How to buy a SIM Card at Helsinki Airport (HEL) 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

How can you remain in touch with friends, family, and the internet while visiting Finland? Consider getting a SIM card at Helsinki airport (HEL). A SIM card from this is a handy and economical method to avoid roaming costs and get the finest network coverage in Finland. This article covers everything regarding purchasing a SIM card.

I. Can I Buy a SIM Card at Helsinki Airport (HEL)?

Yes. You can buy a SIM card at Helsinki airport (HEL).

Purchasing a SIM card at the airport is quick and easy, requiring no pre-planning. You can get connected immediately upon arrival, making it convenient for using maps, transportation apps, and staying in touch with family and friends.

However, you may encounter potentially long lines, especially during peak times, and limited store hours, particularly at night. Additionally, prices at airport stores tend to be higher compared to other options available in the city or online.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Helsinki Airport?

Online or offline are two main ways to buy a SIM card at Helsinki airport. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each method.

You can purchase a SIM card right after you grab your luggage and clear customs.

Look out for kiosks or stores selling mobile phone services. These might be operated by significant Finnish network operators like Elisa, Telia, and DNA or convenience stores like R-kioski (depending on the airport).

1. Elisa store

• Location: Terminal 2, near the exit 2B
• Opening hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day
• Plan: You can get unlimited data, calls, and texts for 30 days in Finland and other Nordic and Baltic countries for 26$.

2. Telia store

• What to prepare: Unlocked phone, passport, cash, or card (depending on their accepted payment methods).
• Cost: Prices are comparable to other operators at the airport, generally starting around13$ for a small data plan and going up to around 39$ for larger packages.
• Pros: Convenient option for immediate connectivity.
• Cons: Limited store hours, particularly at night, might mean you can only purchase a SIM after late-night arrival.

3. DNA store

• What to prepare: Pack your unlocked phone, passport, and preferred payment method (cash or card) to get your DNA SIM card.
• Cost: Prices are generally on par with other airport vendors, starting around 11$ for smaller data packages and reaching around 33$ for more extensive options.
• Pros: Convenient for immediate internet access upon arrival.
• Cons: Similar to other stores, limited opening hours, especially at night, might mean you can only buy a SIM card if you land on time.

IV. Best Tourist Helsinki Airport SIM Cards Price

Choose the best SIM card plan and pricing at Helsinki airport by comparing plans and features from various providers. Elisa, Telia, and DNA, Finland’s three local providers, offer these SIM card at Helsinki airport plans and prices.

It is well known that SIM cards bought at airports are generally pricier than those acquired outside the airport or online. Various providers offer numerous data plans at different price points. One particularly popular and widely used data plan comes from Elisa:

Here is a comparison table of data plans and prices from different carriers, allowing visitors to make an informed decision and select the carrier that best suits their needs.

Operator	Package	Data	Voice	Text	Price (USD)
Telia	Telia Prepaid	7 GB	100 min	100 SMS	12.5
DNA	DNA Prepaid	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	15.0
Elisa	Elisa Prepaid	5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	10.0

Note: The information may change over time, so always check the latest details on the provider’s website or at the airport.

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Helsinki Airport – Registration Process

To purchase a SIM card at Helsinki airport, you have to prepare some important documents for a great experience:

• Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone isn’t locked to a specific carrier and can handle Finnish network frequencies (GSM 900/1800 MHz and UMTS 900/2100 MHz).
• Passport: This is crucial for registration, so don’t leave it behind!
• Payment method: Cash or card, depending on what the vendor accepts.

If travelers feel the above process is too complicated and wish to avoid sharing their personal information, they can consider getting an eSIM, assuming their phone supports it.

V. Finland eSIM for Helsinki – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Helsinki Airport

If you want an alternative to buying a prepaid SIM card at Helsinki airport, eSIM is now the ideal alternative to SIM cards. Using eSIM has the following advantages:

• Convenience: Order online and activate it instantly. There is no need to wait in lines or visit stores.
• Flexibility: Switch between eSIMs easily, perfect for travelers who use multiple lines.
• Security: No physical card to lose or damage.

Gigago is a leading provider of eSIMs for travelers, offering the best quality and service in the market. 

Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Finland, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is excellent 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.

VI. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Helsinki Helsinki Airport?

While the airport offers a convenient solution, venturing outside can unlock more affordable options. Here’s where you can grab a SIM card at Helsinki Airport:

• Official stores: Major network operators like Elisa, Telia, and DNA often have physical stores in cities and towns. These stores offer a more comprehensive selection of plans and better deals than the airport.
• Convenience stores: Depending on the country, convenience stores like R-kioski in Finland might sell SIM cards, offering a quick and accessible option.
• Gas stations: In some countries, even gas stations might offer basic SIM card packages, catering to travelers on the go.

What to prepare:

• Unlocked phone: Ensure compatibility with local network frequencies.
• Passport: Might be required for registration.
• Payment method: Cash or card, depending on the vendor’s preference.

▶ Our recommendation: If your phone is eSIM-compatible, exploring eSIM options online is the most convenient and cost-effective approach. You can activate a data plan directly on your phone, eliminating the need for a physical card and saving time searching for stores.

VII. FAQs

VIII. Conclusion

Upon arrival, you may easily get a SIM card at Helsinki Airport, allowing you to go online immediately. However, remember that there may be drawbacks, such as more pricing and reduced store hours, especially throughout the night.

For a more affordable and flexible option, consider pre-ordering online for airport pickup, purchasing outside the airport, or utilizing an eSIM compatible with your phone. You can remain connected and enjoy a smooth Finnish trip without breaking the bank!