Buy a local SIM card to reduce your roaming rates.
The Faroe Islands archipelago has great spots for bird watching, but also some of the best SIM card deals available. Part of the Kingdom of Denmark, therefore using the Danish Krone, the islands have deals that could reduce your bills. You can buy 2GB of data from their leading telco provider for as little as DKK50 (AUD9.50). So, whether you’re planning a short trip or an island tour, check out the best SIM card options available.
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Telco providers in the Faroe Islands
There are two main operators in the Faroe Islands: Føroya Tele (or Ver) and Vodafone. Both operators go through a strict approval process before being allowed to operate on the islands, and they compete to offer the best deals. Their services have been tried and tested and are trusted by both locals and travelers. Despite the islands being far-flung and distant, a good signal can be found. According to OpenSignal’s country map, the Faroe Islands archipelago has good network coverage around Hoyvik and Torshavn, but it becomes a bit weaker as you venture out to the far reaches of the islands.
About the Faroe Islands providers
Both operators sell prepaid credit, which allows users to take advantage of cheap offers and deals. They offer 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE wireless services. Locals call their SIM cards “chips”, and they can be purchased and registered anonymously without any form of identification or passport checks. Credit can be purchased from official stores, supermarkets and at the airport. Please note that the Faroes, as they are sometimes known, are not part of the EU or the EAA so are not subject to data roaming caps. Below, we have broken down both telco providers to highlight exactly what’s being offered during your visit to the Faroe Islands.
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Føroya Tele (or Ver)
Føroya Tele, otherwise known as Ver, is the state-owned telco operator on the islands. It has the largest market share and offers some very good price options. 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services are available. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in supermarkets and most stores; credit can also be picked up at the same outlets or by topping up online.
The following SIM card starter packs can be purchased (each valid for one month):
- Starter SIM card (no data) - DKK157
- 6 GB data - DKK247
- 16 GB data - DKK297
Credit can be added in the following denominations: DKK100, DKK300, DKK500 or DKK1,000. They also have a DKK100 plan which will allow you to use data throughout Europe. The following data packs can also be added (each valid for 30 days):
- 2GB data – DKK50
- 5GB data – DKK100
- 10GB data – DKK130
Vodafone
Vodafone is catching up with Ver at a rapid pace and offers fantastic rates and 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services. Coverage can sometimes be questionable in some areas but there is constant improvement. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from most stores around the islands, credit can also be picked up from the same stores or by using your credit card online. The most popular SIM package can be purchased for DKK250, which comes with DKK229 credit and 5 GB data. Text “sum” to 1415 to check your balance and a reply will be sent with the information. The standard default data rate is charged at DKK0.15 per MB.
Data packs can be added for DKK250, which will give you DKK229 credit and 5GB data, valid for three months.
Some top tips from finder.com.au staff:
- The official languages in the Faroe Islands are Faroese and Danish. If you don’t know either of these languages then you may want to download Google Translate onto your phone before you travel. The good thing about the Faroe Islands residents is that they are very cosmopolitan and English is widely spoken
- Locals call a SIM card a “chip”
- Follow the instructions we have highlighted above or go to the official operator website to seek advice on how to set up your SIM card
- Get to the shops early to beat the crowds
TripAdvisor tips for the best SIM cards and where to buy them
While it’s well known for reviews, booking hotels, flights and holidays, TripAdvisor has many user comments that can help guide you through what SIM cards have been tried and tested in the Faroe Islands. Here are some top tips from TripAdvisor users:
- “I believe that the best way would be to go to the shop of Føroya Tele and to ask for the options they have because there are some prepaid possibilities. You can also get a Vodafone prepaid SIM card on the islands”
- “The Føroya Tele shop is in the center, right next to Steinatun, the main bus station in Torshavn. The Vodafone shop is in SMS, the mall in the center, and very hard to miss”
- “You can get SIM cards at the airport. There is a Visit Faroe Islands counter when you arrive and you could also ask them for help”
Pros and cons of telco providers on the Faroe Islands
Both networks require you to have a SIM-unlocked GSM compatible international phone. To double check you have this phone, or whether it’s possible for your provider to unlock your device, check before you leave home.
Pros:
- Good value for money.
- No ID needed to purchase or register the SIM card.
- Prepaid credit when required.
- No in-store contract needed.
- Could be compatible with your current phone.
Cons:
- No devices offered with the SIM card packages.
- Can only be used on SIM-unlocked GSM phones.
- Network coverage can sometimes suffer.
Can Faroe Islands plans be used on mainland Denmark?
Both Ver and Vodafone can be used on mainland Denmark but they will be subject to roaming rates, or increased rates. Ver offers a data roaming pack which can be used in Europe and Vodafone also offers several roaming agreements with other European carriers. However, if you intend on staying in any other European country, we strongly advise you to purchase a SIM card from that country to save money.
