Russia SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Russia soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Russian SIM card.

You should be able to find an affordable SIM card pretty much anywhere in Russia. In fact, most data packages are relatively cheap, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card for Russia in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid travel 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 Russia.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Russian – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Russia.

Best Russia SIM Cards

If you’re traveling in Russia, we recommend using a SIM card from MTS, Megafon, Tele2, or Holafly. (I’ll get back to Holafly later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Russia

You can either buy a Russia 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 don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d 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 won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Russian prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by MTS, Megafon, and Tele2.

MTS SIM Cards

MTS offers three different types of tourist plans:

• Unlimited messengers, valid for 1 day for RUB 130 ($1.59)
• Unlimited social networks, valid for 1 day for RUB 230 ($2.82)
• Unlimited videos, valid for 30 days for RUB 1490 ($18.27)

Megafon SIM Cards

Megafon has five different prepaid plans available:

• 6 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 550 ($6.75)
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 650 ($7.98)
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 750 ($9.21)
• 50 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 900 ($11.05)
• 60 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 2500 ($30.69)

Tele2 SIM Cards

Tele2 offers three main SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 500 ($6.14)
• 25 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 600 ($7.37)
• 35 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 700 ($8.59)
• 60 GB, valid for 30 days for RUB 800 ($9.82)

Overall, we think MTS is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.

That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Russia 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.

You’ll find different SIM card options on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Russia 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.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card on SimOptions. This works if you live in the United States or Australia.

They currently offer one package that covers Russia:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy a Russia eSIM card or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, a global eSIM plan.

How To Buy A Russia ESIM Card

ESIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Russia.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Russia.

Holafly Russia

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.

You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of the plans for Russia:

• 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

Go to Holafly

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Russia

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Russia or even an eSIM for your travels in Russia is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Russia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a global plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Russia if you wish to have data upon your arrival.

This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

However, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Russia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Mongolia SIM card
• Kyrgyzstan SIM card
• Pakistan SIM card