Is it worth getting an eSIM for Greenland?
For most travellers, yes, with one big caveat about coverage we will come to. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but it is not in the European Union, and it is not in the EU roaming zone, so even EU and Danish visitors do not get "roam like at home" here. UK, US and everyone else falls into expensive roaming too. An eSIM avoids those charges and gets you online the moment you land in a town.
Be aware that Greenland is one of the most expensive places in the world for mobile data, because a single operator runs the network across a vast, remote territory. An eSIM plan still works out far cheaper than roaming, and it saves you sorting out a local SIM, but do not expect the low prices you would pay elsewhere.
The honest caveat: mobile coverage in Greenland only exists in and around the towns. There is no signal on the ice sheet, on most boat trips, or between settlements, which are not connected by road. An eSIM is great for staying connected in Nuuk, Ilulissat and the other towns, but plan to be offline on excursions into the wild.
What is an eSIM, and why should you use one in Greenland?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an eSIM profile from a provider, which connects you to the mobile network in Greenland without ever visiting a store. Setup happens through a QR code or app, usually in under five minutes.
Why use an eSIM in Greenland?
- Online on arrival: connect the moment you land in the towns.
- Avoid roaming charges: Greenland is not in the EU roaming zone, so roaming is expensive for everyone.
- No shop visit: no need to buy a local SIM in person.
- Keep your home number: your normal SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
Does Greenland support eSIM?
Yes, Greenland supports eSIM technology for travellers. You can use an eSIM from international providers like Ubigi and Nomad as soon as you land in a town, and your phone connects automatically to the local network. Greenland has a single mobile operator, Tusass (formerly TELE Greenland), which runs the 4G network, and travel eSIMs ride that same network.
There is no registration requirement or local store visit for a travel eSIM. As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible (most iPhones from XR and newer, plus recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models), you can install your plan before you fly and activate it on arrival.
Mobile networks in Greenland: which one matters for your trip?
Greenland is unusual: there is only one mobile network. Tusass, formerly known as TELE Greenland, is the sole operator and runs 4G LTE in the main towns, including Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Qaqortoq and Aasiaat. Because it is the only network, every travel eSIM, including both of our picks, connects to Tusass and gets exactly the same coverage. Your choice of provider is about price and plan size, not signal.
What that means in practice: coverage is good in and around the towns, and absent everywhere else. The ice sheet, the fjords, most boat and helicopter routes, and the gaps between settlements have no mobile signal at all. This is simply the reality of one of the world's most remote places.
How our two recommended providers map to this network: Ubigi and Nomad both connect to Tusass, so you get the same town coverage from either. Pick based on price and the plan size you need.
Recommended eSIM providers for Greenland
Ubigi: Best for reliable, established connectivity
Ubigi is a well-established eSIM provider with a clean app and a strong reputation for reliability. It connects to Greenland's Tusass network for coverage in the towns, and its presence in 190+ countries makes it handy if Greenland is part of a longer trip through the Nordics or beyond.
Why choose Ubigi for Greenland:
- Trusted, established provider with a clean app
- One-click install through the Ubigi app on compatible devices
- Coverage on Greenland's Tusass network in the towns
- Coverage in 190+ countries for onward travel
- Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan
Ubigi pricing for Greenland
- 1GB / 7 days: $12 (~€10.34)
- 3GB / 15 days: $24 (~€20.69)
- 10GB / 30 days: $49 (~€42.24)
With the NOMADWISE discount code, you'll get 10% off your first plan. Plans activate when you connect to the Greenland network, so you can install any time before your trip.
Nomad: Best for value and a free trial
Nomad is the better-value pick of the two for Greenland, with lower prices across the board, a wider plan range including a 5GB option, and a free 1GB trial eSIM for new users. Since coverage is the same on both providers, Nomad is the cost-conscious choice.
Why choose Nomad for Greenland:
- Lower prices than Ubigi across the plan range
- Wider plan range, including a 5GB option
- Free 1GB trial eSIM for new users
- Earn credits on every purchase for use on future trips
- Simple app-based setup with instant activation
Nomad pricing for Greenland
- 1GB / 7 days: $8.03 (~€6.92)
- 3GB / 30 days: $16.05 (~€13.84)
- 5GB / 30 days: $25.09 (~€21.63)
- 10GB / 30 days: $41.16 (~€35.48)
Both providers are safe, traveller-friendly and easy to use, and both ride the same Tusass network, so coverage is identical. Ubigi is our top pick for travellers who want a trusted, established provider and the NOMADWISE discount. Choose Nomad if you want the lower prices, a wider plan range, or to test the service first with the free 1GB trial. For more options, see our Greenland eSIM directory to compare additional providers.
eSIM coverage across Greenland
Coverage in Greenland follows the towns, with nothing in between. Here is how it looks across the places most travellers visit.
Nuuk
The capital has the best coverage in the country, with Tusass 4G across the city, the historic centre, the Katuaq Cultural Centre and the airport. Your eSIM works reliably here for maps, tours and sharing photos.
Ilulissat and Disko Bay
The town of Ilulissat, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Icefjord, has good coverage, but out on the water among the icebergs and on boat trips, expect to be offline.
Sisimiut, Qaqortoq and the other towns
The main towns have reliable 4G in and around the settlement, handy for sorting tours and last uploads before you head out.
The ice sheet, fjords and between settlements
There is no mobile coverage on the ice sheet, on most fjord and boat routes, or between towns, which have no roads connecting them. Plan to be completely offline on excursions, and download offline maps in advance.
How to choose the right eSIM for Greenland
Picking the right eSIM for Greenland comes down to a few simple factors, but remember coverage is the same on both providers.
Data usage: Because you will only have signal in the towns, many travellers find a small 1GB to 5GB plan is plenty. Heavier users spending more time in Nuuk may want 10GB.
Trip length: A short visit usually only needs a small plan, while a longer Arctic trip benefits from a 30-day plan with a larger allowance.
Budget: Greenland is expensive for data, so price matters. Nomad has the lower prices, with 1GB from around $8 and a free 1GB trial. Ubigi is the choice if you prefer a trusted, established provider, especially with code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan.
Device compatibility: Most modern smartphones support eSIMs, including iPhone XR and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel 4 and above. Check your settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to confirm your device is compatible and unlocked.
Coverage expectations: No eSIM gives you signal outside the towns, so plan for plenty of offline time on excursions.
How to set up your eSIM in Greenland
Setting up an eSIM for Greenland is quick and can be done before your flight. Once installed, your phone connects automatically when you land in a town.
- Confirm your device supports eSIMs: Check your phone settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Purchase your eSIM: Buy your plan from Ubigi or Nomad before your trip.
- Install the eSIM: You will receive a QR code by email, or you can install directly through the provider's app. Scan the code or follow the in-app instructions to add the eSIM profile to your phone.
- Activate data roaming: Once installed, enable data roaming for the eSIM line in your phone settings and select your eSIM as the primary mobile data line. Your home SIM can stay active for calls and texts.
- Test your connection: When you land in Nuuk, open a browser or maps app at the airport to confirm you are online before leaving.
💡 Tip: Before installing a new eSIM, delete any expired profiles and rename the new one (for example "Greenland Trip 2026") to keep things tidy. Crucially, download offline maps and any tour details before you leave town, as you will have no signal on the ice, fjords or between settlements.
Final thoughts and recommendations
Whether you are watching icebergs calve at Ilulissat, exploring colourful Nuuk, or heading out by dog sled, a reliable eSIM keeps you connected in the towns, ready for when you come back into signal. Just remember the wild stretches in between are off the grid.
Choose Ubigi if you want a trusted, established provider with onward global reach. It is our top pick for Greenland. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan.
Choose Nomad if you want the lower prices, a wider plan range, or to test the service first with its free 1GB trial. Coverage is the same either way.
No matter which provider you choose, an eSIM will keep you connected from the moment you land in Greenland.
