{"id":3533,"date":"2023-10-31T04:34:58","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T04:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/?page_id=3533"},"modified":"2023-12-01T02:02:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T02:02:16","slug":"airport-sim-card","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/","title":{"rendered":"SIM Card at Russia Airports: All you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Getting a local SIM card at Russia airports is very convenient for tourists who want immediate connectivity on their phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a complete guide on getting a Russia airport SIM card.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport.jpg\" alt=\"Getting SIM Card at Russia Airports\" class=\"wp-image-3536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Airport-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><div><div><a href=\"#i-which-airport-in-russia-offers-sim-card-for-tourists\">I. Which airport in Russia offers SIM card for tourists<\/a><div><div><a href=\"#sheremetyevo-international-airport-svo-in-moscow\">Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in Moscow<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#pulkovo-airport-led-in-st-petersburg\">Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St Petersburg<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div><a href=\"#ii-where-to-buy-sim-card-at-russia-airports\">II. Where to buy SIM card at Russia airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iii-what-to-prepare-to-buy-a-sim-card-at-russia-airports\">III. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Russia Airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iv-russia-e-sim-an-alternative-to-airport-sim-card\">IV. Russia eSIM \u2013 An Alternative to Airport SIM Card<\/a><div><div><a href=\"#convenience\">Convenience<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#flexible-plans\">Flexible Plans<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#support\">Support<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div><a href=\"#v-fa-qs\">V. FAQs<\/a><div><div><a href=\"#faq-question-1698723131131\">Can I buy a SIM card late at night or early morning at Russia airports?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#faq-question-1698723136095\">Are SIM cards more expensive at Russia airports than in the city?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#faq-question-1698723153455\">Can I order a Russia SIM for airport delivery in advance?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#faq-question-1698723164947\">Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM card at Russia airports?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#faq-question-1698723179729\">Is an eSIM or physical SIM better for a short trip to Russia?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div><a href=\"#vi-conclusion\">VI. Conclusion<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-which-airport-in-russia-offers-sim-card-for-tourists\">I. Which airport in Russia offers SIM card for tourists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main international airports in Moscow and St Petersburg have shops and kiosks that sell local SIM cards for tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sheremetyevo-international-airport-svo-in-moscow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/svo\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3545\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in Moscow<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"503\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/SVO-Airport-maps.jpg\" alt=\"Buying SIM Cards at Russia SVO Airport -SVO Airport maps\" class=\"wp-image-3534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/SVO-Airport-maps.jpg 736w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/SVO-Airport-maps-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/SVO-Airport-maps-510x349.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SVO Airport maps. Source: AirportGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>SVO has SIM card kiosks in the arrival halls of Terminals D, E, and F that are operated by Beeline, Tele2, and Megafon &#8211; three major providers in Russia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The kiosks are open 24\/7. You can quickly buy a SIM card with an activated number and data plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SIM cards cost around 600-1200 Rubles ($10-20) and come with varying amounts of domestic data, minutes, and SMS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pick the provider that best matches your travel needs. Beeline has good nationwide coverage, while Tele2 and Megafon better cover Moscow\/St Petersburg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gigago-block-border\"><em>Tips: Check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.svo.aero\/en\/map?terminal=all\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.svo.aero\/en\/map?terminal=all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SVO&#8217;s maps<\/a> before landing<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pulkovo-airport-led-in-st-petersburg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/led\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3553\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St Petersburg<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps-1024x701.jpg\" alt=\"Getting SIM Card at Russia Pulkovo Airport - Pulkovo Airport maps\" class=\"wp-image-3535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps-1024x701.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps-768x526.jpg 768w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps-510x349.jpg 510w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Pulkovo-Airport-maps.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pulkovo Airport maps. Source: AirportGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>LED has SIM card kiosks from Megafon and Tele2 in the arrival zone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are also MTS and Beeline shops in the public area of LED airport.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SIM card rates and packages are comparable to the Moscow airports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So in summary, all the major Russia airports have kiosks and stores where you can easily buy local SIM cards from leading providers like Beeline, MTS, Megafon etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ii-where-to-buy-sim-card-at-russia-airports\">II. Where to buy SIM card at Russia airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips on where to buy SIM card at Russian airports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>SIM kiosks in arrival halls<\/strong> &#8211; These kiosks located right as you exit immigration offer the quickest and easiest option. Look for the branded kiosks of Beeline, MTS, Tele2, Megafon etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Buy Russia SIM Cards at Airport kiosk\" class=\"wp-image-3520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Buy-Russia-SIM-Cards-at-Airport-kiosk.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Buy Russia SIM Cards at Airport kiosk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mobile phone shops<\/strong> &#8211; There are dedicated mobile phone shops like Svyaznoy, Euroset in the public areas of airports that also sell SIM cards. These shops may have longer wait times compared to the kiosks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Getting-SIM-Cards-at-Mobile-phone-shops-in-Russia-Airports.jpg\" alt=\"Getting SIM Cards at Mobile phone shops in Russia Airports\" class=\"wp-image-3537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Getting-SIM-Cards-at-Mobile-phone-shops-in-Russia-Airports.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Getting-SIM-Cards-at-Mobile-phone-shops-in-Russia-Airports-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Getting-SIM-Cards-at-Mobile-phone-shops-in-Russia-Airports-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Getting-SIM-Cards-at-Mobile-phone-shops-in-Russia-Airports-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mobile phone shops <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Convenience stores<\/strong> &#8211; Shops and mini-marts in the arrival and public zones also stock prepaid SIMs from various providers. Selection may be smaller than dedicated mobile shops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of <strong>opening hours<\/strong>, SIM card shops\/kiosks are typically open from early morning 6-7am until the last flight lands late night. Stick to the arrival zones during your airport transit to find a SIM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing<\/strong> for airport SIM cards is not inflated and similar to downtown rates. Expect to pay 600-1200 Rubles ($10-$20) for SIM card bundles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Waiting times<\/strong> are minimal, around 5-10 minutes on average, at airport SIM shops and kiosks. Much faster than downtown stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gigago-block-border\"><em>Tips: Buying at vending machine if you need connectivity right away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iii-what-to-prepare-to-buy-a-sim-card-at-russia-airports\">III. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Russia Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll need only a few things handy when buying a SIM card at Russia airport:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Passport<\/strong> &#8211; Your passport is required for identification and registration when buying any SIM card in Russia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Passport photos<\/strong> &#8211; Some providers may ask for passport-size photos to register the SIM. Carry a few just in case.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cash<\/strong> &#8211; Have some local Rubles cash on hand. Credit cards generally not accepted for SIM purchases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unlocked phone<\/strong> &#8211; Your phone must be unlocked to use a local Russian SIM. Check with your home carrier that your device is not SIM-locked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SIM tool<\/strong> &#8211; A paperclip or SIM eject tool to insert the new SIM once purchased.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Activation code<\/strong> &#8211; Text any activation code if prompted after inserting the new SIM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other than the above, no prep-work is needed. Store staff usually speak English and can help set up the SIM, including data plan selection. Have your passport open on the registration page to speed things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iv-russia-e-sim-an-alternative-to-airport-sim-card\">IV. Russia eSIM \u2013 An Alternative to Airport SIM Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While physical SIM cards are easily available at Russia airports, eSIM offers some unique advantages for travelers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"convenience\">Convenience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>eSIMs can be purchased and activated entirely online, even before you reach Russia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No need to locate shops or kiosks after your long flight. Get connected quickly with eSIM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>eSIM works on dual SIM phones. Keep using your existing SIM and add a Russia eSIM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flexible-plans\">Flexible Plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>eSIM providers offer flexible short-term data packages perfect for trips. Get data you&#8217;ll actually use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical SIMs often have data bundles that expire quickly. eSIM plans can be customized to your travel dates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>eSIM allows multiple data plan purchases. Top up anytime when you run low during the trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support\">Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>eSIM providers have English language support and activating the eSIM profile is designed for travelers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buying a regular SIM as a foreigner can involve sign-up steps in Russian. eSIM customer service is traveler-friendly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For these reasons, <a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"17\">Russia eSIM<\/a> is the most convenient and flexible connectivity option for international tourists. Consider eSIM from Russia eSIM, its package data from only $5.50 for 1GB. Let&#8217;s take a look at their best plans:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"946\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Russia-eSIM-best-plans.jpg\" alt=\"Russia eSIM best plans\" class=\"wp-image-3522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Russia-eSIM-best-plans.jpg 946w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Russia-eSIM-best-plans-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Russia-eSIM-best-plans-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2023\/10\/Russia-eSIM-best-plans-510x292.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Russia eSIM Best Plans<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"gigago-block-border\"><em>eSIM tips: Check<a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/esim-compatible-list\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1687\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> eSIM-compatible device list<\/a> before purchasing your eSIM.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"v-fa-qs\">V. FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1698723131131\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I buy a SIM card late at night or early morning at Russia airports?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, SIM card kiosks and shops at major Russian airports are typically open 24\/7 or from very early morning to past midnight to cater to arrivals at all hours. However, late night or early morning options may be fewer than during the day. Ordering an eSIM online ensures connectivity irrespective of when your flight lands.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1698723136095\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are SIM cards more expensive at Russia airports than in the city?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Airport SIM cards generally cost the same as in the city. Expect to pay 600-1200 Rubles for SIM card with domestic data and minutes. Airport pricing is not inflated. However, eSIM can work out even cheaper than airport SIM cards for short trips, as you only pay for exactly the data volume needed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1698723153455\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I order a Russia SIM for airport delivery in advance?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Some Russia mobile providers allow online pre-order of airport delivery SIM card that you can pick up on landing. However, the websites may not work for non-Russian speakers. An eSIM is much easier to order online in advance from companies with English language support.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1698723164947\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM card at Russia airports?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, your passport is required for buying and registering any SIM card in Russia, whether at the airport or in the city. SIMs cannot be purchased anonymously. Keep your passport handy to complete registration quickly when purchasing your Russian SIM.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1698723179729\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is an eSIM or physical SIM better for a short trip to Russia?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For short trips, an eSIM is undoubtedly better. You can buy just the exact data amount needed online, change plans flexibly. Consider <a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"17\">Russia eSIM<\/a> often have data bundles that expire and cannot be customized easily. With limited tourist time, eSIM convenience wins.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vi-conclusion\">VI. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a SIM card at Russia airports is easy and convenient for immediate connectivity. Major airports have dedicated kiosks and shops selling SIMs from leading providers like Beeline and MTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for short trips, <a href=\"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"17\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Russia eSIM<\/a> offers greater flexibility and can be purchased online in advance without airport hassle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting a local SIM card at Russia airports is very convenient for tourists who want immediate connectivity on their phones. Here is a complete guide on getting a Russia airport SIM card. I. Which airport in Russia offers SIM card for tourists The main international airports in Moscow and St Petersburg have shops and kiosks [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3536,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-right-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3533"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3533\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/russiaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}