Visiting Finland and need a local SIM card for your phone? Getting a SIM card at Finland airports is easy and convenient for tourists. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about buying a SIM card at Finland airports, after landing at Helsinki, Tampere or other airports.

SIM CARD AT FINLAND Airport

1. Which airport in Finland offers SIM cards for tourists

Finland has several airports that serve both domestic and international destinations. Finland includes 27 airports. The main gateway is the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL).

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): This is the largest airport in Finland and is located just outside of Helsinki. SIM cards can be purchased from R-kioski stores in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2 and at Gate 50 in the non-Schengen area.

Helsinki airport
Helsinki Airport

In addition to SIM card at Finland airports, SIM cards for tourists can also be purchased from some mobile phone stores in Finland.

2. Where to buy Finland SIM cards at airports

When looking to purchase a SIM card at Finland airport, the main places to find providers are:

2.1. R-kioski convenience stores

R-kioski is a Finnish convenience store chain that sells prepaid SIM cards from all major Finnish operators. The salespeople at R-kioski will help you choose the most suitable SIM card for your trip. There are R-kioski stores located in all major Finland airports.

There are 6 R-kiosks at Helsinki Airport: 

  • R kiosk 1: Non Schengen Area, Gate 37-39. Opening hours: 5:15 – 22:00. 
  • R-kiosk 2: Non Schengen Area, Gate 43. Opening hours: 5:15 – 22:00.
  • R-kiosk 3: Schengen Area, Gate 15. Opening hours: 5:30 – 22:30. 
  • R-kiosk 4: Schengen Area, Gate 29. Opening hours: 5:00 – 23:00. 
  • R-kiosk 5: Entrance Hall. Opening hours: 24 hours
  • R-kiosk 6: Entrance Hall. Opening hours: 7:30 – 22:00.
R-kiosk in Helsinki Airport
R-kiosk in Helsinki Airport

2.2. WHSmith convenience stores

Some WHSmith stores in Finland airports also sell prepaid SIM plans. However, the selection of SIM  is typically smaller than at R-kioski. 

There are 3 WHSmith stores in Helsinki Airport: 

  • WHSmith 1: Non-Schengen Area, Gate 50. Opening hours: 5:00 – 18:00.
  • WHSmith 2: Schengen Area, Gate 20. Opening hours: 5:00 – 22:00.
  • WHSmith 3: Schengen Area, Gate 27. Opening hours: 4:00 – 00:00.
WHSmith store in Helsinki airport
WHSmith store in Helsinki airport

Check airport maps online beforehand to locate exactly where you can pick up SIM card at Finland airports after landing. Having a card right away is super convenient for navigating a new country hassle-free.

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

To ensure a smooth experience purchasing your Finland SIM card at the airport, here are key things tourists should prepare:

  • Passport – You will need to show your passport to purchase a SIM card as part of the customer identification and registration process.
  • Money – Most SIM cards can be purchased with cash or card at the airport. Have euros ready as they may not accept other currencies. 
  • Phone – Make sure your phone is unlocked so it can accept a different SIM card. You may need to remove your existing SIM card before inserting the new one. 
  • Know which provider – Decide in advance which mobile provider you want like Elisa, DNA, or Telia. They each offer different data packages and pricing. Do research online before your trip.
  • Data package – Choose how much high-speed data you think you’ll need. Packages often range from 1GB for a few days up to unlimited data for 30 days. Extra data can usually be purchased later if needed.
  • International calling – Ask if the SIM includes allowance for calling countries like your home country. Or consider apps like WhatsApp as an alternative.
  • Activation – Once purchased, you may need to activate the SIM online or with the provider’s app before you can use it. Follow any included instructions carefully.

Having the right documents, money, phone, and plan chosen ahead of time will make purchasing and setting up a Finnish SIM card at the airport quick and hassle-free.

4. Finland eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card

Besides physical SIM cards sold in Finland airports, adopting an eSIM digital SIM is an alternative worth considering for flexibility and convenience:

  • What is eSIM? An eSIM is an embedded SIM that allows you to activate a cellular data plan directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card.
  • Compatible devices: eSIM is available on many recent iPhone models and some Android phones. Check if your device supports eSIM. Check the Finland eSIM Compatible Devices List.
  • Carriers: All major Finnish carriers like Elisa and Telia or provider like finlandesim.com offer eSIM data plans for travelers.
  • Purchase online: You can purchase an eSIM plan directly from the carrier’s website before your trip. No need to find a store at the airport. 
  • Activation process: Once purchased, the carrier will provide an activation code. Open your device’s settings and follow the on-screen prompts to activate the eSIM. See the detailed Finland eSIM Installation Guide. 
  • Fast setup: eSIM activation takes just minutes compared to hunting for a SIM card and waiting for it to activate. 
  • No physical card: Handy if you forget your SIM extractor tool or lose the nano-SIM somewhere in your bag. 
  • Easy switching: You can change eSIM plans any time directly on your device without swapping cards.

So in summary, eSIM is a very convenient digital-only solution for getting cellular service in Finland without the hassle of airport SIM cards. Just prepare your compatible device in advance.

Skip the hassle of international roaming fees – get affordable Finland data with finlandesim.com digital Finland eSIM. Install and activate your prepaid plan before travel for instant cellular connectivity upon arrival. Plans starting from just $5. Visit finlandesim.com today!

Finland eSIM Plans

5. FAQs about SIM Card at Finland Airports

What documents do I need to buy a Finland SIM card?

You will need to show your unlocked device, passport for ID verification, travel details like flight into Finland, and payment card to buy a tourist SIM at airports.

Can I use a Finland SIM card in other European countries?

Yes, Finland prepaid SIMs include free roaming across the EU so will work throughout Europe for calls, texting and reduced mobile data rates.

How much data is included on airport tourist SIM cards?

Data amounts range from 1 GB packages over 5 days to unlimited monthly plans depending on the price. But even entry-level SIMs have enough data to get started and order taxi’s etc.

Do Finland SIM cards work for calling/texting globally?

Basic calling and messaging works to Finland and sometimes other European numbers. But check if your airport SIM card includes international talk time and texts to avoid surprises.

What is the average cost for short-term Finland SIM cards?

Expect to pay around 10 to 30 EUR for a prepaid Finland SIM card valid for 5 to 30 days including domestic and EU allowances. Prices vary by provider and data amounts.

Can I reuse my Finland SIM card on future trips?

Technically yes – if you don’t cancel the prepaid SIM plan you purchased on arrival, it will still be valid for up to 6 or 12 months after activation. Just top up credits.

6. Conclusion

Getting connected via local SIM card at Finland airports upon arrival makes any Finland trip infinitely smoother. Now you know purchasing SIM cards at Helsinki, Tampere or other Finland airports is quick, easy and affordable for short visits.

Just look for top providers like Elisa, DNA or Sonera in airport arrival halls or luggage zones. A Finland eSIM activated remotely is also an option offering greater flexibility for modern travelers.

Either way, having mobile data plus affordable calling and texting from the moment you land allows for stress-free navigation, airport pickups, using maps or translation apps and sharing trip moments seamlessly.