If you are traveling to Russia, I strongly recommend you to get a Russian prepaid sim card with internet. They are widely available, quite affordable and are very convenient for all visitors in Russia.

Should you Get Prepaid Mobile Internet in Russia?

Before going through the steps of getting mobile internet in Russia, let’s analyze some facts. Russia is not part of the European Union, and does not have any good roaming deals with any country in the west.

In other words, many foreign sim cards will just not work in Russia. And among those who work, expect to pay ridiculous high prices per MB, calls, and even SMS messages.

On the other hand, mobile data packages in Russia are widely available, and also pretty cheap. You can get your sim card in most mobile phone shops in any city in Russia, and the activation process takes just a few minutes.

How to get a Prepaid Sim Card in Russia

Russia is the biggest country in the world, with a vast territory and a complex system of federal subjects. If you are travelling to Eastern Europe, buying prepaid internet in Russia is a rather easy and inexpensive process. You can buy a sim card and get it activated in a matter of minutes.

The first step to buy a sim card in Russia depends on your point of arrival in the country. I recommend buying a sim card as one of the first steps you should take once inside the country. If you want to use affordable taxis, it is much cheaper to call them than to board them in the street.

It is quite easy to buy prepaid sim card in Russian airports, like Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo (Moscow) and Pulkovo (Saint Petersburg). The major mobile phone operators have kiosks in these airports. The same goes for the train travelers, with kiosks in most main stations in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. For those arriving in other Russian cities, it will depend on the size of the station.

Main networks have multiple stores in most cities. From Monday to Saturday you won’t have any trouble to find a store opened. In major cities or shopping malls, you can easily buy it on Sundays as well.

Once inside the store, you can ask for a prepaid internet sim card. It is important to select a plan that is valid nationwide, as many plans are valid just for the region where you buy them. In these cases, a roaming is charged if you are out of the region in which you have bought it. Countrywide plans charge the same price for data packages regardless of your location in Russia.

Closing the Transaction

You may be required to fill a short form with your name, passport and visa number to buy you sim card. It is however a smooth procedure.

After, you will have your sim card. I strongly advise you to ask a shop assistant to activate your internet package before leaving the store. This will avoid further problems in your trip. Even if the clerk says it will take 10 minutes to activate, wait and insist to get it activated.

Note: some street vendors also sell gsm chips in Russia, however, there isn’t any advantage in buying them if you are a tourist. It is better in all cases to buy and activate it on a shop.

Which Prepaid Internet To Choose in Russia

There are two main network operators that I recommend in Russia. They are Beeline (Билайн) and MTS (МТС). The main advantage of these two operators is that they have a strong presence in most Russian cities, therefore making it easy to top up or require further assistance. You can also try Megafon (МегаФон), as its also among the biggest networks operators.

Conclusion

Buying prepaid internet in Russia is simple and easy, and makes your trip more convenient and comfortable. Most unlocked phones work in Russia without any need for setting or configuration changes.

Other Resources for Traveling in Russia

If you are visiting Russia you might want to check our guides on how to get from Moscow Airports to the city center, and the best places to stay in Saint Petersburg. You can also read this guide on dating in Russia, if you are an expat living or relocating to the country.

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Russia has always been a mystery for many travelers. While it is a part of Asia and Europe due to its vast land, getting a visa to the country is not very simple. The paperwork required is enormous and the processing time can take an age. There are also certain restrictions imposed to certain nationals.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Russia will be introducing an electronic visa system to make visa applications and arrivals faster. According to the report of Russia Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the plan this month.

This will not be the first time that Russia is changing its visa scheme. In last year’s World Cup, supporters of each team were allowed entry to Russia without a visa. They only need to apply for a “Fan ID” and present it with their passport.

What is included in Russia’s E-Visa Scheme?

Details about the E-Visa scheme are yet to be announced. However, experts suggest that it will be applicable to citizens from China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the Schengen zone. British citizens may not be included in the list due to the ongoing Brexit talks, as well as Canada and the United States.

E-visa prices may also cost around $50 in comparison to today’s $129. Visa processing can be as fast as 16 days once the new system is in place.

What is Russia’s current Visa Scheme?

Currently, Russia is visa-free for certain countries. Tourists taking cruises can enter Russia without too much paperwork. They are allowed to stay up to 72 hours without a visa if they land in one of the seven major ports. Those travelling to the Far East Federal District are also allowed visa-free access. Others will need to file for a single-entry visa to get access to Russia.

A trial run of the e-visa system is also in place in the Far East. However, only 18 countries are eligible for the run.

The trial is expected to extend to Kaliningrad next week.

How to Reach Russia?

Visiting Russia’s major cities like Saint Petersburg or Moscow is very easy thanks to direct flights from Europe, US and Asia. There are also connecting flights passing by these cities. Nearby countries can enter the Russian border if they have shared borders and visa. Major cruises also pass by Russia’s major ports.

Looking for ideas in your future Russia trip? Feel free to check out our articles on where to stay in Moscow or in Saint Petersburg to get some ideas. You can also check out our article on how to get prepaid internet during your trip. For those hoping to stay in Moscow, our salary guide is a good place to start.

The post Russia to Introduce e-Visas from 2021 appeared first on Check in Price.