Having a local SIM card is compulsory in Tallinn, Estonia due to its reliable network coverage, fast speeds, and affordable data plans. Tourists can easily communicate, use travel apps, share on social media, and access maps. Low data prices prevent bill shock from roaming/data fees. A local SIM card in Tallinn ensures internet access to check email and travel info, letting tourists fully experience Tallinn attractions while staying connected during their entire trip.
Table of Contents
I. Which mobile operator is the best in Tallinn?
There is no definitive “best” mobile operator as it depends on individual needs and priorities. However, here are a few of the major operators in Estonia and some considerations:
| Mobile Operator | Coverage | Speed | Plan Options for Tourists |
| Telia | Wide coverage across Tallinn and Estonia | Fast 4G/LTE speeds | Customized tourist plans with data allowances, validity periods, and additional services to meet the specific needs of tourists visiting the country. |
| Elisa | Extensive coverage in Tallinn and throughout Estonia | Fast 4G/LTE speeds, ensuring smooth browsing, streaming, and other online activities. | Customized tourist plans with flexible data allowances, validity periods, and international roaming options, ensuring tourists stay connected and meet their data usage needs. |
| Tele2 | Good coverage in Tallinn and major cities in Estonia | Fast 4G/LTE speeds, allowing one-click internet access to everything from web surfing to streaming and other data-heavy engagements. | Data plans having calls, validity periods, and global roaming options are customized so that they connect when they explore the country. |
In Tallinn specifically, Elisa and Telia may have an edge due to their large networks, while Tele2 and Bite could offer good value depending on your budget and needs. Service quality can also vary between locations.
II. Best Tallinn SIM Card and Cost
The following table compares popular Tallinn SIM cards, including their price range in USD, data allotment, and validity periods:
| 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 |
III. Where to buy A SIM in Tallinn
Are you in Tallinn and wondering where to buy a SIM card? Let us help you discover the ideal locations to buy a SIM card in Tallinn.
1. Getting a SIM Card at the Estonia Airport
Only R Kiosk stores sell SIM cards at Tallinn Airport from various phone companies. As you emerge from the arrivals hall, there’s a R Kiosk store to your right:
- Opening hours: according to the flight schedule
- Location: in the gate area, between the Gates 3 and 5.
2. Getting a Prepaid SIM Card in Tallinn
When it comes to getting a prepaid SIM card in Tallinn, you have several options available. Choices obtained from prepaid SIM cards in Tallinn are diverse including; the shop of the particular company or additional stores that deal with the same.
- Mobile carrier stores: One may access prepaid SIM cards from Elisa, Tele2, or Telia, which are the biggest providers of mobile service, and choose an offer out of a range of price plans that are the cheapest.
- Supermarkets, Convenience Stores: It is very easy to get prepaid SIM cards in Tallinn, for example in grocery chains and convenience shops. It makes instituting a one-stop-shop solution during grocery shopping very convenient.
In order not to suffer from frequent internet slowness in Tallinn, one can buy a SIM card at the airport or think about buying eSIM online from reliable suppliers. Pick a trustworthy dealership for movable service and make sure it can be delivered in Tallinn.
IV. eSIM for Tallinn travelers – A Smart Alternative
eSIM cards are a smart alternative for tourists visiting Tallinn as they are convenient and flexible. eSIMs are not separate cards but part of devices during manufacturing, used like traditional SIMs. There are two main ways to purchase eSIMs in Tallinn:
- Estonia mobile carriers: In the Estonian capital, such as Telia, Elisa, and Tele2, one can get an eSIM via their websites, but need some personal information to purchase.
- eSIM providers: eSIM providers like Esimestonia.net – an online shop dedicated to eSIM customers – provide a comfortable platform plus professional customer support for a better eSIM experience. We provide bundles of plans from several providers, which permits travelers to have options and pick a reasonable plan that fits their travel.
To give you a more in-depth picture and a chance to see what eSIM plans you can pick, you can visit esimestonia.net. Discover the eSIM travelers’ advantage in Tallinn with the convenience of communication without having to use physical SIM cards.
V. Things to prepare when buying SIM cards in Tallinn
When buying a SIM card in Tallinn, it’s important to prepare the following items to ensure a smooth process of getting connected:
- Passport/ID – You’ll need to show your passport or other government-issued photo ID to activate a SIM card. Some stores may require you to register your identification.
- Decide on a mobile carrier – The major carriers in Estonia are Elisa, Telia, and Tele2. Do some research to choose the network that best suits your needs and budget. Coverage and speeds can vary between carriers.
- Check data limits and fees – Review data caps, roaming charges, and payment options. Many pre-paid SIMs have limits, so know what you’ll need for the duration of your stay. Credit card payment may allow unlimited plans.
- Unlock your phone – If traveling from outside the EU, ensure your phone is network unlocked so it will work with any local SIM card.
- Choose a SIM size – Check that the SIM card slot in your phone uses the standard micro or nano SIM formats available locally. Adapters are sometimes available if needed.
- Purchase credit – Pre-paid SIM cards usually require an initial credit purchase. Have cash or a card ready to load the SIM when you buy it.
- Activate and test – Carefully follow the instructions to activate your SIM. Test that data and calls are working before leaving the store.
- Consider a multi-SIM option – Dual-SIM phones allow using two local numbers, which provides redundancy if one SIM encounters issues.
Having the right documents, knowing your needs, and testing everything before leaving ensures a smooth SIM purchase experience in Tallinn. Many convenience stores and carrier shops sell them.
VI. Tips and Recommendations
When buying a SIM card in Tallinn, consider the following tips and recommendations to enhance your experience as a tourist. If you choose a SIM card in Tallinn, turn your mind around the upcoming tips:
- eSIM is best for travelers – no plastic SIM needed, just activate it digitally on your device. Many operators and providers offer eSIM.
- Prepaid for shorter trips, and postpaid contracts better for longer stays. Data-only eSIM plans let you keep your home number.
- Buy prepaid SIM cards from operator stores or convenience shops. Get eSIM activated directly at an operator store.
- Activation is fast – insert SIM or follow digital steps for eSIM setup. Have ID ready.
- Good 4G coverage in major areas, sometimes slower 3G outside cities.
Observing above-mentioned recommendations, you are able to arrive at the best result and use your newly bought SIM card in an efficient way on your stay in Tallinn city.
VII. FAQs
How to Get A SIM Card in Tallinn?
You can purchase prepaid SIM cards from any of the major mobile providers like Elisa, Tele2 or Telia. SIM cards in Tallinn are widely available at shops, kiosks, grocery stores and mobile provider stores. Make sure to bring your passport.
Which is the best mobile provider in Estonia?
The top 3 providers in Estonia are Elisa, Tele2 and Telia. Elisa has the largest network coverage while Tele2 offers good value prepaid plans. Telia is also a reliable option. Choose based on your needs and coverage in the areas you’ll be spending time.
How much does a SIM card in Tallinn cost?
Basic starter SIM cards are very affordable, usually costing around 5-10 euros. This includes some included data/minutes. Make sure to check plans and top-up amounts for ongoing usage.
Do I need to provide any identity documents when buying SIM card in Tallinn?
Yes, you will need to provide a valid passport or EU national ID card to purchase and activate a SIM card in Estonia. The seller will need to verify your identity.
Which eSIM is best for Estonia?
esimestonia.net offers eSIM support which allows you to activate an eSIM on compatible iPhones instead of a physical SIM. eSIM support depends on your device and plan.
VIII. Conclusion
Through this guide, this process is facilitated by presenting the tips on getting SIM cards in Tallinn to avoid the hustle. These tips include buying from trusted outlets or airports, activating roaming data before departure, limiting data with data add-ons for as long as possible, knowing miscellaneous fees, and avoiding using mobile data while around free Wi-fi spots. See Tallinn the simplest way as you are having a stress-free tour.
