Not sure if you’re going to want to use your smartphone when you’re traveling in Greece? If you’re like me, your answer is a resounding “YES!!!” The idea of going somewhere new without some of my favorite travel apps is kind of scary! But I don’t want you to be scared, so below I outline the details of how to use your phone in Greece, and it’s probably easier than you think! There are two main options, and of course the third option is not having your smartphone at all!

The most important thing to do is to check with your mobile carrier about international data and cellular plans. Nearly all US-based mobile carriers have international plans which include data and cellular services. 

Depending on the price, you might consider opting for purchasing a Greek SIM card. This isn’t always the easiest option, but if you’re even just a little tech savvy, you’ll be rewarded with a cheap and easy alternative to costly international plans. Here’s what you need to know: Your phone has to be unlocked - your carrier can tell you if your phone is unlocked, and they can unlock it for you if it’s not.

There are several Greek cell phone services, and they’re all pretty comparable. You can find retail shops around Athens and nearly all towns and islands, and a couple even have kiosks inside the arrivals lobby of the airport. These carriers provide convenient pay-as-you-go options specifically designed for tourists. It’s economical and pretty easy.

Athens International Airport has free public Wifi, and you will find that nearly all major hotels do too! If you’re staying in short term rentals, most will have WiFi, though it can be slow or unreliable at times. I recommend reading reviews which will often give you a good idea if there are problems with the WiFi. Even restaurants and coffee shops generally offer free WiFi (pronounced “weefee”, which cracks me up every time.) Greece is becoming more and more internet connected every day! Despite all this, I highly recommend trying to disconnect as much as possible while you travel! Try living life “Siga, Siga” like the Greeks do!

All that said, I do have some recommendations for apps for your trip to Greece. Depending on how tech-dependent you are (I am *very* that, so no shade) you might want some or all of them. You might even have some of them already! Take what you need, leave the rest!