How to Buy a SIM Card in Russia as a Foreign Visitor starting from 2025

Staying in Russia for two weeks or longer? Here’s Why a Local SIM Card Is a Smart Choice

If you’re planning to stay in Russia for two weeks or more—or intend to visit regularly—purchasing a local Russian SIM card is highly recommended. Not only will it provide you with reliable mobile connectivity, but it also facilitates the opening of a Russian bank account with a MIR credit card. This card gives you access to MIR Pay, Russia’s domestic contactless payment system.

This is especially important, as Western-issued credit cards and services like Apple Pay or Google Pay do not work in Russia.

However, please note that there are some important caveats. The process of obtaining a SIM card has become more complex for non-residents. To assist you, we have prepared a step-by-step guide based on feedback from our students who have successfully navigated this process in recent weeks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a SIM Card in Russia

1. Get a Notarised Translation of Your Passport

Before you can apply for any official documents, you must have a notarised translation of your passport into Russian.

• Visit a translation bureau or a notary’s office.
• Ensure that all passport pages containing personal details and visas are translated and certified.

2. Apply for SNILS (Russian Social Security Number)

A SNILS (СНИЛС) is required for various government services, including SIM card registration.

• Apply at the Social Fund of Russia (Социальный фонд России) or an MFC (Multifunctional Center “Мои документы”).
• You will receive an SNILS number on the spot.

3. Register on the State Services Portal (Госуслуги)

The Russian State Services Portal (Gosuslugi) is required to activate your SIM card.

• Visit an MFC or a bank (such as Sberbank or VTB) to verify your identity.
• Bring your passport, notarised translation, and SNILS.
• You’ll need a Russian phone number for registration, so ask the staff for temporary solutions.
• Verification takes up to a few days.

4. Submit Your Biometrics

• Go to a bank (Sberbank or VTB) or an MFC to get your biometric data collected.
• Bring your passport, notarised translation, and SNILS.
• Your biometric profile will be registered in the Unified Biometric System on the same day.

5. Apply for a SIM Card at a Mobile Operator’s Store

Once you have SNILS, a verified Gosuslugi account, and registered biometrics, you can buy a SIM card.

• Visit a mobile operator’s official store (e.g., MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
• Bring your passport and notarised translation.
• Provide the IMEI (serial number) of the device where you’ll use the SIM.
• The staff will verify your identity using biometric data.

6. Activate Your SIM Card via Госуслуги

For activation, you must log in to your Gosuslugi account and confirm the registration.

• Some operators allow in-store activation with the help of the staff.
• The SIM card will only work after biometric verification.

Alternative Solutions for Tourists staying only for a few days

If you are in Russia for a short visit, consider these options:

• Roaming: Check if your home provider has affordable roaming plans for Russia.
• Wi-Fi & Messaging Apps: Many places (as well as our schools) offer free Wi-Fi, and apps like WhatsApp and Telegram work without a Russian SIM.

Buying a SIM card in Russia as a foreigner now requires several bureaucratic steps. The process can take a few days, so plan ahead.

07/08/2025

The project of a KSUAE postgraduate student is the winner of the "TEAM LEADERS 2024/25" competition in the "AI in Construction"

The award ceremony for the winners of the Ninth Open All-Russian Competition with International Participation "TEAM-LEADERS 2024/25" was held at the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation. This competition is held on the initiative of NOTIM, with the support of the Ministry of Construction of Russia, the Public Council under the Ministry of Construction of Russia, etc. for projects and developments of commercial organizations and student works.

More than 40 projects took part in the IX competition in the section of student works, 16 participants became prize winners (from KSUACE, Alabuga Polytechnic, MGSU, TSUACE, IrGUPS, Sibstrin, etc.).

Postgraduate student of the KSUAE Institute of Transport Constructions, Bulat Khusaenov, under the supervision of the head of the department of digital road technologies, Lenar Mavliev, became the winner in the nomination "Artificial Intelligence in Construction" in the section of student works for the development of "Program for designing road construction materials using waste from the oil industry LabAdv (Laboratory Advisor)", beating the team of students from MGSU in points.

The News is submitted by International Relations Dept of the University.

04/08/2025

Traditional summer sports competitions were held in the KSUAE summer camp Mesha

From July 21 to August 1, the sports and health camp on Mesha hosted competitions for students of the Institute of Construction in volleyball, basketball, table tennis, pull-ups and leg raises. The students happily participated in these events, strengthening their health and physical fitness.

The News is submitted by International Relations Dept of the University.

28/07/2025

KSUAE Professor Rakhimova N.R. took part in the conference "Advanced Concrete Technologies" in China

KSUAE Professor Rakhimova N.R. took part in the conference "Advanced Concrete Technologies" dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Asian Concrete Association and held from July 25 to 27 in Changsha (China).

The conference was organized by Hunan University. The conference featured 14 plenary and 137 sectional reports by participants from China, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia and other countries in the following areas: - modern materials for concrete, - high-strength and ultra-high-strength concrete - self-healing concrete, - innovative concrete structures, - restoration and repair technologies, - nanotechnology in concrete, - assessment of the life cycle of concrete.

Professor Rakhimova N.R. made a report "The influence of the chemical and mineral composition of montmorillonite clays on their reactivity in low-carbon cements".

The News is submitted by International Relations Dept of the University.