Getting a phone plan in Finland: a simple guide for newcomers
A Finnish phone number isn’t just for calls. You’ll need it for banking codes, doctor’s appointments, food delivery apps and half the forms you fill in during your first month. So it’s usually one of the first things to sort out.
The good news: it’s not complicated. Finland has three big operators, and mobile data is cheap and plentiful compared with much of Europe.
The big three
| Operator | Owned by | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Elisa | Finnish, listed in Helsinki | Largest operator; prepaid sold as Saunalahti |
| Telia | Telia Company, Sweden | Grew out of the old state telecom Sonera |
| DNA | Telenor, Norway | Also a big home internet provider |
All three cover the whole country. Coverage can still differ on your street, in your building or at your summer cottage, so check each operator’s coverage map for your address before you sign.
Prepaid or a monthly plan?
Prepaid (prepaid-liittymä) is the quickest start. You can buy a SIM at R-kioski shops, many supermarkets and the airport, and top it up as you go. Unlimited data is often sold by the day, week or month. It’s ideal for your first weeks, or if you’re only staying a short time.
A monthly plan (kuukausiliittymä) usually costs less per gigabyte and includes things like EU roaming data. To open one you normally need a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus), and the operator runs a credit check. If you don’t have the code yet, start with prepaid and switch later. You can keep your number when you move.
Six things to check before you choose
- Speed, not just data. Many plans are “unlimited” but capped at a certain speed. For video calls and streaming, check the maximum speed.
- 5G support. Your phone must support it, and so must the plan.
- EU roaming allowance. Unlimited at home doesn’t always mean unlimited abroad.
- Contract length. 12- or 24-month deals look cheap but tie you in. A plan with no fixed term is easier to leave.
- The price after the offer. Many deals are discounted for the first months only. Look for the normal price in the small print.
- Home internet bundles. If you also need home internet, one operator for both is often cheaper.
Step by step: your first Finnish number
- On arrival, buy a prepaid SIM at an R-kioski, a supermarket or the airport. Activate it and top it up with an unlimited data period.
- Use that number everywhere you register: the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), your bank, your employer or university.
- Once you have your personal identity code and a Finnish bank account, compare monthly plans online. Most operators let you order in their app or website.
- Choose to keep your number when you order. The new operator handles the switch, usually within a few working days.
- Set up strong identification (vahva tunnistautuminen) through your bank once you can. Many services, including some operators, use it to confirm who you are.
Words you’ll see in the small print
| Finnish | English | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Liittymä | Subscription / plan | Your phone plan |
| Kuukausimaksu | Monthly fee | What you pay each month |
| Määräaikainen | Fixed-term | You’re tied in for 12 or 24 months |
| Toistaiseksi voimassa oleva | Open-ended | You can cancel with short notice |
| Nopeus (Mbit/s) | Speed | The maximum speed of your data |
| EU-verkkovierailu | EU roaming | Data and calls in other EU countries |
| Tarjous voimassa | Offer valid until | When the discounted price ends |
| Laitemaksu | Device instalment | Monthly payment for a phone bought with the plan |
Home internet: mobile broadband or fibre?
Many Finns don’t have a cable at home at all. They use mobile broadband: a 4G or 5G router with its own SIM, plugged in by the window. It’s quick to set up and moves with you when you change flat.
If your building has fibre (kuitu), it’s usually faster and more stable, especially for gaming and video calls. Many apartment buildings even include a basic connection in the rent or maintenance fee, so ask your landlord before you buy anything.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing a 24-month deal in your first week, before you know if you’re staying or which network works best in your flat.
- Buying a phone on instalments with the plan without checking the total price over the full period.
- Cancelling your old plan before your number has moved. You can lose the number.
- Forgetting to turn off roaming data on a non-EU trip. Outside the EU and EEA, data can get very expensive.
Which operator is best?
Honestly, it depends on where you live. One operator can be great in Helsinki and weak in your village. Price, speed and customer service all matter too.
The quickest way to find out is to ask people who already use them. Read what others say about Elisa, Telia and DNA on Aitoarvio, and leave your own review once you’ve tried one.
FAQ
Can I get a Finnish SIM without a personal identity code? Yes, a prepaid SIM. Monthly plans usually need the code.
Can I keep my number if I switch operator? Yes. Your new operator moves it for you. Just don’t cancel the old plan yourself first.
Do Finnish operators support eSIM? All three offer eSIM on many monthly plans. Check your phone model and plan type with the operator.
How long does it take to switch operator? Usually a few working days. Your old number keeps working until the switch happens.
Can I use my Finnish plan when I travel in Europe? Yes, within the EU and EEA roaming rules. Your plan lists how much data you can use abroad. Some “unlimited” plans include only a fixed amount there.
Plans and offers change often, so this guide doesn’t list prices. Always check the operator’s own website before you buy.
Sources
- Buying a SIM card in Finland (PhoneTravelWiz) (prepaid options, where to buy)