An Estonian phone number just makes life easier in Estonia and the rest of Europe. Thanks to the EU’s “roam like at home” laws, it’s often cheaper to use an Estonian SIM in the EU over a non-EU roaming SIM.
Weather you’re moving to #Estonia, becoming a digital nomad or just doing a euro-trip, save money by getting an Estonian phone number in 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Buying a SIM Card
Buy an already activated Super SIM online through an eBay search here: https://tinyurl.com/Ebay-Estonia-SIM-Cards and go to step 3 or;
If you’re already in Estonia buy a Super SIM Card from your nearest Rimi supermarket for 1€. Super’s the best option in my experience and most expats would agree too.
Step 2: Activation & International Roaming
Estonian phone numbers begin with 5. Yours should be clearly visible on a yellow bit of plastic with the SIM. The default PIN is 0000. To activate the SIM and set English as the default language call *143*3#. An SMS will confirm activation then, to activate international roaming, call *148#. Another SMS will confirm roaming’s active with: “Hea klient. Roaming ehk rahvusvaheline teenus avatakse mone hetke pärast“.
*update* Super/Telia now require you to purchase (within the app) the Super X package to enable roaming. So after you’ve followed the above steps, load the app and select: services, click “buy services package” and follow the prompts. The cost is sort of free, it costs about 3€ but purchase the package – but the package comes with credit so…
A note about roaming: Enable roaming in both your phone’s settings and the Super app. Roaming’s difficult to activate after you’ve left Estonia so just activate it immediately!
Step 3: Download the Super App (Don’t skip this)
Connect to WiFi and download the Super app to manage your account. Here are the links to the Super app:
- Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.super.selfservice&hl=en
- Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ee/app/super-k%C3%B5nekaart/id1114712349
Once the Super app is installed select your language and then go to the log in screen. Press the yellow “call” button. The app will now call a number for a few seconds to link your Super SIM’s account to the app automatically. You’re almost done!
Step 4: Adding Credit (It’s a bit different…)
Sorry, just briefly – eCommerce in Estonia is done differently. You’re probably expecting to use a 12 digit VISA or MasterCard number to buy calling credit… In Estonia eCommerce is usually authorised through an Estonian internet banking account – not VISA nor MasterCard. You’ll get used to this. I know, it’s different to the rest of the world.
Buying credit requires a bank transfer in Euros to Super/Telia. If you have an Estonian bank account, from the app press “TOP-UP” and follow the prompts. Otherwise – if you don’t have an Estonian bank account;
Use TransferWise. Create an account using my referral link here: http://www.transferwise.com/u/jaim2 and you’ll get a free transfer bonus.
Once you’ve got Euros in your TransferWise account follow Super’s instructions on their Bank Transfer by Using a Foreign Bank (IBAN BIC/SWIFT) page. Top up by paying Euros into Super’s SEB bank account but remember to quote your Super Reference Number (SRN) on the transfer. Your SRN should be your mobile number plus 1 extra digit. To find your SRN, enter your mobile number in the Reference Number Request box and press “search”.
Congratulations, you’re now connected to Estonia. Hey, don’t forget to take advantage of those EU “roam like at home” laws too. Go you!
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