eSIM or EU roaming: what to choose for Cyprus?
When French roaming is enough
Free European roaming (since 2017) covers Cyprus. For a 1-week stay with moderate usage, your French plan is probably enough. Check your quota in your carrier's customer area.
Important note: Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is NOT in the EU. Free roaming does not apply there.
When an eSIM is recommended
- Stay of 2+ weeks: risk of exhausting roaming quota
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Budget plan: Free 2€, some MVNOs with little roaming
- Regular stays: fair use clause after 4 months
- Travel to Northern Cyprus: requires an eSIM or local plan
Network Coverage in Cyprus
Cyprus has excellent 4G/5G coverage (98%) thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Cyta |
98% |
Yes |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| MTN Cyprus |
97% |
Yes |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Epic |
95% |
Yes |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Nicosia: perfect 4G/5G
- Paphos, Limassol: excellent coverage
- Ayia Napa, Protaras: excellent even on beaches
- Northern Cyprus (Kyrenia, Famagusta): Turkish networks only, no EU roaming
How to Install Your Cyprus eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Cyprus (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Cyprus eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Cyprus eSIM 2026"
countryCode="CY"
countrySlug="cyprus"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Cyta network (98%), code ESIMP (-10%)
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For most travelers (1-2 weeks, moderate usage), check your French roaming quota first.
If you choose an eSIM: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Important: If you plan to visit Northern Cyprus, an eSIM is necessary as EU roaming does not work there.
Cyprus eSIM FAQ