Visiting Kazakhstan soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Kazakhstan SIM card.
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card in Kazakhstan in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Kazakhstan.
If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Kazakh â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Kazakhstan.
Best Kazakhstan SIM Card
If youâre traveling in Kazakhstan, we recommend using a SIM card from Kcell, Tele2, Beeline, or Airalo. (Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if youâre planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Central Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other countries in the region.
How To Buy A SIM Card For Kazakhstan
You can either buy a Kazakhstan prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a regional prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at the data plans offered by Kcell, Tele2, and Beeline.
Kcell Tourist SIM Cards
Kcell offers three different types of tourist plans:
- 25 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 4000 ($8.93)
- 35 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 5000 ($11.16)
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for KZT 8000 ($17.85)
Tele2 Tourist SIM Cards
Tele2 has three different prepaid plans available:
- 2 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 890 ($1.99)
- 4 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 1390 ($3.10)
- 8 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 1690 ($3.77)
Beeline Tourist SIM Cards
Beeline offers several main SIM-only plans for tourists:
- 7 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 3190 ($7.12)
- 13 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 3990 ($8.90)
- 18 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 4990 ($11.14)
- 33 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 5990 ($13.37)
- 44 GB, valid for 30 days for KZT 6990 ($15.60)
Overall, we think Tele2 is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy A Kazakhstan Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Kazakhstan is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card on SimOptions.
They currently offer one package that covers Kazakhstan:
- 1 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Kazakhstan or, if youâre traveling to multiple countries, a global eSIM plan.
How To Buy A Kazakhstan ESIM Card
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards, itâs definitely one of the best options for getting data in Kazakhstan.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Kazakhstan.
Airalo Kazakhstan
If you want to buy an eSIM for Kazakhstan, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Kazakhstan.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here are the options available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $7
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9.50
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $21
- 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $32
Holafly Kazakhstan
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.
You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Hereâs an overview of the plan for Kazakhstan:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $19
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $27
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $34
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
Nomad Kazakhstan
Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.
Hereâs an overview of the plans available for Kazakhstan:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
- 3GB, valid for 15 days for $12
- 5GB, valid for 15 days for $15
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $22
- 20GB, valid for 30 days for $35
Nomad also has Global, an eSIM plan for 111 countries worldwide. This plan offers coverage in Kazakhstan.
Hereâs an overview:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $25
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $40
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $45
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Kazakhstan
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Kazakhstan or even an eSIM for your travels in Kazakhstan is pretty straightforward.
Youâll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a regional or global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Kazakhstan if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
