eSIM for Cyprus

Your options for mobile data in Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union, so visitors with an EU SIM are generally covered by Roam like at Home rules there, subject to their provider's fair use policy. Many visitors are not: travellers from the UK, the US, Canada, the Middle East and elsewhere may pay roaming charges depending on their plan. Check your own provider's terms before travelling.

How much data a trip to Cyprus uses

A beach holiday with occasional day trips uses relatively little data, while a self-drive tour around the island or working remotely from a villa uses much more. These are rough figures for planning only.

• Navigation with the map open: roughly 5 to 10 MB an hour, more with frequent searches.
• Messaging and email: light, typically well under 100 MB a day unless you send many videos.
• Social media with photos and short videos: a few hundred MB a day is common.
• Video calls: roughly 500 MB to 1 GB an hour.
• Streaming video by the pool or in the evening: often 1 GB or more an hour.

Install the eSIM before you fly

Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi so it is ready when you land. First check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked; dialling *#06# shows an EID on most compatible phones. Then follow the install guide for iPhone, Samsung or Pixel.

• Name the new line Cyprus or Travel.
• Set the Spidot line for mobile data and keep your home SIM for calls and texts.
• Turn off data roaming on your home SIM unless you want to use it.
• Download offline maps for the whole island, especially the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas Peninsula.
• Save your car hire documents and accommodation addresses for offline access.

Arriving at Larnaca or Paphos

Most visitors fly into Larnaca International Airport, the island's main airport on the south-east coast, or Paphos International Airport in the west. Both are close to the coast and well connected to the resorts by road.

• Turn off flight mode after landing.
• Turn on data roaming for the Spidot line; the data roaming guide shows where to find it.
• Wait a minute for the phone to connect, and restart it if nothing happens.
• Check that maps work before collecting your hire car or finding your transfer.

Coverage across the Republic of Cyprus

Coverage is generally good in the coastal cities and resorts, including Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Ayia Napa and Protaras, and in Nicosia. Inland, signal follows the main roads and villages; in the folds of the Troodos Mountains and along remote stretches of coast it can weaken or drop.

Your eSIM uses local partner networks; for this destination they are epic. The phone selects one automatically.

The north of the island and your phone

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The northern part of the island is not under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, and a UN-controlled buffer zone, sometimes called the Green Line, runs across the island and through the centre of Nicosia. Visitors can cross at designated crossing points, including on foot at Ledra Street in the old town of Nicosia.

For your phone, the important point is that the north uses separate mobile networks. Do not assume your Cyprus plan works there; it is intended for the Republic of Cyprus. Near the buffer zone, and on parts of the north-facing coast, a phone can sometimes pick up a northern network without you crossing anywhere, and roaming on your home SIM there may be charged at different rates.

• Keep data roaming off on your home SIM, so it cannot connect to an unexpected network.
• If data stops working near the buffer zone, check which network your phone is connected to in settings.
• If you plan to spend time in the north, download maps and information in advance and do not rely on mobile data there.

Getting around with data

There are no railways in Cyprus, so you get around by car, bus, taxi or organised tour.

• Driving: the motorway network links Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos and Ayia Napa. Navigation apps work well; use offline maps in the mountains.
• Intercity buses: connect the main cities several times a day, and local buses run within towns and to many beaches. Check timetables online before you set off.
• Taxis and ride apps: taxis are widely available, and taxi-booking apps operate in the larger towns.
• Boat trips: day cruises run from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Latchi and Paphos. Coverage along the coast is often available but can drop out further from shore.

Hotspot sharing and public Wi-Fi

Families and groups often share one phone's data. Turn on Personal Hotspot on iPhone or Mobile Hotspot on Android, and remember that every device connected adds to the total, especially tablets streaming video in the back of the car.

Hotels, beach bars and cafés usually have Wi-Fi. It is useful for large downloads but shared with others.

• Use mobile data rather than open Wi-Fi for banking and payments.
• Check the network name with staff before connecting.
• Turn off auto-join for open networks.
• Avoid entering passwords on pages without https.

Payments and practical tips

Cyprus is straightforward for visitors, and English is widely spoken alongside Greek.

• Currency: the euro in the Republic of Cyprus. Cards and contactless phone payments are widely accepted; carry some cash for small village tavernas and kiosks.
• Driving: traffic drives on the left. Roads in the Troodos are narrow and winding, so allow extra time.
• Heat: summers are very hot, and phones left on car dashboards or sunbeds can overheat. Keep yours shaded.
• Emergencies: the emergency number is 112.

Combining Cyprus with other countries

Cyprus is often combined with Greece, and some travellers continue to Israel, Jordan or Egypt. If your trip covers several European countries, a Europe plan covers 36 countries with one eSIM. Check the plan's country list to make sure Cyprus and every other stop are included. For destinations outside Europe, install a separate eSIM for each country and switch the active line when you arrive.

Keeping track of your data

You can check how much data is left at any time and add more data to the same eSIM if you need it. To save data, set photo backup to Wi-Fi only and download playlists and films at your hotel.

If data stops working, make sure data roaming is on for the Spidot line, check which network you are connected to, and restart the phone. For anything else, email support@spidot.com from the address you used to order.