Staying Connected in the Faroe Islands: Wi-Fi and 4G Data Guide
While it’s true that many people visit the Faroe Islands to disconnect from their screens and immerse themselves in adventure, it’s also simultaneously true that most appreciate the option to stay connected to the grid during their stay.
Whether it’s for staying in touch with loved ones, receiving travel-related updates, getting work done, or even enjoying the occasional Netflix series, maintaining connectivity while visiting the Faroe Islands is recommended. From a safety standpoint, staying connected while exploring the islands can be invaluable, particularly if one becomes lost in the mountains or gets caught off-guard by the fog.
We understand that your primary reason for visiting the Faroe Islands is to bond with nature rather than with your phone. However, if not for leisure, then for safety reasons, it would be wise to plan for connectivity during your stay. In this article, we’ll provide insights on staying connected in the Faroe Islands.
4G data connectivity in the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands boast a surprisingly robust mobile data network. Most of the land and sea areas, including the mountains and fjords, offer high-speed 4G connection. Occasionally, you might encounter areas without connectivity although these instances are rare. Furthermore, Faroese mobile providers are currently building out the 5G network, which is anticipated to be operational in 2024.
A challenge for many visitors is the data connection costs. Since international mobile operators rarely include the Faroe Islands in their plans — given that the Faroe Islands are not members of the EU and are often overlooked — data roaming charges can be prohibitively high. Unfortunately, many travelers only discover this upon arrival.
Before traveling, we advise checking if the Faroe Islands are included in your international roaming package. If they are, you’re in luck and can confidently use the local network providers upon arrival. If not, consider the alternatives we mention below.
Local SIM Cards and eSIM
To ensure data connectivity in the Faroe Islands, one option is purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. The primary service providers in the Faroe Islands are:
- Ver (Føroya Tele)
- Hey (nema)
You can conveniently acquire one of these SIM cards at the airport or at one of the Føroya Tele and nema stores around the islands.
We recommend the Ver Starter Kit, which, as of October 2023, is priced at 197 DKK (approximately €26). This kit includes 7GB of data and 50 DKK worth of calls and texts, with the option to top up. The Hey (nema) option is currently priced at 229 DKK (approximately €31) and provides 5GB of data and 250 DKK in text and call credit.
An alternative option is an eSIM card that covers the Faroe Islands. An eSIM is a digital SIM allowing you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. However, note that this feature is only available on newer phone models that support eSIM technology. Please ensure your phone model supports eSIM before opting for this.
Three reputable eSIM card providers with plans for the Faroe Islands are:
Relying on Public Wi-Fi Connection
Traveling around the Faroe Islands in a campervan and relying on complimentary Wi-Fi is feasible. Many cafes, restaurants, gas stations, and camping sites offer Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing you to stay connected during your stops. If your connection needs are minimal, or if you’re preserving data, utilizing public hotspots is a good option. However, keep in mind that as you venture into more remote areas of the Faroe Islands, the availability of Wi-Fi hotspots decreases, with fewer public connections available.
Portable Wi-Fi Connection on Your Camper Van Trip
We offer our customers the option to add a portable Wi-Fi box to their booking, which serves as a mobile hotspot throughout the journey. This Wi-Fi box connects to the 4G network and supports speeds of approximately 50Mbps, sufficient for daily usage on multiple devices, including high-quality video streaming. Moreover, data usage is unlimited, so there’s no need to be concerned about data conservation.
We highly recommend this option, not just for its consistent high-quality connection, but also because of its portability. The device is compact, making it convenient to take with you on mountain explorations. In case of unforeseen events or if you require directions to return to the van, you’ll have the assurance of a robust internet connection. In emergencies, having a dependable internet connection can be vital, allowing you to call for help, access maps, and check the weather forecast.
The Faroe Islands have extensive 4G coverage, providing connectivity in most areas, including the mountains and fjords. Before taking the Wi-Fi box on an excursion, ensure it is fully charged using the complimentary USB charger connected to the pleasure batteries of our vehicles.
Staying Connected in the Faroe Islands: Key Considerations
In summary, here’s what you should consider about staying connected while visiting the Faroe Islands:
- Does your current provider offer coverage in the Faroe Islands? Are there any usage limits?
- If not, you might want to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival or opt for an eSIM that covers the Faroe Islands.
- Another option is to utilize free WiFi hotspots in public places, including cafes, restaurants, gas stations, and camping sites.
- If you’re renting one of our campers, we suggest opting for the WiFi feature. It provides fast, unlimited connectivity via a compact 4G receiver that can be tucked into a pocket or backpack during your excursions.
For a truly immersive and authentic Faroe Islands experience, we highly recommend considering a stay in one of our comfortable, fully-equipped camper vans.
For more useful information about traveling to the Faroe Islands, please visit our blog.
