Among the ways to use the internet while traveling, many guests choose to rent pocket wifi in Sweden when coming to this country. This way, you can rent or buy options. In addition, telecommunications service operators in Sweden also offer a number of other alternatives.
How to Buy a SIM Card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN): Best Plans + Updated Price
Travelling to Stockholm, Sweden and looking to stay connected? Here is a complete guide on how to buy the best SIM card for your trip at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and in the city.
In this article
I. Can I Buy a SIM Card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)?
Yes. Buying a SIM card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is convenient for tourists. You can get connected immediately upon arrival, which is useful for accessing maps and transportation apps. Airport stores are open from 6 AM to 10 PM, accommodating any flight schedule, while city stores may have limited hours.
Pro Tip: Purchasing a SIM card right at Stockholm Arlanda Airport upon arrival is very convenient. But heading into the city opens up more provider options if you want to compare among shops and get better price.
Find out more information regarding Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport?
There are a few locations within Stockholm Arlanda Airport to purchase SIM cards:
Lycamobile Kiosk
- Lycamobile is an MVNO that uses Telenor’s network. Their kiosk is located in Terminal 5, after exiting security and walking towards SkyCity
- Once the free Lycamobile SIM card is obtained, it needs to be registered on their website by entering the SIM card phone number. Then a prepaid plan must be purchased in order to activate the SIM card.
- Registration required.
- Opening hours are 6 AM – 10 PM daily.
Pressbyrån
- Pressbyrån is a popular convenience store found throughout Sweden’s airports.
- They carry prepaid SIMs from Tele2 and other major providers like Telia and Telenor.
- Pressbyrån locations are found in Terminals 2, 4, and 5 arrival halls as well as throughout the terminal concourses. Hours are generally 5 AM – 10 PM daily.
- Direction: Walk towards the security checkpoint, continue straight after passing it, and follow the signs to the shopping area where Pressbyrån is located near the waiting area of Terminal 4.
7-Eleven
- 7-Eleven also sells SIM cards from top Swedish providers in Terminals 2, 4, and 5.
- Their opening hours are limited however – 7 AM to 10 PM.
- Direction: Walk towards the central area of the terminal, follow the signs to the shopping and dining area, and 7-Eleven is located near the main shopping area close to other retail stores and dining options.
III. Best Tourist Stockholm Arlanda Airport SIM Cards Price
Note: The prices listed in USD are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 SEK. Actual prices in SEK are subject to change and fluctuations in the exchange rate.
There are three mobile operators: Telia, Telenor and Lyca Mobile. It’s generally true that buying a SIM card at the airport tends to be more expensive than purchasing it from stores outside or online.
Here are the top prepaid SIM card options for visitors to buy at Stockholm Arlanda Airport:
Operator | Plan | Pros | Cons | Price (USD) |
Telia | 30 days 10GB data | Large data allowance, inclusion of calls/texts | Expensive | $31 |
Halebop (Telia) | 30 days 6GB data, calls & texts | Good bundle, largest network coverage | Expensive, registration challenges for foreigners | $21 |
Comviq (Tele2) | 30 days 5GB data | Affordable, eSIM option, EU roaming | Data-only plan | $24 |
Telenor | 30 days unlimited calls, texts, 3GB data | Very affordable bundle | No EU roaming on prepaid | $16 |
Lyca Mobile | 90 days 5GB data | Affordable data-only plan | Runs on Telia network, unreliable UK roaming | $13 |
For those who will spend significant time outside major cities, Halebop or Telia would be preferable due to their superior nationwide coverage compared to Comviq, Telenor and Lyca Mobile.
III. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport – Registration Process
Note: From August 2022, all SIM cards in Sweden require registration with ID. This can be tedious at airport shops as they may not have a streamlined process.
When purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, ensure you have:
- Passport: Required for registration, for both EU and non-EU travelers.
- Cash: Some shops may not accept foreign credit cards; have Swedish Krona on hand.
- Unlocked Phone: Your phone must be unlocked for international use.
- SIM Size: Have a nano/micro SIM adapter if needed.
You’ll need to show your passport for registration, which takes up to 30 minutes. Keep your passport until you receive an activation SMS.
If travelers find this process complex, they can consider two alternatives:
- Buy a SIM card before traveling: Purchase an international SIM card online or from a local provider in your home country before your trip.
- Purchase an eSIM from providers: Many modern smartphones support eSIM technology. You can buy an eSIM online from various providers, download it directly to your phone, and activate it before your trip or upon arrival.
V. Sweden eSIM by GIGAGO – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
An eSIM is a digital SIM profile that can be installed virtually on compatible smartphones, eliminating the need for a plastic SIM card. Supported devices include recent iPhone and Google Pixel models.
GIGAGO Sweden eSIM
GIGAGO provides affordable eSIM data plans for Sweden.
The eSIM activation is automatic once connected to cellular networks in Sweden. This allows travelers to get connected right away upon landing without having to purchase a physical SIM card at the airport.
Gigago offers eSIM for most countries around the world with affordable prices and plans. For Sweden, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB/ day for 3 days with $3.00 .
You can see deatil through: Gigago’s Sweden eSIM
VI. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Stockholm Arlanda Airport?
If you want to shop around more for SIM card plans, here are some top locations to purchase SIMs in Stockholm city: Mobile operator stores, convenience stores and electronics stores.
Mobile operator stores
The major mobile operators in Sweden are Telia, Telenor, and Tre. They all have stores in Stockholm city center, where you can buy a SIM card and get it activated.
Convenience stores
Some convenience stores, such as Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven, also sell SIM cards. However, the selection may be limited, and the staff may not be able to help you activate the card.
Electronics stores
Electronics stores, such as Elgiganten and MediaMarkt, also sell SIM cards. They may have a wider selection than convenience stores, and the staff may be able to help you activate the card.
VII. FAQs
Can I get a free SIM card at Stockholm Airport?
Yes, Lycamobile does offer SIM cards at Stockholm Airport that you can get for free. However, the prepaid mobile plans that you need to activate the SIM are not free – you will need to purchase a data/call plan after obtaining the free SIM card.
How can I top-up the SIM card later when traveling within Sweden?
You can top-up online using a debit/credit card or buy physical top-up vouchers from Pressbyrån,7-Eleven etc. Vouchers are accepted by all major operators.
Are there SIM card vending machines at Stockholm Arlanda Airport?
Currently there are no SIM card vending machines at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. You will need to visit the Lycamobile kiosk, Pressbyrån or 7-Eleven shops in the arrival halls and concourses.
Do Airport SIM cards work all over Sweden?
Yes, SIM cards bought at Stockholm Arlanda Airport will have coverage that works throughout Sweden – including Stockholm city and beyond.
The major networks like Tele2 and Telia have nationwide coverage in Sweden. So an Arlanda Airport SIM card will work everywhere you travel around the country.
VIII. Conclusion
Getting a SIM card upon arrival at Stockholm Arlanda Airport is quick and convenient for staying connected through your Sweden trip.
For more provider options, head into Stockholm city shops. And consider a Sweden eSIM like GIGAGO to skip the airport process entirely.
No matter where you purchase your Stockholm SIM card, you’ll be set up with cellular data immediately after arrival through an easy registration process. Enjoy your time in Sweden with the convenience of staying mobile!