Prepaid SIM Cards in Poland
Looking for the best prepaid SIM card for Poland? Whether you're a tourist visiting for a few days, a business traveler, or moving to Poland long-term, choosing the right mobile plan can save you money and ensure you stay connected. This comprehensive guide compares the top prepaid SIM card providers in Poland, covering everything from data plans and pricing to network coverage and where to buy your SIM card.
Table of Contents
Best Prepaid SIM Card Providers in Poland 2025
Based on network coverage, pricing, data speeds, and customer service quality. All providers offer prepaid plans suitable for tourists, business travelers, and residents.
Play
Best overall value for money
Key Features
Advantages
- •Excellent network coverage nationwide
- •Competitive pricing for data plans
- •Modern 5G network in major cities
Considerations
- •Limited international roaming options
- •Some rural areas have weaker signal
5GB / 30 days
30 days
Tourist, Standard
Orange Polska
Best for rural areas and reliability
Key Features
Advantages
- •Best coverage in rural areas
- •Most reliable network in Poland
- •Excellent English customer support
Considerations
- •Higher prices than competitors
- •Data speeds can be slower in busy areas
3GB / 30 days
30 days
Basic, Premium
Plus
Budget-conscious users in cities
Key Features
Advantages
- •Most affordable prepaid plans
- •Good coverage in major cities
- •Simple plan structure
Considerations
- •Limited rural coverage
- •Customer service mainly in Polish
- •Fewer premium features
4GB / 30 days
30 days
Basic, Standard
T-Mobile
Users wanting international brand reliability
Key Features
Advantages
- •International T-Mobile brand reliability
- •Good data speeds nationwide
- •Flexible plan options
Considerations
- •More expensive than local competitors
- •Limited physical store presence
- •Complex pricing structure
2GB / 30 days
30 days
Smart, Premium
How to Choose the Right Prepaid SIM Card for Poland
Choosing the right prepaid SIM card in Poland depends on your specific needs and how long you're staying. Tourists visiting for a week need different plans than business travelers or people relocating permanently.
The key factors to consider are network coverage in your area, data allowances, validity periods, and whether you need voice calls and SMS. Most visitors focus only on data, but having a local Polish number can be essential for booking restaurants, hotels, or dealing with services.
Choose the right prepaid SIM card for your needs in Poland.
Match Your Stay with the Right Plan
Short Visits (1-7 days)
Perfect for tourists. Basic data for maps, messaging, and social media.
Recommended: Plus 4GB/30 days (20 PLN)
Medium Stays (1-4 weeks)
Business travelers need more data and local calls for bookings and meetings.
Recommended: Play 10GB/30 days (35 PLN)
Long-term (1+ months)
Expats and residents need unlimited data and comprehensive coverage.
Recommended: Orange 25GB/30 days (45 PLN)
Network Coverage Considerations
Orange: Best for Rural Areas
If you're traveling outside major cities or to mountainous regions, Orange has the most extensive coverage network in Poland.
Play: Best Overall Value
Excellent coverage in cities and most towns, with competitive pricing and modern 5G network in major urban areas.
Plus: Budget Option
Good coverage in cities and major towns, but can be weaker in rural areas. Best for budget-conscious urban users.
Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards in Poland
Physical Locations
Airport Kiosks
Available at Warsaw Chopin, Krakow, and Gdansk airports. Convenient but slightly more expensive. English-speaking staff usually available.
Provider Stores
Orange, Play, and Plus have stores in shopping centers and city centers. Best for getting help with setup and plan explanations.
Convenience Stores
Żabka, Freshmarket, and other convenience stores sell SIM cards. Quick and convenient, but limited plan options and Polish-only service.
Electronics Stores
Media Markt, RTV Euro AGD, and Komputronik offer SIM cards with good selection and knowledgeable staff.
What You'll Need
Required Documents
- • Valid passport or EU ID card
- • For tourists: No additional documents needed
- • For residents: Proof of address may be required
- • Cash or card for payment (most places accept cards)
Pro Tips
- • SIM cards cost 5-10 PLN plus your chosen plan
- • Activation usually takes 5-15 minutes
- • Download the provider's app for easy top-ups
- • Keep your receipt for customer service
Activation and Setup Process
Step-by-Step Activation
Insert SIM Card
Turn off your phone, insert the SIM card, and turn it back on
Automatic Configuration
Most phones automatically configure network settings
Choose Your Plan
Call the activation number or use the provider's app
Payment
Pay for your chosen plan via app, online, or at a store
Test Connection
Make a test call and check internet connectivity
Quick Activation Numbers
Important Notes
Activation can take 5-30 minutes and you may need to restart your phone during this process. Check your balance regularly to avoid service interruption, and download the provider's app for easy account management and top-ups.
Data Plans and Pricing Guide
| Provider | Plan | Data | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play | Basic | 5GB | 25 PLN ($6 / €5.50) | 30 days |
| Play | Standard | 15GB | 35 PLN ($8.50 / €7.70) | 30 days |
| Orange | Basic | 3GB | 30 PLN ($7.30 / €6.60) | 30 days |
| Orange | Premium | 25GB | 45 PLN ($11 / €9.90) | 30 days |
| Plus | Budget | 4GB | 20 PLN ($4.90 / €4.40) | 30 days |
| T-Mobile | Smart | 8GB | 28 PLN ($6.80 / €6.20) | 30 days |
*Currency conversions are estimated and for reference only. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so actual costs may vary when paying with foreign cards or currency exchange.
Top-Up Options
- • Mobile Apps: Easiest way to top up and manage your account
- • Online: Provider websites accept credit/debit cards
- • Physical Stores: Provider stores and authorized dealers
- • Convenience Stores: Żabka, Freshmarket, and others
- • ATMs: Some bank ATMs offer mobile top-up services
Money-Saving Tips
- • Auto-renewal: Set up automatic plan renewal for discounts
- • Bundle deals: Some providers offer data + calls packages
- • Promotional periods: Look for special offers during holidays
- • Student discounts: Show student ID for potential discounts
- • Long-term plans: Some providers offer 60 or 90-day options
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid SIM Cards in Poland
Do I need registration to buy a prepaid SIM card in Poland?▼
Yes, you need to provide ID (passport or EU ID card) when purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Poland. This is required by law for all mobile services. The registration process is quick and usually takes just a few minutes at the point of sale.
How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in Poland?▼
The SIM card itself costs 5-10 PLN, plus your chosen data plan. Basic plans start from 20 PLN for 4GB/30 days (Plus) up to 45 PLN for premium plans with 25GB (Orange). Most tourists spend 25-35 PLN total for their first month.
Can I use my prepaid SIM card in other EU countries?▼
Yes, EU roaming regulations apply to Polish prepaid SIM cards. You can use your data allowance in other EU countries at no extra cost. However, fair use policies apply, and extended use outside Poland may incur additional charges. Check with your provider for specific terms.
Which network has the best coverage in Poland?▼
Orange has the most extensive coverage, especially in rural areas and mountains. Play offers excellent coverage in cities and most towns with competitive pricing. Plus and T-Mobile have good urban coverage but may be weaker in remote areas. For most visitors staying in cities, all networks perform well.
How do I top up my prepaid SIM card?▼
You can top up through the provider's mobile app (easiest), online on their website, at physical stores, convenience stores like Żabka, or some bank ATMs. Most methods accept credit/debit cards. The mobile apps are available in English and offer the most convenient experience.
What happens if I don't use my SIM card for a long time?▼
Prepaid SIM cards in Poland typically expire after 6-12 months of inactivity (no top-ups or usage). The exact period varies by provider. Before expiration, you'll usually receive SMS warnings. To keep your number active, make a small top-up or send an SMS at least once every few months.
Can I get customer support in English?▼
Orange and Play offer English customer support through dedicated phone lines and in major city stores. Plus and T-Mobile have limited English support. All providers offer mobile apps with English language options, which is often the easiest way to manage your account and get help.
Ready to Get Connected in Poland?
Choose the best prepaid SIM card for your needs and stay connected throughout your time in Poland. Most providers offer easy online ordering or you can buy at the airport upon arrival.