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Mobile phones in Finland

How to get a mobile connection

There are various mobile phone providers to choose from in Finland. Competition is fierce so it is worth shopping around for the best tariff.

The main network providers in Finland include Elisa, Sonera, DNA, Globetel and Cubio. In general Finnish mobiles provide a cheap means of communication, although call and SMS rates differ greatly between different tariffs and promotions.

Network providers do not normally include a handset with a price plan. If you do not want to pay more than 70 Euro for a new phone, consider looking for a second hand phone. Ebay and Huutokauppa (if you speak Finnish) are good places for this.

If you do not have a proven and stable credit history in Finland you will probably be asked to pay some sort of deposit to start a contract. This is often very expensive, but will be repaid in full when your rental comes to an end.

Prepaid phones

Prepaid SIM cards are readily available in Finland through providers such as Sonera, which offer deals starting at around 50 Euro. They can be bought from many high street shops and kiosks and topped up either by voucher or online.

Note that these packages do not normally include a phone. Tariffs on prepaid phones are often not as cheap as on contract, but offer an easy way to communicate when you first arrive in Finland.

International Calls

It is possible in Finland to choose which operator handles your international calls, allowing you to shop around for the best rates. These differ dramatically between networks and depending on which country you are calling; check the operators' websites for prices. This can allow you to “call home” regularly for relatively little, though it is worth noting that local network rates are often charged on top of the international ones, and prices are often given before tax (at 22%).

If you wish to roam between networks when you are making a call abroad from Finland, you first key in the code for the operator you want to use. For example to route through Sonera enter 990, or 999 for Elisa. You then enter the country code and phone number you are calling in the regular format. Some networks require you to register for this service; this is done on their websites.

Alternatively phone cards offering cheap deals to call abroad can be bought from local shops.