Why get your eSIM before you reach Moscow
Moscow has three main airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) and Vnukovo (VKO). Whichever you use, the first thing you will want after landing is a working connection: to find your ride, open your hotel booking, message family and navigate. Arranging an eSIM at home means none of that depends on queues, shops or airport Wi-Fi.
Since 2022 many Western mobile carriers have restricted or stopped roaming in Russia, and Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia generally do not work there, so it is sensible to buy and pay for your data in advance.
What you will use data for in Moscow
- Maps and navigation: popular local apps such as Yandex Maps and 2GIS work best online. Download offline maps as a backup.
- Taxis and transport: ride-hailing and metro apps need a live connection.
- Translation: point your camera at menus and signs.
- Bookings and messages: hotels, tickets, family video calls.
With unlimited data you never have to watch a gigabyte counter during a busy city break.
Choose a plan
Set it up in three steps
- Pick a plan and pay. Secure card payment takes under a minute.
- Get your QR code instantly. It appears on screen and is emailed to you.
- Install before you fly. Follow our step-by-step guide; the eSIM connects automatically when you arrive.
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06# and look for an EID number to check.
Local SIM or eSIM in Moscow?
Buying a physical SIM in Moscow is no longer a quick airport purchase: foreigners generally need identity verification with biometrics and a notarised passport translation, which can take days, and topping up with a foreign card may be awkward. Read our comparison of eSIM, local SIM and roaming.
Frequently asked questions
Will my eSIM work at Moscow airports?
Install it before you travel; it connects to the local network when you arrive in Russia, so you can get online after landing at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo or Vnukovo.
Is there unlimited data for Moscow?
Yes. Plans include genuine unlimited data on the local Russian network for the length of the plan.
Does coverage in Moscow have gaps?
Local network coverage in Moscow is generally strong, but signal can be weaker in some tunnels and enclosed spaces, as in any large city.
Can I also use it outside Moscow?
The eSIM is for Russia and connects to the local network in cities across the country; coverage in remote areas can vary.
When should I buy it?
A day or two before your trip, so you can install it on Wi-Fi at home.
Last updated: 2026-10-21