Stay Connected in Torshavn
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, offers surprisingly robust connectivity despite its remote North Atlantic location. The city has excellent 4G coverage and growing 5G infrastructure, making it easy to stay connected during your visit. Most areas of Torshavn have reliable mobile coverage, though you might experience some gaps when venturing into the more mountainous regions surrounding the city. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants throughout the downtown area. The Faroese telecommunications market is dominated by a few key players, and while connectivity options exist, planning ahead is essential since this isn't a place where you can easily pop into any corner store for a SIM card. Internet speeds are generally good for most travel needs, including video calls and uploading photos, though they may not match what you're used to in larger European cities.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Torshavn.
Network Coverage & Speed
The Faroe Islands' mobile network is primarily served by Faroese Telecom (the main state operator) and Hey (a newer competitor). Both providers offer 4G coverage throughout Torshavn and most populated areas, with 5G rollout beginning in the capital. Network speeds typically range from 20-50 Mbps in urban areas, which is perfectly adequate for most travel needs including streaming, video calls, and social media. Coverage becomes more spotty as you venture into the islands' dramatic landscapes, particularly in tunnels and remote hiking areas. The infrastructure is quite modern despite the islands' small population of around 50,000. International roaming agreements exist with most major carriers, but costs can be steep. The networks use standard European frequencies (900/1800/2100 MHz for 3G/4G), so most unlocked phones will work without issues. During peak tourist season (June-August), you might notice slightly slower speeds in popular areas, but connectivity remains reliable for essential communications and navigation.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is an excellent choice for the Faroe Islands, offering convenience that's particularly valuable in this remote destination. Providers like Airalo offer Faroese coverage through regional Nordic or European plans, typically starting around $10-15 for 1GB of data valid for 7-30 days. The main advantage is immediate activation upon arrival - crucial when you need maps and translation apps right away in an unfamiliar place. You'll avoid the hassle of finding a local SIM shop (which can be tricky in Torshavn) and the language barriers that might come with it. eSIM also lets you keep your home number active for important calls while using data on the local network. The downside is cost - you'll pay a premium compared to local rates. However, for most travelers staying a week or two, the convenience factor often outweighs the extra expense, especially when you factor in the time saved and peace of mind of having connectivity from the moment you land.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available from Faroese Telecom and Hey, but options are more limited than in larger countries. You can purchase them at the airport, though selection may be limited, or in Torshavn at telecom shops and some larger stores. Expect to pay around 100-200 DKK ($15-30) for a prepaid SIM with a few GB of data. You'll need your passport for registration, and activation usually takes a few minutes to an hour. The process can be challenging if you don't speak Danish or Faroese, as English support isn't always available. Prepaid plans typically offer better value for longer stays - you might get 5-10GB for what you'd pay for 1-2GB with an eSIM. Top-ups can be done online or at various shops around town. The main drawbacks are the initial hassle of finding a shop, potential language barriers, and the risk of arriving without connectivity. For stays longer than a month, local SIMs make financial sense, but for typical tourist visits, the savings often aren't worth the inconvenience.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: Local SIMs offer the best per-GB value (roughly 50-70% cheaper than eSIM), but come with significant hassle in a destination where telecom shops aren't on every corner. eSIM costs more but provides immediate connectivity and peace of mind - invaluable when you're navigating a new place. International roaming is the most expensive option, often costing $10-15 per day for basic data. For most travelers, eSIM hits the sweet spot between cost and convenience, especially for trips under two weeks.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM from Airalo every time. The Faroes can feel remote and unfamiliar, and having immediate connectivity for maps, weather updates, and emergency communications is worth the premium. You'll avoid language barriers at SIM shops and can focus on exploring instead of hunting for telecom stores in an unfamiliar city.
Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget, local SIM cards offer better rates, but factor in the time and stress of finding a shop. For most budget travelers, the $10-20 extra for eSIM is money well spent for the convenience.
Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes financial sense here. You'll recoup the hassle costs through significantly cheaper data rates, and you'll have time to navigate the local system.
Business travelers: eSIM is your only realistic option. Time is money, and you can't afford to spend hours dealing with SIM card shops or risk being disconnected during important calls.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Torshavn.
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