Prepaid Armenia SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
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Armenia SIM cards are a must-have for tourists exploring this country, guaranteeing smooth connectivity and convenient access to local services.
Getting a SIM card in Armenia is essential for tourists who want to stay connected while exploring the country. This guide will help you find the best SIM cards, their prices, and where to buy them.
In this article
I. What are the Best Armenia SIM cards for Tourists?
Good to know: 1 USD = 387 AMD
I recommend Viva-MTS. This is the best mobile operator in the country with the fastest speeds and best coverage.
1. Viva-MTS
Viva-MTS Armenia is the largest mobile operator in Armenia.
Super Couple – Viva-MTS Armenia
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
| 200 AMD | 500 MB | Unlimited | 1 day |
Viva Plans – Viva-MTS Armenia
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local/International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 2700 AMD | 4000 MB | 2500 minutes | 50 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 3500 AMD | 6000 MB | 3500 minutes | 100 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 5500 AMD | 10 000 MB | 5500 minutes | 200 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 7500 AMD | 20 000 MB | 7500 minutes | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 30 days |
| 9500 AMD | 38 000 MB | 9500 minutes | 450 minutes | 450 SMS | 30 days |
Super Bit – Viva-MTS Armenia
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 150 AMD | 500 MB | 1 day |
X and Y Tariff Plans – Viva-MTS Armenia
| Price | Data | Social Media Data | On-Net Minutes | Local/International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 3000 AMD | 10 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 800 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 5000 AMD | 20 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 3000 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
2. Beeline
Beeline Armenia is the second-largest mobile operator in Armenia.
Smart – Beeline Armenia
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local/International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 990 AMD | 2 GB | 10 000 minutes | N/A | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 1500 AMD | 3 GB | 10 000 minutes | N/A | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 1500 AMD | 3 GB | 10 000 minutes | N/A | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 2500 AMD | 5 GB | 10 000 minutes | 50 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 3500 AMD | 7 GB | 10 000 minutes | 150 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 5500 AMD | 12 GB | 10 000 minutes | 250 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 7500 AMD | 22 GB | 10 000 minutes | 350 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 9500 AMD | Unlimited | 10 000 minutes | 500 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 12 000 AMD | Unlimited | 10 000 minutes | 600 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 15 000 AMD | Unlimited | 10 000 minutes | 700 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
BeeFree – Beeline Armenia
| Price | Data | Local/International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 1900 AMD | 7 GB | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 1900 AMD | 10 GB | 450 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 2900 AMD | 10 GB | 450 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 4900 AMD | Unlimited | 1500 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 7900 AMD | Unlimited | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
Mega – Beeline Armenia
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 100 AMD | 300 MB | 1 day |
| 150 AMD | 500 MB | 1 day |
Giga – Beeline Armenia
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 700 AMD | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 1000 AMD | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 2000 AMD | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 3500 AMD | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 5000 AMD | 15 GB | 30 days |
3. Ucom
Ucom is the smallest and youngest mobile operator in Armenia. It is also the cheapest option in the country.
Level Up – Ucom
| Price | Data | Local/International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 1800 AMD | 6 GB | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 1800 AMD | 8 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 2900 AMD | 8 GB | 450 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 4900 AMD | “Unlimited”, 200 GB | 1500 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 8900 AMD | “Unlimited”, 200 GB | 6000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
Internet Bundles – Ucom
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 100 AMD | 300 MB | 1 day |
| 500 AMD | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 700 AMD | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 1200 AMD | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 3500 AMD | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 6500 AMD | 20 GB | 30 days |
uDaily – Ucom
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 250 AMD | 1 GB | Until midnight |
| 1000 AMD | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 2000 AMD | 4 GB | 15 days |
| 3000 AMD | 8 GB | 30 days |
Drift – Ucom
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 3500 AMD | 30 GB | 30 days |
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Armenia for Tourists?
Here are several ways to get a SIM card during your visit:
- Buy Online Before You Go
- Buy a Physical SIM at Airports
- Buy a Physical SIM in Cities
- Buy an eSIM
1. Buy Online Before You Go
- Where : Purchase SIM cards from the websites of Armenia carriers like Vivacell, Beeline or Ucom.
- Delivery : The cards will be shipped to your home before your trip.
- Pros : The card arrives ready to use, and you have a wide choice of data plans.
- Cons : It requires planning ahead, and you may face shipping fees and delays.
2. Buy a Physical SIM at Airports
- Where : Available at shops in Yerevan-Zvartnots International Airport from all major carriers.
- Location : Look for kiosks near the arrival areas.
- Pros : Convenient to get right after you arrive, and you can activate it on the spot.
- Cons : Limited plan options and generally higher prices.
3. Buy a Physical SIM in Cities
- Where : Available at carrier stores in major cities.
- Pros : More plan options than at the airport, and you might find promotions.
- Cons : You need to travel to the stores, and it won’t be ready for immediate use.
4. Buy an eSIM
- Where : Providers like Gigago offer eSIM activation through their websites or apps.
- Activation : You can activate it instantly, but you need a eSIM-compatible phone.
- Pros : Very convenient; no need to wait for a physical SIM.
- Cons : Only works with certain phones.
► Recommendation: For convenience, price, and ease of use, we recommend getting an eSIM.
III. How Much is a Tourist Armenia SIM Card?
In Armenia, a tourist SIM card typically costs around 100 AMD (approximately 0.26 USD) . However, you’ll need to top up with at least 1000 AMD (2.59 USD) to activate it. SIM cards can be obtained for free when purchased with a plan from providers like Viva-MTS, Beeline, or Ucom.
IV. What types of Armenia SIM cards are available for tourists?
When visiting Armenia, you have two main options for getting a SIM card: a prepaid physical SIM card or a prepaid tourist eSIM.
1. Prepaid Physical SIM Cards
- Easy to Use : These SIM cards are a simple choice for tourists.
- Services Offered : They provide data, voice, and text messaging.
- Where to Buy : You can find them at airports, train stations, and telecom stores.
- Activation : They have a straightforward activation process, so you can start using them right after purchase.
2. Prepaid Tourist eSIM
- Convenient Option : This is a great alternative for visitors.
- Online Purchase : You can buy and activate it entirely online, without needing a physical card.
- Services Offered : It can provide data-only or data, voice, and text messaging.
- Device Compatibility : It only works with eSIM-compatible devices.
| Feature | Prepaid Physical SIM Card | Prepaid Tourist eSIM |
| Availability | Available at retail locations | Purchased online, no physical card |
| Device Compatibility | Works with any unlocked device | Only works with eSIM-enabled devices |
| Activation | Simple activation process | Fully digital activation |
| Data, Voice, and Text | Offers data, voice, and text | Can be data-only or include voice and text |
| Cost | May be cheaper | Often more cost-effective for short trips |
► Recommendation: If your device supports eSIM and you mainly need to communicate through calling apps and the internet, the prepaid tourist eSIM is a convenient and cost-effective choice, especially for shorter visits to Armenia.
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Armenia travel?
Yes. So, Why Get a SIM Card in Armenia?
- Affordable Plans : Armenia SIM cards offer budget-friendly data plans, helping you avoid high roaming fees.
- Reliable Connectivity : With a local SIM, you won’t need to rely on public Wi-Fi. Enjoy dependable internet, maps, and communication.
- Wide Coverage : Armenia networks provide excellent coverage across the country, even in remote areas.
Compared to international roaming or portable Wi-Fi, a Armenia SIM card offers several advantages:
- Lower Costs : SIM cards are usually cheaper than roaming charges.
- Faster Speeds : Local SIM cards often provide faster 4G/5G data than hotspots or public Wi-Fi.
- Simpler Management : You only have to manage one SIM card instead of multiple devices or service plans.
So don’t wait! Get a SIM card for your trip to Armenia today!
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Armenia?
To buy a prepaid SIM card in Armenia, you’ll need to prepare the following:
- Identification : Bring an ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card.
- SIM Serial Number (SSN) : This number is usually printed on the SIM card or its packaging.
If your phone supports eSIM, you can choose this option to skip paperwork and save time. With an eSIM, you can set everything up online, receive a QR code, and activate your service in just a few minutes.
VIII. Armenia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
Armenia has a strong network, ensuring good connectivity. eSIM technology allows you to connect online without needing a physical SIM card. Here are some benefits of using a prepaid eSIM:
- Quick Activation : You can activate it online or through an app, so there’s no waiting for delivery.
- Convenience : You won’t need to search for local SIM card stores, saving you time.
- Easy Carrier Changes : You can switch phone carriers right from your device settings.
One of the best eSIM providers in Armenia is Gigago. They offer eSIM plans from Vivacell – a major network in Armenia .
For Armenia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $7.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Armenia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $7.50 – $49.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Armenia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
This means no matter how much data you need or how long you’ll be in Armenia, there’s a suitable option for you with Gigago.
IX. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Armenia?
The length of a tourist SIM card in Armenia depends on the provider and the plan you choose:
- 7-Day Plan : Great for short trips or vacations.
- 14-Day Plan : Suitable for two-week visits.
- 30-Day Plan : Ideal for month-long stays.
If you need more time, check with your provider about extending or topping up your plan.
X. How to activate a SIM card in Armenia?
Here’s how to activate prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for easy mobile connection in Armenia:
1. Using Prepaid Tourist SIM Cards
- Buy a SIM Card : Get a SIM from Armenia telecom companies like Viva, Beeline, Ucom before or when you arrive.
- Check Your Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks.
- Insert the SIM : Place the SIM card in your phone and follow the activation instructions.
- Add Credit : You can add credit to your SIM using vouchers or online.
- Set Up Your Phone : Configure your phone to make calls, send texts, and use data.
- Stay Connected : Enjoy your trip while staying connected in Armenia.
2. Setting Up and Activating an eSIM
- Purchase an eSIM Plan : Buy an eSIM from a trusted provider.
- Receive eSIM Details : You’ll get the eSIM details, including a QR code, via email.
- Activate the eSIM : On your eSIM-compatible device, go to Settings and select “Add eSIM” or “Cellular”.
- Scan the QR Code : Use your device to scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually.
- Finish Activation : Follow the instructions to complete the setup. Once activated, your eSIM will connect to the local network in Armenia.
XI. FAQs
Is mobile data expensive in Armenia?
No, mobile data rates are generally very affordable, with plans offering 1 GB for as low as 700 AMD (1.8 USD) .
Are there any special offers for data plans?
Yes, all operators have special bundles and promotional offers that may include additional data or reduced rates for specific services.
What is the coverage like in Armenia?
Viva-MTS offers the best overall coverage, followed closely by Ucom. Beeline has extensive coverage, but its 4G/LTE availability is primarily limited to Yerevan.
In summary, having a SIM card in Armenia is important for anyone who wants to communicate easily. It provides a straightforward and affordable way to make calls, send texts, and use data.