Staying connected while traveling in Finland or Estonia is simple with an Elisa SIM card. This blog post will cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right plan to activating a SIM or eSIM. Elisa offers reliable coverage, flexible options, and affordable prices to suit all kinds of travelers. Let’s explore how Elisa can keep you connected on your journey!
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Elisa in Europe
Elisa is a leading telecommunications company in Finland and Estonia, offering a range of services to residents and visitors. Here’s a quick overview:
Market Presence
- Finland: Elisa holds the largest mobile and fixed network market share, serving approximately 2.8M customers.
- Estonia: Elisa is the second-largest operator, providing extensive mobile and fixed network services.
Network and Services
- Advanced Networks: Elisa is at the forefront of 5G technology, with coverage reaching over 86% of Finland’s population and 70% in Estonia as of 2022.
- Comprehensive Services: Beyond traditional mobile and internet services, Elisa offers digital solutions like Elisa Viihde (entertainment), Elisa Kirja (e-books), and Elisa Videra (videoconferencing).
For travelers, Elisa’s extensive network ensures reliable connectivity throughout Finland and Estonia, making it a dependable choice for staying connected during your visit.
II. Elisa’s coverage and speed in Europe
Elisa’s coverage and speed are impressive in its core markets, ensuring reliable connectivity for travelers visiting Finland and Estonia. Here’s what you can expect when using Elisa across these countries following the Opensignal report and Speedgeo:
| Country | Coverage Details | Average Download Speed | Average Upload Speed | Speed Assessment |
| Finland | Extensive network coverage, including rural areas | 70.2 Mbps | 13.1 Mbps | Fast |
| Estonia | Strong urban coverage with consistent connections | 89 Mbps | 17.4 Mbps | Moderate |
Note: Speeds are approximate and may vary based on location and network congestion.
In general, Elisa is an excellent choice for those traveling to Finland and Estonia, with its high-speed internet and strong coverage in urban areas. For the best experience, consider your destination’s connectivity needs and choose Elisa for good browsing, streaming, and staying connected.
III. Elisa connectivity options for travelers to the EU
Elisa offers multiple ways for travelers to stay engaged in the EU. Whether you prefer prepaid SIMs, the convenience of eSIM, or portable solutions like mobile hotspots, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Prepaid SIM | A physical SIM card with a set amount of data, calls, and texts. | – Easy to use and widely available. – No contract required. – Local rates apply. | – Requires a compatible unlocked phone. – Inconvenient to replace in case of loss. |
| eSIM | A digital SIM that works instantly without needing a physical card. | – Instant activation. – No need to swap physical cards. – Great for short-term trips. | – Limited to eSIM-compatible devices. – May not work with all carriers. |
| Roaming | Use your home network abroad, billed at roaming rates. | – Convenient: no setup required. – Retain your local number. | – Expensive rates in most cases. – Risk of unexpected costs without a roaming plan. |
| Mobile Hotspot | A portable device that provides WiFi for multiple devices. | – Connect multiple devices simultaneously. – Works with various SIM cards. | – Requires charging and carrying the device. – Slower speeds compared to direct phone usage. |
In conclusion, while all options benefit, eSIM is the most convenient choice for travelers. It’s easy to set up, works instantly, and saves you from the hassle of handling physical SIM cards. If your device supports it, choose eSIM, which is super convenient while traveling in the EU.
IV. Best Elisa SIM cards for tourists & costs
Elisa offers affordable and versatile SIM card options for tourists traveling to Estonia and Finland, with prices ranging from $4 to $50, depending on the data, calls, and validity you need. Here are detailed plans:
1. Elisa SIM Card Estonia
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| Basic | ~$3 | – | Unlimited within Elisa + 3 hours to Telia/Tele2 | – | 30 days | ~$4 |
| Standard | ~$6 | 1GB | Unlimited within Elisa + 6 hours to Telia/Tele2 | 100 | 30 days | ~$7 |
| Premium | ~$9 | 5GB | Unlimited within Elisa + 9 hours to Telia/Tele2 + 1 hour to EU/Russia | 100 | 30 days | ~$10 |
| Perfect | ~$15 | 15GB | Unlimited within Elisa + 10 hours to Telia/Tele2 + 1 hour to EU/Russia | 600 | 30 days | ~$16 |
2. Elisa SIM Card Finland
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| Combination Package | ~$33 | Unlimited in Finland, Nordics, Baltics + 32GB in EU/EEA | Max 165 mins/day + 5000 mins/month | Max 165 SMS/day + 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$40 |
| Combination Package+ | ~$38 | Unlimited in Finland, Nordics, and Baltics + 37GB in EU/EEA | Max 165 mins/day + 5000 mins/month | Max 165 SMS/day + 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$44 |
| Combination Premium | ~$44 | Unlimited in Finland, Nordics, Baltics + 42GB in EU/EEA | Max 165 mins/day + 5000 mins/month | Max 165 SMS/day + 5000 SMS/month | 1 month | ~$50 |
V. Does Elisa support eSIM?
Yes, Elisa supports eSIMs in both Finland and Estonia. Travelers can easily get an Elisa eSIM for compatible devices like smartphones and smartwatches. eSIMs are convenient because you don’t need a physical card, and they can be activated instantly.
However, Elisa’s eSIMs are specific to each country, so they work best if you stay in one place. For trips across multiple countries, choosing an international eSIM that works in several regions is better.
VI. Where can you buy an Elisa SIM card?
1. Where to buy an Elisa SIM card for travel
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (Finland) – Elisa counter or kiosks near arrivals.
- Tallinn Airport (Estonia) – Kiosks or convenience stores in the terminal.
- Elisa Store, Helsinki City Center – Keskuskatu 6, for SIM cards and support.
- Elisa Store, Tallinn City Center – Viru Keskus Shopping Mall, central location.
- R-Kiosks – Helsinki Railway Station and Tallinn’s Old Town outlets.
2. Where to buy an Elisa eSIM
Elisa eSIM prepaid are available through the following:
- Elisa Websites: you can get an eSIM through the Elisa website for each country. The eSIM is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers, though the process differs slightly.
- International eSIM Providers: For those planning to explore multiple European countries, europe-esim.com is a fantastic option. You can choose from plans that cover over 30 European countries, allowing you to stay connected across borders without changing SIMs with the Elisa network.
The platform is user-friendly, and setup only takes a few steps. Whether you need unlimited data or a package with calls, we offer solutions for both short and long trips. This is ideal for travelers who want reliable service without the trouble of visiting local stores.
VII. How to use Elisa SIM card and eSIM
1. How to Install and Activate an Elisa SIM Card
- Insert the SIM: Detach the correct SIM size and insert it into your phone’s SIM slot.
- Enter PIN: Power your phone to enter the default PIN (1234). Change it later for security.
- Activate: Most Elisa SIMs are pre-activated. If not, activate via the OmaElisa portal.
2. How to Install and Activate an Elisa eSIM
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM.
- Get the eSIM: Purchase online or in-store. You’ll receive a QR code.
- Activate: Open your phone’s settings, add a mobile plan, and scan the QR code. Follow the prompts to complete setup.
- Finalize: If asked, use the default PIN (0000) and update it for security.
Note: Please check your detailed instructions below:
VIII. Useful USSD codes for Elisa EU SIM
Managing your Elisa EU SIM or eSIM is easy with these handy USSD codes:
1. For Elisa Finland SIM/eSIM
- Check Balance: Send TILI via SMS to 18258, or dial *100# to see your account balance for free.
- Recharge Your Account: Use the command *101*<voucher code># or text the voucher code to 18258.
- Check Account Status: Dial *100# for detailed information on your current usage and balance.
2. For Elisa Estonia SIM/eSIM
- Redeem a Voucher: Dial *135*<voucher code>#.
- Check Balance: Use the code *135*1#.
- Check Expiry Date: Dial *135*3#.
These codes provide a quick way to manage your Elisa services on the go. Simply dial the codes from your phone, and the information will appear on your screen instantly!
IX. Elisa Call & SMS rates in the EU
When traveling within the EU and EEA, Elisa offers the following rates:
- Calls and SMS: Charged at your standard domestic rates for calls to Finland, your home country, or other EU/EEA countries.
- Data Usage: Use data up to your plan’s limit without extra charges. Exceeding this limit incurs a fee of €3.72 per GB.
Always check your specific plan details to avoid unexpected charges.
X. How to top-up your Elisa SIM card
1. Online Recharge
Visit the Elisa website of each country to top up your balance or purchase packages. This platform supports various payment methods, including international debit and credit cards.
2. Mobile App
Download the OmaElisa app from your device’s app store. The app allows you to manage your account and add credit using your preferred payment method.
3. USSD Code
Purchase a top-up voucher from authorized retailers. Scratch to reveal the 15-digit code. Dial *101*<voucher code># and press the call button to add the credit to your account.
4. SMS Recharge
Send an SMS with the text LOAD <voucher code> to 18258. Replace <voucher code> with the actual code from your top-up voucher.
5. In-Person Recharge
Visit Elisa stores, R-Kiosks, or other authorized retailers. Provide your phone number and the desired top-up amount to the cashier, who will process the recharge for you.
Note: Always ensure that your SIM card is active before attempting to top up. For any issues or further assistance, contact Elisa’s customer service.
XI. FAQs
Where’s the easiest place to buy an Elisa SIM card?
Grab one at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport or Tallinn Airport. Elisa stores in city centers like Keskuskatu 6, Helsinki, also make it super convenient.
What’s the best Elisa plan for heavy data users?
Go for the Perfect plan in Estonia (15GB for ~$16) or Combination Premium in Finland (42GB + unlimited local data for ~$50).
How do I activate an Elisa eSIM?
Purchase online or in-store, scan the QR code in your phone’s settings, and you’re good to go! It’s fast and hassle-free.
Are Elisa SIM cards expensive?
Not at all! Plans start as low as $4 for basic calls and go up to $50 for premium data and calls across Finland and neighboring regions.
XII. Final words
In summary, Elisa SIM cards are a reliable way to stay connected during your trip to Finland and Estonia, with great coverage and affordable plans. But if you want something easier, try Elisa Finland/Estonia eSIM – it’s quick to set up and works without a physical card. Switch to an eSIM today for a smooth and stress-free travel experience!