Poland is a very beautiful country situated in the center of Europe. It will be easy for one to navigate while in Poland if he has a local Poland SIM card. You can access maps, translation guides, and travel tips on the go using a local SIM which uses mobile data. This also allows you to make calls locally and send text messages at very minimal roaming charges of your network.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a Poland SIM card for your upcoming trip:

all about POLAND SIM Card

1. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Poland Trip?

The majority of travelers are advised to buy a local SIM card in Poland. Here are some of the key benefits of Polish SIM beside other mobile internet options in Poland:

  • Avoid roaming charges: The roaming fees for data, calls, and texts when using your home SIM card abroad could be very high. Local SIM will help you avoid these exorbitant fees. If you still want to use your current SIM when visiting Poland, check out the post about Data Roaming in Poland.
  • Flexible data packages: It is possible to buy Poland SIM cards that have different data plans ranging from 1GB up to unlimited data. Only buy as much as you need.
  • Better network coverage: The local SIM ensures strong domestic network coverage in major carriers in Poland. It is a better service for you, than roaming with your home network.
  • Access to local numbers: Having a Poland SIM, you will have such a Polish number as it is required for booking some restaurants or Wi-Fi networks.
  • Convenience: Switching SIMs is quite simple too, and you will be connected to the network all the time, without having to look for a Wi-fi.

You may get away with using roaming for short trips that are less than a week. However, for any longer, the benefits for taking a local Polish SIM are much greater than any bother.

2. Poland SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?

When looking to purchase a SIM card in Poland, you’ll have 3 main options:

SIM card type Description Pros Cons
Prepaid A SIM card that does not require a contract. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from a variety of retailers and top it up with credit as needed. Flexible and affordable. No contract required. Limited data and call plans.
Postpaid A SIM card that is associated with a monthly or yearly contract. Postpaid SIM cards offer a variety of plans, including unlimited talk and text, as well as data plans. More data and call options than prepaid SIM cards. Requires a contract.
eSIM A digital SIM card that can be activated on your phone without the need for a physical SIM card. eSIM cards are becoming increasingly popular, but they are not yet supported by all phones. More convenient than physical SIM cards. No need to carry a physical SIM card. Not yet supported by all phones.

For most travelers, a physical Polish SIM card is the best option. They are easy to find, give you more provider options, and you can get large data packages.

Poland eSIMs are more convenient and reusable but are not as widely supported in Poland yet. But they are a good choice if you have an eSIM-compatible device.

Make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling so you can insert a new Polish SIM/eSIM. iPhones and most modern Android devices are unlocked but double-check with your home carrier.

3. How Much Data Is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Poland?

Poland SIM cards are very affordable, with data packages starting from as low as 5 PLN. Most travelers will be fine with either:

  • 15 GB for 30 days – 15GB is plenty for maps, social media, and some video/music streaming. A good option for moderate users.
  • 30 GB for 30 days – 30GB gives you more headroom for heavy usage like video calling, Netflix binging, and hot spotting other devices. Ideal for power users.

Some Polish SIMs also offer unlimited data packages which can be useful if you plan on using lots of data.

Bear in mind that Poland has excellent free public Wi-Fi coverage in most cities, so you may not need huge data amounts if you plan on staying connected to Wi-Fi networks when stationary.

Check your SIM’s roaming policy too. Some prepaid SIMs include free European roaming allowance which is handy if visiting other Schengen countries.

4. How Much Does a Poland SIM Card Cost?

The cost of a Poland SIM card depends on the type of SIM card you choose and the mobile network operator.

Type of SIM Card Approximate Cost (USD)
Basic prepaid SIM $2-4
Monthly mobile plans $7 - 20
Roaming SIMs (EU coverage) $10-12
Data-only SIM (2-5GB/month) $5-7
Store purchases $2-12
Online purchases $2-12

Some key points:

  • Prepaid SIM cards are cheapest at around $2-4 for initial credit.
  • Monthly mobile plans with calls/texts/data start at $7-10 per month.
  • Roaming SIMs for EU-wide usage are around $10-12 monthly.
  • Dedicated data-only SIM cards cost $5-7 monthly for a 2-5GB data allowance.
  • SIMs can be bought in stores or online, with a slight premium for online purchases and delivery.

So in summary, expect to pay $2-12 for a Poland SIM card depending on features and subscription period. Prepaid is most affordable for short-term usage.

5. Poland eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

Poland’s suppliers also provide, besides the physical SIM cards, eSIMs. eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is loaded into your phone instead of being plugged in as a conventional card.

Some key advantages of using a Poland eSIM include:

  • Convenience: Purchasing eSIMs online allows for instant delivery. Go out with no need to visit any store.
  • Multi SIM capable: Use two SIM – one eSIM for Poland and one for your home country.
  • Reusable: Thus, eSIM remains in your smartphone for your next travels.
  • Eco-friendly: No plastic SIM card wastage.

However, Poland can consider using eSIMs like polandesim if your device is compatible provided that for the extra convenience. Be sure to check coverage maps in advance.

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

6. Where to Buy a Poland SIM Card?

You can pick up a Polish SIM card from several locations across the country.

6.1. Buy eSIM online

For eSIMs, you must purchase them online before your trip. You can buy an eSIM from polandesim.com delivered instantly via email or app. Good prices and coverage across Poland.

Buying online in advance lets you have connectivity as soon as you land in Poland.

6.2. Buy physical SIM Card

For a regular or nano SIM card, you can buy locally once in Poland:

  • Airport kiosks – arrival halls of WAW and KRK airports have kiosks selling SIMs with prepaid plans. Convenient but may charge more.
  • Carrier stores – official stores of Play, Orange, and Plus let you buy SIMs and top-up data. Reliable but may have long queues.
  • Supermarkets – Carrefour, Auchan, and other markets sell prepaid SIMs off the shelf or from kiosks. Affordable but less help available.
  • Electronics stores – Stores like MediaExpert, Media Markt, and Euro RTV AGD sell local SIMs in Warsaw from most carriers. Good prices and advice.
Relay convenience store

Make sure to have with you your passport when buying, since you will be required to register the SIM to your identity. You should know what data amount you will need before buying it.

The safest way to choose the right plan, however, is to buy it at the airport or even in a carrier shop. However, supermarkets will be cheaper yet with fewer English-speaking persons.

7. How to Use Poland SIM

Using your new Polish SIM card is straightforward:

  1. Unlock your phone – Your device must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM. Contact your home carrier to unlock before traveling if needed. Check this topic to make sure you can use your own phone in Poland.
  2. Insert card – Turn off your phone, locate your SIM tray, and insert the Polish SIM with the gold contacts facing down.
  3. Restart phone – Power your phone back on. The Polish SIM will auto-configure and you’ll see the new carrier name displayed.
  4. Top up – Purchase prepaid credit from the carrier shop, via ATMs, or online using your credit card to top up data.
  5. Check settings – Head into network settings to confirm data roaming and mobile data are enabled. Configure APN settings if prompted.
  6. Start using – You’re all set! Connect to the mobile network and Polish SIM card. Make sure to disable data roaming on your home SIM card to avoid unintentional roaming charges.

Enjoy seamless connectivity across Poland with your new local prepaid SIM. Top up more data as needed or switch SIM profile for your home SIM when you leave.

8. Best Mobile Operators for Poland SIM Cards

There are 4 major mobile carriers that offer prepaid SIM cards in Poland:

Mobile Operator Coverage Price range Pros and Cons eSIM available
Orange Poland Best coverage in Poland, especially in rural areas $1-$5 Pros: Best coverage, good customer service, wide range of data plans Cons: Can be more expensive than other carriers Yes
T-Mobile Poland Good coverage, especially in urban areas $1-$5 Good coverage, good customer service, competitive prices. Coverage not as good as Orange Poland in rural areas Yes
Plus Good coverage, especially in urban areas $1-$5 Good coverage, good customer service, competitive prices. Coverage not as good as Orange Poland in rural areas Yes
Play Good coverage, especially in urban areas $1-$5 Good coverage, good customer service, competitive prices. Coverage not as good as Orange Poland in rural areas Yes

Please note that these are just general guidelines and the actual price and availability of SIM cards may vary depending on the retailer.

Overall, Orange Poland has the best coverage in Poland, but it can also be the most expensive. T-Mobile Poland, Plus, and Play all offer good coverage at competitive prices.

Which mobile operator is right for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need the best possible coverage, then Orange Poland is the best choice. If you are on a budget, then T-Mobile Poland, Plus, or Play may be a better option.

9. Tips for Saving Data for Poland SIM Card

To make your Polish SIM data last longer:

  • Connect to free wifi whenever available – Poland has widespread wifi coverage.
  • Download offline Google Maps and Spotify playlists to limit streaming.
  • Disable auto-play video and music streaming. Manually download content over wifi instead.
  • Turn down screen brightness and auto-sync for apps like social media.
  • Disable roaming if crossing into other countries to avoid roaming fees.
  • Get a SIM with free EU roaming so you stay connected when traveling elsewhere in Europe.
  • Purchase more data via the carrier app as needed – convenient and inexpensive.
  • Consider an unlimited data SIM if planning extremely heavy usage.
  • Turn on data saving and performance mode on your device settings.

Using Poland wifi networks whenever possible and limiting streaming are the best ways to conserve your SIM data allowance.

10. FAQs

Can I use my home SIM card in Poland?

Yes, but you will pay very high roaming rates for calls, texts and data. A local SIM is cheaper.

Can I use multiple SIM cards in my phone?

Yes, dual SIM phones allow you to use your home SIM and a Poland SIM together. Or you can use eSIM like Airalo with your physical SIM.

Is it easy to top up my SIM in Poland?

Yes, you can top up your prepaid SIM online, via ATMs, in mobile app, or at carrier shops and kiosks across Poland.

Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM in Poland?

Yes, you need to show your passport at time of purchase to register the SIM card.

Can I use a Polish SIM in other European countries?

Check roaming policy. Some Poland SIMs include EU roaming. But rates can be high outside Poland.

11. Conclusion

For affordable connectivity and convenience, you must have a local Poland SIM card during your trip.

Now, you should have known which option will best suit your needs when it comes to a Polish SIM, where to purchase one, and how to start using it as well as managing your mobile data while abroad.

One can obtain cheap information on travel by getting the right Poland SIM card which will keep you connected to travel info, maps and social networks. Enjoy your trip with the comfort of a prepaid local SIM in Poland.