If you’re going to Estonia and want to stay in touch, using an Estonia SIM card is the best choice. Getting a SIM card in Estonia can help you travel easily because it offers cheap data, calls and texts without charging big fees from your home phone provider. In this guide on how to get a prepaid SIM card in Estonia, we will discuss every important thing.

ESTONIA SIM Card

1. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Estonia Trip?

buy estonia sim card

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to buy a new SIM card for your trip to Estonia:

  • Check with your home carrier about roaming costs. Many carriers charge high daily rates for data and calls when roaming abroad. It may be cheaper to get a local SIM. Check this guide to learn about roaming charges in Estonia.
  • Estonia uses GSM networks compatible with most phones. Just ensure your phone isn’t carrier-locked to only work with one network at home. If possible, you can use your own phone in Estonia for convenience.
  • Buying a prepaid SIM from an Estonian carrier like Elisa, Tele2, or Telia is easy. You can find them at shops and kiosks nationwide for around 5-10 euros with some data/minutes included.
  • Having a local SIM allows you to get a local Estonian phone number. This makes it easier for contacts there to reach you and for you to use maps/apps without racking up roaming charges.
  • Consider how much you plan to use your phone each day. A local SIM is only worth it if you need more than just occasional light usage. But data roaming costs add up fast.
  • Make sure to disable roaming on your home carrier SIM before inserting the local SIM so you don’t inadvertently use expensive roaming data.

So in summary, if you plan to use your phone moderately or heavily each day in Estonia, a prepaid local SIM card is likely the more cost-effective option compared to roaming on your regular plan. Just be sure to disable roaming first.

2. Estonia SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?

Estonia offers a variety of SIM card types to suit the needs of both tourists and residents:

Type of SIM Card Description Pros Cons
Prepaid Convenient and affordable option for short-term visitors No contract required Data allowance, minutes, and texts may be limited
Data Good option for those who primarily use their phones for data No contract required May not include any minutes or texts
Postpaid Good option for those who plan to stay in Estonia for an extended period of time Typically includes a larger data allowance, minutes, and texts Requires a contract

3. How Much Data Is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Estonia?

There are some suggestions for a prepaid tourist SIM Card may be suitable:

  • 1 GB – Basic tasks, light use for a few days
  • 2-3 GB – Social media, music, occasional uploads, 1-2 weeks
  • 5 GB – Streaming video, frequent maps, app downloads, 2-3 weeks
  • 10 GB+ – Heavy streaming, many downloads, large uploads, overkill for most trips

In summary, 2-5 GB should cover an average 1-2 week Estonia trip given good 4G coverage. You can add data packs if needed and most SIMs roll over unused data.

4. How Much Does an Estonia SIM Card Cost?

Costs for prepaid Estonia SIM cards are quite reasonable and depend on the data limits. On average:

Operators Prepaid Plans Price (USD) Data Local Calls Messages Validity Total Cost (USD)
Elisa 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
Tele2 Starting ~1 250MB - 10 SMS 30 days ~1
Starting ~$4 3GB 300 mins 30 SMS 30 days ~$4
Internet Card ~$10 Unlimited - - 10 days ~$10
Telia Telia Prepaid Plans ~$24 10GB Unlimited Unlimited 1 month ~$25
~$29 20GG 5G Unlimited Unlimited 1 month ~$30
~$31 40GB 5G Unlimited Unlimited 1 month ~$32
~$35 Unlimited 5G Unlimited Unlimited 1 month ~$36

Some providers also offer bundles combining calls, texts, and data at discounted rates. So shop around to find the best prepaid SIM deal as per your requirements.

Overall, expect to spend about $15-30 per month to get a prepaid plan with enough data and some usage allowance.

5. Estonia eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

Estonia-eSIM

Instead of physical SIM cards, eSIMs are a digital option that is growing popular globally. Here are some key aspects about getting an Estonia eSIM card:

  • eSIM is built into newer smartphones, allowing mobile plan activation without a physical SIM card.
  • Estonia was an early adopter, all major carriers like Tele2, Elisa, and Telia support eSIM.
  • eSIM gives travelers easy local data without finding a physical SIM. More convenient to stay connected.
  • Carriers promote them as more eco-friendly than disposable plastic SIMs. Remote provisioning allows switching plans/devices remotely.
  • Compatibility limited to the newest iPhone, Galaxy, and some tablets for now.
  • Privacy and security were concerns but carriers have added controls and encryption.

So for gadget-savvy travelers with compatible devices, Estonian eSIMs offer unmatched convenience through their digital nature and flexibility.

Leave your physical SIM behind
Travel light with a digital SIM from esimestonia.net!
Buy my eSIM

6. Where to Buy an Estonia SIM Card?

For travelers visiting Estonia, obtaining a local SIM card is one of the first things you’ll want to do to stay connected during your trip. Where to Buy an Estonia SIM Card?

6.1. Buy eSIM online

Popular virtual operator providers selling Estonia eSIMs online is esimestonia.net. 

Stay connected in Estonia with an affordable eSIM from esimestonia.net. Up to 30GB data, 3-30 day validity. Instant purchase – receive via email. No roaming fees – just reliable LTE access on arrival.

Estonia eSIM Plans

6.2. Buy a physical SIM Card

 Here are some of the best options for buying an Estonia SIM card:

  • Direct from Estonian carriers: The major carriers are Tele2, Elisa, and Telia. You can buy prepaid SIM cards from their retail stores in Estonia or order online and have it delivered. Tele2 and Elisa offer eSIM options that can be activated digitally.
  • Convenience stores: Chains like R-Kiosk, Prisma, and Maxima sell prepaid SIMs from Estonian carriers. Look for locations near tourist areas in Tallinn or Tartu.
  • Airports: The airports in Tallinn (TLL) and Tartu (TAY) have SIM card kiosks/shops offering plans from Tele2, Elisa, and Telia. Can purchase a SIM at Estonia airport and activate on arrival.
  • Electronics stores: Places like Phone House and Alexela may carry Estonia SIMs from the major carriers. Check stock in-store.

Purchasing directly from an Estonian carrier website for the best network coverage and support options. Ordering an eSIM online in advance is very convenient for activating service upon arrival in Estonia. Bring your passport for ID verification when buying a physical SIM.

Tele2 Eesti store
Tele2 Eesti store

7. How to Use Estonia SIM

Here are the quick steps to use an Estonia SIM card:

  1. Insert SIM and turn on phone. 
  2. Top up credit online or at store using voucher code. Common amounts are €10-30.
  3. Activate data from your provider’s app or website. 
  4. Check included allowances before usage resets monthly. 
  5. Dial numbers properly – for Estonia omit country code +372. 
  6. Your SIM works across Estonia and EU with no extra roaming fees.

Using mobile data through the SIM is automatic once activated and inserted in your phone / connected device.

8. Best Mobile Operators for Estonia SIM Cards

Three of the best Estonia providers offering their SIM cards include Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. All the Estonia three operators have an array of prepaid and postpaid packages at affordable rates.

Here is a brief overview of each operator:

  • Telia operates over one half of the mobile network in Estonia and therefore has the broadest network accessibility. They come with different prepaid and postpaid plans including those that have unlimited data. Telia is known to have a reliable and fast network.
  • Elisa is the second biggest mobile company in Estonia. Like Telia, they have similar prepaid as well as postpaid prices though often slightly low. The network of Elisa is also very reliable and fast.
  • Tele2 – Estonia has the third biggest mobile operator, Tele2. They are popular for their cheapest prepaid rates. Although its network coverage is not as wide as Telia or Elisa, Tele2’s network coverage is good in most areas.

Which operator best suits your needs?

In this regard, you will need to consider your personal needs and choose the best mobile operator for you accordingly. In case, you want the widest network coverage and the best service then Telia should be your pick. So if your budget is low, Tele2 is a nice option. And in terms of price and performance, Elisa will be okay.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the three operators:

Feature Telia Elisa Tele2
Network coverage Widest Good Good
Reliability Very reliable Very reliable Reliable
Speed Fastest Fast Fast
Prices Most expensive Moderately priced Most affordable

9. Tips for Saving Data for Estonia SIM Card

To reduce mobile data consumption on your Estonia SIM card and avoid overages, here are some useful tips:

  • Turn off mobile internet when it is not in use.
  • Turn off auto-app updates and streaming media.
  • Check your data usage regularly.
  • Use WiFi whenever possible.
  • Turn off location services if not necessary.
  • Close unused background apps.
  • Download offline maps for navigation.
  • If you are a ‘light’ user, consider moving to a lower data plan.

The main things are switching to WiFi when available, limiting background activities, monitoring your usage, and being selective about streaming/location to avoid unnecessary data consumption.

10. FAQs about Estonia SIM Cards

What documents do I need to buy a SIM card in Estonia?

You need to show your original passport / national ID card at the point of purchase Both are accepted as valid identification.

Can I use mobile payment apps with Estonian SIM?

Yes, you should be able to use Google/Apple Pay as well as other payment apps by default Especially useful at supermarkets, stores, and restaurants around Estonia.

Is there good WiFi coverage in Estonia?

Overall, WiFi access is widely available at most hotels, cafes, restaurants and public hotspots across key tourist areas and cities. Speeds are decent though not very high.

Can I use my Estonia SIM across Europe?

Unfortunately no – Estonian prepaid SIMs only provide coverage domestically and do not include Euro roaming access. You cannot use them across other European countries.

Are eSIMs easy to set up?

For eSIM cards, Scan the digital QR code they provide to embed the SIM profile. The activation process is very fast and convenient after this initial setup.

11. Conclusion

A local Estonia SIM card will make your visit more enjoyable because it will allow you to stay in touch affordably. Choose a prepaid tourist package with many datas and local allowances according your stay and need. Newer phones also use eSIM cards that are paid for electronically for maximum convenience. If traveling to Estonia for communication purposes, getting a different SIM is advised with the savings and connectivity uplift.