Last updated: January 2026
Staying connected during your Cyprus holiday is easy and affordable. Whether you need mobile data for navigation, sharing photos on social media, or staying in touch with family, getting a local SIM card is the smart choice. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Get a Local SIM Card?
- Save money — Roaming charges from your home operator can be expensive
- Better coverage — Local networks provide reliable connectivity across the island
- Fast speeds — Cyprus networks offer 4G/LTE everywhere and 5G in major cities
- Easy setup — No contracts, just prepaid credit
Mobile Operators in Cyprus
Cyprus has three main mobile operators:
| Operator | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cyta-Vodafone | Best overall coverage, including rural areas | Reliability, widest coverage |
| Epic (formerly MTN) | Excellent in urban areas, fastest 5G | Speed, competitive prices |
| PrimeTel | Good coverage, budget-friendly | Budget-conscious travelers |
All three operators provide 4G/LTE coverage across the island and 5G in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.
⚠️ Important: Mandatory SIM Card Registration
Since 2024, Cyprus has enacted Law 63(I)/2024 requiring mandatory identification for all prepaid SIM cards. Anonymous SIM cards are no longer available.
What This Means for Tourists
When purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Cyprus, you must complete identity verification. This is required by law and applies to all operators.
Documents Required
| Traveler Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA citizens | National ID card or passport |
| Non-EU citizens | Valid passport |
Registration Process
Option 1: Online Registration (recommended)
- Purchase your SIM card at an operator store or kiosk
- Connect to Wi-Fi (hotel, café, airport)
- Visit the operator’s registration portal
- Enter your phone number and SIM card details (ICCID)
- Upload a photo of your passport/ID
- Take a selfie for facial verification
- Accept terms and conditions
- Your SIM is activated within minutes
Option 2: In-Store Registration
- Complete the process at any operator store
- Staff will verify your ID and activate the SIM on the spot
- Takes approximately 10-15 minutes
Registration Links by Operator
- Cyta-Vodafone: cyta.com.cy/soeasy-identification/en
- Epic: epic.com.cy/en/page/DgPwqq2Az/payasyougo-registration
- PrimeTel: primetel.com.cy (visit Support section)
Official Information
For full legal details, see the official government announcement:
Note: The registration process is free of charge. Your personal data is protected under EU GDPR regulations.
Where to Buy a SIM Card
At the Airport:
- Kiosks at Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) airports
- Available immediately after customs
- Staff can help with registration on the spot
In Town:
- Operator stores (CytaShop, Epic stores, PrimeTel outlets)
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Kiosks
What You Need:
- Valid passport or EU ID card (required for registration)
- Unlocked phone
- Cash or credit card (EUR)
- Wi-Fi access for online registration (or complete in-store)
Recommended Tourist SIM Plans
Cyta-Vodafone (soeasy)
| Plan | Price | Includes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eSIM | €9.99 | 20 GB data | 30 days |
| soeasy SIM | €2 | €1 credit | 90 days |
| soeasy Combo 10 | €10 | 50 GB + 500 min + 500 SMS | 30 days |
To check balance: Dial *110#
To top up: Dial *115*VoucherCode#
Epic (formerly MTN)
| Plan | Price | Includes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday SIM | €20 | 100 GB data | 15 days |
| Connection Pack | €2 | €1 credit | 30 days |
To check balance: Dial *202# or call 2020
Customer service: 136 (free)
PrimeTel
| Plan | Price | Includes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Internet Pack | €20 | 250 GB data | 20 days |
| Connection Pack | €2 | €1 credit | 30 days |
eSIM Option
If your phone supports eSIM, you can get connected before you even land:
Advantages of eSIM:
- Activate before departure
- No physical SIM to handle
- Keep your home SIM active for calls
Available eSIM options:
- Cyta-Vodafone Tourist eSIM (€9.99 for 20 GB)
- PrimeTel eSIM
- Third-party providers (Holafly, Airalo, etc.)
Check eSIM compatibility: Most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Android flagships support eSIM.
Practical Tips
Before Your Trip
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Check if your phone supports Cyprus frequencies (all modern smartphones do)
- Consider downloading offline maps in Google Maps
On Arrival
- Purchase SIM at the airport or nearest shop
- Staff will help you install and activate the SIM
- Test that data works before leaving the store
During Your Stay
- Use hotel/restaurant Wi-Fi to save data
- Download apps like WhatsApp, Telegram for free calls
- Keep your receipt for top-up instructions
Coverage Notes
- Southern Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus) — excellent coverage from all operators
- Northern Cyprus — uses Turkish networks; your Cyprus SIM will not work there or may incur roaming charges
- Rural/mountain areas — Cyta-Vodafone has the best coverage
- Beaches and tourist spots — all operators have good coverage
EU Roaming
If you have an EU/EEA SIM card, you can use it in Cyprus without roaming charges under EU regulations. However, for longer stays (over a week), a local SIM often provides better value and faster speeds.
Useful Phone Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) | 112 |
| Police | 1460 |
| Ambulance | 1442 |
| Hospital Information | 1400 |
| Forest Fires | 1407 |
Summary
For most tourists visiting Cyprus, we recommend:
- Short trip (1-7 days): Cyta-Vodafone soeasy Combo 10 (€10 for 50 GB)
- Longer stay: Epic Holiday SIM (€20 for 100 GB) or PrimeTel Travel Pack (€20 for 250 GB)
- Data-heavy users: PrimeTel Travel Internet Pack offers the best value
Getting a local SIM card in Cyprus takes just 10-15 minutes and will save you money while keeping you connected throughout your holiday. Enjoy your trip!
Prices and plans are subject to change. Visit operator websites for current offers:
- Cyta-Vodafone: cyta.com.cy
- Epic: epic.com.cy
- PrimeTel: primetel.com.cy