greece including rural areas.

Posted by
732 posts

I used consumer cellular international coverage for my recent 26 days in Italy. I use my phone continually for google maps, reading history of places I’m touring during the day, texting my husband and others etc. I never did make any phone calls. My bill came to roughly $17. I’m definitely doing it again in Oct when I go to France.

Posted by
29 posts

After Lyndash's reply I opted for CC AND the reason my phone would not be covered under warranty is that until I own it, it is locked and wouldn't accept a SIM card. That would have been interesting since CC activates the phone before it leaves the US. Would have been a great way to start a vacation with my wife's flip phone.