Using your UK-based phone in Estonia is quite reasonable, as EU regulations have set caps on prices. Rough rates as of early 2011:
- 15p per minute for receiving calls
- 40p per minute for making calls, both local and to UK
- 10p sending a text
But once you start using 3G data on your smartphone or laptop, you will have to sit down before opening your next phone bill.
For dirt cheap 3G data and local calls, consider getting a local prepaid SIM card. You can find those on sale pretty much everywhere. There’s not much point of having a landline phone in your Tallinn apartment.
- Elisa SIM card costs only £1.50, local calls are 4p per minute, text is 4p, UNLIMITED 3G data for £1 per day!!!
- In Elisa shops and many electronics shops you will also find a simple Nokia phone bundled with a calling card for £17. Unlocked 3G modem for your laptop costs £35 in Elisa.
- Other prepaid calling card options are Smart by TELE2 (which has similar low prices) and Simpel by EMT (which is more expensive)
- If you stay in Estonia for months, you may consider going for a post-paid agreement. Minutes will not be cheaper but unlimited 3G data will cost you ONLY £6 per month!
Estonian carriers do not have any limits on tethering (using your phone’s 3G data plan in your laptop, via wifi, bluetooth or USB cable). So if you are geek enough then you won’t need a 3G modem or 3G-to-wifi router.