Kyrgyzstan: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

Kyrgyzstan is probably not the most popular travel destination in Asia, but it still has a lot to offer.

Especially when it is a relatively affordable country for travel.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Kyrgyzstan.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Kyrgyzstan.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Kyrgyzstan cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Kyrgyzstan for as low as 8 USD and up to 102 USD from Airalo, Alosim & Holafly offering between 1 GB and 25 GB to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Those are some generous data allowances, right?

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Kyrgyz mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & SimOptions . Let's do this.

Original publication: 15^th of September 2022. Last updated: 7^th of March 2024.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about five eSIM options in Kyrgyzstan (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Kyrgyzstan without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Airalo Doské eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money)
• Alosim Kyrgyzstan eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
• Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM (generous data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Kyrgyzstan-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Kyrgyzstan 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Kyrgyz Mobile Operators

To get the best service available, in terms of reception and speeds, you want to go with the local mobile operators directly instead of with a travel eSIM.

That is because you will have a higher priority on the network in case of network congestion.

However, that does not mean travel eSIMs will always be slow.

In fact, some mobile operators throttle (prepaid) on select plans or all plans for “optimization” reasons (read: we cannot be bothered to invest in our network).

Anyway, which Kyrgyz mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But you have to deal with Kyrgyzstan's SIM card registration scheme, which is mandatory for anyone using Kyrgyz SIM cards and eSIMs – it can be a time-consuming affair.

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

While mobile data is already affordable in Kyrgyzstan, getting any of the travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide will not break the bank – not at all.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & SimOptions offer attractive eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan – some allow their eSIMs to be set up before arriving in Kyrgyzstan and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & SimOptions before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's see what these travel eSIM providers have to offer in Kyrgyzstan, right?

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Airalo eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan (Doské)

If I could only get one travel eSIM during my trip because I do not have the time or opportunity to buy a local SIM card or eSIM, I would always get an eSIM from Airalo, like its Doské eSIM for Kyrgyzstan.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for more than 200 countries and territories, which is an insane number on its own, I almost always have the best network performance with its eSIMs.

Additionally, its eSIMs are frequently one of the cheapest compared to its competition, including the ones mentioned in this guide, which is remarkable on its own.

If you have no idea who or what Airalo is and are confused right now, worry not – I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Basically, what Airalo does is partner up with local mobile operators to sell plans through its eSIMs in a convenient way on its platform.

In many Asian countries, Airalo works with Singtel from Singapore, the country's best mobile operator, which can then be used in various Asian countries.

That way, you do not have to fly to Singapore, get its SIM card, buy a roaming plan, and then go to Kyrgyzstan with your new package.

Not only would this be expensive, but it would also be a waste of time (unless you already planned on visiting Singapore anyway, like a transit).

So, I already told you that Airalo's Kyrgyzstan eSIM is called Doské.

The Doské eSIM uses the Beeline Kyrgyzstan network on 4G/LTE (no 5G NR access yet, but some Airalo eSIMs already do, so it is only a matter of time).

That way, you can use the Beeline Kyrgyzstan 4G/LTE network without going through Kyrgyzstan's SIM card registration requirements (legally, of course)!

Anyway, you have three Airalo Doské eSIM options:

1. Kyrgyzstan/Doské 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Kyrgyzstan/Doské 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 21 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Kyrgyzstan/Doské 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Honestly, the Airalo Doské eSIM is fantastic and loved by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the Airalo Doské eSIM before you make your purchase decision (but we still have plenty of Kyrgyz travel eSIMs to cover, so do not be too quick!).

Airalo Doské eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Doské eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Doské eSIM before arriving in Kyrgyzstan (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in Kyrgyzstan – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip Kyrgyzstan's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Beeline Kyrgyzstan network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Doské eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Doské eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Doské eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Kyrgyz) phone number either)
• While you get access to Beeline Kyrgyzstan's network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Beeline Kyrgyzstan itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The Kyrgyz mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Doské's is capped at 5 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans
• There is no 5G NR access with the Doské eSIM

Airalo Doské eSIM Overall Thoughts

I have been a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in years, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Doské eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices, especially compared to international roaming.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in Kyrgyzstan without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, you cannot call or text with the Doské eSIM, as it is a data-only eSIM.

But if you wish to make actual calls, not through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, consider buying a Kyrgyz SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Alosim eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 130+ 150+ countries.

Although I only started using its eSIMs in 2023, I like them a lot.

Mostly because Alosim eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular destinations in Asia.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for Kyrgyzstan yet… but that could change soon 😏.

Something even Airalo, the King of eSIMs, does not offer (yet).

And you know I am all about that speed 🐆.

In Kyrgyzstan, Alosim uses the Beeline Kyrgyzstan network.

Just like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country, which I love.

And the eSIMs are affordable too!

You have the following three Alosim Kyrgyzstan eSIM options:

1. Kyrgyzstan 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Kyrgyzstan 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 21 USD
3. Kyrgyzstan 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

And as I am always looking out for you, use code PTW for 5% off your Alosim eSIM purchase!

Just note that when you have installed your Alosim eSIM, you always have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Of course, Alosim mentions this on the installation page, but it is not something you have to do with man eSIM providers.

So I thought I would mention it here as a heads-up 😜.

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Holafly eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time.

You can now get unlimited data plans for several Asian countries, all European Union member states & a handful of other countries.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Unfortunately, unlimited data plans are unavailable in Kyrgyzstan for now, but Holafly informed me it intends to have unlimited data eSIMs for all supported countries (but it will take a while).

The Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM uses the MegaCom Kyrgyzstan network.

You have the following seven Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM options:

1. Kyrgyzstan 3 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 20 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Kyrgyzstan 5 GB eSIM for 10 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Kyrgyzstan 7 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 48 USD
4. Kyrgyzstan 10 GB eSIM for 20 days, costing 59 USD
5. Kyrgyzstan 12 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 71 USD
6. Kyrgyzstan 18 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 89 USD
7. Kyrgyzstan 25 GB eSIM for 90 days, costing 102 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Kyrgyzstan eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Kyrgyzstan's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the MegaCom Kyrgyzstan network
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Kyrgyzstan eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Kyrgyz) phone number either)
• While you get access to the MegaCom Kyrgyzstan network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Kyrgyzstan
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Kyrgyzstan for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Kyrgyzstan-only eSIMs

Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM Overall Thoughts

Unfortunately, unlimited data plans are still unavailable for Kyrgyzstan.

This is a shame because I know many Phone Travel Wiz readers would love such eSIMs.

For now, we just have to be patient.

Currently, Holafly's eSIMs are not the cheapest.

But at least the data allowance is reasonable for the price you pay.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off to save money on your Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM – your wallet will thank you 😜.

Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

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Best eSIMs for Asia & the World (including Kyrgyzstan)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring Asian country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, or Nomad eSIMs in any country than Kyrgyzstan.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Asia.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Asia and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Asia or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries to save money!

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days – 53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Kyrgyzstan.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly and SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Doské eSIM (best value for money)
• Alosim Kyrgyzstan eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly Kyrgyzstan eSIM (generous data eSIMs)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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Buying a SIM Card in Kyrgyzstan

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Kyrgyz SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.