eSIM for Russia: compare, buy, and travel connected!

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If you’re traveling to Russia this year, make sure you don’t miss out on any adventure due to a lack of internet connection. With an eSIM for Russia, it has never been easier to connect to the internet abroad. Find out how in this article!

The eSIM (short for “embedded SIM“) is a virtual SIM card taking the tech world by storm. With an eSIM for your trip to Russia, you can enjoy cheap and fast internet on multiple devices.

So if you want to stay connected while you’re in Russia, we recommend buying an eSIM designed especially for travelers – this will save you from paying expensive data roaming charges.

We’ll explain how an eSIM works, why you should buy one, and how much it costs. You can say goodbye to expensive roaming charges with this new technology.

esim russia

Contents

What you should know about the eSIM for Russia

eSIM technology is still relatively new, so not all phones are compatible. Here’s everything you need to check before you buy:

  • Your cell phone must be compatible with an eSIM card. Also, check that your cell phone is supported by the carrier or eSIM card provider. The iPhone XR and later models are compatible with most providers. 
  • You need an email address to receive your eSIM.
  • You need internet connection to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the provider after scanning the QR code or installation code.
  • Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.

If you can’t buy an eSIM, you can purchase a physical SIM card for travelers instead.

Cellular eSIM card providers for travel to Russia

If you have a compatible phone, you will be able to purchase and activate a Russian eSIM card. If your phone is not compatible, we recommend a traditional physical SIM card to Russia.

Here are the companies that provide an eSIM for Russia.

  • Holafly
  • Three HK
  • TravelSIM
  • United Global
  • Wificoin

Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to Russia

Take a look at the different packages offered to access the internet in Russia. Pay close attention to the prices of each provider, so you can choose the deal that suits you best.

Holafly plans and prices in Russia:

  • Unlimited data for 5 days at USD 19
  • Unlimited data for 7 days at USD 27
  • Unlimited data for 10 days at USD 34
  • Unlimited data for 15 days at USD 47
  • Unlimited data for 20 days at USD 54

Three HK plans and prices in Russia:

  • 3GB for 30 days at $138 USD
  • 13GB for 365 days at $268 USD

TravelSim plans and prices in Russia:

  • 500MB for 30 days at 13 USD
  • 1GB for 30 days at 19 USD
  • 2GB for 30 days at 35 USD
  • 3GB for 30 days at 53 USD
  • 5GB for 30 days at 87 USD

United Global rates in Russia:

  • 1GB for 30 days at $23.22 USD
  • 3GB for 30 days at $61.93 USD
  • 5GB for 30 days at $92.90 USD

Wificoin rates in Russia:

  • 1GB for 30 days at $29.99 USD
  • 5GB for 30 days at $99.99 USD

Comparison of eSIM providers for Russia

ProviderData PlanDaysPrice (USD)Sales channels
HolaflyUnlimited data 5$19Web
HolaflyUnlimited data 7$27Web
HolaflyUnlimited data 10$34Web
HolaflyUnlimited data 15$47Web
HolaflyUnlimited data 20$54Web
Three HK3GB30$138 Web
Three HK13GB365$268 Web
TravelSim500MB30$13Web
TravelSim1GB30$19Web
TravelSim2GB30$35Web
TravelSim3GB30$53Web
TravelSim5GB30$87Web
United Global1GB30$23.22Web
United Global3GB30$61.93Web
United Global5GB30$92.90Web
Wificoin1GB30$29.99Web, App Store, Play store,
Wificoin5GB30$99.99Web, App Store, Play store,
Table N°1. Comparison of eSIM providers in Russia

eSIM features to travel for Russia

To get the most out of your eSIM card, we’ve prepared some important information to bear in mind so that your trip to Moscow or any other city in Russia will be the best. We’ll also explain the differences between virtual eSIM cards and traditional physical cards.

  • Most eSIM cards do not offer phone calls, only data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
  • eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card do not remove it from your callphone instead, contact your eSIM provider.
  • Some eSIMs set up APNs automatically.
  • You can add several data plans on your iPhone, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
  • Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
  • With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to Russia. 

eSIM coverage for travel to Russia

It’s important to consider your eSIM’s coverage. And remember that sometimes cheap eSIM cards have poor coverage, possibly leaving you without internet when you need it most.

Below you will find the coverage map of each operator so that you can get an idea of the extension of each of these servers in Russia.

3G MTS coverage map in Russia

esim coverage map in russia
MTS coverage map in Russia Source: GSMA

Tele2’s 4G network coverage in Russia

esim coverage in russia
Tele2 coverage map in Russia Source: Tele2

Beeline’s 4G coverage map in Russia

esim coverage in russia
Beeline coverage map in Russia Source: Beeline

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Russia

We answer the most common questions you may have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to Russia.

Do I need a passport to buy the eSIM Russia card?

You don’t need to present your passport, but some providers might ask for your address.

Can I share data or activate tethering with eSIM in Russia?

Yes, some eSIMs allow you to share data between different devices.

How to activate eSIM for Russia?

Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, chose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on the celullar data and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company for more advice.

Do international prepaid eSIM cards work?

Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.

eSIM for other destinations

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