This guide will provide tips on purchasing the best prepaid SIM options from large carriers in Lithuania
How to Buy a SIM Card at Vilnius Airport (VNO) for Visitors: Where and Price?
This blog post provides everything travelers need to know about getting a SIM card at Vilnius Airport (VNO): how to buy, price, and the best alternative to airport SIMs.
When traveling to a new country, having a local SIM card is essential for navigating comfortably. If you are flying into Lithuania’s capital through Vilnius Airport, acquiring a SIM card is simple. Several shops located near the baggage claim sell prepaid SIM cards from Lithuanian carriers so you are online right after exiting the airport. This guide will walk you through easy options to purchase an affordable prepaid SIM card at Vilnius Airport (VNO) before heading into the city on your trip.
Highlights:
- Three ways to buy a Lithuanian SIM card at Vilnius Airport (VNO): order in advance and collect it at airport, purchase upon arrival, and register for Lithuania eSIM.
- Be sure to bring your passport for registration and activate the SIM before leaving the airport.
- When comparing prices, remember to include the SIM card cost and any sign-up fees in addition to the base price of the cellular data plans.
In this article
I. How to Get a SIM Card at Vilnius Airport (VNO)?
There are several convenient ways to obtain a Lithuanian SIM card at Vilnius Airport (VNO):
- Order in advance: Order a SIM online from providers like Bite, Tele2, or Telia before your trip. When you touch down at Vilnius International Airport, pick it up from service desks near the baggage claim when going through customs.
- Purchase on arrival: Major carrier stores and small shops by security checks offer SIM cards and data plans from Bite, Tele2, and other networks. Look for their logos near exits for fast purchases.
- Register for Lithuania eSIM: For instant connectivity, you may sign up for a Lithuania eSIM plan digitally at Vilnius airport. No physical card is required as it links directly to your device’s settings.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Lithuania Vilnius Airport (VNO)?
Once you arrive at Lithuania Vilnius International Airport (VNO), you may choose to get a Lithuania SIM card from the following locations:
1. Major Carrier Stores at Lithuania Vilnius Airport
Bite, Tele2, and Telia are the three largest cellular networks in Lithuania. They all have stores at Vilnius International Airport and offer various SIM card options and data plans for tourists to Lithuania.
Bite Kiosk:
- Location: Arrival Hall, near the baggage claim
- Opening hours: Early morning to late evening, specific hours may vary
- Language: English, Lithuanian
Tele2 Kiosk:
- Opening hours: Arrival Hall, near the exit
- Operating hours: Vilnius Airport’s operating hours
- Language: English, Lithuanian
Telia Kiosk:
- Location: Arrival Hall, near the exit
- Opening hours: Vilnius Airport’s operating hours
- Language: English, Lithuanian
2. Other Spots
Tourists landing at Vilnius Airport can also buy SIM cards at:
- Airport Convenience Stores and Retailers: Some convenience stores and retailers within the airport premises may provide tourist SIM cards.
- Airport Info Desks: Inquire at the info booths or support centers about SIM card stall locations.
- Lithuania Post Office: Look for a small Lithuania post office next to the arrival exit and baggage pickup area.
III. Do SIM Card Shops at Vilnius Airport (VNO) Open after Midnight?
No, most SIM card shops and retailers inside Vilnius Airport (VNO) would not typically be open after midnight.
Since the airport starts to quiet down in the late evening with far fewer flights arriving, the small stores and concessions selling SIM cards generally close by midnight at the latest. Their operating hours align with the airport schedule.
Some full-size convenience stores in the terminals may extend their hours later than the specialized SIM shops. But even those tend to shutter around midnight to 2 am at the latest.
Advice: If you are arriving late at night, it is best to order your Lithuania SIM card before traveling or download an eSIM plan for Lithuania virtually.
IV. Lithuania Vilnius International Airport SIM Card Price
Good to know: US$ 1 = EUR 0.91 and EUR 1 = US$ 1.1 (October 2024)
The table below shows some of the major SIM card options at Lithuania Vilnius International Airport (VNO) for visitors:
SIM Options | Data | Minutes | Validity | Airport Price |
Bitė Prepaid SIM | 1GB, 5GB, 10GB (options accessible) | Unlimited | 30 days | $5 (activation fee) + plan price |
Tele2 Tourist SIM | 5GB, 20GB (options accessible) | Unlimited | 30-60 days | $5 (activation fee) + plan price |
Telia Prepaid SIM | 5GB, 15GB (options accessible) | Unlimited | 30-60 days | $5 (activation fee) + plan price |
Many SIM plans at Vilnius Airport include free unlimited calls and texts to other numbers within Lithuania as a bonus. You may have to pay charges per minute if calling or texting cell phones in other countries.
Pro Tips:
- Compare total costs: When comparing prices, remember to include the SIM card cost and any sign-up fees in addition to the base price of the cellular data plans.
- Ask about roaming charges: Make sure to find out the rates for using your data in other countries. That is usually extra and not part of the base data package.
V. Registration Process for Buying a SIM Card at Vilnius Airport
Getting a SIM card at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania is a simple process. Things to prepare include:
- A passport or ID card so they can verify your identity. Make sure this is an official photo ID from your country.
- Payment in EURO cash/ credit card. Some SIM card kiosks at the airport may not accept cards.
- Know if you want data only or a calling/ texting plan. Lithuania’s networks at Vilnius Airport offer different options.
- Decide which carrier network you prefer between Bitė, Tele2, or Telekom. Prices and coverage can vary.
Once you have those things prepared, just go to one of the SIM card kiosks or stores located near arrivals. The process only takes a few minutes with the right documents and cash. They will activate the SIM card right there and you can start using it around Vilnius quickly!
Advice:
For a fast and simple SIM setup, it is recommended to get an eSIM plan for Lithuania. It lets you download to your phone without a plastic SIM card. But first, make sure your phone uses eSIM technology so it will work.
VI. eSIM at Lithuania Vilnius International Airport – Alternative to Lithuania Vilnius SIM Card
Obtaining an eSIM is another convenient option for connecting in Lithuania. With an eSIM, no need to wait at the stores – you may activate eSIM service right from the airport using just your phone:
- Instant connectivity: No physical card is required. Your number and data plan link directly to your device.
- Easily switch providers: Try different Lithuania eSIM plans without having to swap cards.
- Book online in advance: Reserve and download your eSIM from providers like Tele2 before landing in Vilnius.
- Flexible plans: eSIM carriers offer flexible short-term plans if your dates change compared to long physical contracts.
By choosing a Lithuania eSIM, you can get connected fast and use your phone immediately upon arrival at Vilnius Airport. It’s a simple digital alternative to buying a SIM card at the shops.
Gigago is a reliable eSIM reseller that provides budget-friendly services to over 200 countries, including Lithuania. For Lithuania, Gigago delivers a variety of eSIM plans from prominent networks like Bite andTele2. The packages begin at $3.00 for 500MB per day in 3 days and range from $3.00 – $95.90 .
See more details on Gigago eSIM plans for tourists to Lithuania.
VII. FAQs about SIM Card at Vilnius Airport (VNO)
Do I need to present my passport to buy a SIM card at Vilnius Airport (VNO)?
Yes, you must show your passport when purchasing a SIM card at Vilnius Airport. The retailers need to verify your identification for registration purposes.
How much does it cost to get a SIM card at Vilnius Airport?
SIM card prices at Vilnius Airport typically range from around 10-30 Euros, depending on the network, data package, and additional features selected. Also, you may need to pay an activation fee.
Can I use my SIM card at Vilnius Airport right away?
No, you will need to activate your new SIM card purchased at Vilnius Airport before using it. Make sure to complete the activation process before leaving the airport.
VIII. Conclusion
In summary, purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Vilnius Airport is a simple and affordable way to stay connected during your trip to Lithuania. With several shops located inside VNO selling SIM cards and data packages from the major carriers, getting set up with mobile service is straightforward. Be sure to bring your passport for registration and activate the Lithuania SIM before leaving the airport.