Getting a local Russia SIM card for your phone is the easiest way to get affordable data and calling while travelling. In this guide, we will help you to get a Russia SIM card as a tourist.

Russia SIM Cards

I. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Russia Trip?

Should I buy a Russia SIM Card?
Should I buy a Russia SIM Card?
  • Avoid expensive roaming charges – Your regular SIM card abroad can incur costly roaming fees for data, calls, and texts. A Russia SIM helps you avoid these charges.
  • Gain access to fast local networks – Russia SIMs connect you to local networks with the best coverage and fastest speeds in the area you’re traveling. Check it in Opensignal.com
  • Use mobile data freely – Russia SIMs often come with generous data packages you can use without worry.
  • Make cheap local calls – Russia SIMs allow you to make calls and send texts to local Russian numbers inexpensively.
  • Stay connected – Having a working SIM is crucial in case you need to look up information or contact your accommodations. You don’t want to find yourself without cell service.

So in summary, getting a Russia SIM card is highly recommended to have a reliable connection abroad.

II. Russia SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?

When looking to buy a Russia SIM card, you’ll typically come across two main categories of SIM cards.

By form: 

  • Physical SIM cards
  • eSIMs
Attribute Physical SIM Card eSIM
Pros
Convenience of switching providers Requires SIM card change Instant switch between providers
Compatibility Works on any carrier-approved device Requires device eSIM compatible
Availability Available virtually anywhere SIM cards are sold Limited to select devices and carriers currently
Cons
Physical card to carry Need to keep physical card with device No physical card to lose or damage
Setting up account Insert SIM card and power on Must download eSIM profile online or via QR code
Switching devices May require SIM card swap Easily transfer eSIM between compatible devices
Updating plans Need access to SIM card Plans auto-update online without SIM swap
International use Can purchase local SIM cards abroad Reliant on eSIM support when traveling
Carrier support Widely used standard New technology still rolling out support

So, eSIMs offer more convenience and flexibility that physical SIMs cannot match, making them a clearly superior choice for tourists on the go in Russia

By function: 

  • Data-only SIM 
  • Voice and data SIM
  • Tourist SIM cards
Type of SIM Card Data Calling/SMS Validity Period Purchase Location
Data-only SIM Provides high-speed mobile data only. No calling/SMS. No calling or SMS functionality. Varies from 3 days to 1 month. Can purchase eSIM plans online before travel.
Voice and data SIM Provides both high-speed data and local phone number for calling and SMS. Includes calling and SMS functions. Monthly plans aimed at residents. Must purchase, typically from network operators.
Tourist SIM Offers a simple prepaid data package for the duration of stay. Optional add-ons available for calling/SMS on some plans. Duration matches the tourist's length of stay e.g. 1 week or 2 weeks. Must purchase tourist SIM cards from local retailers.

Therefore, a data-only eSIM plan is generally the best and easiest option for tourists to stay connected using mobile data during their trip to Russia.

III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Russia?

When getting a prepaid Russia SIM card, one key decision is how much data you’ll need during your trip.

  • Light usage (Email, messaging, light browsing) – 3GB: If you just need basic data for emails, messaging, simple browsing and lookups, 3GB should be sufficient for a short trip.
  • Moderate usage (Social media, photos, navigation) – 5-10GB: For more steady use of data like social media, photo sharing, Google Maps navigation, occasional video streaming, and daily app usage, 5-10GB is a good baseline for a 1-2 week trip.
  • Heavy usage (Video streaming, large app downloads) – 10-15GB+: If you plan to stream a lot of video, play mobile games, download big apps, or use hotspot frequently, you should opt for 10-15GB or more for a 1-2 week stay.

Top-up data is easy with prepaid SIMs if you run low. Checking your data usage in your phone settings helps avoid surprise overages. For longer trips, 15GB+ is recommended so you don’t ever have to worry about data caps.

IV. How Much Does a Russia SIM Card Cost?

Russia prepaid SIM cards are very affordable. Here are typical costs:

Carrier SIM Card Cost (USD) Recharge Minimums (USD) Notes
MTS $3-4 $1.25 Starter kits include initial credit. Recharges from $1.25.
Beeline $4-5 $0.63 Offers affordable data-only SIM packages for foreigners.
Megafon $3-4 $0.63 Recharges can be made from $0.63 upwards.
Tele2 $2-2.50 $0.25 Most inexpensive SIM cards. Convenient low recharges from $0.25.

You can expect to pay around 500-2000 RUB ($8-$30 USD) upfront for a prepaid SIM with a starter data package, depending on the data amount. Overall, Russia SIMs offer excellent value compared to roaming with your home SIM.

V. Russia eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

While prepaid SIM cards are the standard choice in Russia, eSIMs are a newer alternative to consider:

  • Don’t require visiting a shop to insert into your phone.
  • Allow you to have cell service right upon landing.
  • Convenient for short trips.

eSIMs offer the ultimate convenience since you can setup service before you arrive without visiting a store. They are best for shorter Russia trips where you need cell service immediately on arrival. Popular eSIM providers like Russia eSIM from GIGAGO, their package starting at $5.50 for 1GB. Let’s check their plans: 

Russia eSIM best plans
Russia eSIM Best Plans

VI. Where to Buy a Russia SIM Card?

If going with a prepaid SIM, you have two main options to purchase when you arrive in Russia:

Purchase at Airport Kiosk on Arrival

  • Pro: Get SIM right away when you land at major airports.
  • Con: Higher prices and smaller data packages aimed at short stays.

In Moscow, SIM kiosks and carrier stores can be found at Sheremetyevo Airport (Terminals D, E, F)

In St. Petersburg, look for kiosks at Pulkovo Airport Arrivals or the Galeria Mall on Ligovsky Prospekt.

For more details, see Buying SIM Card at Russia Airports

Buy Russia SIM Cards at Airport kiosk
Buy Russia SIM Cards at Airport kiosk

Buy SIM at Convenience Store or Mall

  • Pro: Better prices and data packages available.
  • Con: Need to locate a store in city first.

For prepaid SIMs, the mobile carriers MTS, Megafon, Beeline, and Tele2 all have strong networks with affordable options and convenient stores across Russia.

Buying Russia SIM Cards at Mall
Buying Russia SIM Cards at Mall

Note: Always show your passport when purchasing a SIM, as registration is required. Know that airport kiosks offer convenience but lower data amounts, so consider waiting to buy in the city if you need more data.

VII. How to Use Russia SIM

Using your Russia SIM card is straightforward. Follow these steps for prepaid SIMs:

  1. Insert: Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone. iPhones will require a SIM eject tool to open the tray.
  2. Setup: Power on your phone and follow the prompts to setup your new SIM card. You may need to manually select the carrier network.
  3. Top-up: Add more data by purchasing top-up cards (available at kiosks, carriers stores, convenience shops). Scratch off the code and enter it into your phone.
  4. Enable data roaming: Make sure data roaming is enabled on your phone to use data while traveling in Russia. Check under Cellular Settings on iPhones.
  5. Disable international roaming: Optionally disable international roaming to prevent unwanted roaming charges on your home SIM if keeping it inserted in a second slot.

Once setup, you can recharge your Russia SIM at thousands of kiosks across Russia by purchasing top-up cards for data, minutes, and texts as needed.

VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Russia SIM Cards

Russia has three major mobile carriers that all offer prepaid SIMs suitable for travelers:

Mobile Operators in Russia

Operator Coverage SIM Card Price Range Pros Cons eSIM Available?
MTS Extensive nationwide 4G network including most rural areas. $3-4 Largest network, reliable coverage. Wide service options. Can be more expensive than competitors. Yes
Beeline Strong 4G availability in major cities and towns. Growing rural 4G footprint. $4-5 Good Value bundles. Affordable data-only eSIM plans for travelers. Coverage lacks in remote regions. Yes
Megafon Broad 4G network across large urban centers and along main transport routes. $3-4 Competitive rates. Variety of plans for different needs. Coverage gaps in far east and north. Yes
Tele2 Mainly focused on major cities. Smaller network compared to others. $2-2.50 Cheapest SIM cards and call rates. Good for budget users. Limited coverage, especially outside cities. Yes

Three providers like MTS, Beeline and Megafon have excellent nationwide 4G/LTE coverage, low rates, and easily accessible prepaid SIM plans that make them top choices for travelers.

Smaller operators like Tele2 also sell prepaid SIMs at lower prices but have more limited networks, so they are best for major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Let’s check Best Mobile Operators in Russia for more.

IX. Tips for Saving Data for Russia SIM Card

To help conserve your data allowance and avoid overages, here are some useful tips:

  • Disable auto app updates: Stop apps updating in the background which consumes data.
  • Use WiFi when available: Connect to WiFi in your hotel or at cafes to use less mobile data.
  • Limit streaming: Lower video quality or download shows to watch offline later instead of streaming.
  • Block ads: Use airplane mode or an ad blocker to minimize data-gobbling ads.
  • Monitor usage: Check your data remaining regularly and top up if running low.
  • Offline maps and translations: Download offline Google Maps and translations for guidance without using data.
  • Put phone on airplane mode: Turn on airplane mode when not using data to pause cellular data.

Following these tips will help you conserve your high-speed data allowance and lower the risk of costly overages during your trip.

X. FAQs

Do I need to register my Russia SIM card?

Yes, you’ll need to show ID to register any new SIM purchase in Russia as required by law. Bring your passport.

Can I use dual SIM phones with a Russia SIM?

Yes, dual SIM phones are very handy to use both a Russia SIM and your home country SIM together. Just enable data roaming selectively.

How can I top up my Russia SIM?

You can add more high-speed data, minutes, and texts by purchasing top-up vouchers at one of thousands of kiosks, carriers stores, or shops displaying top-up signs throughout Russia.

Is it easy to find WiFi in Russia?

Yes, most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and malls offer free WiFi access (may require registration). Having a Russia SIM as backup is still recommended.

Can I use my Russia SIM in other countries?

Russia SIMs work throughout the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) but will have expensive roaming rates in Europe/Asia.

XI. Conclusion

Getting a Russia SIM card is the easiest way to have affordable connectivity and cell service while traveling Russia. Look for major providers like MTS, MegaFon or Beeline for reliable nationwide coverage.

Don’t forget to consider Russia eSIM, you can use data freely and have peace of mind knowing you can look up directions or translations for your trip at anytime.