🇬🇱 Greenland Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

The internet in Greenland is relatively reliable in urban areas, with decent speeds, but can be limited and expensive, especially in rural regions, making it essential to plan ahead and research the best options for staying connected.

Internet Overview

The internet in Greenland is characterized by a significant urban-rural divide, with faster and more reliable connections available in the capital city of Nuuk and other major towns, while rural areas often struggle with slower speeds and limited coverage. The average internet speed in Greenland is around 10 Mbps download, which is relatively slow compared to other developed countries. However, the internet quality has been improving in recent years, with investments in new infrastructure and technology. Despite these improvements, the reliability of the internet can still be a issue, especially during peak hours or in areas with high usage.

The mobile network coverage in Greenland is moderate, with Tele Greenland, the state-owned telecommunications company, providing the most extensive coverage. However, even in areas with coverage, the signal strength can be weak, and data speeds may be slow. The limited internet availability and high costs can make it challenging for residents and visitors to stay connected, especially in rural areas where other services like healthcare and education may also be limited. As a result, it is essential to plan ahead and research the best options for staying connected, especially for those who need to work or study online.

Getting a SIM Card

To get a SIM card in Greenland, visitors can purchase one from Tele Greenland or other mobile providers like TDC and Vodafone. SIM cards can be bought at the airport, in major towns, or at authorized retailers. To purchase a SIM card, visitors will need to provide a valid passport and may need to register with the provider. The cost of a tourist SIM card is around 20 USD, and data plans vary depending on the provider and the amount of data needed. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a reputable provider to ensure the best coverage and service.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most major hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
• Cafe WiFi culture is not as prevalent in Greenland as in other countries, but some cafes in major towns do offer free WiFi.
• Coworking spaces are limited, but some companies offer shared office spaces with WiFi and other amenities.
• Public WiFi is limited, but some public areas like airports and libraries offer free WiFi.
• Some restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi, but the signal strength and speed can vary.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like Greenland Coworking in Nuuk offer a shared office space with WiFi, printers, and other amenities.
• Reliable cafe chains like Cafe Thor in Nuuk offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
• Backup internet options like mobile hotspots or satellite internet can be useful in areas with limited coverage.
• VPNs can be necessary to access certain websites or services that may be blocked in Greenland.
• Some companies offer virtual office services, including mail forwarding and phone answering, which can be useful for remote workers.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is not a major issue in Greenland, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or other restrictions.
• Blocked sites can include file-sharing platforms or websites with explicit content.
• VPNs can be useful to access blocked websites, but may not be necessary for general browsing.
• Roaming alternatives like purchasing a local SIM card or using a mobile hotspot can be more cost-effective than roaming with a foreign provider.
• eSIM options are not widely available in Greenland, but some providers may offer eSIM plans for certain devices.
• It is essential to check the coverage and data limits of your SIM card or WiFi plan to avoid unexpected charges or interruptions.