Mobile in Cyprus

mobile in Cyprus

Mobile in Cyprus: Contracts, Coverage & Costs

Mobile service in Cyprus is reliable, with strong 4G coverage across the island and expanding 5G in urban areas. English-speaking support is widely available. Most people use postpaid contracts, which offer better value than prepaid plans. Check out our mobile plan comparison (Personal) to find the best deal for you.

Cyprus follows EU roaming rules (“Roam Like at Home”) – but be careful near the northern border, as Turkish networks may trigger unexpected charges. Tethering isn’t always included, and switching your eSIM to a different phone often costs around €5.

What to Watch Out For

  • eSIM switch fees: Around €5 if switching devices – activate on your final phone or order a physical sim in case you switch devices frequently
  • Tethering: Not always included; some plans block hotspot use unless enabled.
  • Roaming near the north: Phones may connect to Turkish networks in Northern Cyprus. Disable roaming in those areas to avoid charges.
  • Calls vs. Data: EU data roaming is included, but calls to other EU countries from mobile in Cyprus may cost extra (e.g. Germany, Greece).
  • Northern Cyprus: Uses Turkish networks (e.g. Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey), not covered by EU roaming.

Contract vs Prepaid

Contract (also Postpaid, most common for residents)

  • Lower cost per GB
  • Larger data packages
  • Bundle options with internet/TV
  • 12–24 month contracts, early termination may incur fees

Prepaid (best for tourists/short stays):

  • No contract
  • Easier to start/stop
  • Ideal for temporary numbers

Coverage & 5G

    • Epic: Fastest speeds, especially in cities. It has won awards like “Best Mobile Network in Test” from umlaut.
    • Cyta – Vodafone: Best rural coverage, reliable overall. It partners with Vodafone to offer international roaming benefits and reliable service.
    • Primetel & Cablenet: Good urban performance; Cablenet still expanding 5G
    • Check out the official map from the OCECPR (Cyprus telecoms regulator) to get general information on the island wide mobile coverage as well as available speeds

eSIM in Cyprus

  • Cyta – Vodafone: Offers standard and tourist eSIM packages
  • Epic: Requires physical SIM first, eSIM switch done in-store
  • Primetel: eSIM available with postpaid plans
  • Cablenet: eSIM rollout in progress – check availability

Important: Activate eSIM directly on your target device to avoid switch fees

Final Tips

  • Dual SIM phones let you keep your home number while using a local plan
  • Use provider apps to track usage, pay bills, and manage your mobile plan in Cyprus
  • Compare not just price, but data volume, roaming rules, and speed
  • For short visits to Northern Cyprus, consider a separate Turkish SIM if needed
  • Check out Skroutz or Amazon to find a smartphone that fits your mobile in Cyprus!
  • Use our mobile contract comparison tool to check out the deals that suit you best!

Quick Recommendations

  • Best rural coverage: Cyta – Vodafone
  • Fastest data: Epic
  • Best value in cities: Primetel
  • Lowest entry price: Cablenet