Do Estonian carriers offer eSIM? Yes. Telia, Elisa and Tele2 all describe eSIM on their own websites, and Apple lists all three for iPhone. A local eSIM suits you if you live in Estonia or stay for months. If you're just visiting, a data-only travel eSIM that you install before you fly is simpler, because you set it up at home with no store visit or chat with a carrier.
If all you need is data for Tallinn, Tartu or Pärnu, pick an Estonia plan sized to your stay. You install it on Wi-Fi at home and it connects when you land. It has no phone number, so you keep your home number for calls and texts. If you want a number, the Bouygues Telecom plan Travel Basic+ comes with a French +33 number and calls and SMS within Europe.
Estonia 10GB (data only, 7 days) · Estonia 20GB (data only, 15 days) · Travel Basic+ (French +33 number, 15 days) · See all Estonia eSIMs · All destinations
eSIM providers in Estonia at a glance
Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone includes Telia, Elisa and Tele2 for Estonia. Telia is listed for eSIM Quick Transfer, and all three are listed for activation by QR code or carrier app. Apple lists no prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers in Estonia (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here's how your options compare:
- Telia: you choose eSIM when you sign up or when you swap your SIM in self-service.
- Elisa: you order the eSIM through the chat on its website, then get the QR code in Elisa Self-Service.
- Tele2: you scan the eSIM QR code from your voucher.
- Travel eSIM: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, ready before you leave, with no contract.
The local carriers' eSIM pages describe how to get an eSIM for a number you hold with them, mostly for residents. They don't say how a short-stay visitor buys one, so ask the carrier before you count on it. Which option fits depends on how long you stay and whether you need an Estonian number.
Telia eSIM
On Telia's eSIM page (in Estonian), Telia says an eSIM works like a plastic SIM, and you can activate it without waiting for a card to arrive. You choose eSIM when you sign up for a new service or when you exchange an existing SIM in self-service.
How Telia's activation works
- Choose eSIM during sign-up or SIM exchange.
- Enter your phone's IMEI, or scan a QR code after you confirm. If your phone already has another SIM in use, Telia says to enter the IMEI2 code.
- Follow the activation guide. The eSIM information should reach your phone within a few minutes.
Some limits to know: the QR code works only once, and an eSIM can't be active on two devices at once. To move it to a new phone, do a SIM exchange. Telia also says Mobile-ID doesn't work with an eSIM and recommends Smart-ID instead.
Elisa eSIM
Elisa's eSIM instructions say to check that your phone supports eSIM, then order it through the chat window on the website. You then find the QR code in Elisa Self-Service under "Services and devices", then "eSIM Management", then "View QR code".
To activate it, you need an internet connection and ideally the latest phone software. Elisa lists the menus for each phone brand. On iPhone, go to Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM and Use QR code. On Samsung and many other Android phones, go to Settings, Connections, SIM card manager, Add eSIM and Scan QR code. Elisa also says an eSIM works on one device at a time, and Mobile-ID needs a physical SIM.
Tele2 eSIM
Tele2's eSIM page says you connect your phone to the internet, scan the eSIM QR code from your voucher and the eSIM activates within a moment. Only smartphones with eSIM support can use it. QR codes are single-use, so if you lose or replace your eSIM, you request a new voucher from Tele2. Tele2 also says Mobile-ID isn't supported with an eSIM and offers Smart-ID as an alternative.
The page doesn't give eSIM details for prepaid plans or for visitors. If that's what you need, check with Tele2 first.
Travel eSIM for Estonia
Visiting for a few days, a city break or a Baltic trip? A travel eSIM is usually the easier choice. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it at home. Our Estonia plans activate when you arrive.
- Estonia plans: data only, from 1 GB for 3 days up to 100 GB for 180 days, with top-ups. See them on our Estonia eSIM page.
- Europe plans: one eSIM for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and more, handy for a ferry hop to Helsinki or a drive to Riga. See Europe eSIMs.
- With a phone number: Bouygues Telecom plans like Travel Basic+ and My European eSIM give you a French +33 number with calls and SMS.
Not sure which plan? Our best eSIM for Estonia guide matches plans to trip length. Heading on? Check Latvia, Lithuania or Finland.
Europe 20GB (data only, 15 days) · Travel Basic (data only, 15 days) · My European eSIM 30GB (French +33 number, 30 days) · See all Europe eSIMs
Which eSIM should you choose?
- Short visit, data only: an Estonia travel eSIM. No store visit.
- Baltic or Finland trip: a Europe eSIM, so you don't switch plans at each border.
- Visit with calls and SMS: a Bouygues Telecom plan with a +33 number.
- Living in Estonia or staying for months: a local eSIM from Telia, Elisa or Tele2.
- EU phone plan from home: check your own provider first. Roam like at home applies in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine, within fair use limits (Your Europe: mobile roaming costs).
How to set up an eSIM in Estonia
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Our supported devices list and compatibility check help.
- Buy and receive the eSIM. Travel eSIMs arrive by email as a QR code. Local eSIMs come from the carrier's chat, voucher or self-service.
- Install it on Wi-Fi. On iPhone, follow Apple's guide Set up eSIM on iPhone. On Android, go to your network settings and add a mobile plan. Our install guide covers both.
- Choose the data line. If you keep your home SIM, set the eSIM for Cellular Data. See Apple's Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you land, if your plan needs it.
If it doesn't connect, see how to fix an eSIM that isn't working.
FAQ: eSIM in Estonia
Do Estonian carriers offer eSIM?
Yes. Telia, Elisa and Tele2 all describe eSIM on their own websites, and Apple lists all three for iPhone.
Is there an eSIM for visitors to Estonia (eSIM Eesti)?
Yes. A travel eSIM from SimOptions works in Estonia. It's data only, apart from the Bouygues plans with a French +33 number.
Which eSIM is best for Estonia?
It depends on your trip. Our best eSIM for Estonia guide compares plans by length of stay.
Can I get an Estonian number with a travel eSIM?
No. Estonia plans from SimOptions are data only. For calls and SMS, use your home SIM, apps like WhatsApp or a Bouygues plan with a French +33 number.
Will my eSIM work in Latvia, Lithuania and Finland?
An Estonia-only plan won't. A Europe plan covers Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland with one eSIM.
Can I use Mobile-ID with an eSIM?
Telia, Elisa and Tele2 all say Mobile-ID doesn't work with their eSIM. Telia and Tele2 suggest Smart-ID instead.
Do I need to turn on roaming?
For a travel eSIM, usually yes on the eSIM line only. Switch off roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.
