Best Tourist Sim Cards in Estonia in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Estonia across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to Estonia, having a reliable sim card is essential to stay connected while exploring the country.
The internet can be a valuable tool for navigating unfamiliar cities, finding great restaurants, locating your accommodation, booking transportation, and sharing your travel adventures with loved ones.
While roaming is an option, the additional fees can quickly escalate when traveling internationally. Therefore, we highly recommend acquiring either an eSIM or a local sim card to access affordable phone rates within Estonia.
The good news is that obtaining either of these options is quite simple in Estonia. However, it’s important to understand which choice is most suitable for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information about purchasing a sim card in Estonia, including the current prices and our top recommendation for the best sim card to buy.
The best sim card in Estonia is the prepaid sim card by Super (owned by Telia) combined with the Ultra-Fast Internet plan. This plan comes with a variety of options, but for most people I recommend either the 4GB plan for 5 EUR or the 12GB plan for 10 EUR.
The great thing about Super is it’s owned by Telia which has the best mobile network coverage in Estonia. On top of this, the Smart internet plans work across the EU. The 12GB plan includes 10GB of data across the EU whilst for the 4GB plan the full amount is valid across the EU.
The Airalo Estonia eSim is also a pretty good price at $12 USD for 5GB of data. Given how much easier and more convenient eSims are I would recommend this to most people visiting Estonia, unless you require significant amounts of data.
A Tourist Sim Card in Estonia costs 10 EUR in October 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Estonia will cost between $4.50 USD and $19 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Estonia which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $12 USD.
In Estonia, the main SIM card providers are Tele2, Elisa, and SmartSuper (Telia). Tele2 is one of the leading network operators and provides a range of services including voice, data, and messaging solutions to both individual and corporate customers. Elisa is another prominent player in the Estonian telecommunications market, with a comprehensive network coverage and stable services. They offer various mobile plans and packages to cater to the diverse needs of their users. SmartSuper, also known as Telia, is a popular choice among Estonian customers for its reliable network and competitive pricing. They strive to offer innovative solutions and top-notch customer support, making them a trusted provider in the country.
Tele2 and Smart are two well-known telecommunication companies in Estonia that offer tourist SIM cards for visitors. These SIM cards are widely popular among tourists for their affordable prices and extensive coverage. With Tele2 and Smart, tourists can enjoy reliable and high-speed internet connectivity, make calls, and send texts while exploring Estonia. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of their tourist SIM cards make them a preferred choice for travelers visiting Estonia.
The price of a Tele2 / Smart tourist sim card in Estonia is 3.95 EUR.
The plan offered by Tele2 / Smart stores includes 3GB data valid for 7 days.
Super (Telia) is a prominent telecommunication company in Estonia that offers tourist sim cards, catering to the needs of travelers visiting the country. Their sim cards provide seamless connectivity, ensuring tourists can stay connected while exploring Estonia. With competitive rates and excellent coverage, Super (Telia) allows travelers to access high-speed internet, make international calls, and enjoy various data packages. Their reliable service and user-friendly options make them a preferred choice for tourists exploring Estonia’s vibrant attractions.
The price of a Super (Telia) tourist sim card in Estonia is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by Super (Telia) stores offers 12GB data including 10GB in EU valid for 30 days.
Elisa is a leading telecommunications company that offers tourist sim cards in Estonia. With Elisa’s sim cards, tourists can enjoy seamless connectivity during their visit to Estonia. These sim cards provide high-speed internet access, allowing travelers to stay connected with their loved ones and easily navigate through the country. Elisa’s tourist sim cards also offer affordable local and international calls, making it convenient for tourists to communicate during their stay.
The price of a Elisa tourist sim card in Estonia is 9 EUR.
The plan offered by Elisa stores includes 5GB data + 9 hours calls + 100 SMS valid for 30 days.
Identify mobile providers: Tele2 / Smart, Super (Telia) and Elisa are your best options in Estonia.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Estonia at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Estonia then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Estonia have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Tele2 / Smart, Super (Telia) and Elisa. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Estonia are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Estonia with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Estonia. The Airalo Estonia eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $12 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Estonia without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Estonia is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Estonia and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Estonia eSim uses the Telia and Tele 2 networks to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Telia and Tele 2 networksnetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Estonia.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Estonia eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $7 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $8.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $12 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $19 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $12 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Estonia eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Estonia eSim uses the Tele2 Eesti Aktsiaselts/Elisa Eesti ASnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Estonia
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Estonia eSim:
Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD
Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD
Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD
Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD
Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD
Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $87 USD
Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is permanently built into a device, like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike physical SIM cards, an eSIM doesn’t require insertion or removal.
Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This feature allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need to physically change SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and user-friendliness, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing and inserting physical SIM cards, making it simpler to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services as it would with a traditional SIM card.
Using an eSIM can be beneficial for various reasons. Firstly, it offers convenience as there is no need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans. This is especially useful for frequent travelers who often change networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
Secondly, eSIM provides dual SIM functionality, allowing two active mobile numbers on a single device. This is advantageous for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
Additionally, eSIMs save space as they are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This creates more room within the device, enabling manufacturers to make smaller devices or utilize the extra space for other components.
Moreover, eSIMs allow for remote provisioning, enabling activation and management of mobile plans without a physical SIM card or store visit. This provides greater flexibility and convenience when managing mobile connectivity.
Lastly, eSIM technology is future-proof as more mobile networks and service providers offer support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, users can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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