Best eSIM for Greenland (2026): Coverage, Costs and What to Expect

Greenland is one of the most remote places you can travel with a phone. There is a single mobile operator, Tusass (formerly TELE Greenland), and there are no roads between towns, so coverage exists in and around settlements rather than across the country. Mobile data is also expensive, because much of it travels over satellite and subsea links to reach the rest of the world. co:sim's Greenland eSIM connects to the Tusass network (listed as TELE Greenland, 4G). This guide sets honest expectations: where you will have signal, what the plans cost, and when another option makes more sense.

#Does your home plan work in Greenland?

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is not part of the EU (it left the European Communities in 1985). EU roaming rules do not apply, and many European, UK and international plans charge high rates there or do not include it at all. Check your carrier's terms before you land in Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk, and turn off data roaming on your home line if you are not sure.

#co:sim Greenland eSIM plans

The Greenland eSIM runs on Tusass (4G). At the time of writing (October 2026):

These prices reflect how costly data is in Greenland generally, not only through co:sim. For most visitors, a small fixed plan used for maps, messaging and essentials is the sensible choice. Validity starts at first connection, and you have 90 days to install.

Local alternative: Tusass sells a tourist prepaid plan called Hello Greenland, available as eSIM or as a SIM from shops in Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat (Tusass). It includes a local number, calls and SMS. If you need a Greenlandic number or will stay for weeks, compare it with the co:sim plan.

#Where you will (and will not) have signal

• Towns: Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq and other towns have 4G coverage in and around the built-up area.
• Settlements: most smaller settlements have some coverage, but speeds and capacity vary.
• Between places: on the ice sheet, in the fjords, on hiking routes such as the Arctic Circle Trail and on boat trips, expect no mobile coverage for long stretches.
• Cruise ships: at sea, phones may connect to the ship's own satellite network, which is billed separately and often at very high rates. Turn off mobile data at sea unless you have bought the ship's package.

For expeditions or multi-day hikes, do not rely on mobile data for safety. Carry a satellite communicator or a personal locator beacon, and register your route where local rules require it.

#How to use data wisely in Greenland

1. Download offline maps, flight details and hotel confirmations before you leave home.
2. Turn off automatic app updates, cloud photo backup and video autoplay.
3. Use hotel or café Wi-Fi for large uploads, and keep mobile data for navigation and messages.
4. Choose a fixed plan sized for essentials rather than a large plan you will not be able to use outside towns.

#How to set it up

1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
2. Buy and install on Wi-Fi before your flight. Validity starts at first connection.
3. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn data roaming on for it.
4. Turn data roaming off on your home line.
5. After landing, check the eSIM has connected to the Tusass network and load a web page.

#FAQ

#Is there mobile coverage outside towns in Greenland?

Mostly no. Coverage is concentrated around towns and settlements, and there are long stretches with no signal on the ice, in fjords and on trails.

#Does EU roaming apply in Greenland?

No. Greenland is not part of the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply.

#Why is data so expensive in Greenland?

The country's connections to the rest of the world rely on satellite and subsea cable links, and there is a single operator serving a very small population spread across huge distances.

#How much data do I need for a week?

If you use data mainly for messages, maps and checking plans, 1GB to 3GB is often enough for a week, especially if you use Wi-Fi where it is available.

Greenland rewards careful planning. Treat mobile data as a useful extra in towns, not as a lifeline in the wilderness, and pick a plan sized for the essentials.