Prepaid Faroe Islands SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Everything you need to know about SIM cards for Faroe Islands is covered in this guide, including what kind of SIM to get, how much Faroe Islands SIM card plans cost, where to buy, what to pack, our pick for the best Faroe Islands mobile provider, and more. 

Faroe Islands SIM card

Using roaming or free Wi-Fi while on Faroe Island might be costly and unstable. Getting a native Faroe Islands SIM card is the best method to stay connected while traveling. You may simply obtain maps, communicate with friends and family, and handle other travel-related issues with a Faroe Islands SIM card.

I. What are the Best Faroe Islands SIM cards for Tourists?

The Faroe Islands have two mobile providers: Faroe Tele (ver), Nema (previously called hey by Vodafone Faroe)

1. Faroe Telecom (Føroya Tele) SIM cards

The Faroe Islands company is the most popular one in the Faroe Islands. You can find them when leaving the airport at small stores and in different parts of the country. 

All packages include unlimited domestic calls and texts plus a data quota:

  • 5 GB per month: 157 Kr
  • 15 GB for a month: 197 Kr
  • 30 GB for a month: 247 Kr
  • 70 GB for a month: 267 Kr
  • unlimited: 287 Kr
Faroe Telecom (Føroya Tele) SIM cards
Faroe Telecom (Føroya Tele) – Faroe Islands SIM Card SIM cards

2. Vodafone SIM cards

Vodafone is currently the Faroe Islands’ second operator. In the capital and other densely populated locations, they provide 4G/LTE coverage. Only 3G or 2G coverage is available in the remaining Faroe Islands: coverage map. Vodafone, sometimes known as Nema or Hey, offers significantly cheaper rates while having somewhat less coverage.

Here is a list of Vodafone data eSIM plans available for the Faroe Islands:

Data AllowanceValidityPrice
1GB + 0.5GB Free (1.5GB)7 days$4
5GB + 2.5GB Free (7.5GB)10 days$16
10GB + 5GB Free (15GB)15 days$27
20GB + 10GB Free (30GB)30 days$35
50GB + 25GB Free (75GB)90 days$61
100GB + 50GB Free (150GB)90 days$113
Vodafone SIM Card in Faroe Islands
Vodafone SIM Card in Faroe Islands

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Faroe Islands for Tourists?

Tourists can purchase SIM cards in the Faroe Islands through several convenient methods: by online, at the airport or in the city.

1. Buy Faroe Islands SIM Card Online 

Purchasing Faroe Islands SIM cards online, particularly eSIMs, is increasingly popular. You can buy from international eSIM providers (such as Vodafone, Faroe Tele) or some local operators with online services.

Suitable for: travelers who want to ensure connectivity upon arrival or those who prefer the convenience of online shopping.

Pros:

  • Convenient, can be purchased before your trip.
  • Easy to compare plans and prices.
  • Fast activation, especially with eSIMs.

Cons:

  • Requires ensuring your device is eSIM compatible (if buying an eSIM).
  • Physical SIMs may require shipping time.
  • Requires internet access to purchase and activate an eSIM.

2. Buy SIM card at Faroe Islands airports

In the Faroe Islands, SIM cards can be bought at Vágar Airport. You can find SIM cards at Faroe Islands kiosks within the airport. When making a purchase, you might be requested to present your passport, so make sure you have it available beforehand.  Before you leave the store after making a purchase, confirm that you can connect to the Internet correctly.

Pros: You don’t need to wait for your phone to be activated in order to begin using it as soon as you land in the Faroe Islands.

Cons: SIM cards bought at airports in the Faroe Islands are typically more costly than those acquired online or from neighborhood shops.

Vágar Airport in Faroe Islands
Vágar Airport in Faroe Islands

3. Buy SIM Card in Faroe Islands City

You definitely can buy SIM card in Faroe Islands city center. There are plenty of teleshops located in Tórshavn, Hoyvík, Klaksvík, Saltangará, and Tvøroyri.

Pros:

  • Wider Selection of Plans: City center stores of Foroya Tele and Vodafone Faroe Islands are likely to offer a more comprehensive range of prepaid SIM card plans.
  • Expert Assistance: Staff at provider stores can offer personalized assistance in choosing the right plan, activating the SIM card, and troubleshooting any issues.
  • Top-Up Convenience: City centers provide easy access to top-up options, whether online, in-store, or via vouchers.
  • Potential for Better Deals: You might find promotional offers or discounts that are not available at smaller outlets or kiosks.

Cons:

  • Limited Opening Hours: Provider stores may have restricted opening hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Potential for Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, city center stores might be crowded, leading to longer wait times.
  • Travel Time: If your accommodation is not in the city center, you’ll need to factor in travel time and costs.

Here are some locations you can find Faroe Islands SIM card on Google Maps:

  • Faroese Telecom: 21 Heiðavegur, Saltangará 600, Faroe Islands
  • Vodafone: 2 Óðinshædd, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
There are some Foroya Tele official stores around Faroe Islands for you to visit.
There are some Foroya Tele official stores around Faroe Islands for you to visit.
It is harder to find a Vodafone store in Faroe Islands than buying one online.
It is harder to find a Vodafone store in Faroe Islands than buying one online.

III. How Much is a Tourist Faroe Islands SIM Card? 

A SIM card typically costs between 27.6 Kr and 780 Kr, with data plans starting at 27.6 Kr for smaller bundles. Larger data plans may be more expensive, depending on the data capacity and length of the plan. The cost of a prepaid SIM card in the Faroe Islands varies depending on the operator and data package you select. 

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

When visiting the Faroe Islands, tourists have two main options for obtaining SIM cards: Prepaid SIM Cards, Tourist eSIMs.

Here is comparison table of Faroe Islands SIM Cards for tourists:

CriteriaPrepaid SIM Cards Faroe IslandsTourist eSIMs for Faroe Islands
ConveniencePurchased physically at stores or airportsActivated digitally, no physical SIM needed
CompatibilityWorks with most unlocked phonesMust be used on eSIM-compatible devices
How to UseInsert the SIM into your phone and follow activation instructionsScan the QR code to install and activate the eSIM
Plan Example5GB for 30 days at DKK 1007GB for 30 days at DKK 200
PriceTypically cheaper than eSIMsGenerally more expensive than prepaid SIM cards

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

Yes. We advise purchasing a SIM card for your trip to the Faroe Islands for those reason: 

  • Avoid depending entirely on roaming on your home mobile plan or free public WiFi when visiting the Faroe Islands. These choices may be expensive, cumbersome, and unreliable.
  • There might not always be free WiFi hotspots available, particularly if you’re moving around. Your data may also be at risk if you use an unprotected public network.
  • Another option is to roam using your home SIM card, however this is typically very costly.

Purchasing a Faroe Islands prepaid SIM card is a good option. You may use this to get a dependable, fast mobile data connection anywhere in the nation.  It is simple and quick to set up, and you only pay for what you use. Before you leave, make sure your phone is unlocked so you may use the local SIM card without any problems.

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

When preparing to buy a SIM card in the Faroe Islands, here’s a checklist of what you’ll likely need:

  • Passport: You will need to show your passport when you buy a real SIM card to use in the Faroe Islands.  In addition to registering your new SIM card and phone number under your name and passport details, the store will copy or snap a picture of your passport.
  • Unlocked Phone: Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, it won’t work with a local SIM card. If using an eSIM, your device must be eSIM compatible.
  • Local Currency (DKK): The Faroe Islands use the Danish krone (DKK). Having some local currency on hand will make the purchase smoother. While some places might accept credit cards, cash is always a reliable option.

Recommendation: If your phones compatible with eSIM. Get an eSIM card for Faroe Islands. eSIMs can be set up digitally on your device without needing to visit a store. All you’ll need is your email address to complete the purchase.

VII. Faroe Islands eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

Purchase a Faroe Islands eSIM for your trip from Gigago.
Purchase a Faroe Islands eSIM for your trip from Gigago.

For your journey to the remote and stunning Faroe Islands, eSIM technology presents a great solution, offering a level of convenience, simplicity, and adaptability that traditional Faroe SIM cards simply cannot match.Arriving in the Faroe Islands and immediately having access to mobile data without the hassle of searching for a local store or enduring lengthy queues.

Travelers can effortlessly purchase Faroe eSIM online before your departure, ensuring that you are ready to connect to the digital world the moment you step off the plane. When selecting an eSIM provider for your Faroe Islands trip, Gigago is one of reliable worldwide online providers for travel eSIM. 

Gigago offers affordable plans tailored to various needs, with options starting at just $10.50 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days. Other Gigago Faroe Islands eSIM plans you can purchase between $10.50 .

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Faroe Islands?

The duration of a tourist SIM card in the Faroe Islands depends on the specific prepaid plan you purchase from the mobile operators. Mostly it will last for 7 days to several weeks or even a month. You may consider buying a Faroe Islands SIM card with the validity as long as your days you spend on the islands. 

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Faroe Islands

Activating a SIM card in the Faroe Islands involves slightly different steps depending on whether you’re using a physical prepaid SIM or an eSIM. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Using Prepaid Faroe islands tourist SIM Cards

Insertion:

  • Turn off your phone.
  • Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot of your unlocked mobile phone.

Activation:

  • Turn on your phone.
  • In many cases, the SIM card will activate automatically upon connecting to the network.
  • If not, you may need to:
    • Dial a specific activation number provided with the SIM card packaging.
    • Send an SMS message to a designated number.
    • Visit the provider’s website and register the SIM card online.
  • Follow the instructions provided with your SIM card.

APN Settings:

  • Ensure your phone’s Access Point Name (APN) settings are correctly configured. These settings allow your phone to connect to the mobile data network.  
  • You can usually find the correct APN settings on the provider’s website or in the SIM card packaging. You may have to enter these settings manually.

Test:

  • Make a test call or try to access the internet to verify that the SIM card is working correctly.

2. Setting up and activating Faroe islands eSIM

Installation:

  • Ensure your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.
  • Go to your phone’s cellular settings.
  • Select “Add Cellular Plan” or a similar option.
  • Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the eSIM profile.

Activation:

  • In most cases, the eSIM will activate automatically once it’s installed and your phone connects to the network.
  • Some eSIM providers allow the purchase of the eSIM, but hold off on the data plan activation until the user is ready.
  • Go to your cellular settings, and make sure that the eSIM is enabled.

Data Roaming:

  • Ensure that Data roaming is turned on, in your phones settings.

Test:

  • Make a test call (if your plan includes calls) or try to access the internet to ensure the eSIM is working correctly.

X. FAQs about Faroe Islands SIM card

How is the mobile coverage in the Faroe Islands?

Coverage is generally reliable in towns and populated areas. However, it can be spotty in remote regions and when traveling between islands, so plan accordingly.

Can I use my existing mobile plan in the Faroe Islands?

Yes. But be aware that international roaming charges can be very high. It’s best to check with your home provider before you travel to Faroe Islands.

What are the main mobile operators in the Faroe Islands?

The primary providers are Foroya Tele and Vodafone Faroe Islands.

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, obtaining a Faroe Islands SIM card is a straightforward and reliable option for tourists who want to stay connected during their visit. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available, providing a simple and cost-effective way to access mobile data and services. They can be purchased at various locations, including airports and local stores, or ordered online before your trip. Alternatively, tourist eSIMs offer a convenient, digital solution that avoids the need for a physical SIM card. Both options cater to different preferences and device compatibility, ensuring that you can choose the best solution for your needs. Whether you go for a prepaid SIM card or eSIM, staying connected in the Faroe Islands will be easy and affordable.