If you are moving to Finland, studying abroad, or visiting for travel, you’ll likely need mobile data right away. Knowing how to activate a Finnish SIM card helps you get connected quickly—whether you’re using Elisa, Telia, DNA, Moi Mobiili, or any prepaid provider. This guide walks you through the setup process, ID verification requirements, and common troubleshooting steps to ensure your SIM works smoothly.
1. Know the Types of Finnish SIM Cards
Before you activate your Finnish SIM card, understand the main options:
Prepaid (Prepaid-liittymä)
- No contract
- Easy to buy from kiosks (R-Kioski), supermarkets, airports
- Popular with travelers and students
- Requires identification (“henkilöllisyystodistus”) due to Finnish SIM registration law
Postpaid (Määräaikainen / toistaiseksi voimassa oleva liittymä)
- Monthly billing
- Requires Finnish ID or strong identification
- Best for long-term residents
Popular providers:
- Elisa
- Telia
- DNA
- Moi Mobiili
2. Register Your SIM (Pakollinen SIM-kortin rekisteröinti)
Finland requires mandatory SIM card registration, even for prepaid cards. This law increases security and reduces fraud.
Depending on your provider, you can register:
Option A: Online Registration
Most carriers allow you to register online using:
- Passport
- EU ID
- Finnish ID (henkilökortti)
- Banking credentials (verkkopankkitunnukset) if you have them
You’ll receive instructions on the SIM packaging.
Option B: In-Store Registration
If you don’t have Finnish banking credentials yet, this is often easier.
You can register at:
- R-Kioski
- Provider’s official shop (Elisa, Telia, DNA)
Staff will verify your identity (“henkilöllisyyden todentaminen”) and activate your SIM on the spot.
3. Insert the SIM Card and Restart Your Phone
Once registered, you can now insert your SIM:
- Power off your phone
- Insert the SIM into the slot
- Turn the phone back on
- Enter the PIN code (usually 1234 unless changed by the provider)
Important: Keep the PIN and PUK codes safe (“PIN- ja PUK-koodi”), as you’ll need them if your SIM gets locked.
4. Configure APN Settings (If Needed)
Most Finnish providers configure APN settings automatically.
If your phone does NOT connect to mobile data, enter APN settings manually:
DNA APN
- Name: DNA
- APN: internet
Elisa APN
- Name: Elisa
- APN: internet
Telia APN
- Name: Telia
- APN: internet
Moi Mobiili APN
- Name: Moi
- APN: internet
After saving these, your phone should show 4G/5G connectivity.
5. Add Credit or Activate a Package
Most prepaid SIMs require you to load balance (“saldo”) or activate a data package (“paketti”).
You can top up using:
- Provider apps
- Online portals
- R-Kioski
- Supermarkets like Prisma & K-Citymarket
Typical prepaid packages include:
- Unlimited data for 1 day
- Unlimited data for 7 days
- Unlimited data per month
- Minutes + texts bundles
Finnish networks are known for fast and reliable 4G/5G, so even prepaid plans offer great coverage.
6. Test Your Connection
After activation, test:
- Mobile data
- Calls
- SMS
If something doesn’t work, restart your phone or reinsert the SIM.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Activating a Finnish SIM Card
1. No Network Signal
- Check if your phone is unlocked (ei operaattorilukittu)
- Reinsert the SIM
- Try the SIM in another device to confirm it works
2. Mobile Data Not Working
- Add APN settings manually
- Ensure mobile data is turned on
- Make sure you have balance or an active package
3. SIM Not Activated
- Registration may still be pending
- Visit the provider’s store for manual activation
For official verification rules, you can refer to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom (Official Source).
Source: https://www.traficom.fi (no live link added per your SEO guidelines
Internal Links (Requested)
To help new residents and travelers:
- Read more about living in Finland: https://ohjekeskus.fi/living
- Moving soon? Visit our moving guides: https://ohjekeskus.fi/moving
Conclusion
Knowing how to activate a Finnish SIM card makes your move or visit to Finland much smoother. Whether you’re using Elisa, DNA, Telia, or another provider, the setup process is simple: register your SIM, insert it, add credit, and configure APN settings if needed. With this guide, you can get connected within minutes and enjoy Finland’s excellent 4G/5G coverage.
FAQs – How to Activate a Finnish SIM Card
1. Do I need to show ID to activate a prepaid SIM in Finland?
Yes. Finnish law requires all SIM cards—including prepaid—to be registered with a valid ID.
2. Can tourists activate Finnish SIM cards?
Absolutely. Tourists can activate prepaid SIMs using a passport at kiosks or mobile shops.
3. How long does activation take?
Most SIM cards activate instantly after registration. In some cases, it may take up to 10 minutes.
4. Which network is best for foreigners?
DNA, Elisa, and Telia all offer excellent coverage. For prepaid users, DNA and Moi Mobiili are very popular for affordable unlimited data.