The three options at a glance
| Roaming | Local SIM card | Local eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Automatic, if your carrier still offers it | Buy in a shop or at the airport after you land | Buy online, install before you fly |
| Cost | Often very high per MB or per day | Local prices, but you top up in person | Fixed price for the plan, paid in advance |
| Paperwork | None | Identity verification for foreigners: biometrics, a Gosuslugi account, a SNILS number and a notarised passport translation | None from you: no biometrics, no passport translation |
| Time on arrival | Instant | Queues and language barriers possible | Connected when you land |
| Risk | Foreign SIMs and eSIMs in roaming are reported to have mobile data blocked for the first 24 hours, and can be cut off for long periods during security measures | Registration can take days and may be impossible on a short trip | You must own an unlocked eSIM phone |
Roaming
Convenient on paper, but the most fragile option today. Since 2022 many Western carriers have restricted or stopped roaming in Russia, and where it is available the cost per day or per megabyte can be high. More importantly, reports from Novaya Gazeta, Meduza and The Moscow Times say foreign SIM cards and foreign eSIM profiles working in roaming have their mobile data blocked for roughly the first 24 hours after they first connect to a Russian network, with the restriction resetting if the SIM sits unused for a few days or you change network. On top of that, regional authorities have repeatedly cut mobile internet as a security measure since 2025, and roaming users are among the most exposed: in tight security situations roaming can stop completely, for days and sometimes longer. Do not rely on roaming for anything critical.
A local SIM card
A physical SIM from a Russian operator used to be a simple purchase at the airport. Since the 2025 rules it is not: a foreigner generally has to verify their identity through the state systems, which means a Gosuslugi account, a SNILS number, the phone's IMEI, biometric registration (fingerprints and photo) in person at a bank or service centre, and usually a notarised translation of the passport. The process can take several days, which makes it impractical or impossible for most short trips. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are also generally not accepted in Russia, which complicates paying and topping up.
A local eSIM
A local eSIM combines the benefits of a local network with the convenience of buying from home. Ours is a direct local Russian-network eSIM (Beeline and MTS), not a foreign roaming profile. You pay online in advance with your normal card, install the profile on Wi-Fi before you fly, and your phone connects when you land, with no biometrics, no passport translation and no shop visit on your side. The 24-hour block described above is reported to target foreign SIMs and eSIMs in roaming, not a local profile like this one. The limits: your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked, you keep your home SIM for calls, and, as with any network, a regional internet shutdown can still affect everyone in that area, so keep offline maps and a Wi-Fi fallback.
Sources: Novaya Gazeta, Meduza, The Moscow Times, Gateway to Russia. Rules change often; the Russian authorities have not publicly confirmed every detail, so verify before you travel.
Which should you choose?
- Short trip, you want zero hassle: a local eSIM bought before you fly.
- Business traveler who must be reachable on arrival: a local eSIM, with your home SIM kept for calls.
- Long stay with a local number needed: a local SIM card (start the registration early), and a local eSIM for your first days.
- Phone without eSIM support: a local SIM card.
How much data do you need?
Maps, translation, ride and food apps, messaging and the occasional video call add up quickly. Unlimited data removes the guesswork. See our Russia eSIM plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Russia?
Usually yes. An eSIM has a fixed price for the plan, while roaming, where available, is often charged per day or per megabyte.
Can a tourist buy a Russian SIM card?
It is now difficult. Foreigners generally need a Gosuslugi account, a SNILS number, biometric registration in person and a notarised passport translation, and the process can take days. That is why many short-stay travelers choose a local eSIM they can install before flying.
Is foreign roaming reliable in Russia?
No. Many Western carriers have restricted it, reports say foreign SIMs and eSIMs in roaming have data blocked for about the first 24 hours after first connecting, and roaming can be cut for long periods during security measures.
Does your eSIM have the 24-hour data block?
No. It is a local Russian-network eSIM, not a foreign roaming profile, so it connects directly when you arrive. Regional internet shutdowns, where they happen, can affect any network, so keep offline maps and a Wi-Fi fallback.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my home number?
Yes. Use the eSIM for data and keep your home SIM for calls and text codes, with data roaming off on the home line.
Do I need a special phone for an eSIM?
You need an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone. Dial *#06# and look for an EID number.
Last updated: 2026-10-21