MegaFon Russia SIM Card and eSIM for tourists – All you need to know

MegaFon Russia is one of the major mobile operators in Russia and a good option for tourists to consider.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a Megafon Russia SIM card as a tourist in Russia.

I. Quick facts about MegaFon Russia

Here are some quick facts about MegaFon Russia:

• Established: 1998.
• Branding name: MegaFon.
• Services provided: MegaFon provides mobile, fixed line telephony, broadband internet, IPTV and other telecom services in Russia.
• Number of subscribers: As of 2022, MegaFon has over 75 million mobile subscribers across Russia.
• Number of stores: The company has a vast retail network of over 12,000 stores across the country.
• Customer service: 24/7 support is available through call centers, online chat, company-owned stores and social media channels.
• Awards: MegaFon has won several accolades including the most reliable mobile operator award over the past few years. It is recognized for innovation, customer satisfaction and contributions to society.

II. MegaFon Russia Coverage and Speed in Russia

Before getting a local SIM, it’s important to understand the coverage and speeds you can expect from the provider. Here’s an overview of MegaFon’s network in Russia:

1. MegaFon Russia coverage in Russia

Megafon has established widespread 4G LTE coverage across much of Russia’s vast territory, however, the extent of its network footprint varies greatly when measured against the country’s population versus total land area.

According to recent analytics from nperf.com, an estimated 70-75% of Russia’s population has access to Megafon’s high-speed mobile services. Megafon has demonstrated an impressive capability to keep the majority of Russia’s vast territories connected via its 4G infrastructure.

2. MegaFon Russia speed

MegaFon Russia offers decent 4G speeds averaging around 20-40 Mbps downlink in most cities, with lower speeds in rural areas. Their 5G networks are now live in Moscow, St Petersburg and other big cities providing up to 200 Mbps speeds.

So in summary, MegaFon Russia provides excellent nationwide mobile coverage and decent 4G/5G speeds for tourists visiting Russia’s main destinations and cities.

III. MegaFon Russia connectivity options for travelers to Russia

MegaFon Russia offers both SIM cards as well as eSIM connectivity options for short term travelers to Russia:

Connectivity Options

While roaming or rental devices have convenience, ongoing costs can escalate a MegaFon SIM card is a very affordable way for tourists to have mobile connectivity throughout their time in Russia.

IV. Best MegaFon Russia SIM cards for tourists & cost

Here are some of the best MegaFon Russia SIM card options for short term tourists and their pricing:

So MegaFon has SIM card and eSIM options to suit different needs with decent amounts of data, minutes and texts included. Prices are very reasonable starting from around $5 for short term tourists.

V. Does MegaFon Russia support eSIM?

Yes, MegaFon Russia does offer eSIM support for compatible phones. eSIM profiles can be purchased online and digitally activated on your device.

Here are some key facts about MegaFon Russia eSIM:

• eSIM works on most newer iPhones and Android phones like Google Pixel and Samsung S22.
• eSIMs plans provide data, calls and texts just like regular SIMs.
• eSIMs can be conveniently purchased online and don’t require visiting a store.

So eSIM is a very convenient option for unlocked phones visiting Russia. It avoids the need to find and insert a physical SIM card.

VI. Where can you buy a MegaFon Russia SIM card and eSIM?

Where to buy MegaFon Russia SIM for Russia

• MegaFon branded stores: Find them in cities across Russia

• Airport shops: Available at arrival halls of major airports in Moscow, St Petersburg etc.

• Online: SIM card can be delivered to your home address before travel.

So you can easily find MegaFon SIMs both online as well as offline in Russia during your visit.

Where to buy MegaFon Russia eSIM

MegaFon Russia eSIM profiles are available through the following channels:

• MegaFon Russia website – Create an account and buy a tourist eSIM online.
• MegaFon App – Download app and purchase eSIM digitally.

Buying directly from MegaFon online will give you the most reliable service and support for your eSIM during the trip.

VII. How to activate MegaFon Russia SIM/eSIM

Activating your new MegaFon Russia SIM or eSIM is very easy:

How to use MegaFon Russia SIM card

Follow these steps when you insert a new MegaFon SIM:

1. Insert SIM in your unlocked phone. For iPhones, disable SIM lock first.
2. Power on phone and wait for automatic configuration of settings.
3. A welcome SMS is sent by MegaFon confirming activation.
4. Enter SIM PIN when prompted – Default PIN is 1111.
5. Check mobile data is working. You’re all set!

How to activate MegaFon Russia eSIM

To activate your MegaFon Russia eSIM profile:

1. Make sure your phone supports eSIM activation. iPhone XR onwards or Android phones like S22.
2. Scan the QR code or enter details provided during eSIM purchase.
3. Download eSIM profile when prompted and follow activation steps.
4. May require app installation or account creation depending on phone.
5. Once activated, eSIM will be ready to use!

So both physical SIM and eSIM are very easy to activate on any unlocked device.

VIII. MegaFon Russia Call & SMS rates

Here are the standard voice call and SMS rates when using a MegaFon Russia tourist SIM:

Call & SMS Rates

So calls and SMS are quite affordable on MegaFon. Calling or texting locally and domestically is very cheap. International messages cost more but still reasonable.

IX. Useful USSD codes for MegaFon Russia SIM/eSIM

Here are some useful MegaFon Russia USSD codes to check your account balance and settings:

USSD Codes

Just dial these codes on your phone to access account info or configure settings. USSD is handy since data access may be required for app usage.

X. How to top-up MegaFon Russia SIM/eSIM

You can recharge your MegaFon Russia SIM or eSIM using the following options:

• Online – Use international credit/debit cards to top-up through your MegaFon account.
• Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers locally and enter codes to add credit.
• Stores – Visit MegaFon stores or sales agents to recharge in cash.

So you have multiple convenient ways to add more data, minutes or validity when running low during your Russia visit.

XI. Alternatives to MegaFon Russia

Some alternatives mobile operators you can consider in Russia are:

• MTS Russia: Second largest operator after MegaFon with excellent coverage.
• Beeline Russia: Owned by Vimpelcom. Good value prepaid plans.
• Tele2 Russia: Fast 4G coverage throughout Russia. Affordable data rates.

All major networks have prepaid SIMs for short term visits. Do compare rates across networks as plans and prices change frequently.

Refer to eSIM, consider Russia eSIM from GIGAGO. They provide good data plans, their package start around $5,50 for 1GB. Let’s take a look at their best plans: 

eSIM tips: Make sure that your device is eSIM compatible. Check it here

XII. FAQs about MegaFon Russia

XIII. Final words

Getting a local MegaFon Russia SIM card is highly recommended when traveling in Russia. MegaFon has excellent coverage with 4G/5G speeds and very reasonably priced data and calling rates.

Consider Russia eSIM, which allow you stay connected through your Russia visit for calls, maps, translators and guides!