Navigating Finland’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities requires staying connected. This guide delves into Elisa SIM card & eSIM, your key to seamless communication throughout your Finnish adventure.
Best Finland SIM Cards for Tourists: Updated Prices & Where to Buy 2024
Finland SIM cards are a must-have for tourists exploring the Nordic country, guaranteeing smooth connectivity and convenient access to local services.
This article is designed to guide tourists on the best Finland SIM cards available, the best prices, and where to purchase them. Readers will gain invaluable insights to make an informed decision and stay connected during their Finnish adventure.
In this article
I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Finland?
Finland has excellent 4G coverage across the country, making a local SIM card very useful for tourists. There are several options for obtaining a Finland SIM card during your visit.
1. Buying online before departure
- Can purchase SIM cards from Finland carriers’ websites like Elisa, DNA, or Telia
- Cards will be shipped to your home address before the trip
- Pros: Card arrives ready to use. Wide choice of data plans.
- Cons: Requires planning. Shipping fees and delays.
2. Buy physical SIM at Finland airports
- Available at Helsinki airport shops from all major carriers
- Often kiosks near arrival areas have SIMs
- Pros: Convenient procurement upon arrival. Activated on the spot.
- Cons: Limited plans to choose from. Higher airport prices.
3. Buy physical Finland SIM in the cities
- Purchase from carrier stores in major cities
- All carriers have central shops in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere etc.
- Pros: A wider selection of plans than airports. Possible promotions.
- Cons: Requires travel to stores. Not ready for immediate use.
4. Buying an eSIM
- Carriers like Elisa, DNA, and Telia offer eSIM activation via website or app
- Instant activation but requires an eSIM-compatible phone
- Pros: Most convenient option. No waiting for physical SIM.
- Cons: Limited to certain phones.
▶ Our Recommendation: Considering convenience, price, ease of use, and plan variety, we suggest getting an eSIM. Requires a compatible phone but offers instant activation without a physical card, saving trips to stores. Carriers like Elisa, DNA, and Telia provide eSIM support, increasing the chances of compatibility with your current device.
II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?
Connecting with a Finland prepaid tourist SIM card is quite affordable. Here’s a simple breakdown of the usual costs:
Operators | Prepaid Plans | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
DNA | DNA Rajaton Prepaid | ~$5 (includes a $5 balance) | daily charge $0.99/day | daily charge $0.99/day | daily charge $0.99/day | 5 days | ~$5 |
DNA Super Prepaid | ~$5 (includes a $5 balance) | Depending on usage $0.07/min/pc | Depending on usage $0.07/min/pc | Depending on usage $0.07/min/pc | 5 days | ~$5 | |
DNA Dataprepaid | ~$25 | Unlimited internet in Finland | – | – | 30 days | ~$25 | |
Elisa | Combination Package | ~$33 | Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 32GB in EU/EEA | max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month | max. 165 SMS/day and 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$40 |
~$38 | Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 37GB in EU/EEA | max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month | max. 165 SMS/day and 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$44 | ||
~$44 | Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 42GB in EU/EEA | max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month | max. 165 SMS/day and 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$50 | ||
Telia | S-Package | ~$10.8 | 1GB | 100 mins | 100 messages | 31 days | ~$16 |
M-Package | ~$21.8 | 5GB | 500 mins | 500 messages | 31 days | ~$17 | |
Unlimited 4G L-Package | ~$32.7 | Unlimited in Finland, 27GB abroad | 5000 mins | 5000 messages | 31 days | ~$18 | |
Unlimited 5G XL-Package | ~$38 | Unlimited 5G in Finland, 32GB abroad | 5000 mins | 5000 messages | 31 days | ~$19 |
In all, for a simple yet reliable Finland SIM card with some data, activation, and delivery, anticipate spending about €55-75 (~ $60-82) for easy connection during trips lasting less than 21 days. With prepaid SIM cards, you only pay for the data you use!
III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Finland Travel?
Certainly yes, get a SIM card in Finland. Here are the benefits:
- Finnish SIM cards offer budget-friendly data plans, keeping you connected without hefty roaming fees.
- With a local SIM, no need for public Wi-Fi or worrying about roaming; enjoy reliable internet, maps, and communication.
- Finnish networks ensure excellent nationwide coverage, even in remote areas.
Compared to international roaming or portable Wi-Fi, a Finnish SIM card often offers:
- Lower costs: SIM cards are more cost-effective than roaming charges.
- Faster data speeds: Local SIM cards provide faster 4G/5G data than hotspots or public Wi-Fi.
- Easier management: You only need to handle one SIM card instead of multiple devices or service plans.
So don’t hesitate anymore. Get a Finland SIM card right when planning here!
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- Research providers: Compare plans and coverage of Finland's top mobile operators - Elisa, DNA, and Teljä - to find the best fit. <!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002d> <!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002d>
- Purchase in advance: Order a SIM card online and have it shipped before your trip. <!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002d> <!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002d>
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- Ask about eSIM options: Some providers offer digital eSIM cards for easy activation on your phone.
IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Finland?
To buy a prepaid SIM card in Finland, prepare the following:
- Identification: Bring your ID, which could be a driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card.
- SIM Serial Number (SSN): Have the SIM serial number, which is typically printed on the SIM card or its packaging.
Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIM, you can choose this option to avoid the hassle of paperwork and save time. With an eSIM, you can arrange everything online, receive a QR code, and activate your service within minutes.
V. What Types of UK SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?
When visiting Finland as a tourist, you have two main options for getting a SIM card: a prepaid physical SIM card or a prepaid tourist eSIM.
1. Prepaid Physical SIM Cards in Finland
They are a straightforward option for tourists. These SIM cards can provide:
- Data, voice, and text messaging services
- Available for purchase at various retail locations, such as airports, train stations, and telecom provider stores
- The simple activation process, can start using immediately after purchase
2. Prepaid Tourist Finland eSIM
This is a convenient alternative for visitors to Finland. This option:
- Allows you to purchase and activate a SIM card entirely online, without a physical card
- Can provide data-only or data, voice, and text messaging services
- Designed specifically for tourists
- Only works with eSIM-compatible devices
If you need a clearer vision, the comparison table below will be essential:
Feature | Prepaid Physical SIM Card | Prepaid Tourist eSIM |
Availability | Readily available at retail locations | Entirely online, no physical purchase |
Device Compatibility | Compatible with any unlocked device | Only eSIM-enabled devices |
Activation | Simple activation process | Fully digital activation |
Data, Voice, and Text | Offers data, voice, and text | Can be data-only or data, voice, and text |
Flexibility | Easily swappable between devices | Tied to the specific device |
Cost | May be more affordable for longer stays | May be more cost-effective for shorter trips |
▶ Recommendation: Use the prepaid tourist eSIM if your device is eSIM-compatible and you require basic communication via calling apps and the internet. The eSIM is convenient and cost-effective, ideal for shorter trips to Finland.
VI. Finland eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Finland
Finland has a good connection with its strong 4G network. eSIM is a new way to get online without a small SIM card. The benefits of using a prepaid eSIM are:
- Quick activation online or through an app for phones that work with it, no waiting for delivery.
- Don’t have to look for local SIM card stores, saves time and trouble.
- Can easily change phone carriers from your device settings.
One of the top providers of eSIM services for Finland is Gigago. Gigago offers eSIM plans from Elisa and Telia, two of the major networks in Finland. Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 .
What is great about Gigago’s Finland eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Finland, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in the Finland?
The duration of a tourist SIM card in Finland varies by provider and plan:
- 7-Day Plan: Ideal for short stays or vacations.
- 14-Day Plan: Suitable for two-week trips.
- 30-Day Plan: Best for month-long stays or extended visits.
Check with your provider for options to extend or top up your plan if needed.
VIII. How to Use Finland Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM?
Let’s check out how to use prepaid SIM cards and eSIM for easy mobile connection in Finland.
1. Using prepaid tourist Finland SIM Cards
- Buy a SIM card from Finnish telecom companies like Elisa, DNA, and Telia before or when you arrive.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked and works with the local networks.
- Put the SIM card in your phone and follow the instructions to activate it.
- Add credit to the SIM card using vouchers or online.
- Set up your phone to make calls, send texts, and use data.
- Stay connected throughout your trip to Finland.
2. Setting up and Activating Finland eSIM
- Buy an eSIM plan from a reliable provider.
- Get the eSIM details, including a QR code, by email.
- On your eSIM-compatible device, go to Settings and choose “Add eSIM” or “Cellular”.
- Scan the QR code or enter the activation details.
- Follow the instructions to complete the activation.
- Once activated, your eSIM will connect to the local network in Finland.
IX. FAQs about Finland SIM Cards
Can I buy Finland SIM cards at the airport?
Yes, you can purchase Finland SIM cards at major airports, such as Helsinki Airport. This can be a quick and convenient option upon arrival.
Do Finland SIM cards have English support?
Most major operators in Finland provide customer support and SIM card information in English, making it easy for tourists to get set up.
Can I use my Finland SIM card in other Nordic countries?
Many Finland SIM cards offer free or reduced roaming rates in other Nordic and Baltic countries, providing convenient connectivity throughout the region.
How long can I use a Finland prepaid SIM card?
Prepaid SIM cards in Finland typically have a validity period of 1-3 months, allowing tourists to stay connected during their entire trip.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland SIM cards are essential for anyone looking to stay connected while exploring this beautiful country. They offer a convenient, cost-effective way to make calls, send texts, and use data.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning an extended stay, having a Finland SIM card will ensure you can easily communicate with locals and loved ones back home, enhancing your travel experience.