Telia SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

A Telia SIM Card or eSIM is a fantastic travel companion for anyone exploring Northern Europe. With solid coverage across Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, Telia connects you from bustling cities to scenic countryside. This guide will take you through everything you need to know – from choosing the right plan to checking usage so you can focus on enjoying your journey with reliable internet wherever you roam.

I. Quick facts about Telia in Europe

Telia is one of Northern Europe’s largest telecom operators, providing robust 4G and expanding 5G services across 06 countries: Sweden (headquarters), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, and Norway. With a user base of over 18 million mobile subscribers, Telia has a significant market footprint in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Here are some key points about this carrier: 

• Market Reach: Operating in six countries, Telia has a particularly strong presence in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, making up about 85% of its market.
• 5G Coverage: Telia’s 5G network is impressive:
  • Lithuania: 99% coverage
  • Norway: 92%
  • Denmark: 90%
  • Finland: 86%
  • Sweden: 73%
  • Estonia: 68%​

Telia offers physical SIM and eSIM options with plans including data and calls across the Nordics and Baltics. This is ideal for tourists who want easy and widespread connectivity without the hassle of multiple SIMs.

II. Telia coverage and speed in Europe

Telia’s network delivers strong coverage across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Their eSIM plans provide reliable connectivity to keep you seamlessly connected on your travels:

Telia’s strongest presence is in Sweden, where they started. Their network here is blazing fast – you’ll have no trouble streaming HD videos or making video calls while exploring Stockholm or hiking in the Swedish countryside. The 5G rollout is most advanced here too, especially in major cities.

III. Telia connectivity options for travelers to the EU

Telia offers a variety of connectivity options for travelers in Europe. Depending on the type of traveler and their needs, certain Telia solutions may work better than others:

Method	Description	Pros	Cons
Prepaid SIM Card	Physical SIM with prepaid calls, texts, and data. Ideal for one device.	– Available in airports and stores	– Requires SIM-compatible phone
		– Control over costs	– Limited to one device
		– No long-term commitment	– Requires swapping SIMs
		– Includes local number
eSIM	Digital SIM activated via QR code or app. Great for modern travelers.	– No physical SIM needed	– Not all phones support eSIM
		– Instant activation	– Costs more than SIM cards
		– Keep home SIM active	– Needs newer phone models
		– Store multiple plans
Roaming	Use your home SIM on Telia’s EU partner networks.	– No need to switch SIMs	– Expensive
		– Convenient for short trips	– Possible data speed limits
		– Retain home number	– Coverage depends on partner network
Mobile Hotspot	Portable device using Telia’s network to create Wi-Fi for multiple devices.	– Connect multiple devices	– Extra device to carry and charge
		– Share with others	– Higher upfront cost
		– Battery backup for devices	– Limited battery life

Recommendation: From my experience traveling across the EU, eSIM has become my go-to choice for its convenience and flexibility. However, each option has its sweet spot:

• Prepaid SIM: Best for longer stays in one country and budget-conscious travelers
• eSIM: Ideal for tech-savvy travelers with compatible phones who move between countries
• Roaming: Perfect for short business trips or weekend getaways
• Mobile Hotspot: Great for families or groups traveling together who need to share connectivity

Before you decide, check your phone’s compatibility and consider how long you’ll be traveling.

IV. Best Telia SIM cards for tourists & costs

Telia offers quite various plans for you to pick up below:

Telia SIM card

V. Does Telia support eSIM?

YES. Telia offers eSIM in these 6 countries, but not all cater equally to tourists. For the best experience, getting a Telia Finland or Sweden eSIM or an eSIM for Europe works wonderfully across the Nordic region. These two countries offer tourist-friendly options with easy online activation. 

VI. Where can you buy a Telia SIM card?

1. Where to buy a Telia SIM card for travel

• Airports: Copenhagen Airport in Denmark, Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden, and Oslo Gardermoen Airport have Telia SIM cards available.
• Telia Stores: In Tallinn, Estonia, look for Telia shops in malls like Viru Keskus; in Helsinki, Finland, visit Kamppi Center; and in Stockholm, Sweden, you’ll find Telia outlets in areas like Sergels Torg. These stores provide in-person assistance and a range of plans to suit tourists.
• Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: 7-Eleven and Pressbyrån in Sweden, Circle K stations in Norway, and R-Kiosks in Estonia, making grabbing one at various locations easy.

2. Where to buy a Telia eSIM

• Online from Telia Websites: You can purchase eSIMs directly from Telia’s country-specific websites.
• Online from international eSIM providers: consider using a service like europe-esim.com, which provides a convenient process.

Note: To use an Telia eSIM, ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and running recent software. Most newer iPhones and Android phones support eSIM technology.

Stay connected across Europe with the Telia Europe eSIM from europe-esim.com. Enjoy reliable high-speed data powered by the Telia network, one of the largest and most trusted telecom providers in Europe.

Key Features:

• Extensive coverage in over 50 European countries
• Unlimited high-speed data
• Unlimited calls and texts within Europe
• Transparent and affordable pricing
• Easy activation in just a few minutes
• 24/7 customer support

Experience the freedom and convenience of seamless connectivity across Europe with the Telia Europe eSIM from europe-esim.com. Stay connected, stay supported 24/7.

VII. How to use Telia SIM card and eSIM

1. How to install and activate an Telia SIM card

• Step 1: Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
• Step 2: Power on your phone to automatically detect the network.
• Step 3: Activate the SIM by calling or visiting Telia’s website.
• Step 4: Configure APN settings if necessary, and start using the SIM

2. How to install and activate Telia eSIM

• Step 1: After purchasing, receive your eSIM QR code via email.
• Step 2: Go to your phone settings, select “Mobile Data” or “Cellular,” and tap “Set Up Cellular.”
• Step 3: Scan the QR code, and the eSIM profile will install automatically.
• Step 4: Follow any on-screen prompts to complete activation, which may include entering a confirmation code.
• Step 5: Once activated, your eSIM is ready for calls, texts, and data, with no physical SIM required​. 

VIII. Telia Call & SMS rates in the EU

Thanks to the “Roam Like Home” policy, your calls and texts follow the same rules across all EU countries. Let’s break down those rates in an easy-to-follow table:

Service	Rate within EU/EEA
Calls to EU countries	0.089€/min
Receiving calls	Free
SMS	0.028€/message
Receiving SMS	Free

Remember that these rates apply to all EU and EEA countries, so your communication costs stay predictable whether you’re sipping coffee in Sweden or island-hopping in Denmark. Just keep in mind that different rates will apply if you call non-EU numbers or travel outside the EU.

IX. How to top-up your Telia SIM card

1. Top-Up Vouchers

In several Telia-served countries like Sweden, Lithuania, and Finland, you can purchase prepaid vouchers at Telia stores, convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven), and even select supermarkets. 

For example, in Sweden, simply dial *125*VoucherCode# to activate your voucher. 

2. Online Top-Up

Visit the official Telia websites to top up your SIM online using a debit or credit card. Lithuania and Finland often require cards issued in the same country, so check ahead if your international card is accepted. You can access online top-up options through the official Telia websites for each country.

3. Telia Mobile Apps

For an easier top-up experience, Telia’s Ladda app (available in countries like Sweden) allows users to check balances and add credit directly through the app. This can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play and simplifies tourist top-ups without needing physical vouchers or a store visit.

XI. How to check your Telia account usage and balance

• Denmark: Dial *121# or use the Telia Danmark app for an instant balance check.
• Estonia: Send “SALDO” to 1500 or check your balance and usage on the Minu Telia app.
• Finland: Text “PREPAID SALDO” to 15400 to get a balance SMS, or view usage on the Minun Telia app.
• Lithuania: Send “SASKAITOS LIKUTIS” to 1555 for a quick balance check or use the Telia Lietuva app.
• Norway: Dial #120# or check your balance on the Telia Norge app for full account details.
• Sweden: Dial #120# or access Mitt Telia app for balance and usage tracking.

XII. FAQs

XIII. Final words

We hope you find this post helpful in understanding the benefits and options of a Telia SIM Card for your travels in Northern Europe. With its reliable network and flexible plans, Telia makes it easy to stay connected across Europe. Hope you have a great trip so far!