Data Roaming in Finland & Alternatives to Get Internet 2024: Which Option to Choose?

Latest update: April 2024

Data roaming can be a concern for travelers to Finland, especially those who rely on mobile connectivity for staying connected while abroad. Let’s explore the ins and outs oft data roaming in Finland.

Navigating the ins and outs of data roaming in Finland can be a bit tricky for tourists and business travelers. This article is here to help you out with a thorough guide to getting reliable and budget-friendly internet access while you’re in Finland.

Whether you’re out enjoying the beautiful scenery or in important meetings, grasping the details of data roaming and its options is key to staying connected without unexpected costs.

In this article

I. Overview of Data Roaming in Finland For Tourists

Finland boasts a strong telecom infrastructure with extensive roaming services for travelers. Here are key points on phone roaming in Finland:

Roaming costs: Roaming charges in Finland are reasonable under the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” rules to limit fees.
Roaming rates: Finnish mobile operators offer competitive rates, including package deals for voice, text, and data.
Roaming policies: Finland follows EU regulations, allowing travelers to use their domestic plan’s minutes, texts, and data while in Finland.
Activating roaming: Roaming is usually on by default on Finnish SIM cards, but travelers should confirm with their provider.
Data usage: Finland’s robust 4G and 5G network ensures reliable high-speed data access. Operators provide data roaming packages for cost control.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to check with your mobile provider for the latest roaming information and available plans before traveling to Finland.

II. How Does Roaming In Finland Work?

What is Roaming (in Finland)?

Roaming refers to the ability to use your mobile device and cellular service when traveling outside of your home network coverage area. This allows you to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and access data services while abroad.

Actually, roaming in any country has both pros and cons, and Finland is no exception. Benefits of roaming here include:

Stay connected while in Finland with roaming for friends, family, and work contacts.
Save on costs with regulations like “Roam Like at Home,” using your domestic plan’s allowances while roaming in Finland.
Access Finland’s robust 4G and 5G networks for reliable, high-speed data through roaming.

But drawbacks might be:

Roaming fees
Plan limits
Network compatibility

Roaming Situations in Finland

Domestic roaming: Moving between different regions or operators within Finland typically incurs no additional charges.
EU roaming: As an EU member, Finland adheres to “Roam Like at Home” rules, allowing you to use your domestic plan when traveling from other EU countries.
International roaming: When roaming in Finland from non-EU countries, you may need to purchase a specific roaming package or expect higher per-use charges.

To ensure a smooth roaming experience in Finland, it’s recommended to contact your mobile provider before your trip to understand the available options and any potential costs.

III. Roaming Charges In Finland – Is It Expensive?

Yes, the roaming charges in Finland can be costly, especially for international calls and data usage. Charges for calls, SMS, and data can accumulate rapidly, making it an expensive choice for travelers.

In Finland, roaming services cover various types of usage, including calls, SMS, and data. Roaming rates can vary significantly depending on the user’s home network operator and the specific network being used in Finland.

Here is a detailed roaming rates table for the main network operators in Finland:

Operator	Call (Local)	Call (International)	SMS (Local)	SMS (International)	Data
Elisa	$1.20/min (Outgoing) $0.60/min (Incoming)	$2.40/min (Outgoing) $1.80/min (Incoming)	$0.50/SMS	$1.00/SMS	$5.00/MB
DNA	$1.50/min (Outgoing) $0.70/min (Incoming)	$2.80/min (Outgoing) $2.00/min (Incoming)	$0.60/SMS	$1.20/SMS	$6.00/MB
Teljä	$1.30/min (Outgoing) $0.65/min (Incoming)	$2.60/min (Outgoing) $1.90/min (Incoming)	$0.55/SMS	$1.10/SMS	$5.50/MB

Note: Rates may change depending on roaming agreements! Travelers, remember to check with your home network for the latest rates and think about local SIM cards or roaming packages to save money while in Finland.

IV. How To Activate Roaming Service For Finland In Your Cell Phone?

You need to take four steps to activate roaming services for Finland:

Choose your preferred service provider
Activate the roaming function
Buy a mobile package with roaming
Turn on your phone’s roaming and enjoy

Step 1: Choose your preferred service provider

The major mobile operators in Finland and their roaming fees are as follows:

Mobile Operator	Roaming Fees (USD)
Elisa	$2.20 per MB
DNA	$1.80 per MB
Teljä	$2.00 per MB

Elisa is the largest mobile operator in Finland, with the most extensive network coverage. DNA and Teljä are the other two major providers. When choosing an operator for roaming, consider factors such as network coverage, data speeds, and roaming fees. DNA generally offers the most competitive roaming rates among the three.

Step 2: Activate the roaming function for your service provider

To activate roaming on your phone, follow these steps:

Android:

Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks.
Tap on “Roaming”.
Turn on the “Data roaming” toggle.

iPhone/iOS:

Go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap on “Cellular Data Options”.
Turn on the “Data Roaming” toggle.

This will enable your phone to connect to the local Finnish mobile networks when you arrive in the country.

Step 3: Buy a mobile package with roaming

Most Finnish mobile operators offer roaming packages that provide discounted rates for data, calls, and texts while abroad. Check with your provider to see what roaming packages are available and select one that best fits your needs and budget.

Step 4: Turn on your phone’s roaming

After activating roaming on your service provider’s settings, you’ll need to turn on roaming on your phone’s settings as well.

Android:

Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks.
Tap on “International roaming“.
Turn on the “International roaming” toggle.

iPhone/iOS:

Go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap on “Data Roaming” and turn it on.

Once these steps are completed, your phone will be ready to use roaming services in Finland. Remember to monitor your data usage and consider purchasing a roaming package to avoid high pay-as-you-go charges.

V. How To Avoid Roaming Charges When Traveling to Finland?

You can avoid roaming charges while traveling Finland by following these tips:

Get a local SIM card/eSIM: Buy one from a Finnish provider for cheaper local data, calls, and texts. Ensure it’s unlocked and eSIM-ready for easy plan switching. Check eSIM-compatible devices.
Use Wi-Fi when possible: Seek free hotspots in hotels and cafes to save mobile data.
Disable data roaming: Turn it off to avoid unexpected fees; rely on Wi-Fi instead.
Monitor data usage: Keep track to avoid extra charges.
Check phone compatibility: Ensure it’s unlocked and eSIM-ready for easy plan switching.

VI. Finland eSIM – Alternative To Data Roaming In Finland To Get Internet

Finland eSIM is a digital / virtual SIM card that functions similarly to traditional physical Finland SIM cards. eSIM Finland allows you to stay connected and keep in touch with your loved ones back home without the need for a physical SIM card.

With just a small eSIM, you can:

Easily switch between networks
Skip the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards
Get great local rates
Get connected instantly when you arrive

Gigago, a reputable tourist eSIM provider, offers a range of eSIM Finland plans to suit every traveler’s needs. Gigago’s prepaid, data-only plans for Finland start from as low as $3.50 for 1GB of data over 3 days, with options ranging up to $3.50 – $125.98 for 50GB of data over 30 days.

This diversity of plans means you can choose the perfect package based on your anticipated data usage and the duration of your stay in Finland.

VII. How To Turn Off Data Roaming When Traveling In Finland?

Turning off data roaming when traveling in Finland is an important step to avoid unexpected charges and ensure you’re in control of your mobile data usage. Here’s how to do it for both Android and iPhone devices:

1. Turn off international roaming on Android When Traveling in Finland

Open Settings
Tap on “Connections” or “Mobile network“
Locate “Data roaming” and turn it off
Confirm the setting to disable data roaming

2. Turning Off Data Roaming on iPhones

Go to Settings
Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data“
Find “Cellular Data Options“
Tap on “Data Roaming” and turn it off
Confirm the setting to disable data roaming

Follow these steps to prevent your device from connecting to costly roaming data networks in Finland, maintaining control over your mobile data usage while traveling.

VIII. FAQs about Data Roaming in Finland

How fast is data roaming in Finland?

Data roaming speed in Finland varies based on network coverage and supported technology. Finland boasts a robust 4G/LTE network, with some areas having 5G coverage. Download speeds typically range from 10 Mbps to over 100 Mbps, depending on location and network conditions.

Can I use my phone’s hotspot feature while roaming in Finland?

Yes, you can use your phone’s hotspot in Finland while roaming, but be aware of potential extra charges. Monitor usage and consider a roaming data package for extensive hotspot use.

Are there any data roaming restrictions or limits in Finland?

Some mobile providers may impose data roaming restrictions like daily or monthly caps. Check with your home provider before traveling to Finland for any such limits.

IX. Conclusion

Data roaming in Finland can be easily managed by getting a good grasp of the costs, options, and smart practices. Travelers have a few choices like using local SIM cards, Wi-Fi connections, or data roaming packages from their home providers.

By monitoring data usage and utilizing available solutions, users can stay connected in Finland without hefty roaming fees. With careful planning and insight into data roaming in Finland, a smooth and budget-friendly mobile experience while exploring the country is assured.