Buying a Russian SIM card to get Internet used to be easy and inexpensive, but since January 1, 2025, a new law has significantly complicated the process for foreign tourists. Now, many bureaucratic procedures are required, making it almost impossible for tourists to purchase a SIM directly in Russia. In this article, I explain the new regulations and what your alternatives are in 2026.
Introduction
If you’re traveling to Russia, you’ve likely considered buying a SIM card with coverage in Russia so you can have Internet access anywhere.
If you use your local mobile line in Russia to browse the internet, you’ll end up with a very high bill.
Perhaps, if you’re taking a very short trip to Russia, you might not need a SIM card since hotels usually have Wi-Fi, and many cafés, restaurants, or public areas also offer free Wi-Fi.
Nevertheless, it’s normal to spend several days in Moscow and St. Petersburg, or to take a longer trip like the Trans-Siberian. In these cases, it’s essential to get a SIM card (or eSIM) with coverage in Russia.
Until the end of 2024, it was easy to get a Russian SIM simply by showing your passport at any store. However, starting in January 2025, the situation has changed drastically.
In this article, I’ll explain in detail all the latest developments about Russian SIM cards, the complications for tourists, and the practical alternatives you have to stay connected on your trip.
1. Buying a SIM Card in Russia
Since January 1, 2025, the Russian government requires all SIM cards to be mandatorily linked to an account on the official Gosuslugi platform and to a SNILS number (the Russian equivalent of Spain’s Social Security).
What is Gosuslugi?
Gosuslugi is the Russian government’s digital platform for online administrative procedures. To register as a foreigner, you need a SNILS, an officially translated passport into Russian, an active email, in-person biometric registration in Russia, and you must provide the IMEI of the phone where you will use the SIM.
What is SNILS?
The SNILS is a Russian Social Security number required to register on Gosuslugi. To obtain it, you must personally go to Russian government offices with officially translated documents, a complicated process for tourists.
Which Mobile Operators Exist in Russia?
Technically, yes, but the process is extremely complicated and not very feasible for tourists. If you manage to overcome these hurdles, you can choose from multiple operators like MTS, MegaFon, and Beeline. There are many others: Tele 2, Rostelecom, etc.
2. What Alternatives Exist: Buying an eSIM
Since January 1, 2025, all Russian operators (MegaFon, MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Rostelecom) have been deactivating millions of SIMs not linked to Gosuslugi, aiming to combat fraud, spam, and the black market. This has also affected cards legally acquired before 2025 that were never registered on Gosuslugi.
Given that registering a Gosuslugi account as a foreigner is difficult and impractical, here are your options:
- You can take your loca SIM card but face high costs due to international roaming.
- You can ask a Russian friend or relative to lend you one of their cards.
- Some Russian SIMs are sold on the black market online or via Telegram, but this is not advisable because the card may not work or might get blocked.
- Finally, you can buy an eSIM before your trip that allows you to browse the internet, although it won’t give you a Russian phone number. This is currently the most recommended option unless the situation changes.
For the latter option, there are several companies where you can purchase an eSIM.
This in-depth comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Russia lets you explore all the available options and pick the one that best fits your needs.
The eSIM I’ve tested recently is from Ubigi. It offers unlimited data plans, perfect if you need constant connectivity without worrying about limits.
Ubigi is one of the few companies that continues to sell eSIMs for Russia since the restrictions imposed by the Russian government on October 6, 2025; after the initial block of up to 24 hours (sometimes shorter), the eSIM works normally again.
3. Limitations of Using an eSIM in Russia
By using an eSIM, you keep your local number in WhatsApp or Telegram to call and message all your contacts, friends, or family back in your country. However, keep in mind that by using an international eSIM, such as the one offered by Ubigi, you will only have mobile data (internet) and will not receive a Russian phone number. This entails some important limitations to be aware of before traveling:
- Public Wi-Fi: Many public Wi-Fi networks in Russia (airports, shopping centers, metro stations, hotels, or cafés) require a verification code sent by SMS to a Russian number. Without a local SIM, connecting to these networks can be difficult.
- Opening bank accounts: Currently, most Russian banks require having a Russian phone number registered with Gosuslugi to open a bank account. However, some banks like T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff) allow opening accounts using a foreign number, though you’ll need to contact their support by email.
- Registering for services and apps: Some popular apps in Russia (for instance, Yandex Taxi, VK, platforms for buying transport tickets, or other local services) also typically require a Russian number to register.
4. Internet in Russia: Other Important Considerations
Finally, there are some things to know about internet access in Russia.
Because of international sanctions, many websites and apps do not work in Russia: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, among others. To access them, you need a VPN (Virtual Private Network). There are free and paid VPNs available.
Also, as I mentioned, while it’s common to find free Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and airports, some networks require an SMS code sent to a Russian number to connect. In any case, if you can access these Wi-Fi connections, for security reasons you should avoid accessing sensitive information like online banking or using your card on public Wi-Fi networks.
Conclusion
In short, due to strict regulations in place since January 2025, purchasing a physical SIM card in Russia has become practically impossible for tourists. That’s why the most recommended alternative is to get an international eSIM before your trip.
Whichever you choose, be sure to plan your connectivity well to avoid unpleasant surprises during your stay in Russia.
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