Russia: Buy the Best eSIMs | 2024 Guide

Russia is probably not the most popular travel destination in Asia and Europe, 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 Russia.

If you use your current SIM card in Russia, you would be charged excessive roaming rates.

One way to keep your costs low is by using a travel eSIM because international roaming can be crazy 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 Russia.

So, how much do Russian (travel) eSIMs cost?

You can get an eSIM for Russia for as low as 5 USD and up to 54 USD from Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Europe, or globally.

There are some mobile operators who will charge you 100 USD for only 100 MB of roaming data, so these travel eSIM offers are much better than most international roaming deals.

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Russian mobile operators (if available), Alosim, Holafly & Nomad. Let's get started.

Original publication: 1st of September 2022. Last updated: 25th of October 2023.

---

Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

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

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

• Alosim Russia eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money – use code PTW for 5% off)
• Holafly Russia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 20 days (unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• Nomad Russia eSIM with 13 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money… too – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Russia with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (110 or 140 countries) at high(er) prices)

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 (Russia-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 Russia 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

---

eSIMs offered by Russian Mobile Operators

In order to get the best performance out there, it is often recommended to go directly with the local mobile operators because you will get a higher priority on the network compared to roaming.

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in Russia (yet).

Note that the Russian mobile operators require your identification (ID for EU/EEA travelers and passport for anyone else) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards as part of Russia's SIM card registration requirements.

(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)).

And some travelers do not want to deal with any of that for privacy reasons.

Luckily, there is a way to avoid this registration scheme: by roaming (super expensive) or using a travel eSIM (affordable AND can be cheaper than local SIM cards in many countries).

Travel eSIM providers Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offer attractive eSIMs for Russia, allowing them to be set up before arriving in Russia and activating them as soon as you land.

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

So let's check out all the options, shall we?

---

Alosim eSIMs for Russia

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 150+ countries

Up from 130+ countries when I started working with Alosim (in 2023).

One thing that drew me to Alosim is that its eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular travel destinations worldwide where other players do not yet.

In Europe, where I expected the trend to follow because many eSIM providers do so, Alosim lags behind 🤔.

Kind of interesting – but I have been told Alosim is working on expanding its 5G NR reach throughout Europe.

So we have to stay tuned for now!

In Russia, Alosim uses the MTS network.

Like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country for our benefit.

Which is something I love, of course – let alone the low prices for its eSIMs!

You have the following six Alosim Russia eSIM options:

1. Russia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
2. Russia 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 9 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Russia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 11.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Russia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Russia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 29 USD
6. Russia 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 48 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).

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 😜.

---

Holafly eSIMs for Russia

The second eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

It started something revolutionary in June 2022.

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

No idea who or what Holafly is? 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).

From what I know, Holafly is the first to offer unlimited data plans for so many countries WITHOUT a Fair-Use Policy.

That was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Do with this information as you wish 😏.

Now, I have to say that Holafly's Russia unlimited data plans are more expensive than any eSIM mentioned in this guide.

The Holafly eSIMs use the MTS network.

You have the following five Holafly Russia eSIM options:

1. Russia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Russia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Russia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Russia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/59 CAD
5. Russia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD

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

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

Once again, let's see some pros and cons of the Holafly Russia eSIMs.

Holafly Russia eSIM Pros

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

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

Holafly Russia eSIM Cons

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

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Russia eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Russian) phone number either)
• While you get access to MTS network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with MTS itself because you will be roaming on its 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 Russia
  • 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 Russia for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Russia-only eSIMs

Holafly Russia eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

[The block above is not a hint block – do not change it]

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

---

Nomad eSIMs for Russia

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

And no, I am not talking about the (digital) Nomad lifestyle, but Nomad eSIMs! (Check out my Nomad review to learn more about all its options).

Previously, I implied that Nomad eSIMs, including the Russia ones, were mediocre.

And they used to be.

But since then, Nomad dropped its prices, switched to a better roaming partner & improved its overall service.

It may have been because I complained… but still 🤫.

For many European countries, Nomad partnered with Truphone – a global connectivity carrier.

For some reason, Truphone is secretive about the local network(s) it uses (and its partners are not allowed to disclose it either).

Unfortunately, I did not note it down when I was in Russia 🥲.

Anyway, I also wrote that Nomad used to be more expensive than Airalo.

It still is… slightly, but it has dropped its prices since, making it more competitive (compared to many of its competitors, not just Airalo or others mentioned in this guide).

So I am happy to not call Nomad mediocre anymore 🤣.

You have the following ten options with Nomad:

1. Russia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Nomad Black), costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD/6 CHF
2. Russia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (eSIM Go), costing 7 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD/6.50 CHF
3. Russia 3 GB eSIM for 30 day (eSIM Go), costing 11 USD/10.50 EUR/9.50 GBP/15.50 CAD/10.50 CHF
4. Russia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad Black), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD/11.50 CHF (price dropped)
5. Russia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/12 GBP/19.50 CAD/13 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Russia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad Black), costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD/14 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Russia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 20 USD/19.50 EUR/17 GBP/27.50 CAD/18.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Russia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad Black), costing 22 USD/21 EUR/18.50 GBP/30.50 CAD/20.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. Russia 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad Black), costing 28 USD/27 EUR/23.50 GBP/38.50 CAD/26 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
10. Russia 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad Black), (price dropped) costing 35 USD/33.50 EUR/29 GBP/48 CAD/32.50 CHF

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 you know that I have a good deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

Nomad Russia eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's Russia eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Russia's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to (an) undisclosed Russian network(s)
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad 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)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Russia eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's Russia eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Russia eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Russian) phone number either)
• While you get access to (an) undisclosed Russian network(s), your speeds will not be as fast as going with the mobile operator(s) it-/themselves because you will be roaming on its/their network(s) (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in Russia
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• The Russian mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Nomad's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Russia eSIM

Nomad Russia eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for European eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

Currently, Nomad has way more data options in Asia, Oceania, the United Kingdom & the United States.

I hope they can be added for Russia too because there is demand for it.

But besides that, the Nomad Russia eSIM is fine.

---

Best eSIMs for Europe & the World (including Russia)

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

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

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Europe (+extras).

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

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

---

Alosim Europe eSIM

Alosim has had several Europe-related eSIMs for a while.

These are the Eastern Europe eSIM (11 countries), Mediterranean eSIM (six countries), Scandinavia (four countries), United Kingdom and Ireland & Western Europe (four countries).

No other eSIM provider in this guide has split European eSIMs like this… and I actually do not recommend them.

Nomad has its Nordic eSIM… and I can tell you it is the least popular regional eSIM Nomad has (and I am surprised it has not pulled it yet).

So after pushing Alosim for literal months, it finally introduced the Europe eSIM in July 2023, covering 32 countries.

This includes most countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland & Sweden are not covered), Jersey, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey & the United Kingdom.

Unlike some European eSIMs mentioned in this guide, 5G NR access is not widely available with this eSIM yet (only in Croatia (Telemach), the Czech Republic (O2), Greece (Nova) & Portugal (NOS)).

But Alosim has promised me they are working on it (and so far, it has delivered on many promises made to me, which is why I love working so closely with Alosim, to be honest!).

The Alosim Europe eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

¹ 5G NR access

Below is an overview of how much each Alosim Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Europe 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 8 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD
4. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 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).

Just like country-specific Alosim eSIMs, you can still use code PTW for 5% off!

---

Airalo Discover Global eSIM

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM, called Discover Global.

This eSIM can be used in 84+ countries, including Russia, often offering up to 4G/LTE reception and speeds (also in Russia).

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 84+ countries:

You have these 12 Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD
7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

---

AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM (5G NR access in Russia)

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!

---

Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Russia, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Russia and a total of 110 countries (including most European ones).

Nomad's Global eSIM covers more countries than Airalo's Discover Global eSIM (110 vs. 85).

But it is also significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it.

Anyway, you have these three Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20 GBP/34 CAD/22.50 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go) costing 19 USD/18 EUR/15.50 GBP/26 CAD/17 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 40 USD/37.50 EUR/32 GBP/54.50 CAD/35.50 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go), costing 40 USD/37.50 EUR/32 GBP/54.50 CAD/35.50 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 45 USD/42 EUR/36 GBP/61.50 CAD/40 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go), costing 57 USD/53 EUR/45.50 GBP/77.50 CAD/50.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

¹ 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
² 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
³ 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

---

Overview of the Best eSIMs for Russia

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

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, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Alosim Russia eSIM (best value for money)
• Holafly Russia eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Russia eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Alosim Europe eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with fewer options and worse coverage (32 countries))
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (reasonable extensive global coverage (84+ 130+ countries) at attractive prices + calling and texting options (new))
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Russia (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (110/140 countries) at high(er) prices)

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

---

Buying a SIM Card in Russia

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

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