SIM Cards in Poland
Getting a Polish SIM card is essential for staying connected, but the process varies dramatically depending on how long you're staying. Tourists can grab a prepaid SIM at the airport for 25 PLN, while expats living here long-term often save money with postpaid contracts. Play offers the best value overall, but Orange has superior rural coverage if you're traveling outside major cities.
Table of Contents
Best Mobile Providers in Poland 2025
Based on network coverage, pricing, data speeds, and customer service quality. All providers offer both prepaid and postpaid plans suitable for tourists, expats, and residents.
Play
Best overall value for money
Key Features
Advantages
- •Excellent network coverage nationwide
- •Competitive pricing for both prepaid and postpaid
- •Modern 5G network in major cities
- •Easy online account management
Considerations
- •Limited international roaming on basic plans
- •Some rural areas have weaker signal
- •Postpaid requires credit check
5GB - Unlimited
10GB - Unlimited
Prepaid, Postpaid
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
- •Good EU roaming options
Considerations
- •Higher prices than competitors
- •Data speeds can be slower in busy areas
- •Postpaid contracts can be restrictive
3GB - 50GB
15GB - Unlimited
Prepaid, Postpaid
Plus
Budget-conscious users in cities
Key Features
Advantages
- •Most affordable plans in Poland
- •Good coverage in major cities
- •Simple plan structure
- •Quick SIM activation process
Considerations
- •Limited rural coverage
- •Customer service mainly in Polish
- •Fewer premium features
- •Basic international roaming
4GB - 40GB
8GB - 80GB
Prepaid, Postpaid
T-Mobile
Users wanting international brand reliability
Key Features
Advantages
- •International T-Mobile brand reliability
- •Good data speeds nationwide
- •Flexible plan options
- •Premium postpaid features
Considerations
- •More expensive than local competitors
- •Limited physical store presence
- •Complex pricing structure
- •Contract requirements for best deals
2GB - 30GB
10GB - Unlimited
Prepaid, Postpaid
Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which Should You Choose?
Prepaid Plans
Best For:
- • Tourists and short-term visitors
- • People without Polish credit history
- • Budget-conscious users
- • Those wanting full control over spending
Advantages:
- • No contract or credit check required
- • Complete spending control
- • Easy to get and activate
- • Can switch providers easily
Disadvantages:
- • Higher per-GB costs
- • Need to remember to top up
- • Limited premium features
Postpaid Plans
Best For:
- • Long-term residents and expats
- • Heavy data users
- • Business users
- • Those wanting premium features
Advantages:
- • Better value for heavy usage
- • Premium features included
- • No need to top up
- • Better international roaming
Disadvantages:
- • Requires credit check and documentation
- • Contract commitment (usually 24 months)
- • Higher monthly costs
How to Choose the Right SIM Card for Poland
Choosing the right SIM card in Poland depends on your specific needs, length of stay, and usage patterns. Tourists and short-term visitors typically benefit from prepaid plans, while long-term residents and expats often get better value from postpaid contracts.
The key factors to consider are network coverage in your area, data allowances, contract flexibility, and whether you need premium features like international roaming or unlimited calling. Most visitors focus on data, but having a local Polish number is essential for many services.
Choose the right SIM card plan for your needs in Poland.
Match Your Stay with the Right Plan
Short Visits (1-7 days)
Perfect for tourists. Basic prepaid data for maps, messaging, and social media.
Recommended: Plus 4GB/30 days (20 PLN)
Medium Stays (1-6 months)
Business travelers and temporary residents need more data and local calls.
Recommended: Play 15GB prepaid (35 PLN)
Long-term (6+ months)
Expats and residents benefit from postpaid plans with better rates and features.
Recommended: Orange postpaid unlimited (55 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 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. For prepaid plans, check your balance regularly to avoid service interruption, and download the provider's app for easy account management and top-ups.
For postpaid plans, you'll need to provide additional documentation including proof of income, address verification, and may require a deposit if you don't have Polish credit history. The activation process typically takes 1-2 business days.
Data Plans and Pricing Guide
Prepaid Plans
| 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 |
Postpaid Plans
| Provider | Plan | Data | Price | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play | Standard | 20GB | 45 PLN ($11* / €9.90*) | 24 months |
| Play | Unlimited | Unlimited | 65 PLN ($15.80* / €14.30*) | 24 months |
| Orange | Premium | 30GB | 55 PLN ($13.40* / €12.10*) | 24 months |
| Orange | Unlimited | Unlimited | 75 PLN ($18.20* / €16.50*) | 24 months |
| Plus | Standard | 15GB | 40 PLN ($9.70* / €8.80*) | 24 months |
| T-Mobile | Premium | 25GB | 50 PLN ($12.20* / €11*) | 24 months |
*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 SIM Cards in Poland
Do I need registration to buy a SIM card in Poland?▼
Yes, you need to provide ID (passport or EU ID card) when purchasing a 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 SIM card cost in Poland?▼
The SIM card itself costs 5-10 PLN, plus your chosen plan. Prepaid plans start from 20 PLN for 4GB/30 days (Plus) up to 45 PLN for premium plans with 25GB (Orange). Postpaid plans range from 40-75 PLN monthly with better data allowances and features. Most tourists spend 25-35 PLN total for their first month with prepaid.
Can I use my SIM card in other EU countries?▼
Yes, EU roaming regulations apply to Polish 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 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. Postpaid plans remain active as long as you pay your monthly bill.
What documents do I need for a postpaid plan?▼
For postpaid plans, you'll need: valid ID (passport/EU card), proof of address in Poland, proof of income (employment contract or bank statements), and PESEL number. Non-EU citizens may need residence permits. Some providers require a deposit (100-500 PLN) if you don't have Polish credit history. EU citizens typically have easier approval processes.
Can I switch from prepaid to postpaid with the same number?▼
Yes, you can usually keep your phone number when switching from prepaid to postpaid with the same provider. The process takes 1-2 business days and requires the same documentation as a new postpaid contract. Some providers offer special promotions for customers upgrading from prepaid to postpaid plans.
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 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.