Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Finland fascinates with its forests, lakes, Lapland, and northern lights. But once you’re there, a very practical question quickly arises: how do you stay connected with family and friends back home without blowing your budget or struggling with connectivity? Between high-performance mobile networks, eSIMs, international calling apps, VPNs, social media, postcards, and parcels, there’s no shortage of options. All this in one of the world’s most connected countries, with near 99% 4G coverage and record-breaking mobile data usage.
This practical guide details the essential information for staying reachable and sharing your daily life from Finland, whether for a short stay, a study semester, or several months of work.
Understanding Finland’s Digital Environment
Finland is a member of the European Union, ultra-technological, and far ahead in connectivity. The country has three major national mobile operators—Telia, Elisa, and DNA—with Ålcom added for the Åland Islands. Together, they ensure near-total 4G/LTE coverage of the territory, including rural areas. As of June 2023, 4G covered about 99% of the country, with an average speed around 58 Mbit/s. 5G is progressing quickly: about a quarter of the land area already had 5G coverage, with average speeds around 220 Mbit/s, and peaks beyond a gigabit under optimal conditions.
This is the average monthly mobile data consumption per person in Finland in 2024, one of the highest in the world.
In this context, staying in touch with your loved ones from Finland relies on three pillars: the mobile network (SIM/eSIM), fixed-line internet or public Wi-Fi, and digital services (calling apps, social media, messaging apps, online postal services, etc.).
SIM Cards, eSIMs, and Data: The Foundation for Staying Reachable
To communicate easily from Finland, the starting point is having a reliable data connection. You have three main options: keeping the roaming from your home operator, buying a local SIM card, or using a travel eSIM.
Your Operator’s Roaming vs. a Finnish SIM
If your SIM card is from an EU country, you should benefit from “roam like at home”: your plan can be used in Finland without major surcharges. But operators often apply a fairly strict “fair use” policy for data abroad: a few gigabytes (often 3 to 5 GB, sometimes more) then overage charges. Meanwhile, some operators outside the EU have exorbitant roaming rates, between $5 and $20 per MB.
Faced with these prices, the conclusion is simple: for a slightly longer stay or intensive use (photos, videos, video calls), getting a Finnish SIM card or a dedicated eSIM is almost always more economical.
Finnish Operators and Their Prepaid Plans
The three major players—Telia, Elisa, and DNA—offer prepaid cards that are easy to find across the country, especially at the R-kioski chain, in supermarkets (Prisma, K-Market, etc.), in operator stores, and at some electronics retailers like Gigantti or Verkkokauppa.com. At Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, an R-kioski in the arrivals area allows you to buy a card as soon as you get off the plane.
Summary of typical prepaid options available for visitors, facilitating budget and expense management.
Reloadable card usable worldwide, allowing management of multiple currencies and avoiding excessive exchange fees.
Preloaded card with a fixed amount, ideal for a defined budget or given as a gift for on-site expenses.
Subscription or reloadable card for public transport (metro, bus, train), often offering discounted rates.
Mobile plan without a contract, with data, calls, and SMS included, reloadable as needed.
Prepaid access to multiple museums, attractions, and activities, allowing for savings and simplified planning.
Local payment solution for small purchases (cafes, shops), often linked to a mobile app.
| Operator | Prepaid Kit Price (indicative) | Included Credit | Unlimited Data Plans (Finland) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telia | ~€4.90–5.90 | ~€7 | Unlimited 4G: €19.90 / 31 days; Unlimited 5G: €29.90 / 31 days | App to track usage; prepaid eSIM available; roaming in Nordic/Baltic countries + some EU countries |
| Elisa (Saunalahti) | €5.90 | €6 | Unlimited 4G ~€29.99/month; Unlimited 5G+ ~€39.99/month | Reputedly best coverage, especially in the north; eSIM available; FUP on EU data |
| DNA | €4.90 | €5 | Unlimited data ~€0.89–0.99/day; 30-day unlimited 5G: €24.90 | Strong network in cities; Dataprepaid for data only |
These prices are given as examples: the pricing landscape evolves, but the order of magnitude remains that you can have unlimited data for less than one euro per day on location, which changes everything for your video calls, photo sharing, or GPS navigation.
The purchase process may take some time: some sources mention passport scanning and validation steps. In practice, you will be asked for at least an ID and an unlocked phone. The cards come in triple-cut format (nano/micro/standard).
eSIM: Getting Connected Without Visiting a Store
To avoid waiting in line or if your recent phone is eSIM compatible, virtual offers are very attractive. Activation is done by scanning a QR code received by email, usually via the “Add Cellular Plan” menu in the phone’s settings. However, you need:
To activate an eSIM, you need a compatible phone (generally models released after 2019, excluding some iPhones sold in China/Hong Kong/Macau), an unlocked device, and an initial internet connection (like Wi-Fi) at the time of activation.
Travel eSIMs for Finland are generally “data only”: no local phone number, no classic SMS, but a solid data connection to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, Signal, etc.
A few examples of offers among the many providers cited by sources:
| eSIM Provider | Network(s) Used in Finland | Example Offers | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo (Finland “Fin Communication”) | DNA (4G/LTE) | 1 GB / 7 days ~$4.50 | Major platform; global eSIMs up to 365 days (20 GB ~$69) |
| Jetpac | Telia (4G/5G) | 1 GB / 4 days: $1; 10 GB / 30 days: $13 | Low-cost option; possible promo codes; sometimes includes VPN and lounge benefits |
| Holafly | 4G networks (no 5G) | Unlimited data 5 days: ~$20.90; 30 days: ~$74.90 | Unlimited data but with fair use policy; data only, no phone number |
| SimOptions | Multi-network (physical or eSIM) | eSIMs with calls/SMS included depending on offer | Also offers physical tourist SIM cards shipped before travel |
| Saily, Nomad, aloSIM, Gigago, Yesim, Linkesim, etc. | Elisa/DNA/Telia depending on case | Plans from a few GB to several dozen GB | Often very flexible, sometimes regional Europe or world |
For a stay mainly in Finland with lots of video calls and content sharing, a local SIM with unlimited data remains unbeatable in terms of volume/price ratio. For a multi-country trip in Europe, a regional eSIM covering several dozen to over a hundred countries can simplify life while avoiding the roaming limits of Finnish SIMs.
Free Wi-Fi and Tips to Save Your Data Plan
Free Wi-Fi is omnipresent in Finland: cafes, libraries, shopping malls, hotels, sometimes even public spaces. It allows you to conserve your data plan, especially for video calls or massive photo sending. On these public networks, using a VPN is recommended to secure your exchanges, particularly if you access sensitive services (banking, professional emails, confidential documents).
To limit mobile data consumption while staying reachable, enable the ‘Data Saver’ option in your phone’s settings. Disable automatic sync for non-essential apps and prioritize Wi-Fi connections when possible. For calls and messages, use messaging services over Wi-Fi. These measures allow you to significantly reduce your data usage while maintaining your accessibility.
– download maps offline (Google Maps, for example) for navigation,
– update your apps only on Wi-Fi,
– reduce the quality of streaming videos,
– prioritize text messaging and voice messages over long videos.
The average estimates cited indicate: ~10 MB/hour for browsing, ~5 MB per shared photo, ~350 MB/hour for video calls, ~100 MB/day for moderate social use. Enough to size your plan according to your habits.
International Calls: Choosing Between Apps and Calling Cards
Once the connection is ensured, it remains to choose how to actually call abroad. Two main families emerge: calls via the internet (VoIP) and solutions like prepaid calling cards / traditional international telephony services.
VoIP Apps: Calling via the Internet, Often Almost for Free
Most people first install WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Signal, Telegram, Viber, etc. These apps rely on the VoIP protocol: voice is broken into data packets and travels over the internet. As long as you have Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can call a loved one on the other side of the world without additional charges, provided they use the same app and also have a connection.
Key points from the data:
WhatsApp, with nearly 3 billion global users, is very widespread in Finland (over 1.4 million users) and offers end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Facebook Messenger and Instagram (via direct messages) are also widely used for video calls with photo and story sharing. FaceTime allows free audio/video calls between Apple devices. Apps like Viber offer free calls between users, with the paid option Viber Out to call traditional phone numbers. Finally, specialized services such as Talk360, Rebtel, Localphone, or Slick allow calling landlines or mobiles in over 190-200 countries, even without a smartphone or internet on the recipient’s end, with rates starting at $0.01 per minute to certain destinations.
This type of service is extremely practical for keeping in touch with less connected loved ones, for example, elderly parents who don’t use WhatsApp but have a landline. The calls are still initiated via the app on your smartphone, using your Finnish data or Wi-Fi, but connect like a regular call for your recipient.
To compare apps, the criteria from the studies are: features, usability, security, performance, and cost.
– rates to the destination country (cost per minute, existence of unlimited subscriptions),
– the ability to call landlines or not,
– the need (or not) for a local number,
– available payment methods,
– the level of privacy and encryption.
International Calling Cards and Prepaid Services
If you prefer a more “classic” approach or if you need to call from any phone (including a landline, hotel phone, etc.), prepaid calling cards are still relevant. They allow you to buy credit (often starting at $5 or €5), then dial an access number, possibly a PIN, before dialing the international number.
Companies like Enjoy Prepaid (NobelOne Inc.), CallingCards.com, or Reliance Global Call offer this type of service.
Prepaid telecommunications service companies
– no contract or commitment,
– with options like “PINless dialing” (to avoid re-entering the code for each call),
– auto-recharge,
– choice of plans for occasional or regular calls.
Rates vary enormously by destination. For example, some offers to Finland are around 25 to 30 US cents per minute, others around 6 to 17 cents depending on whether you call a landline or mobile. Conversely, if you are in Finland and calling your home country, prices will obviously depend on the direction.
This type of solution mainly interests: companies seeking to optimize their processes and improve their operational efficiency.
– those who don’t want to depend on the internet (Wi-Fi or data),
– those calling from a phone that can’t install apps,
– some businesses managing volumes of professional international calls this way.
For an individual with a smartphone and a good data connection in Finland, modern VoIP apps are still simpler and often cheaper to use.
Staying in Touch via Social Media and Messaging
Beyond calls, social media play a central role in sharing your Finnish daily life: northern lights photos, sauna bathing videos, walks in the snow or on ice, Juhannus evenings by a lake.
Finland has an internet penetration rate of around 90%, and over 70% of the population is active on social media. The most used platforms:
Overview of the main social media platforms used in France, with their approximate user numbers and specificities.
Over 2.8 million users in France.
Over 2.5 million active users in France.
About 1.5 million users in France.
Heavily used for daily exchanges.
Complement the landscape, especially popular among younger people.
To stay in touch with your loved ones abroad, this means that:
– you will very easily find your friends and family on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram,
– you can create private groups to share your travel photos and videos,
– you can upload longer videos on YouTube, for example travel vlogs, for your loved ones to watch later.
The cited studies also show the importance of these tools for seniors: among those over 50, over 70% use Facebook, about half use YouTube, and the proportion of Instagram and TikTok users is increasing. For less mobile parents or grandparents, regularly receiving news via these channels reduces isolation and strengthens the feeling of closeness, even 2,000 km away.
The flip side is vigilance: properly setting up your profiles (visibility, sharing, geolocation), being wary of false information, and avoiding overexposing your private life. Nothing specific to Finland, but in a highly digitized country, digital security reflexes make perfect sense.
Sending Letters, Postcards, and Parcels from Finland
Nothing beats a real postcard or a well-stuffed parcel to make an impression. Finland has a powerful postal operator, Posti, and several courier companies like Matkahuolto or PostNord, which facilitate international shipping.
Postcards and Letters: The Charm of Paper
Posti offers two main speeds for international mail: Priority and Economy.
– Priority letters are processed with priority and leave Finland on the next business day after posting.
– Economy letters are slower and cheaper, sent within a week after posting.
For a basic postcard (under 20 g), you attach an international stamp without a face value (it automatically covers the correct rate) and clearly indicate the destination country in the address, writing “Priority” or “Economy” on the envelope or card. Mail can be dropped in the yellow Posti mailboxes or brought to a post office offering the full range of mail services.
For bulky items, Posti offers the “Maxi letter” category. It remains a Priority item, accepting dimensions up to 60 cm in length and 90 cm in total circumference. This item is processed as mail, without tracking or compensation. Delivery is either directly to the recipient’s mailbox or via a delivery notice, according to the practices of the destination country.
Simple postcards are generally not tracked. If they cannot be delivered, they may be stored for a time in the destination country (usually two weeks to two months according to local rules), before being destroyed.
For fragile cards or atypical shapes (original cutouts, raised elements), it is advisable to slip them into an envelope and send them as a Priority or Economy letter, to protect them from sorting machines.
Parcels and Packages: Sending Gifts Back Home
For parcels, Posti and Matkahuolto offer a wide range of options, from standard shipping to express service. Posti notably distinguishes:
– domestic parcels (Parcel, Small Parcel, Home Parcel, Express services),
– international solutions: Priority Parcel, EMS (Express Mail Service), services to Nordic and Baltic countries, etc.
These are the indicative domestic prices, in euros, for a standard small parcel in Finland.
For shipments outside the EU (e.g., to Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States), customs formalities are required: CN22 form to attach to the shipment, possibly an invoice for commercial parcels or items of value. Some contents are prohibited or heavily regulated (weapons, certain animal-origin food products, certain radios, jewelry for certain types of shipments, etc.). For valuable items, Posti offers insured letters or parcels, with coverage linked to the declared value, subject to exclusions (collectibles, sentimental value…).
To illustrate the different price structures on the market, here are some comparative examples, presented excluding VAT for services subject to it. This comparison provides a concrete idea of the differences and pricing models in effect.
| Service (Posti, example) | Type of Shipment | Indicative Price (excl. VAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Parcel (domestic) | Small, lightweight parcel | ~€3.90 | Delivery to mailbox (Finland) |
| Postal Parcel (domestic) | Standard parcel | €7.31 + €0.32/kg | Pickup at parcel point or agency |
| Home Parcel (domestic) | Home delivery parcel | €12.93 + €0.314/kg | Home delivery, appointment booking |
| Cash on Delivery (COD) | Payment option | €5 to €8.70 | Refund to sender after payment by recipient |
| Fragile/Bulky services | Option | ~€7.50/parcel | For fragile or non-standard sized shipments |
For international comparisons, platforms like Ecoparcel aggregate offers from different carriers and indicate, for example, door-to-door prices from Finland to many European countries, often starting from €15 to €20 for small parcels.
Practical Tips for Physical Shipments
To increase the chances that letters, cards, and parcels reach your loved ones without issue:
– respect standard postal formats (minimum and maximum dimensions),
– fill out the address in capital letters, without abbreviating the country (write e.g., “FRANCE” not “FR”),
– include a return address,
– avoid posting at the last minute, especially during holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, Midsommar),
– check the specific restrictions of the destination country (prohibited items, customs procedures),
– for fragile items, reinforce the packaging and consider adding the “fragile” option if available.
Securing Your Connection and Accessing Foreign Content with a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can play a key role in staying connected with your loved ones and your usual services while traveling. In concrete terms, the VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server in a given country. For websites and services, you then appear as a user from that country.
What is a VPN Used for in Finland to Stay in Touch?
Several practical uses emerge from the available information:
Using a VPN (virtual private network) from abroad allows you to: access streaming platforms and TV channels from your home country (like the domestic Netflix catalog or public broadcasters), often blocked outside the territory for copyright reasons; use your online banking or administrative services without triggering anti-fraud systems that block connections from abroad; secure your connections on public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, hotels, stations), especially for video calls or exchanging sensitive documents; and, if necessary, bypass certain blocks imposed by local internet providers (such as adult content or online gambling sites).
From a legal standpoint, using a VPN is permitted in Finland, as in most European countries, as long as it is not used to commit illegal acts.
Choosing a VPN Suitable for Use From or To Finland
Several providers are often recommended for Finland, among other reasons because they have servers in the country and offer good performance:
| VPN Provider | Servers in Finland | Approximate Global Network | Main Features Useful for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | > 60 in Finland | ~6,000–7,100 servers, 110+ countries | Very good speeds; robust encryption; no-logs policy; good for streaming and public Wi-Fi |
| Surfshark | Yes | ~3,000 servers, 100+ countries | Unlimited simultaneous connections; attractive prices; no-logs |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | > 3,000 servers, 100+ countries | Excellent reputation for stability and streaming; very simple apps |
| CyberGhost | Many FI servers | > 10,000 servers | Clear interface, dedicated streaming profiles; long refund period |
| PrivateVPN, IPVanish, Proton VPN | Yes | More restricted but solid networks | Highlighted for privacy or unlimited multi-device use |
The criteria to consider are:
Discover the main advantages that make our VPN service the ideal solution for securing and optimizing your internet connection.
Benefit from servers located in Finland and in your home country for optimal connection and reduced latency.
Enjoy high bandwidth, perfect for HD video streaming and uninterrupted video calls.
Our strict no-logs policy guarantees your online activity is never recorded or tracked.
Easily install our dedicated apps on all your devices: Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Our support team is available to help you quickly and resolve any technical issues.
Try our service with confidence thanks to our refundable trial period if you are not satisfied.
In practice, usage boils down to: using the appropriate tools and methods for each situation.
1. Subscribe to a plan, 2. Install the app on your phone/computer, 3. Connect to an appropriate server, 4. Launch your messaging, streaming, banking apps, etc.
This allows you to continue using your services “as if at home” while physically being in Finland.
Digital Public Services and Electronic ID: For Long-Term Expats
For a short stay, you probably won’t encounter Finnish electronic identity services. But for expats, students, or workers settled there, these tools quickly become essential… including for maintaining contact with your home country’s administration or managing your civil life online, which indirectly contributes to your ability to “stay connected” with your loved ones and obligations.
Banks, eID, Mobile ID: Finland is Very Advanced
Finland has established a vast “trust network” (Luottamusverkosto) for strong online identification. Ten major banks provide identification means (bank codes) recognized for public procedures, in addition to the Mobile ID common to operators DNA, Elisa, and Telia, and the electronic identity card FINeID.
The Suomi.fi e-Identification service serves as the official gateway between electronic identification means and online public services. Using these credentials, residents can log in and use key services such as tax, social security, and health services.
For official communications, the Suomi.fi Messages electronic mailbox is gradually replacing paper mail: starting in 2026, a large portion of administrative mail for adults will be prioritized through this channel, with notifications by email and via the mobile app. Those who cannot use digital services will continue to receive paper, but the trend is clear.
And for Foreigners Without a Finnish ID Number?
A service called “Finnish Authenticator” specifically targets people without a Finnish identity code but needing access to online public services (for example, representatives of foreign companies). It is a mobile app functioning as an authentication “token”, after a remote enrollment procedure (photo of passport/ID, selfie, verification). The tool generates a unique identifier (UID) that allows the person to be recognized by compatible services, without being registered in the Finnish population register.
This solution is not a direct communication tool, but it allows you to manage all aspects of your administrative status online. This frees up time and energy, which you can then devote to what really matters: your personal connections.
How to Choose Your Tool Combination Based on Your Profile
The data from the report allows us to outline a few typical scenarios.
Short Urban Stay (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku…)
If you’re coming for a few days of city trip, staying mostly in the city, and already have a European mobile plan:
Before your departure, check the roaming conditions of your mobile plan (quotas and possible overage charges). For light use (messaging, social media), roaming may suffice in addition to Wi-Fi for video calls. For intensive use (videos, navigation), an eSIM with a few GB (Airalo, Jetpac, aloSIM) or a local prepaid plan (DNA/Telia at €0.89–0.99/day for unlimited data) is more economical.
Long Nature Trip (Lake District, Lapland, Archipelago)
If you’re planning a road trip or a prolonged stay in rural areas:
For optimal connectivity on a trip in Finland, prioritize the Elisa operator, reputed for the best coverage, especially in the north and remote areas. Opt for a prepaid plan with unlimited 4G or 5G data, valid for one month (cost between €20 and €40). For communications, use VoIP apps like WhatsApp for calls and video conferences. Finally, prepare for wilderness areas with poor coverage by downloading offline maps and planning your communications when you are in areas with confirmed coverage.
Study Stay or Expatriation
For several months or years:
– acquiring a local SIM (or an operator eSIM) with a subscription can be even more interesting than prepaid,
– activating an eID means (Finnish bank codes, possibly a Finnish ID card if you are eligible) will simplify your procedures,
– Suomi.fi Messages will likely become your channel for administration, allowing you to focus your other communications on WhatsApp, Messenger, emails, VoIP calls, etc.
Staying Close Despite the Distance: Combining the Best of Digital and Paper
Staying in touch with your loved ones from Finland is no longer just about watching your international call minutes. In a country where cheap unlimited data is almost a standard, where Wi-Fi is everywhere, and social media is omnipresent, the challenge becomes choosing the right tools and managing your digital security intelligently.
In practice, the most effective combination often looks like this:
The essential solutions for communicating and sharing your stay in Finland with your loved ones, simply and securely.
Opt for a Finnish SIM or a reliable eSIM to benefit from a generous data plan and stay connected everywhere.
Use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger to make calls and video calls without extra cost.
Post photos, videos, and moments from your daily life on your social networks to share your adventure in real-time.
A VPN secures your connections on public networks and allows access to your usual services (streaming, banking…).
Occasionally send a postcard or a small parcel via Posti for a personal and tangible touch.
By taking advantage of the Finnish infrastructure—one of the most performant in the world—and the many available international services, it has never been easier to stay connected to those you love, even when chasing the northern lights in the heart of the kaamos or enjoying the endless light of Juhannus by a lake.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
