Your detailed Guide to Getting a Finland SIM card

With a Finland SIM Card, you’ll have Finland’s most reliable internet right with you, so exploring Findland is that much easier. In this guide, we’ll equip you with useful information about types of SIM cards, plans – prices, and where to buy the most suitable SIM card for your travel.

Staying in touch across Finland and breathing without breaking the bank has never been easier using these tips.

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

While roaming has high costs when traveling, using a local SIM card for traveling is the most cost-effective choice for any visitor. Not only has the good price, but physical Findland has been a popular option due to its advantages:

• Cost-effective: Local SIM cards in Finland offer cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data compared to international roaming.
• Reliable Connectivity: Access to local networks provides more stable and faster internet, especially in rural areas.
• Convenience: Easy access to local customer service for any issues.
• Flexibility: Various prepaid plans let you choose the best data package according to your needs.
• Accessibility: Get a phone number, and make it easy to connect with local services.

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

There are two kinds of Finland SIM card for tourists you should know: prepaid SIMs and eSIMs. Now, let’s figure out what they are. 

1. Prepaid Finland SIM Card

A prepaid Finland SIM Card is the traditional physical SIM card that you’ll need to insert into your phone. It’s been the go-to choice for travelers for years and for good reasons. Here is why:

• Compatible with almost any unlocked phone 
• Cheap prices that anyone can afford to buy
• Easy to buy and find at popular places: airports, convenience stores, and carrier shops
• Users can manually change carriers and use multiple networks on unlocked devices
• Improve the security issue compared with other options (public wifi).

Although brings Findland visitors several benefits, using local FIndland SIM card still has drawbacks:

• Requires physical handling and installation
• Need to keep track of a tiny card
• Must visit a store in person
• Might need to cut the SIM to fit your phone’s size requirement
• Risk of losing the card when switching

2. Prepaid eSIM Finland 

eSIM is a digital SIM profile that can be remotely activated on compatible mobile devices without the need for a physical card. 

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

• Convenience – flexibility: Instant digital activation – no store visit needed
• Can be purchased before arriving in Finland
• No physical card to lose or damage
• Can keep your home SIM card installed
• Easy to store multiple eSIM profiles, suitable for those who want to travel to multiple countries with diverse eSIM plans

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

• Only works with the latest phone models
• Requires stable internet for initial setup

III. How much does a Finland prepaid tourist SIM card cost?

In Finland, the cost of a local Finland SIM card plan ranges (from $5-50), from a starter plan to an advance plan. 

Visitors can find Finland SIM cards from several mobile operators such as Telia, DNA, or Elisa:

Carrier	Plan	Price (USD)	Data	Calls/SMS	Validity
Telia	Prepaid S package	10,5	1GB surfing in Finland, and in the Nordic, Baltic, and in the selected EU countries	100 mins, 100 SMS	31 days
	Prepaid M package	21	5GB surfing in Finland, and in the Nordic, Baltic, and in the selected EU countries	500 mins, 500 SMS	31 days
	Unlimited 4G L Package	26	32GB surfing in Finland, and the Nordic, Baltic, and in the selected EU countries	5000 mins, 5000SMS	31 days
	Unlimited 5G XL package	36	37GB surfing in Finland, and in the Nordic, Baltic, and in the selected EU countries	5000 mins, 5000SMS	31 days
	7 days of Unlimited surf	10,4	Unlimited surfing in Finland11GB of surfing in the Nordic, Baltic, and selected EU countries	–	7 days
	31 pv days Unlimited 4G surf	20	Unlimited surfing in Finland21 GB of surfing in the Nordic, Baltic, and selected EU countries	–	31 days
	31 days Unlimited 5G surf	31	Unlimited surfing in Finland32 GB of surfing in the Nordic, Baltic and selected EU countries	–	31 days
Elisa	Combination Package	40	Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 32GB in EU/EEA	max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month	1 month
		44	Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 37GB in EU/EEA	max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month	1 month
		50	Unlimited in Finland, the Nordic countries, the Baltics + 42GB in EU/EEA	max. 165 mins/day and 5000 mins/month	1 month
DNA	DNA Rajaton Prepaid	5	daily charge $0.99/day	Unlimited calls/SMS for €0.89/day or €1.19/day	5 days
	DNA Super Prepaid	5	Depending on usage $0.07/min/pc	Depending on usage $0.07/min/pc	5 days
	DNA Dataprepaid	25	Unlimited internet in Finland	–	30 days

Which Offer is Best for Tourists?

For most tourists, Telia’s 7 days of Unlimited surf offers good value for moderate data usage and has decent coverage across Finland and nearby regions. DNA and Telia’s Data Prepaid is ideal for those who need unlimited 5G data at a lower price than Elisa’s offers.

Although Telia and DNA offer solid plans, there are a few downsides. Elisa’s unlimited plans are expensive, DNA’s coverage may be weak in rural areas, and cheaper DNA plans have limited daily data. However, these are still good options based on your data needs and budget.

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

Traditionally, travelers are used to choosing physical SIM cards to stay connected in Finland. They are a great option to stay connected, however, might cause inconvenience due to their varying sizes. Instead, consider a digital Finland eSIM for convenience, flexibility, and ease of use. 

Consider using Findland eSIM from europe-esim.com as the #1 eSIM provider in Finland, offering the best eSIM for Finland through major networks like Elisa, DNA, Telia Finland, and Oranges.

V. Buying a prepaid Finland SIM Card – Where to buy?

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

1. Online

Buying a SIM card online before your trip can save time and ensure you are connected as soon as you arrive. Most major providers, like Elisa, Telia, and DNA, offer prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs on their websites. You can select your plan and download an eSIM instantly or deliver a physical SIM to your hotel or home.

2. Airport

If you prefer to purchase a SIM card right when you land, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport offers various options. SIM cards can be found at telecom kiosks or even vending machines in the arrivals area, where major providers like Elisa, Telia, and DNA have stood.

3. Physical Stores

If you want more flexibility or assistance setting up your SIM card, physical stores are a good option. Telecom stores such as Elisa, Telia, and DNA are found in major cities, and staff can help you choose the best plan. 

Prepaid SIM cards are also available at R-Kioski convenience stores, supermarkets like K-Market and S-Market, and gas stations like ABC.

VI. How to use a Finland SIM card

1. Insert the SIM Card or Activate Your eSIM

• For a physical SIM: Power off your phone, insert the SIM using the ejector tool, and turn the phone back on.
• For eSIM: Scan the QR code from your carrier in your phone’s settings to activate.

2. Set Up Data and Network Settings

• Enable Mobile Data and Data Roaming in your phone’s settings for EU-wide coverage.
• If needed, enter APN settings provided by your carrier (check your SIM package or provider’s website).

3. Check Your Balance and Top Up

• Use your provider’s app or dial a code to check your balance:
  • Telia: *#100#
  • Elisa: *#100#
  • DNA: Via the DNA Prepaid app
• Top up online or buy vouchers at convenience stores like R-Kioski.

4. Use the SIM for Calls and Texts

Dial normally for local calls, using +358 for Finnish numbers. For international calls, check rates or use messaging apps like WhatsApp.

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

How much mobile data you’ll need in Finland depends on your phone use. With great 4G and 5G coverage, staying engaged is easy. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right data plan:

• Basic Data Usage (1-3 GB)
  • Ideal for light users who only need data for essentials like maps, browsing, and messaging.
  • Suitable for short trips or if you primarily use Wi-Fi in hotels or cafes.
• Moderate Data Usage (5-10 GB)
  • Best for most travelers who use apps like Google Maps, social media, and stream music or videos occasionally.
  • Covers daily needs like navigation, photo sharing, and light streaming.
• Heavy Data Usage (10+ GB)
  • For travelers who stream videos, work remotely or use their phone as a hotspot.
  • Ideal for longer trips or for those who need constant connectivity and video calls.

Recommendation: For most tourists, 5-10 GB should be sufficient. If you’re a light user or have frequent access to Wi-Fi, you can opt for a smaller plan. Heavy users should go for a larger plan to avoid running out of data.

VIII. Best mobile operators in Finland

Operator	Coverage	Speed	Data Plans	5G Availability	Best For
Elisa	Excellent nationwide	Fast (up to 600 Mbit/s)	Wide variety, including unlimited data	Widely available in cities	Best overall performance
Telia	Very good in cities	Fast (up to 450 Mbit/s)	Both limited and unlimited plans	Expanding in cities	City travelers, 5G users
DNA	Strong in urban areas	Moderate to fast (4G/5G)	Affordable, including unlimited 5G	Good in urban areas	Budget travelers, good value

In general, Elisa is the mobile carrier offering the best SIM card in Finland, while Telia and DNA are good alternatives, depending on where you are and your budget. If you want the best connectivity across Finland, go with Elisa, but if you’re traveling on a budget, DNA offers great value.

IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in Finland

• Make sure your phone is unlocked to use any Finnish SIM card without issues.
• Most Finnish SIM cards include EU-wide roaming at no extra cost, so enable data roaming if you’re traveling to other European countries.
• Download your provider’s app (Elisa, Telia, or DNA) to track data usage and top up directly from your phone.
• Finland has abundant free Wi-Fi in public places like cafes, hotels, and airports – use it to save data.
• If you run out of credit, top-up vouchers are available at stores like R-Kioski, supermarkets, and gas stations.

X. FAQs

XI. Final Words

I hope this guide makes finding the perfect Finland SIM Card simple for your trip. Staying engaged all the time will enhance your experience, whether you’re exploring Finland’s cities or its beautiful nature. Have a good trip!