Tele2 Russia SIM Card and eSIM for tourists – All you need to know

Traveling to Russia and looking for a local SIM card? Tele2 Russia offers some of the best options for tourists visiting Russia.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a Tele2 Russia SIM card in Russia.

I. Quick facts about Tele2 Russia

Here are some quick facts about Tele2 Russia:

• Established: 1993.
• Branding name: Tele2.
• Services provided: Tele2 provides mobile voice and data services, fixed broadband, IPTV and other telecom services.
• Number of subscribers: Over 20 million mobile subscribers (2022).
• Number of stores: Over 3,000 stores across Russia.
• Customer service: Customers can access 24/7 support via call centers, live chat, social media and company-owned stores.
• Awards: Tele2 Russia has won several awards for best mobile network, customer service and sales & marketing initiatives in Russia. It was recognized as the ‘Most Reliable Mobile Operator’ in Russia in 2020-21 by Ookla Speedtest.

II. Tele2 Coverage and Speed in Russia

Tele2 coverage in Russia

According to this map from nperf.com, Tele2 Russia has extensive network coverage across Russia. It has over 83% population coverage in Russia currently.  4G/LTE is available in all major population centers and cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Omsk, Chelyabinsk etc. 3G coverage is available in most areas.

So with Tele2 Russia, you can expect a high degree of connectivity across Russia for voice, text and mobile internet. Data speeds may reduce in remote areas or when indoors.

Tele2 speed

Tele2 Russia offers maximum 4G download speeds of up to 150 Mbps on its network. However, typical download speeds are lower. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, average 4G speeds on Tele2 are around 20-40 Mbps.

So in summary, Tele2 generally has fast enough mobile internet speeds for tourist requirements like maps, messaging, web browsing etc. But speeds may not be suitable for data heavy usage like streaming ultra HD content or gaming.

III. Tele2 Russia connectivity options for travelers to Russia

As a tourist traveling to Russia, you have two main options to get Tele2 Russia connectivity:

Connectivity Options

So in summary, Tele2 SIM cards deliver excellent coverage at very affordable local rates while being the easiest and most flexible option for travelers in Russia.

IV. Best Tele2 Russia SIM card for tourists & cost

Tele2 Russia has some great options when it comes to tourist SIM cards. Here are some of the best picks:

So in summary, Tele2 Russia tourist SIM cards provide great value with sufficient data, calls & SMS for short trips to Russia. Costs range from $4 to $20.41 based on your requirements.

V. Does Tele2 Russia support eSIM?

Yes, Tele2 Russia now supports eSIM for their mobile services. Tele2 launched eSIM support in early 2022 for both consumer and corporate customers. eSIM profiles can be generated and activated remotely through the Tele2 online account service. No need to visit stores.

Here are some of the key benefits of eSIM for Tele2 customers in Russia:

• Convenience of remote activation
• Flexibility of multiple profiles
• Dual SIM compatibility
• Compatibility with future devices

In summary, eSIM provides Tele2 customers greater convenience, flexibility and continuity of service compared to physical SIM cards, especially in today’s digital global environment.

VI. Where can you buy a Tele2 Russia SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to buy Tele2 Russia SIM for Russia

• Tele2 stores: There are many official Tele2 retail stores in cities and airports where you can purchase new SIM card or top-up.

• Airport kiosks on arrival: Many Russian airports have Tele2 kiosks after arrivals where SIM cards can be bought.

• Convenience stores: Many small stores, supermarkets, kiosks etc also sell Tele2 prepaid SIMs in Russia.

So in summary, Tele2 physical SIM cards are easily available at stores, airports, hotels in Russia.

2. Where to buy Tele2 Russia eSIM

For more convenience, purchasing Tele2 eSIM profiles directly from their website or app provides remote activation options.

• Online via Tele2 Russia website: Go to tele2.ru, log in or create an account, select an eSIM data or calling plan, and activate it remotely. Payment by credit/debit card.
• Tele2 app: Download the Tele2 Russia mobile app for iOS or Android. Browse plans and activate an eSIM profile directly within the app.

VII. How to activate Tele2 Russia SIM card/eSIM

As eSIM is not an option, you can only activate the physical Tele2 Russia SIM card.

How to use Tele2 Russia Russia SIM card

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

How to activate Tele2 Russia eSIM

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

• Activate eSIM on iPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

VIII. Tele2 Russia Call & SMS rates

Here are the standard voice call and SMS rates on Tele2 Russia prepaid SIM cards:

Call rates

SMS rates

Do note that different prepaid packs will have variations to these rates. But in general, Tele2 Russia has low cost calling and messaging which is perfect for tourists.

IX. Useful USSD codes for Tele2 Russia SIM card/eSIM

Here are some useful USSD codes you can dial on Tele2 Russia SIM to check balance, recharge etc:

USSD Codes

USSD codes provide a quick way to get account info or recharge without calling customer service. Works on both SIM and eSIM.

IX. How to top-up Tele2 Russia SIM card/eSIM

You can recharge or top-up your Tele2 Russia SIM using multiple convenient options:

• Online payment – Top-up using credit/debit cards on Tele2 website or mobile app.
• Voucher cards – Purchase top-up vouchers from stores and shops and redeem using the PIN.

So in summary, easy recharge options are available. Voucher cards or online top-up are most convenient for tourists.

X. Alternatives to Tele2 Russia SIM card

Here are some alternatives you can consider for a Russia SIM card/eSIM besides Tele2:

• MTS Russia – Largest operator with best coverage. But can be pricier than Tele2.
• MegaFon Russia – Second biggest provider. Offers eSIMs but limited prepaid plans.
• Beeline Russia – Owned by Veon group. Budget plans but patchy coverage outside big cities.

Consider Russia eSIM from GIGAGO, which provides a convenient digital solution for staying connected in the country as an alternative to physical SIM cards. With data packages start from just 1GB for as low as $5.50, allowing cost-effective data-only access ideal for most travelers reliant on maps and translators.

Let’s take a look at their plans: 

XI. FAQs about Tele2 Russia in Russia

XII. Final words

Tele2 Russia provides excellent connectivity options for tourists visiting Russia at affordable rates. The network has wide 4G coverage, fast speeds and low-cost prepaid packs. But consider eSIM from Russia eSIM for the best experience in Russia.

Have a great trips!