How to Buy a prepaid SIM Card for Estonia? (Tourist Guide)

Learn all about prepaid Estonia SIM Card for tourists, your key to staying connected and exploring this country with ease and confidence.

Buying an Estonia SIM card is important for visitors who want affordable cell service during their stay. This guide will help you choose the best prepaid SIM card options, where to buy them, and what you need to prepare for the purchase.

I. What are the Best Estonia SIM cards for Tourists?

Three biggest mobile operators offer the best Estonia SIM card plans for tourists: Elisa Estonia, Tele2 Estonia and Telia Estonia. 

1. Telia Estonia sim card

A Telia prepaid SIM card is called Super. The starter kit costs €1 EUR for registration. After that, you can top up with one of the following packages:

Price	Data	EU/EEA Data	Validity	Activation Code
2 EUR	1,25 GB	1 GB	30 days	*147*1#
5 EUR	5 GB	4 GB	30 days	*147*4#
10 EUR	15 GB	11 GB	30 days	*147*12#
18 EUR	50 GB	50 GB	19 days	*147*40#
24 EUR	250 GB	26 GB	30 days	*147*200#

Price	Calls	SMS	Validity	Activation Code
2 EUR	200pc	200pc	30 days	*151*200#
4 EUR	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	*151*000#

2. Tele2 Estonia sim card

At Tele2, they offer the following prepaid SIM cards for Estonia, all valid for 1 month:

Price	Data	Calls minutes	Calls from Estonia to the EU	Calls, SMS & MMS in EU roaming
5,99 EUR	1GB in Estonia and EU roaming	Unlimited	50 min	Unlimited
7,99 EUR	6GB in Estonia and EU roaming	Unlimited	50 min	Unlimited
19,99 EUR	6GB in Estonia and EU roaming	Unlimited	200 min	Unlimited

3. Elisa Estonia sim card

Here are the Elisa Estonia prepaid SIM card deals for tourists:

Price	Data	Calls within the Elisa network	Calls to the Telia and Tele2 network	Calls to the EU and Russia	SMS
3,05 EUR	N/A	Unlimited	3 hours	N/A	N/A
6,10 EUR	1 GB	Unlimited	6 hours	N/A	100
9,15 EUR	5 GB	Unlimited	9 hours	1 hour	100
15,25 EUR	15 GB	Unlimited	10 hours	1 hour	600

All packages are for use in Estonia only (no free EU roaming included), but some limited calling time to Europe and Russia is available. Each package is valid for 30 days.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Estonia for Tourists?

You have 03 main ways to buy a tourist SIM card in Estonia : purchasing online, or buying upon arrival at the Estonia airport or in the city center.

1. Tallinn Airport

When you arrive at Tallinn Airport, you can buy an Estonia prepaid SIM card right away. As you exit into the arrivals hall, you’ll see an R Kiosk shop on your right. They sell two types of prepaid SIM cards for tourists: Tele2 and Super.

Pros:

• Convenient : You can get a SIM card as soon as you land and be connected right away.

Cons:

• Higher Cost : Airport options are quick but can be more expensive. Vendors at the airport often charge more than local stores or eSIMs bought in advance.

• Limited Selection : While there may be some variety, you might not find the best deals or plans for tourists compared to doing your research ahead of time.

2. Shopping Malls

In the city, you can find several mobile shops that sell prepaid Estonia SIM cards. Official retail stores for Tele2, Elisa, and Telia are located in shopping malls.

You can also buy Estonia prepaid SIM cards at convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations, including Circle K, Coop, Omniva Post Offices, and Rimi.

Pros:

• Easy to Find : You can locate stores using Google Maps. When you buy a Estonia SIM card there, the staff will activate it and help you connect to data before you leave. These stores also offer a wider range of plans and packages compared to airport kiosks.

Cons:

• ID Requirement : You need to bring your ID or passport and provide some personal information, which can be inconvenient while traveling.

3. Online

Before your trip, you can buy a tourist SIM card for Estonia from a trusted online agency. The SIM card will be mailed to you within about five to ten days. Make sure to bring the SIM card package with you to Estonia and insert it when you arrive.

Pros:

• Convenience : You can research and select the best plan for your needs ahead of time, saving you time and stress when you arrive.

• Potential Savings : Some eSIM providers offer good rates, especially compared to prices at airport kiosks or local tourist SIMs.

Cons:

• Flexibility : Your travel plans might change, and a pre-purchased plan with a fixed data allowance may not be suitable.

• Activation Issues : There’s a small chance you could face activation problems with an eSIM bought online.

III. How Much is a Tourist Estonia SIM Card?

A SIM card in Estonia usually costs between €3 and €20, with data plans starting around €3  for smaller bundles. Larger data plans can be more expensive, depending on the amount of data and how long the plan lasts. The price of a prepaid SIM card varies based on the carrier and the package you choose.

IV. What types of Estonia SIM cards are available for tourists?

Tourists in Estonia can choose between a physical prepaid SIM card and a prepaid eSIM. Here’s a summary of the key differences:

Feature	Estonia  Prepaid SIM Card	Estonia  Prepaid eSIM
Convenience	Available at airports, phone stores, and convenience stores. You need to show your passport for registration.	Purchase online before your trip and activate remotely. No registration needed upon arrival.
Compatibility	Works with unlocked GSM phones.	Requires a phone that supports eSIM technology. Check your phone’s specifications.
How to Use	Once activated, just top up with credit to use data, calls, or texts.	Download the eSIM provider’s app, usually involving scanning a QR code.
Plan Example	Tele2 offers 3 GB data in Estonia + 300 local minutes + 30 sms = €3.95 EUR ($4.5 USD)	Gigago offers Estonia eSIM from various suppliers, with 4G/LTE/5G speeds and unlimited data at 128kbps after reaching maximum speed.
Price	Prices vary based on data allowance and validity, generally starting from $3.3 USD.	Usually more expensive than prepaid SIM cards but can be convenient for some travelers.

► Recommendations: 

• If your phone does not support eSIM, get a prepaid SIM card. It’s easy to find and suitable for basic tasks like maps, internet, and app calls.

• If your phone supports eSIM, choose a prepaid data eSIM. It’s a great way to access the internet on your phone while in Estonia.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Estonia travel?

Yes, using a local SIM card in Estonia has many benefits for travelers:

• Cost-effective : A local SIM card is much cheaper than paying roaming fees with your home phone.

• Variety of Plans : You can choose from different data bundles and prepaid plans.

• Direct Customer Support : You’ll get help from knowledgeable customer service agents.

• Good Coverage : All major operators in Estonia offer extensive mobile coverage.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Estonia? 

Before buying a SIM card in Estonia, make sure you have certain documents ready, including your ID card and passport. Sometimes, you may also need to show your visa. You can pay with a credit or debit card, but check that it is approved for international use. It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for emergencies. Having these items ready will make it easier to get a SIM card in Estonia.

VI. Estonia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Estonia eSIMs have several benefits for tourists compared to traditional SIM cards. With an eSIM, you won’t have to search for a store to change tiny physical cards. If you purchase an eSIM before your trip, you can get online as soon as you arrive. eSIMs offer convenience, security, and faster activation.

You can buy eSIMs from trusted websites like Gigago. They offer Estonia eSIMs from major suppliers such as Elisa Estonia, Tele2 Estonia, Telia Estonia, Orange. 

For Estonia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500 MB/ day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Estonia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Estonia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Estonia?

Tourist SIM card plans in Estonia usually have validity periods ranging from a few days (3, 5, or 7 days) to longer options like 10, 14, 20, 28 days, or even 1 month. The duration of a tourist SIM card depends on the plan you choose and when you activate it. Most tourist SIM cards are prepaid with a fixed validity period.

The specific validity of your plan will be clearly shown when you purchase it or on the packaging. You can extend the validity by adding more credit before it expires, but this option may not be available for all plans.

VIII. How to activate a SIM card in Estonia?

The activation process is simple for both Estonia SIM Cards and eSIM, but there are some differences.

1. Using Prepaid Estonia Tourist SIM Cards

After purchasing a Estonia SIM card, follow these steps to use it:

• Insert the SIM Card : Put the SIM card into your phone and turn it on.

• Select Network : When prompted, choose the Estonia carrier network.

• Receive Activation Text : You will get a text confirming that your SIM is activated.

• Load Credit : Add prepaid credit using vouchers from shops or kiosks.

• Enable Data Package : Activate a data package using the provider’s app or a text code.

• Start Using : You can now make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. Your balance will decrease as you use these services.

• Top Up When Needed : When your credits are low, just add more.

2. Setting Up and Activating Estonia eSIM

To use an eSIM in Estonia, follow these steps:

• Download the App : Get the app from the eSIM provider you purchased from or visit their official website.

• Follow Activation Steps : The app will guide you through the activation process, usually by scanning a QR code provided by the provider.

• Connect to the Network : Once activated, your phone should automatically connect to the mobile network.

IX. FAQs

In conclusion, an Estonia SIM card is essential for visitors who want to stay connected during their trip. Prepaid SIM cards are great for short stays, while postpaid contracts offer better value for longer visits. The eSIM option provides quick access to mobile services anywhere in the country. By choosing the right plan, visitors can use the internet and stay in touch, making their travels easier and more enjoyable.