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.