SIM cards sorted before baggage at CHQ Arrivals
Right in the Arrivals hall of Terminal T1, Vodafone sits in the Free Access Area, so friends picking you up can walk in too. This is the first telecom desk you see after exiting customs, handy if you want Greek data before you even reach the taxi line.
As a Vodafone Greece outlet, staff typically set up prepaid SIMs with local numbers and data packages that work across the EU, often activated within 5–10 minutes. You’re paying airport pricing, but the trade-off is walking out of Chania International already online for maps, ride apps, and accommodation codes.
Because it’s landside in T1 Arrivals, you can also sort SIMs for later arrivals in your group without a boarding pass. That helps if you’re the planner in a party of five and want everyone’s phones live before a road trip to Rethymno or Elafonisi.
Service hours at CHQ can track flight banks, so expect Vodafone to be open around peak daytime and evening arrivals rather than 24/7. If you land on a late-night seasonal flight after 23:00, have a backup plan like airport Wi‑Fi plus an eSIM in case the counter’s shutters are down.
Tip: Have your phone unlocked and your passport in hand at the T1 Arrivals counter; that speeds the Vodafone setup so you’re out to taxis in under 15 minutes.