Your detailed Guide to Getting an Estonia SIM card

Buying an Estonian SIM card is one of the effective ways to stay connected in Estonia. This comprehensive guide will equip visitors with everything you need to know – from the best plan, real prices, and where to buy the best local Estonia SIM cards. Skip the roaming fees and continue exploring Estonia freely with Estonia SIM cards.

Buying an Estonian SIM card is one of the effective ways to stay connected in Estonia. This comprehensive guide will equip visitors with everything you need to know – from the best plan, real prices, and where to buy the best local Estonia SIM cards. Skip the roaming fees and continue exploring Estonia freely with Estonia SIM cards.

I. Why choose a prepaid Estonia SIM card over roaming?

Using a prepaid Estonia SIM card is a smart choice for travelers, offering several benefits that make it better than relying on roaming:

• Cost-effective: Prepaid SIM cards let you avoid high roaming charges. You pay only for what you need, helping you stick to your budget.
• Convenience: Setting up a prepaid SIM is quick and easy. Simply insert the card, activate it, and you’re ready – no complicated roaming settings are required.
• Flexibility: Choose from a range of plans that suit your travel needs. Whether you’re staying for a few days or longer, there’s a plan for you.
• Accessibility: Prepaid SIMs are widely available at airports, convenience stores, and online, so you can get one as soon as you arrive in Estonia.

With these benefits, a prepaid Estonia SIM card ensures you stay connected without the troubles or expense of roaming.

II. Estonia SIM card type – Which is the best for tourists?

There are 2 main options for tourists: physical Estonia prepaid SIM cards, and Estonia prepaid eSIMs. Now let’s break both down to see which one better suits your needs.

1. Prepaid Estonia SIM card

Physical SIM cards are the traditional plastic cards inserted into your phone. You can easily find these SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, and even mobile shops around Estonia.

Using a prepaid Estonia SIM card has several benefits:

• Widely accessible: When you land, you can immediately buy one at airports or local stores.
• Easy to set up: You just have to put in the SIM card, and you’re ready to go. No extra steps are required.
• Works on most phones: A physical SIM card is a sure bet for almost all unlocked phones.

Although bringing visitors several advantages, using SIM cards still has drawbacks:

• Requires physical handling: The SIM card must be tracked, so this may not be ideal if you lose small items.
• Phone switching hassle: For example, if you switch phones, you’ll have to physically take out the SIM and put it in the new phone, which can be a little bit inconvenient.

2. Prepaid eSIM Estonia

The Estonia eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to download and activate a mobile plan without needing a physical card. It’s becoming a popular option for tourists with newer phone models.

eSIMs offer the same connectivity benefits as physical SIMs but are convenient as you can activate them remotely.

• Instant activation: No need to visit a store. You can buy and activate the eSIM online in minutes, even before arriving in Estonia.
• No physical card needed: No risk of losing a SIM card or having to fiddle with small trays.
• Dual SIM advantage: Many eSIM-enabled phones allow you to use both your home SIM and the Estonia eSIM simultaneously.

Although bringing visitors several advantages, using eSIM still has drawbacks:

• Limited to compatible devices: Not all phones support eSIM, so you must check if your device is compatible.
• Harder to troubleshoot: If there’s an issue, it might be more difficult than a physical SIM card.

III. How much does an Estonia prepaid tourist SIM card cost?

Estonia prepaid tourist SIM cards and eSIMs range from €2 to €24 for physical SIMs, depending on the data allowance, call minutes, and features. Below is the detailed table for available plans across different providers:

Provider	Price (EUR)	Data	EU/EEA Data	Calls	SMS	Validity
Telia	2	1.25 GB	1 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
	5	5 GB	4 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
	10	15 GB	11 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
	18	50 GB	50 GB	N/A	N/A	19 days
	24	250 GB	26 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
Tele2	5.99	1 GB	1 GB	Unlimited within Estonia	Unlimited	30 days
	7.99	6 GB	6 GB	Unlimited within Estonia	Unlimited	30 days
	19.99	6 GB	6 GB	200 mins (Estonia to EU)	Unlimited	30 days
Elisa	3.05	N/A	N/A	Unlimited (Elisa network)	N/A	30 days
	6.1	1 GB	N/A	Unlimited (Elisa network)	100	30 days
	9.15	5 GB	N/A	Unlimited (Elisa network)	100	30 days
	15.25	15 GB	N/A	Unlimited (Elisa network) + 10 hrs (to EU/Russia)	600	30 days

Best Option for Tourists

• The Telia €10 plan offers the best balance of data and EU usability with 15 GB of data (11 GB in the EU) and a 30-day validity.
• For budget travelers, the Tele2 €7.99 plan provides 6 GB of data, unlimited calls within Estonia, and a 30-day validity.

IV. Estonia eSIM – Alternative to SIM card with unlimited data/data and calls for Estonia

Traditionally, visitors are used to choosing physical SIM cards when traveling abroad. Now, eSIM has changed how travelers connect to the internet due to its convenience. Consider using Estonia eSIM from europe-esim.com as Estonia’s #1 eSIM provider.

Our plans are flexible and cater to various needs. We offer 3 to 30 days, with data allowances that satisfy even the most active internet users.

The prices range from $3 to $95.90, depending on the data you need and the duration of your stay. Some plans even offer unlimited data, which means you can make video calls from Tallinn’s Old Town without worrying about running out of data.

Plans that may interest you below

V. Buying a prepaid SIM card in Estonia – Where to buy?

There are 3 ways to get an Estonia SIM card: online, at the airport, and in physical stores. Below, let’s explore each method. 

1. Online

The easiest and least hassle way to buy SIM cards is to buy online. Before your trip, you can purchase a SIM card and have it ready to use as soon as you’ve arrived. Providers often deliver to your home or an eSIM that does not involve a physical card.

2. Airport

If you prefer to buy your SIM card as soon as you arrive, Tallinn Airport has kiosks that sell prepaid SIM cards. They offer a quick setup; you’ll be connected almost immediately after landing. The airport kiosks typically sell SIM cards from major local operators like Tele2 and Super SIM (Telia).

3. Physical Stores

You can also buy SIM cards in mobile operator stores, shopping malls, and convenience stores throughout Estonia. Major providers like Telia, Elisa, and Tele2 have retail outlets in most cities, including Tallinn and Tartu. Convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets also stock SIM cards, often with good data packages.

VI. How to use an Estonia SIM card

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you activate and start using your Estonia SIM card:

• Step 1: Insert the card into your phone’s SIM slot for physical SIM cards. If you’re using an eSIM, scan the provided QR code.
• Step 2: Power off your phone and turn it back on to allow the network settings to configure automatically.
• Step 3: If you see any setup prompts on your screen, follow the instructions to complete activation.
• Step 4: Go to your phone’s settings and enable mobile data to start using internet services.
• Step 5: Open a browser or make a quick call to ensure your SIM works properly.

VII. How much mobile data do you need when traveling to Estonia?

The mobile data you need while traveling in Estonia will depend on your activities and usage habits. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you estimate:

• Light usage (1-3 GB):

You won’t need much data if you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like checking emails, light browsing, and messaging apps (like WhatsApp). Around 1 to 3 GB per week should be enough for light users.

• Moderate usage (4-8 GB):

For those using navigation apps like Google Maps, browsing the web frequently, and uploading a few photos to social media, a 4 to 8 GB plan for a week should cover your needs.

• Heavy usage (10+ GB):

You’ll need more data if you enjoy streaming videos, uploading high-resolution images, or even working remotely. In this case, opt for 10 to 12 GB weekly to avoid running out of data mid-trip. This is especially relevant if you stream content or use apps heavily​. 

Tips for saving data:

• Download offline maps before traveling to save data on navigation.
• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially in hotels or cafes.
• Turn off background app refresh to prevent apps from using data when you’re not actively using them.

VIII. Best mobile operators in Estonia

Telia stands out as the top choice for most users when choosing a mobile operator in Estonia. It offers the widest network coverage, the fastest speeds, and a variety of data plans to suit different needs.

According to the report by Speedtest in Q4, 2023, you will see the power of Telia clearly:

Operator	Network Coverage	Average Download Speed	Consistency
Telia	Widest, covering urban and rural areas	92.39 Mbps	91.9%
Elisa	Good, strong in urban centers	84.68 Mbps	89.8%
Tele2	Limited, mainly in urban areas	49.67 Mbps	65.4%

For tourists visiting Estonia, Telia is recommended due to its extensive coverage and reliable high-speed internet, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.

IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in Estonia

Here are some tips you should keep in mind when using prepaid Estonia SIM Cards:

• Top-up in R-Kiosks: For convenience, you can easily top up your prepaid SIM card at R-Kiosks or supermarkets like Selver.
• SIM activation: Some SIM cards, like Tele2, are activated immediately upon purchase. For others, make a call to activate.
• Offline maps: Save data by downloading Google Maps or Maps.me for offline use.
• Check your data balance:
  • Telia: Dial *143# (for a €0.06 fee)
  • Elisa: Dial *135*1#
  • Tele2: Dial *245# 

X. FAQs

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XI. Final Words

I hope you find this post helpful in understanding everything about getting an Estonian SIM card. Whether looking for affordable data options or seamless connectivity with an eSIM, Estonia has plenty of choices to keep you connected. With various purchase options and competitive plans, staying online during your travels is easier than ever. Have a good trip!