Estonia is a popular travel destination in Northern Europe known for its medieval old towns, beaches, and natural landscapes. As more people visit Estonia, getting a local SIM card has become an important item on many travelers’ checklists to stay connected during their trip. This definitive guide will provide detailed information on buying a SIM card at Estonia airports.

SIM CARD AT ESTONIA Airport

1. Which airport in Estonia offers SIM cards for tourists

There are a total of 5 Airports in Estonia. 

The main international airport in Estonia that offers SIM cards for tourists is Tallinn Airport (TLL). Here are a few details:

  • Tallinn Airport (also known as Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport) is located just 4 km southwest of the capital city Tallinn. It’s the main international gateway to Estonia.
  • Retailers offer prepaid SIM cards at Estonia airports that can be purchased upon arrival. This allows tourists to have a local Estonia phone number with data access right away.

Tallinn Airport is the primary entry point into Estonia and has SIM card options from local carriers right in the arrival hall, making it very easy for international visitors.

Tallinn Airport
Tallinn Airport

2. Where to buy Estonia SIM card at Estonia airports

You can purchase SIM card at Estonia airports from various telecommunications providers at R Kiosk shops. Upon exiting the arrivals hall, you’ll find an R Kiosk shop on your right-hand side. 

  • Opening hours: according to the flight schedule 
  • Location: in the gate area, between the Gates 3 and 5. 
R-kiosk at Tallinn Airport
R-kiosk at Tallinn Airport

3. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Estonia airports

Here are a few things to prepare if you want to buy a SIM card at an airport in Estonia:

  • Passport – You will need to show your passport for identification purposes when buying the SIM card.
  • Contact details – Be prepared to provide an email address or phone number for activation and account purposes. 
  • Device – Have the device you want to insert the SIM card into readily available. Make sure your device is unlocked so it can accept a local SIM.
  • Payment method – The major carriers that sell SIMs at Estonian airports accept cash and credit/debit cards. Have the appropriate payment method ready.
  • Research carriers – Decide which carrier you want to go with before arriving. The main ones are Telia, Elisa and Tele2. Check their prepaid plans and coverage maps online.
  • Language packs – You may need to download a basic Estonian language pack for your phone so you can navigate carrier menus and activate the SIM properly.
  • ID verification – Some carriers may require a photo of your passport for ID verification during online SIM activation after purchase. 
  • WiFi connectivity – Have any necessary apps downloaded beforehand in case you need internet to activate the SIM online at the airport.

That’s the key things to prepare to ensure a smooth process of buying and activating a prepaid SIM card from Estonian carriers at Tallinn airport. Having the right documents and being informed will help speed things up.

4. Estonia eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card

While physical SIM card at Estonia airports are still the most common option, Estonia does have eSIM availability as a convenient alternative:

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM card) is a digital version installed directly into your phone instead of a plastic physical card. eSIMs are locked to your specific device.

Estonian eSIM benefits

eSIMs allow app-based signup instead of visiting a desk. Also, eSIMs can have flexible short-term plans lasting just days or weeks oriented for travelers.

You avoid having to insert/replace physical SIMs which means no need to restart phones when switching data plans.

Carriers with Estonia eSIM support

Currently, none of the Estonian carriers offer tourist eSIM plans active. You can buy from a third provider such as esimestonia.net, and enable eSIM on your phone before flying to Estonia.

Stay connected in Estonia with an affordable digital Estonia eSIM. Get 3GB/month for only $15 for your trip. Purchase online now and receive instant activation – no waiting or roaming charges. Book your Estonia eSIM today at:

Estonia eSIM Plans

5. FAQs about SIM Card at Estonia Airports

Can I use a foreign SIM card in Estonia?

Yes, but expect high roaming costs if you solely rely on an international SIM card not meant for Estonia. Getting a local Estonian SIM is cheaper.

How much data do I need on an Estonia SIM card?

For light usage like Google Maps and social media access, 2 to 4GB for your whole trip duration is usually enough. Plan at least 500MB per day if you post photos/videos. Pick a larger 10GB+ data bundle for heavier usage.

Can I top up or extend my Estonian SIM card validity?

Yes, prepaid SIM cards can be easily topped up at R-Kiosks and other stores via cash or card. Also, you can extend high-speed data validity by purchasing add-on packages through your SIM provider’s app or online portal before expiry.

Are SIM cards at Tallinn airports more expensive?

Airport SIM prices are a bit expensive to downtown shops. Downtown stores may have fewer language options.

How to insert my Estonian SIM card?

Standard SIM card size is 15 x 25 mm. iPhone trays support both nano-SIM (12.3 x 8.8 mm) and eSIM. Samsung/Android phones often use nano-SIM too. Ensure you get the correct SIM size for your phone. Refer phone manual for the insertion location usually beside the charging port.

6. Conclusion

Getting a prepaid Estonian SIM card at Estonia airports should be on every traveler’s checklist before leaving Tallinn, Tartu or other Estonia airports. Look for dedicated SIM card desks or stores right after passport control in the arrivals hall.Tallinn Airport offers the most options and English assistance. Remember to check SIM card compatibility, have your passport ready, and enable data roaming on your device. Alternately, Estonia carriers do offer eSIM plans registrable completely online too. With the right Estonian SIM card or eSIM, staying connected across this progressive Nordic country is easy.