Where to Buy a SIM Card in Helsinki
A SIM Card to Finnish Mobile Networks
Finland has an outstanding mobile network infrastructure. Three leading telecommunications companies dominate the market: Elisa, Telia, and DNA. All these operators have reliable 4G / 5G networks in the Helsinki region, ensuring fast and consistent connectivity. Purchasing a SIM card in Helsinki is easy since SIM cards are sold in multiple places. There is no complicated bureaucracy involved.
All operators offer comparable services in Helsinki. However, coverage can slightly differ if you venture beyond the cities. Elisa is a strong contender if you wish to support a Finnish company.
The Best Ways to Buy a SIM Card in Helsinki
Physical SIM
Finding a place to buy a physical SIM card in Helsinki is effortless. R-kiosk, often called “the Finnish 7-Eleven,” is the easiest option. You’ll discover R-kiosks locations throughout the city, including at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and the Port of Helsinki. In the city centre, the nearest R-kiosk is no more than a five-minute walk away.
Also, big markets sell SIM cards.
Physical SIM cards can provide full mobile service, including data, voice calls, and text messaging. In Finland, SIM cards without recurring payments are called pre-paid plans.
Electronic SIM (eSIM)
Modern phones support eSIMs, the most convenient way to acquire a SIM. You can purchase an eSIM online even before your trip begins. The entire process, from online purchase to activation, can be completed within 10 minutes. Best of all, eSIMs eliminate the need to replace your phone’s physical SIM cards.
For your convenience, we recommend getting an eSIM from eSIM.sm. You can activate it before the trip. Still, your data allowance and validity period will not start until you first connect to the network.
You can also buy an eSIM directly from the mobile operators, but not all plans are available yet. Check Elisa, Telia, and DNA for more information.
You need a SIM to use taxi apps in Helsinki.
Costs of a Pre-Paid Mobile Plan
Physical SIM
At the time of writing this article, the SIM card prices in R-kiosks were the following:
Operator | Product Name | Price | Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Telia | Telia Prepaid | €4,90 | Initial saldo: €7 Pay-per-use Possibility to top up more | |
Elisa |
Saunalahti Prepaid | €4,90 | Initial saldo: €6 Pay-per-use Possibility to top up more | |
DNA | DNA Super Prepaid | €4,90 | Initial saldo: €5 Pay-per-use Possibility to top up more | |
DNA | DNA Rajaton Prepaid | €4,90 | Initial saldo: €5 €0,99 / day, free surfing, calls and texting Possibility to top up more |
We recommend asking the shop assistant in R-kios to introduce the current offers. Tell them you are a quick visitor to Finland and wish to have an inexpensive short-term plan.
Electronic SIM (eSIM)
At eSIM.you can purchase a plan with 5GB for 15 days for 6 euros, making it an excellent choice for visitors with a limited stay in Helsinki. If you require more data, topping up your plan online is simple. If you need to plan only for messages, you will survive with the most straightforward plans costing only a few euros.
The company also sells regional plans that work in multiple countries. These are the most practical for people who travel to various countries during a single trip.
Rates
If you choose a pay-per-use plan, it’s essential to understand the pricing basics. Rates differ between operators, so we can only offer approximate cost estimates.
SMS and one-minute voice calls in Finland usually cost approximately seven euro cents each. Daily data usage typically incurs a charge of about €1.
The pricing models can be complicated, so get familiar with the exact pricing before purchasing a plan.
The eSIM plans are more practical because they usually include a certain amount of data for a fixed price. In contrast, they do not always include the possibility of making calls.
Speeds
Finland has fast mobile networks. A 4G or 5G plan will suffice for essential internet use. However, opt for a 5G plan if you prioritise the fastest speeds. The speed rates in Helsinki are excellent but lower in the countryside.
Before purchasing, carefully review the advertised speeds. Remember that actual speeds may not always match the operator’s promises.
Our Recommendation
We recommend purchasing an eSIM from eSIM.sm. While you can’t determine the network used in Finland (as all major operators offer comparable service), eSIMs are generally practical and cost-effective. If your travel plans include multiple countries, a multi-country eSIM provides even greater convenience.
Our Choices
As Helsinki residents, we use the Telia and Elisa networks. We chose them because they offered the most competitive monthly subscription deals. If we got a good deal, we would have no problem changing to the DNA.
For travelling, we prefer eSIMs. They are fast to purchase and install and we do not need to find a physical store to buy a SIM.