How to make calls in Greece using an eSIM
Discover the ways to use your eSIM for calls while in Greece, enriching your vacation experience in this culturally opulent country.
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In today’s world, staying connected while traveling has become essential. With the rise of eSIM technology, making international calls has become more convenient than ever. In this guide, we take you through how to make calls in Greece using an eSIM, from selecting the right plan to understanding dialing formats.
Travelers like you can enjoy seamless communication during their Greek adventure without the hassle of traditional SIM cards
![eSIM-greece-holafly](https://esim.holafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/eSIM-greece-holafly.jpg)
What is an eSIM?
Before starting, it’s essential to understand how an eSIM works and which functionalities it offers.
In short, eSIMs represent a leap from the conventional SIM cards we routinely use to access the internet or call. Because they’re virtual, installation is almost immediate—all without inserting a SIM card into the device. You only need to scan a QR code with the cell phone, and you’ll be connected.
It may seem like a small change, but it makes connectivity very easy when traveling. Since no physical chip is required, you can buy, install, and use one to make calls using data in minutes and from anywhere.
Before checking how to get your eSIM, you must confirm your device is compatibility. It’s still a new technology, and some phones are not supported. After that, you’ll be ready to get one.
Get an eSIM with international calls to Greece
You now know that eSIMs are easy to get, but is this true for international calls to Greece? To include this feature, we have to look for a plan with calls or data in our eSIM.
It’s necessary to have an affordable eSIM for travel because if you use your local services abroad, you may pay high roaming costs or not have coverage in areas outside your country.
![Person calling thanks to eSIM](https://esim.holafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Person-calling-thanks-to-eSIM-1024x683.jpg)
An eSIM with a calling plan allows you to contact landline and mobile phone numbers. On the other hand, an eSIM with data can be used to call through mobile applications such as WhatsApp or Facetime, which include VoIP service and require an internet connection. Where can we buy each of the options?
- eSIM with call plans: Pay special roaming rates or sign up for an international calling service with your carrier. You can also buy local eSIMs in Greece, but the process is uphill for travelers.
- eSIM with data plans: Purchased in online stores that do not ask for many requirements. Some suppliers, such as Holafly, offer immediate delivery almost anywhere.
Now that you understand that you can call using data or minutes and also where you can buy these eSIMs, we will briefly explain how to call in each case.
How to call Greece using an eSIM with calling plans
When you use your local eSIM abroad to make calls, minutes will not be deducted from your local plan. These international calls have special rates. For example, Verizon and AT&T in the USA have rates of $1.99/min to Greece. Therefore, you should confirm with your operator before calling Greece.
You can also try to buy a Greek eSIM once you arrive in the country. The operators there have tourist options that include local phone numbers and minutes. But as you can imagine, buying an eSIM without knowing where you are or speaking the local language is tedious. Having either will allow you to call landlines and mobile phone numbers.
Using an eSIM for landline calls in Greece
Now that you are clear on the prices and where to get an eSIM with a call plan, let’s dial Greece. It’s no different than when you call at home. Remember the dialing format and country codes to reach the right person. You must dial as follows.
- Dial the US exit code: It’s either “00” or “+,” both serve the same function for calling Greece from the US.
- Enter the Greece country code: it’s 30, and you put it right after the “+,” i.e., +30.
- Dial landline number: They’re unique combinations of 10 digits where the first 4 usually indicate the area where the landline is located.
Greece’s country code +30.
Greek landline number 2231 223344. *2231 being Lamia’s area code.
Example: +30 2231 223344.
Calling mobile numbers
In addition to conventional landline numbers, you’ll likely need to connect with mobile numbers in Greece. There’s no need to worry in this context, as the process for placing calls to mobile numbers is almost identical.
- Dial the international exit code: It may vary between countries. For the USA, it’s “+” on cell phones.
- Next, Greece country code for this destination is 30
- Dial mobile number: It’s also a unique combination of 10 digits, but the first numbers no longer indicate a zone of the country but a mobile operator.
Unique country code +30.
Greek phone number 69 5322 3344. *697 being Cosmote mobile prefix.
Complete number: +30 697 322 3344.
Greece area codes
As highlighted previously, these area codes apply to landline numbers, and as their name indicates, they denote that the number belongs to a specific area in the country. The area codes give us this location information but are irrelevant when dialing. Just so you know, some of them are:
Acharnes | 21 | Heraklion | 281 | Rethymno | 2831 |
Agrinio | 2641 | Kalamata | 2721 | Rhodes | 2241 |
Alexandroupolis | 2551 | Karditsa | 2441 | Salamis | 21 |
Ano Liosia | 21 | Katerini | 2351 | Serres | 2321 |
Argos | 2751 | Kavala | 251 | Sitia | 2843 |
Athens | 21 | Komotini | 2531 | Skiathos | 2427 |
Chania | 2821 | Corinth | 2741 | Trikala | 2431 |
Chios | 2271 | Kos | 2242 | Thessaloniki | 231 |
Corfu | 2661 | Kozani | 2461 | Veria | 2331 |
Drama | 2521 | Lamia | 2231 | Volos | 2421 |
Halkida | 2221 | Larissa | 241 | Xanthi | 2541 |
Ioannina | 2651 | Patras | 261 | Zakynthos | 2695 |
As you can see, there are a lot of area codes in Greece, and they can give us this useful information if needed. Beyond that, you should be fine with this when you make an international call.
Dialing Greece using an eSIM with data plans
This is the newest alternative, and it’s highly recommended for travelers since using data to call anywhere in the world is very practical. Well-known apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime allow us to make voice and video calls with an internet connection. These calls use voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) to connect us with other people who have the same App.
![Calling with eSIM data plan](https://esim.holafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Calling-with-eSIM-data-plan-1024x683.jpg)
But how different is it to use data instead of minutes?
If we consider our local eSIM, roaming charges would still apply. The solution lies in providers like Holafly, which offers eSIMs with easy-to-buy data for tourists.
If you use data with roaming from your carrier or you have an international eSIM with data, with either one, you can follow these steps to call:
- Open the App with VoIP (Skype, FaceTime, etc).
- Go to the contacts menu and search for add a new number.
- Add the Greek number following the format we gave you previously
- Search for the contact you added to the VoIP app.
- Initiate the call with the Call button, usually a phone icon.
Knowing you can call if you have data in your plan is essential. This is where eSIMs with unlimited data plans become so convenient.
Holafly’s eSIM for Greece with unlimited data for tourists
Buying an eSIM in Greece with unlimited data is much easier than finding an eSIM with unlimited calls for Greece as a tourist. Among the most popular online stores is Holafly, which has excellent data plans for this destination.
![eSIM with unlimited data for Greece](https://esim.holafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/eSIM-with-unlimited-data-for-Greece-1024x683.jpg)
Holafly’s eSIMs for Greece allow you to purchase plans from 1 day of use and up to 90 days maximum, starting at $6 per eSIM. All options include unlimited data, with which you can make all the calls you want through VoIP Apps and save money instead of roaming.
It should be clarified that these eSIMs do not include a local phone number, so you cannot make analog calls. Beyond this, the service includes many other benefits.
What benefits does Holafly’s eSIM bring to Greece?
The package includes unlimited data and data sharing up to 500 MB per day with other devices. Moreover, you’ll have access to various other perks, including a performance guarantee policy and top-up options to renew your service. While traditional phone calls are not included, they’re still available through VoIP apps.
![eSIM Greece advantages](https://esim.holafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/eSIM-Greece-advantages.jpg)
You can access round-the-clock customer service and enjoy a reliable and swift connection, leveraging the region’s top-tier network infrastructure. Keep your WhatsApp number and experience fast 4G/LTE/5G speeds, ensuring seamless and quick browsing.
Embark on your Greece journey with peace of mind, staying connected at every step, all thanks to Holafly’s eSIM. Use the mobile app to check your consumption. If you have any issues, you can contact customer service 24/7!
FAQs
eSIM compatibility varies with phone models and brands. Most modern mobile phones do support eSIM, but you better check your device’s specs or ask your carrier to confirm if it’s eSIM-friendly.
In general, eSIMs are accessible through your mobile service provider. You can visit a physical store or contact them to request an eSIM. You can also get an eSIM online from virtual operators or international mobile service providers.
The cost of using an eSIM for calls in Europe will depend on the plan and carrier you choose. You should compare offers and prices from different operators to find the plan that suits your needs and budget.
You don’t need an active mobile data connection for international calling with an eSIM. However, some VoIP services may require an internet connection to work correctly.