Best Tourist Sim Cards in Finland in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Finland across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to Finland, having a reliable means of communication is essential, which is why getting a sim card is highly recommended. With internet access, exploring new cities becomes effortless. Whether it’s finding the top-notch restaurants, navigating your way to your accommodation, booking a taxi, or sharing memorable moments with your loved ones back home, being connected on the go is invaluable.
While roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly become exorbitant. Hence, we always suggest opting for either an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates. Thankfully, obtaining either of these options in Finland is incredibly straightforward. However, deciding which one suits you best requires some guidance.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to purchase a sim card in Finland. From current pricing details to uncovering the absolute best sim card for your specific needs, we’ve got you covered.
The best sim card in Finland is the Airalo Finland eSim. For $18 USD (16.49 EUR) you will get 10GB of data, or for $12 USD (11 EUR) you will get 5GB of data, both valid for 30 days.
Finland is one of the rare countries where it is cheaper to buy an eSim than it is to buy a local sim card from an official store. Purchasing a local sim card will set you back between 19.90 EUR and 29.90 EUR depending who you choose.
Of course this comes with unlimited data, but for the vast majority of users (myself included), 5GB or 10GB is plenty and you won’t run out. On top of this, Airalo uses the DNA network which is one of the most extensive and reliable networks in Finland. They’re exactly the same network, in other words it’s the same internet.
With that in mind, the convenience of an eSim makes the decision very easy. Not only is it cheaper and uses the exact same network as one of the best local sim cards, you also won’t need to visit a store to purchase, register, activate and install a ohysical sim card.
Instead, you can just purchase the Airalo Finland eSim here, then when you arrive in Finland it will automatically activate (begin the validity period) and start working.
If your phone is not eSim compativble (by the way, most phones do support eSims including all iPhones produced since 2018), then any of the other three providers will be fine. Telia is the best option if you are staying for longer than 20 days, whilst I recommend DNA for shorter visits to Finland.
A Tourist Sim Card in Finland costs 19.90 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 Finland will cost between $4.50 USD and $26 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 Finland which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $12 USD.
In Finland, the main sim card providers are DNA, Elisa, and Telia. DNA is one of the largest mobile operators in the country and offers a wide range of sim card options to cater to different needs. With its extensive network coverage and competitive prices, DNA is a popular choice among both residents and tourists.
Elisa is another major player in the Finnish telecommunications market. Known for its high-quality services, Elisa provides reliable sim cards with excellent coverage and fast internet speeds. Their flexible plans make it easier for customers to find the best fit for their communication needs.
Telia, previously known as Sonera, is a leading mobile operator in Finland. They offer a variety of sim card options, including prepaid and postpaid, along with various data packages suitable for different usage patterns. Telia’s strong network coverage and reliable customer service make it a trusted choice for many mobile users in Finland.
DNA is one of the leading mobile network operators in Finland, and they offer tourist sim cards for travelers. These sim cards provide excellent coverage across the country, ensuring seamless connectivity during your stay in Finland. With fast internet speeds, tourists can easily navigate through maps, browse websites, and share their memorable moments on social media. DNA’s tourist sim cards are an essential companion for exploring Finland’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and experiencing its rich culture. Stay connected and capture every moment with DNA’s reliable and efficient sim cards.
The price of a DNA tourist sim card in Finland is 0.89 EUR per day (26.7 EUR per month, minimum 5 EUR).
The plan offered by DNA stores includes Unlimited data + EU and EEA calls and texts valid for 1+ days.
Elisa, a leading telecommunications company in Finland, offers tourist sim cards that are perfect for travelers visiting the country. These sim cards provide reliable 4G connectivity across Finland, allowing tourists to stay connected and navigate with ease. Elisa’s tourist sim cards also come with generous data allowances, ensuring uninterrupted social media updates and internet browsing. With Elisa’s reliable network coverage and affordable sim cards, tourists can enjoy their Finland experience to the fullest.
The price of a Elisa tourist sim card in Finland is 29.99 EUR.
The plan offered by Elisa stores offers Unlimited 5G data with a maximum of 14GB across EU / EEA countries valid for 30 days.
Telia is a leading telecommunication company in Finland, offering reliable and affordable tourist SIM cards for travelers. With excellent coverage and high-speed internet, their SIM cards are perfect for tourists exploring Finland’s beautiful landscapes. Telia’s tourist packages provide generous data allowances, allowing visitors to stay connected, share their experiences, and navigate effortlessly. Trust Telia’s impeccable service and enjoy seamless communication during your stay in Finland.
The price of a Telia tourist sim card in Finland is 19.90 EUR.
The plan offered by Telia stores includes unlimited data + 18GB Nordics, Baltics and some EU countries valid for 30 days.
Identify mobile providers: DNA, Elisa and Telia are your best options in Finland.
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 Finland 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 Finland then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Finland 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 DNA, Elisa and Telia. 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 Finland 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 Finland 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 Finland. The Airalo Finland 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 Finland without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Finland is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Finland 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 Finland eSim uses the DNA network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the DNA networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Finland.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Finland eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $6.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $8 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $12 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $18 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $26 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 Finland eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Finland eSim uses the Elisa Corporationnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Finland
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Finland 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 30 days – Price: $64 USD
Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD
Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD
An eSIM, also known as embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is already built into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike regular SIM cards, it doesn’t need to be inserted or removed physically.
Rather than using a physical card, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This means that users can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically change SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who switch between various mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it much easier 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 input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and utilize voice, data, and messaging services just like with a regular SIM card.
There are a variety of reasons why using an eSIM can be advantageous:
– Convenience: Switching between mobile networks or plans does not require physically inserting or removing a SIM card. This is especially useful for frequent travelers who may need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
– Dual SIM functionality: eSIMs allow for dual SIM functionality on a single device, meaning two active mobile numbers can be used. This is beneficial for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: As eSIMs are embedded within the device, there is no need for a physical SIM card slot. This creates additional space within the device, enabling manufacturers to make devices smaller or utilize the extra space for other components.
– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air with eSIMs. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store when activating or switching to a new mobile plan. It offers increased flexibility and convenience for managing mobile connectivity.
– Future-proofing: With growing support for eSIM technology, more mobile networks and service providers are offering compatibility. By using an eSIM-compatible device, users can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
Overall, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing option 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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