Arriving at a Poland airport and looking to get connected right away? Purchasing a local SIM card at Poland airport is a convenient option for many travelers. Poland SIM cards provide affordable data packages, allow you to make local calls, and give you a Poland phone number. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about buying SIM cards at Poland airports.

sim card at Poland Airport

1. Which Airport in Poland Offers SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are 15 civil airports in Poland. Mainly and most developed is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport.

Poland Airport Map
Poland Airport Map

The major international airports in Poland that offer SIM cards for tourists include:

  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – Located in the capital city, this is Poland’s largest airport. SIM card at convenience stores and mobile stores are available in the arrivals hall.
  • Krakow Airport (KRK) – Krakow is a popular tourist destination. SIM cards can be purchased at stores like Orange and Play located in the terminals.
  • Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) – Smaller airport serving Gdansk and northern Poland. SIM card outlets are in the arrival halls.
  • Katowice Airport (KTW) – Services southern Poland including Krakow. SIM card kiosks and shops are available after you exit customs.
  • Wroclaw Airport (WRO) – Wroclaw’s main airport has SIM card vending machines and stores in the arrival halls.
  • Poznan Airport (POZ) – Flights to central Poland. SIM cards can be bought at operator shops and newsagents at the airport.
  • Rzeszow Airport (RZE) – Gateway to southeastern Poland. SIM card providers like Orange have desks in the terminal building.

2. Where to Buy Poland SIM Cards at Airports

The most common location to buy a SIM card at Poland airports is in the arrivals hall. This is where most people arrive in the airport, so it is a convenient location for travelers to buy a SIM card right away.

Phone shops, newsagents, convenience stores, and vending machines selling SIM cards can all be found in the arrivals hall of most airports.

  • Phone kiosks/shops: T-Mobile, Orange, and Play are all major mobile phone operators in Poland. They may have temporary kiosks in the arrivals hall of most airports in the country.
  • Newsagents: Some of the most common newsagent chains in Poland include Relay and Starter. One can find their shops in most airports and they all sell SIM cards.
  • Convenience stores: In addition, Relay and Starter are also convenience stores where you can get a SIM card even if you are not in search of a newspaper or journal.
  • Vending machines: Some airports may also offer vending machines for selling SIM cards in the arrivals hall. The majority of mobile phones in Poland have such vending machines which belong to the main operators.
Relay at Warsaw Airport
Relay at Warsaw Airport

3. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card at Poland Airports

When purchasing a SIM card at Poland airport, make sure you carry the below documentation:

  • Passport: You must present the original passport for verification and SIM card registration.
  • Passport Photos: Some SIM card providers may request 1 or 2 passport size photos. Take at least two extra passport photos just in case.
  • Local Address: For registration, you must have a Poland address for SIM card. A stay at one will do only if you have a hotel address.
  • Activated Phone: The foreign SIM will only work on your phone if it is already unlocked. Turn on the phone before landing (if necessary).
  • Credit/Debit Card: Ensure you carry your international credit or debit card for paying for the SIM card purchasing and top-up.
  • SIM Tool: A SIM card removal tool enables you to replace SIMs easily. Ask for an extra SIM if the device’s package did not include one.

4. Poland eSIM – An Alternative to Airport SIM Card

poland esim (1)

Alternatively, you may buy a Poland eSIM which one downloads digitally into their mobile phone. eSIMs eliminate the need for switching SIM cards physically.

Major eSIM providers like polandesim.com offer prepaid Poland eSIMs you can activate before reaching or right after landing in Poland. Download speeds are fairly good and you get connected with Orange Poland’s network right away.

Leave your physical SIM behind, travel light with a digital SIM from polandesim.com!

5. FAQs on Buying SIM Card at Poland Airports

Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM card?

Yes, you need to show your original passport at the SIM card shop for verification and registration of the SIM card.

Can I use my SIM card across Poland?

Poland has nationwide coverage. But do verify the provider has good coverage in your specific travel area.

Can I use the airport SIM card in other European countries?

Poland SIMs work in EU roaming. But roaming data charges are very high. Better to buy a separate SIM when traveling to a new European country.

Is the SIM card data bundle valid for Poland only?

Yes, Poland SIM card data packages are for use within Poland only. Extra roaming charges apply in other countries.

Do Poland SIM cards work with dual SIM phones?

Most Poland SIM cards will work with dual SIM phones. But verify compatibility at the shop before purchasing.

6. Conclusion

Short-term visitors upon arrival in airports like Warsaw can easily get one SIM card at the Poland airports. Some of the top providers such as Orange and Play have outlets at arrival halls. Carry your passport, your passport photo, an unlocked phone, and a payment card. Instead, Poland eSIM is also available for pre-ordering for instant connection upon arrival. Choose a pocket-friendly data plan for your trip duration and compare package prices.