Getting a Travel SIM Card in Russia

Feb. 10, 2025

As of January 1, 2025, new regulations in Russia have made it significantly more difficult for foreigners to purchase local SIM cards.

These changes, implemented to combat the rise in phone scams, require a SNILS (social insurance number) for SIM card registration. Unfortunately, as of February 2025, there is no practical way for international tourists to obtain a Russian SIM card due to this requirement.

Solution

While you can use your existing SIM card and roam internationally, this can be very expensive.

A much better option is using a virtual eSIM (electronic SIM). eSIMs provide data access without the need for a physical SIM card. Please note that your phone must be eSIM compatible. You can check compatibility here.

Once you select an eSIM data plan, you'll receive remote instructions for installation. Plans start from as low as €2.9 and you can get an extra 5% discount using the code MOSCOWPRIVATETOURS.

Use this link to get it!

Note, to fulfill legal requirements, these eSIMs provide data only. They do not provide a local phone number. However, you can easily make calls and send messages using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or FaceTime over your eSIM's data connection.

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