All CYA students are required to carry a fully functioning mobile telephone at all times, so they can always be reached. All CYA students are responsible for maintaining a phone plan that includes:

• Data (internet & roaming when not on Wi-Fi)
• Minutes (calling when not on Wi-Fi)
• Texts (SMS messaging when not on Wi-Fi)
• An active WhatsApp account (calling & messaging when on Wi-Fi or using data)

As long as your selected plan always maintains the above requirements, you can opt to either use an international plan on your US SIM card or a pay-as-you-go plan on a Greek SIM card. You can review an outline of those options below:

• International Plan
  Ask your US phone carrier about adding international coverage to your current phone plan, allowing you to keep your US SIM card and phone number. 
• Greek SIM Card (*recommended)
  Purchase a Greek SIM card and use a pay-as-you-go plan through a Greek phone carrier. You could either use a Greek SIM card in your own cell phone or obtain a new mobile phone locally. 

*Personal Phone: If you plan to use your own smartphone with a Greek SIM card, your phone will need to be “unlocked” so that it will accept a foreign SIM card. This process depends on your US provider; some providers automatically unlock phones, but others require you to pay for your phone in full before it is unlocked. Contact your provider for details. Once your phone is unlocked, consult a Greek phone carrier (either online prior to departure or in-person once you arrive in Athens) to obtain a Greek SIM card and activate a pay-as-you-go plan.

Secondary Phone: If you plan to obtain a new mobile phone locally, you will need to purchase a smartphone  so that you have data capabilities. Prices for various basic Android phones at Greek carriers range from 90-200€.

We know cell phone options in a new country can be confusing, so if you are an accepted student with additional questions, please see the “Mobile Phone Tips” section of your Pre-Departure Manual for an overview of your options and a list of helpful tips and apps.