Country guide · EuropeLocal SIM Cards in Faroe Islands: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Faroe Islands start at $18 from Faroese Telecom. Buy at Faroese Telecom or Hema store in Torshavn. Both are open on arrival days. Supermarkets also stock SIM cards.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.96 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.96, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $18 USDFaroese Telecom
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GFaroese Telecom
The Faroe Islands sit in the North Atlantic between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland, and they attract visitors specifically for their remote, dramatic terrain. That remoteness also defines the mobile experience. Torshavn and major villages have solid 4G LTE. The fjord hikes, cliffside waterfalls, and sheep-grazed highlands that make the Faroes photogenic are often exactly where signal disappears. The EU roaming situation also trips up many European visitors: despite being a Danish territory, the Faroes are outside the EU, and EU roaming rules do not apply. Danish SIMs may charge roaming. Local SIM cards from Faroese Telecom and Hema are the most reliable option and available in Torshavn city center.
Faroe Islands is an autonomous Danish territory in the North Atlantic. Outside EU and EU roaming zone. Two local carriers: Faroese Telecom and Hema. No airport SIM counter.
eSIM for Faroe Islands: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
eSIM is comparable to a local SIM in coverage and slightly more expensive. Local SIM wins on price but requires a Torshavn store visit.
HelloRoam Faroe Islands eSIM: our tested pick
eSIM is practical for the Faroes. No airport counter, limited retail, activates before departure.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.96 |
| HelloRoam | 10 GB | 30 days | $25 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.96 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| HelloRoamTop rated | $25 | 10 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Faroe Islands →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Faroe Islands
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Faroe Islands across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $1.96 USD | $18 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faroese TelecomTop pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 149 DKK / $21 | 3 | Carrier Store, Online |
| Hema | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 149 DKK / $21 | 2 | Carrier Store, Supermarket |
| Visit Faroe Islands eSIM (via roaming) | tourist | 4G LTE / 5G | $18 USD / $18 | 2 | Online |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Faroe Islands, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Faroese Telecom
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 149 DKK | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Tourist 15GB | 15 GB | 249 DKK | 30 days | 150 min local | 150 SMS |
| Tourist Unlimited | Unlimited | 349 DKK | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Hema
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 149 DKK | 30 days | 60 min | 60 SMS |
| Prepaid 10GB | 10 GB | 199 DKK | 30 days | 120 min | 120 SMS |
Visit Faroe Islands eSIM (via roaming)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM 3GB FaroeBest value | 3 GB | $18 USD | 30 days | Data only | Data only |
| eSIM 10GB Faroe | 10 GB | $35 USD | 30 days | Data only | Data only |
Where to buy a SIM card in Faroe Islands
The best place to buy is Faroese Telecom or Hema store in Torshavn. Both are open on arrival days. Supermarkets also stock SIM cards.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Buying experience
Vagar Airport has no SIM counter. Your first connectivity stop is Torshavn, roughly 45 minutes from the airport by bus or taxi. Faroese Telecom's main store is on Yviri vid Strond near the harbor. Staff speak excellent English and the tourist SIM purchase is straightforward. Hema stores also stock SIM cards and are open standard shopping hours. For the 5 GB plan at 149 DKK, you register with a passport and the SIM activates within minutes. Buy on the first day rather than the morning you plan to hike. Give yourself time to confirm coverage.
Coverage & network in Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Faroe Islands
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Faroese Telecom
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Hema
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Visit Faroe Islands eSIM (via roaming)
tourist carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Faroese Telecom leads on overall coverage with a rating of 4/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Torshavn, Klaksvik, Runavik, and main towns have consistent 4G at 20-50 Mbps. The undersea tunnel network connecting the main islands (Eysturoy, Streymoy, Vagar) has patchy signal inside tunnels but recovers quickly on the other side. Popular hiking routes to Mulafossur waterfall at Gasadalur have weak signal approaching the village. Saksun valley loses signal about 2 km from the trailhead. The northern islands (Vidoy, Kunoy, Bordoy) have coverage in villages but spotty signal on coast paths. Always download your route on Google Maps or Maps.me before leaving accommodation.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Faroe Islands
Best for: Landscape photographers hiking to Gasadalur and Saksun, Road trip visitors along the ring road, Torshavn city explorers, Birdwatching visitors to northern islands.
More challenging connectivity than Iceland but simpler than Greenland. Comparable pricing to Iceland for SIM cards. Coverage gaps are more significant than most European destinations.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Faroe Islands SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Faroe Islands
Buy a local SIM in Torshavn on arrival. Faroese Telecom and Hema both have city center stores.
EU roaming rules do not apply. Faroe Islands is an autonomous territory of Denmark, outside the EU.
Remote fjords and hiking trails (Saksun, Gasadalur, Mulafossur waterfall) often have weak or no signal.
Download offline maps for the Faroes before leaving Torshavn. Google Maps covers most roads and trails.
Tunnel networks under the islands are impressive but cellular signal inside tunnels is patchy.
Torshavn and the western islands have the best 4G coverage. Northern and eastern islands are patchier.
Prices are higher than mainland Denmark or the UK. Budget around 150-350 DKK for a SIM.
Most hotels and guesthouses have Wi-Fi that covers basic connectivity needs.
Common mistakes to avoid
Relying on a Danish SIM. Denmark SIMs often charge roaming here despite the political connection.
Expecting EU roaming. The Faroes are outside the EU single market.
Not downloading offline maps. Signal drops completely in remote fjord areas.
Choosing an unlimited plan for a 3-day visit when a 5 GB plan is more than enough.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU SIM cards work in the Faroe Islands?
They may work via roaming but EU roaming rules do not apply. The Faroe Islands are outside the EU. Carriers may charge international roaming rates. Check before traveling.
What is the best SIM card for tourists in the Faroe Islands?
Faroese Telecom tourist SIM (149 DKK for 5 GB) is the most widely available. Hema is a good second option. Both cover main islands and Torshavn well.
Is there mobile coverage in remote Faroe Islands areas?
Limited. Popular hikes like Saksun, Gasadalur, and Trollanes have weak or no 4G signal. Download offline maps before leaving the capital. Coverage in villages is generally good.
Can I use a Danish SIM card in the Faroe Islands?
Danish SIMs may charge roaming in the Faroe Islands. The islands are part of the Danish Kingdom but outside the EU. Check your Danish carrier's Faroe roaming policy before relying on it.
How much does a SIM card cost in the Faroe Islands?
Faroese Telecom tourist SIM starts at 149 DKK ($21 USD) for 5 GB over 30 days. Unlimited plans cost 349 DKK ($50 USD).
Is 5G available in the Faroe Islands?
5G is available in Torshavn and Klaksvik from Faroese Telecom. Most of the islands remain on 4G LTE.
Where can I buy a SIM card in the Faroe Islands?
Faroese Telecom store in Torshavn on Yviri vid Strond. Hema stores also sell SIM cards. Both are in the city center. No airport SIM counter at Vagar Airport.
Do I need ID to buy a SIM in the Faroe Islands?
Faroese Telecom requires passport or EU ID for some plans. Hema prepaid SIMs can often be bought without registration. Rules vary by plan.
Which eSIM is best for Faroe Islands?
HelloRoam connects to Faroe Islands's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $1.96 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Faroe Islands?
eSIM is comparable to a local SIM in coverage and slightly more expensive. Local SIM wins on price but requires a Torshavn store visit. A local SIM from Faroese Telecom starts at $18. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
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