Chapter 1 of 8
Choose your connection before buying another SIM
Before you even think about buying a new SIM, check what your current mobile plan offers for Greece. If it includes enough data and calls for your trip, there's really no point in getting anything else. But if your provider charges a fortune for roaming, a separate plan is a smart move, even for a short holiday. Here's how I would decide what's right for you:
- Stick with your home plan if roaming in Greece is included and you have enough data for your needs.
- Get a local prepaid SIM if you want a Greek phone number for calls, need lots of data, and don't mind visiting a shop to get set up.
- Choose an eSIM if you have a compatible phone and want everything sorted before you land. Our EIOTCLUB eSIM guide for Greece walks you through it.
- Rely on Wi-Fi only if you're truly okay with being offline while you're out and about exploring.
Chapter 2 of 8
Our recommendation for UK and non-EU visitors: an eSIM before you land
If you're from the UK or outside the EU and your home plan has expensive roaming fees for Greece, I strongly advise against waiting until you arrive to find a SIM shop. Get it sorted before you go.
As I mentioned, I use both a local SIM and an EIOTCLUB eSIM. What I really appreciate about EIOTCLUB is its simple app, which lets me track my data use and top up easily if I'm running low. Just remember that most travel eSIMs are data-only, so they don't include a phone number for calls. To see which plan I recommend and how to install it, have a look at my guide on How to Stay Connected in Greece: SIMs, eSIMs & Roaming.
- Install your eSIM at home so you can get online for maps and messages right from the airport.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if needed, but switch off its data roaming to avoid charges.
- Use the EIOTCLUB app to keep an eye on your usage and buy more data if you need it.
Chapter 3 of 8
Check what roaming in Greece actually includes
If you have an EU mobile plan, you’ve probably heard of 'roam like at home'. For a short trip to Greece, it generally means calls, texts, and data cost the same as they do back home. But 'generally' is the key word here; it's not a free-for-all.
Your provider can apply 'fair use' limits, which means your huge unlimited data plan at home might turn into a much smaller allowance in Greece. I always tell people to check their specific data cap for Greece before they fly.
For anyone with a UK or other non-EU phone plan, you can't assume anything. EU roaming rules don't apply to you. Your provider might offer a good deal for Greece, or they might charge extortionate pay-per-use rates. You have to check your exact tariff.
Also, remember that data for the internet is separate from making phone calls. If you plan to call local Greek numbers, confirm those costs too.
Chapter 4 of 8
Avoid accidental Turkish-network roaming
This is one of my most important tips for Rhodes. Because we're so close to the Turkish coast, your phone can easily latch onto a Turkish network in certain spots. It can happen near the coast, so keep an eye on your phone's display.
Your phone thinks you're in Turkey, which is not in the EU, and I've known visitors get hit with huge roaming bills as a result. You haven't left Greece, but your provider's non-EU charges kick in. Please be careful.
- Pay attention to the welcome text messages from operators when you arrive and check which network name is on your screen.
- If your phone picks up a Turkish network, go into your settings, turn off automatic network selection, and manually choose a Greek one.
- Switch off data roaming on any SIM card if you're not 100% sure of the charges.
- If you want to be completely safe, you can disable that SIM entirely or put your phone in flight mode and just use Wi-Fi.
Data roaming off is not the same as all roaming off
Just so you know, turning off 'data roaming' only stops internet access. You can still make and receive calls and texts, and you could be charged for them. Check those rates separately. If you're using a travel eSIM that needs data roaming to work, make sure you follow its setup instructions.
Be careful on boat trips too
This is another trap. The 'roam like at home' rules apply to land-based mobile towers, not the satellite systems used on many boats. My advice is simple: switch your phone to flight mode when you're on a boat trip unless you're absolutely sure about the connection and costs.
Chapter 5 of 8
Buying a local SIM card in Rhodes
If you decide a local prepaid SIM is the best choice for you, your best bet is to visit a shop for one of the main Greek networks like Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, or Nova. Don't just assume one is better than the others; I'd recommend comparing the packages they offer for tourists.
Before you make a special trip, it’s a good idea to check their opening times and ask what ID you need to bring. My main piece of advice here is not to rely on getting this done the second you land at the airport.
- Is my phone compatible with this SIM? Is it unlocked?
- What is the total price, how much data is included, and when does it expire?
- Does this plan include local Greek calls and texts, or is it just data?
- How do I top up if I run out of data? Can I use it as a hotspot?
- Could you please help me activate it to make sure it's working before I leave the shop?
Where an eSIM fits
An eSIM means you don't have to swap physical cards, but you must check if your specific phone model is compatible and whether you get a phone number for calls. If you want my opinion, sorting out an eSIM before you fly is much easier. You can compare EIOTCLUB plans for Greece in our full eSIM guide.
Chapter 6 of 8
What to expect from hotel and café Wi-Fi
You'll find that most hotels, cafés, and restaurants in Rhodes offer free Wi-Fi to customers. You'll usually have to ask for the password, though sometimes it's printed on the menu or a little sign.
My advice is to treat 'free Wi-Fi' as a bonus, not a guarantee of a perfect connection. In my experience, the signal can be great in the lobby but non-existent in your room or by the pool. When everyone logs on in the evening, it can slow to a crawl.
For checking emails and messages, it's usually fine. But if you have an important work call, I'd ask about the connection quality in your specific room, not just at the reception.
- Does the Wi-Fi actually work in my room, or just in public areas?
- Is the connection strong enough for something like a video call?
- What's the mobile signal like in the room as a backup?
Chapter 7 of 8
Prepare for weaker signal away from the resorts
You'll find a pretty reliable connection in the main tourist hubs like Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Lindos. But once you head into the mountains or explore the more remote parts of the island, don't be surprised if your signal disappears. No SIM card or roaming plan can guarantee 100% coverage here.
That's why I always recommend downloading offline maps before you set off for the day. I also make sure I have my hotel's address and phone number saved somewhere I can access without internet — don't wait until you're lost and the map won't load!
Having key addresses written down is also a smart backup. For talking to people outside the tourist bubble, my guide to language in Rhodes will help.
I never leave for a day of exploring without a fully charged power bank, and you can check you have the right charger with the Rhodes plug and voltage guide.
It's also a good idea to save your bank's card-blocking number offline, as I explain in my cash and card advice for Rhodes.
Chapter 8 of 8
Your connection checklist before arrival
So, let's pull this all together. If your home plan is good enough for Greece, stick with it. If not, I think your best bet is to arrange an eSIM before you leave, especially if you're from outside the EU. Our EIOTCLUB eSIM guide for Greece makes it easy.
Then, you can use hotel Wi-Fi as a backup. If you have more questions about the practical side of visiting Rhodes, you'll likely find the answer in my full list of Rhodes practical travel questions.
- Check your home plan's exact roaming costs and data limits for Greece.
- If you buy a new plan, confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible first.
- Download offline maps and save key contact details before you leave your hotel.
- When you arrive, check you're on a Greek network, not a Turkish one.
- Test your connection as soon as you can, and keep a power bank handy.
Sources and product information
Frequently asked questions
Which eSIM do you recommend for Rhodes?
I personally use and recommend EIOTCLUB, especially for non-EU visitors with a compatible, unlocked phone. It's what I use alongside my local Greek SIM. My full guide explains how to set it up, but just be aware that most plans are data-only and you need to check phone compatibility first.
How much mobile data should I buy for Rhodes?
A good way to estimate is to look at your phone's data usage for the last month. Then, think about how much more you might use in Rhodes for things like maps, video calls, or streaming. My advice is to choose a plan that you can easily top up, rather than buying a massive package you might not need.
Should I buy a SIM just because I am staying for two weeks?
No, not automatically. The length of your stay doesn't matter as much as the quality of your existing roaming plan. If your home plan gives you enough data for two weeks in Greece at a good price, there's no reason to buy a new SIM. It's all about comparing the total cost and what you get.
Does a travel data plan let me make ordinary phone calls?
Usually, no. This is a common point of confusion. Most travel eSIMs and data plans are 'data-only', meaning they don't come with a phone number for making or receiving traditional calls. If you need to phone hotels or restaurants, you'll need a plan that specifically includes voice calls, or you'll have to use your home SIM.