To communicate your pictures, use maps and contact local businesses, it is crucial to stay connected when exploring Estonia. You can avail of data, calling and SMS in Estonia affordably using an Elisa Estonia SIM card or eSIM while in Estonia. This guide will cover; Elisa’s network coverage and speeds, how to activate Elisa Estonia SIM cards, and how to activate eSIM.

ELISA ESTONIA SIM CARD

1. Quick facts about Elisa Estonia

Elisa Estonia is among the top three mobile networks in Estonia with Tele2 and Telia. Some key facts:

  • Estonia is one of the leading telecommunication companies in Estonia that offer mobile, fixed internet and television and entertainment services respectively, under the brand name “Elisa”.
  • Estonian’s largest operator with more than 1.2 million mobile users and around 400,000 fixed internet subscribers.
  • The Estonian national 4G LTE is Elisa Estonia which is currently introducing 5G.
  • This is a telecommunications firm with many mobile, fixed internet, television and entertainment packages.
  • Another contributor to the business market in Estonia is Elisa Estonia, which offers different ICT solutions to many Estonian companies.
  • The company has a high level of motivation in regards to the innovations made in the new technology.

Therefore, in sum, Elisa Estonia enables tourists to remain connected throughout Estonia at a reasonable price.

elisa estonia logo

2. Elisa Coverage and Speed in Estonia

Before getting an in-depth look at Elisa’s SIM and eSIM options, let’s overview Elisa’s network coverage and speeds across Estonia.

2.1. Elisa coverage in Estonia

ESTONIA MOBILE OPERATORS Coverage
ESTONIA MOBILE OPERATORS COVERAGE

One of the three largest mobile network operators in Estonia includes Elisa, together with Telia and Tele2. Elisa has a wide network and the company says that they cover nearly all the population with their 4G network. In practice, this coverage is slightly less yet remains very good.
According to an Opensignal report done in August 2022 on the mobile network experience in Estonia, users of Elisa spent over 95 percent of their time connected to a 3G, 4G, or 5G network. This is the second-highest percentage.
Elisa Coverage Highlights

  • Elisa provides extensive coverage in its 4G network, and it boasts reaching approx 99% of the population.
  • Opensignal’s August 2022 report found that Elisa users spent 95.3% of their time connected to a 3G, 4G, or 5G network.
  • Elisa is a joint winner of the Availability award in Opensignal’s report.
  • Elisa is a joint winner of the Voice App Experience award in Opensignal’s report.
  • Elisa is a joint winner of the 4G Coverage Experience award in Opensignal’s report.
  • Elisa is a joint winner of the Core Consistent Quality award in Opensignal’s report.

Overall, Elisa’s coverage in Estonia is very good. The company’s network is extensive, and its users experience very little downtime.

2.2. Elisa Estonia speed

ESTONIA MOBILE OPERATORS Speed
ESTONIA MOBILE OPERATORS SPEED

Elisa offers some of the fastest mobile speeds in Estonia. Opensignal’s August 2022 report found that Elisa users had the fastest average download speeds in the country, at 51.6 Mbps. Elisa users also had the second-fastest average upload speeds, at 13.6 Mbps.

Elisa Speed Highlights

  • Elisa users had the fastest average download speeds in Estonia in Opensignal’s August 2022 report, at 51.6 Mbps.
  • Elisa users had the second-fastest average upload speeds in Estonia in Opensignal’s August 2022 report, at 13.6 Mbps.
  • Elisa is the outright winner of the Download Speed Experience award in Opensignal’s report.
  • Elisa is a joint winner of the 5G Video Experience award in Opensignal’s report.

Overall, Elisa’s speed in Estonia is very good. The company’s network is consistently fast, and its users experience very little lag or buffering.

3. Elisa connectivity options for travelers to Estonia

Elisa offers several connectivity options for travelers to Estonia, including prepaid Elisa Estonia SIM cards, eSIMs, and roaming plans.

Option Pros Cons
Prepaid card Convenient, affordable Data allowance may run out quickly
eSIM Easy to activate, no need to carry a physical SIM card Not all smartphones are eSIM compatible
Roaming plan Can be more affordable than roaming without a plan May not be available for all mobile phone providers

The best connectivity option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

4. Best Elisa Estonia SIM cards for tourists & cost

For a $1 physical Elisa Estonia SIM card, Elisa’s prepaid plans provide an excellent mix of data, domestic calling:

Elisa Prepaid Plans Price (USD) Data Local Calls Messages Validity Total Cost (USD)
Basic ~$3 - Unlimited within Elisa network + 3 hours to Telia/Tele2 networks - 30 days ~$4
Standard ~$6 1GB Unlimited within Elisa network + 6 hours to Telia/Tele2 networks 100 30 days ~$7
Premium ~$9 5GB Unlimited within Elisa network + 9 hours to Telia/Tele2 networks + 1 hour to EU/Russia 100 30 days ~$10
Perfect ~$15 15GB Unlimited within Elisa network + 10 hours to Telia/Tele2 networks + 1 hour to EU/Russia 600 30 days ~$16

With 5 GB data, you can freely use Google Maps, social media, messaging, and basic web browsing during a multi-day visit. 100 local minutes provide some domestic calling when touring Estonia.

5. Does Elisa Estonia support eSIM?

Yes, Elisa does support eSIM. Elisa eSIM profiles work on newer iPhone and Android devices with embedded eSIM support. eSIM plans provide the same calling, texting, and roaming capabilities as regular SIMs.

6. Where can you buy an Elisa Estonia SIM card and eSIM?

You can purchase Elisa Estonia SIM cards or eSIM plans through the following channels:

6.1. Where to buy Elisa Estonia SIM for Estonia

To get a physical Elisa Estonia SIM cards in Estonia, you have a few options:

  • Directly from Elisa Estonia stores: Elisa has numerous stores located throughout Estonia where you can purchase a SIM card and sign up for a pay-as-you-go or monthly plan. No activation required.
  • Elisa online store: You can order an Elisa SIM card bundle package online at Elisa website and have it shipped to an Estonia address. Plans start at $10/month.
  • Local convenience stores: Some kiosks and shops sell prepaid “top-up” Elisa Estonia SIM cards that you can activate with credit. Useful as a backup.

For the best value and flexibility, buying direct from an Elisa store or online before your trip. Make sure to have your passport to verify ID. Activation is instant so you’re good to go right away in Estonia.

Elisa store in Estonia
Elisa store in Estonia

6.2. Where to buy Elisa Estonia eSIM

You can only visit any Elisa store location in Estonia and buy an eSIM and monthly plan in-person.

After paying by card, your eSIM profile is emailed and directly loaded to the eSIM on your phone via scan. Super convenient without visiting stores!

If you want to purchase eSIM before arrival, several companies sell Estonia eSIM profiles. Major ones include esimestonia.net. Plans tend to be short-term like 3-30 days and cost from $5 depending on data allowance.

Stay Connected in Estonia with Affordable Digital Plans.

Get high-speed data and coverage nationwide when you buy an Estonia eSIM from esimestonia.net. Reliable connectivity is just a click away with flexible data packages starting from $5. Order now to receive instant activation via email – no shipping delays. Travel stress-free with an eSIM that’s simple to set up and easy on your wallet.

7. How to activate Elisa Estonia SIM/eSIM

Activating your new Elisa Estonia SIM card or eSIM is easy. We’ll cover the steps for both:

7.1. How to use Elisa Estonia SIM card

To start using your physical Elisa Estonia SIM card:

  1. Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone (nano-SIM for iPhone, multi-SIM may require adapters)
  2. Power on your device and wait for the SIM to auto-configure
  3. You may get a setup prompt – follow any instructions shown
  4. Enable mobile data when prompted to start using data

That’s it! You’ll be connected on Elisa’s network right away. Be sure international roaming is also enabled if traveling outside Estonia across the Baltics.

7.2. How to activate Elisa Estonia eSIM

Getting started with an Elisa eSIM for Estonia is quite easy as follows:

  1. Install the eSIM
  2. Activate the eSIM
  3. Set up the eSIM
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

8. Elisa Estonia Call & SMS rates

Elisa Estonia offers a variety of call and SMS rates for prepaid and postpaid customers. Here is a summary of the current rates as of November 22, 2023:

Elisa Estonia Call & SMS rates

Service Price
Call connection fee €0.05
Sending a text message (SMS) €0.05
Sending a multimedia message (MMS) €0.19 per 100 kB
Internet €0.0042 per MB

For more information on Elisa Estonia call and SMS rates, please visit the Elisa Estonia website.

9. Useful USSD codes for Elisa Estonia SIM/eSIM

Elisa offers several useful USSD codes to check your account status quickly:

  • *135*# – Redeem the voucher
  • *135*1# – Check your balance
  • *135*3# – Check the expiration date

Dial these codes directly on your phone dialer to pull up account info. *135# is especially helpful to view all your account information.

10. How to top-up Elisa Estonia SIM/eSIM

When your data balance runs low, topping up your Elisa Estonia SIM card or eSIM is quick through:

  • Online: You can top up your SIM card online through the Elisa Estonia website or mobile app.
  • In-person: You can top up your SIM card in person at any Elisa Estonia store.
  • By phone: You can top up your SIM card by calling the Elisa Estonia customer service line at 6 600 600. To do this, you will need your SIM card number and the amount of money you want to top up.
  • Vouchers: You can also top up your SIM card by purchasing a scratch card from an Elisa Estonia store or reseller. To use a scratch card, simply scratch off the silver panel to reveal the PIN code. Then, enter the PIN code into your phone.

Once you have topped up your SIM card, the new balance will be available immediately.

12. FAQs about Elisa in Estonia

Does Elisa work in Russia or Finland?

No, Elisa does not currently offer roaming in Russia or Finland. Your SIM will be blocked from roaming networks.

Can I use Elisa’s SIM in another country right away?

Yes, Elisa SIMs and eSIMs enabled international roaming already to use when traveling in 50+ regions. Baltic roaming is free.

How long does an Elisa Estonia eSIM or data pack last?

eSIM plans and data packs expire 24 hours after first use, not calendar days. So you have 24 full hours of connectivity.

Can I renew my Elisa Estonia SIM card or eSIM when it expires?

Yes! Top up your account balance or add another data pack to keep service active. Plans renew automatically with active top up credit.

13. Final words

Our guide should have covered anything on staying connected in Estonia via Elisa Estonia SIM cards or eSIM. Elisa Estonia makes a perfect option for tourist connectivity in visiting Estonia and other Baltic countries. Connectivity needs for visitors are catered for by wide 4G coverage and affordable prepaid rates from Elisa for short trips.