Everything you need to know about getting and using a Vodafone Ukraine SIM card & eSIM is covered in this thorough tutorial, including how to buy, activate, and recharge them.
How to Buy a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) for Tourists: Where and Price
Learn how to obtain a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) in the easiest way. Pricing details, alternative options, and where to buy are all included in this guide.
Visitors can stay connected during their vacation by purchasing a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP). This guide will assist you in determining the best location for your purchase, comprehending the cost, and investigating further possibilities. After reading this article, you’ll know how to stay in touch when traveling.
In this article
I. How to Get a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP)?
At Boryspil Airport (KBP), there are three easy ways to get a SIM card:
- Make an online pre order: Before your flight, order your SIM card from Kyivstar or Vodafone and pick it up at the airport.
- Purchase at the airport: To buy and activate a SIM card, go to the SIM booths at the arrival exits.
- Obtain an eSIM: Before your travel, buy and activate a digital SIM card online, then download it to your phone.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP)?
At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), tourists can purchase SIM cards from operator kiosks such as Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and Lifecell. These kiosks are conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal D, near the information desk and Gate 11.
Additionally, convenience stores like Novus Store, situated outside the airport near Terminal D Arrivals, offer SIM cards. Look for signs indicating “SIM cards” or the logos of these operators to locate the kiosks easily. Purchasing a SIM card upon arrival ensures immediate connectivity during your stay in Ukraine.
1. Buy Kyivstar SIM card at Boryspil Airport
At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), Kyivstar maintains a presence to serve arriving passengers. You can purchase a Kyivstar SIM card at their store located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal D, near the baggage carousels.
- Location: After exiting customs, proceed to the Arrivals Hall in Terminal D. The Kyivstar store is situated near the baggage claim area, making it convenient for travelers to acquire a SIM card upon arrival.
- Opening Hours: The store typically operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, operating hours may vary, so it’s advisable to check for the most current information before your trip.
- Price: Kyivstar offers various prepaid SIM card options to suit different needs. Prices generally start around $3 to $5 for 1GB of data. Additional packages with more data and call options are available at higher prices.
2. Buy Vodafone SIM card at Boryspil Airport
At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), you can find Vodafone SIM cards in Vodafone Booths.
- Location: These booths are typically located in the arrival halls, right after you pass through customs. You’ll find dedicated Vodafone kiosks or stores offering various SIM card options for tourists.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Price: A basic prepaid SIM card with a data plan suitable for short-term tourists may cost around 100 UAH (approximately 3 USD)
3. Buy Lifecell SIM card at Boryspil Airport
You can purchase a Lifecell SIM card upon arrival at Boryspil International Airport (KBP) in Kyiv, Ukraine.
- Location: Lifecell operates a kiosk in the arrivals area of Terminal F, near the Duty-Free shop.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Price: typically start around UAH 90 (2.50 USD), depending on the data and service package selected.
► Recommendation: If you’re unsure which provider to choose, we recommend Kyivstar in Ukraine. Kyivstar has one of the most extensive mobile networks with fast and reliable 4G/LTE speeds in Ukraine. Moreover, with Kyivstar, you can purchase and activate your eSIM conveniently online, without needing to visit a store.
III. Do SIM card shops at Boryspil Airport open after midnight?
No. At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), SIM card stores normally operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, which is the same as the airport’s regular business hours. These hours are when the majority of SIM card booths are open.
However, there are no guarantees that the SIM card shops remain open after midnight. For late-night arrivals, you may want to check the airport’s website or contact the specific booth in advance to confirm if they offer services beyond regular hours.
IV. Types of Ukraine SIM Card Options for Tourists
Here is a combined comparison table of SIM card plans for tourists from Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and Lifecell in Ukraine, based on the available information.
Comparison of SIM Card Plans for Tourists in Ukraine
Provider | Plan | Data | Local Calls | International Calls | Apps with Free Data | Price (UAH) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyivstar | LOVE UA Світло | 20 GB | Unlimited (Kyivstar) + 150 min (other networks) | 150 min | 19 apps (Viber, Telegram, Facebook, etc.) | 300 UAH | eSIM available |
Kyivstar | LOVE UA Сила | 50 GB | Unlimited (Kyivstar) + 300 min (other networks) | 300 min | 19 apps | 350 UAH | Includes 5GB roaming |
Kyivstar | СуперГіг | Unlimited | No calls | No calls | No apps | 350 UAH | For routers & tablets only |
Vodafone Ukraine | Joice Pro | ~60 GB | Unlimited Vodafone + 1200 minutes for other networks | Some international minutes | Some apps (Viber, Telegram) | 330 UAH | Basic plan |
Vodafone Ukraine | Joice Max | ~80 GB | Unlimited Vodafone + 1400 minutes for other networks | Some international minutes | Some social media apps | 450 UAH | Mid-tier plan |
Vodafone Ukraine | Joice Start | 40 GB | Unlimited Vodafone + 1000 minutes for other networks | Some international minutes | Some apps | 270 UAH | High-end plan |
Lifecell | Smart Life | ~20–30 GB | Unlimited Lifecell + minutes for other networks | Some international minutes | Some apps | ~200–300 UAH | Popular plan |
Lifecell | Безліміт (Unlimited) | Unlimited | Unlimited Lifecell + many minutes for other networks | Some international minutes | Some apps | ~350–450 UAH | Premium plan |
V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Boryspil Airport
To buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP), tourists need to provide a passport, ensure their phone is unlocked, and be ready to pay using cash or a card. These are the main requirements to complete the registration process with local providers like Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, or Lifecell.
The process can feel complicated, as it involves showing personal information (passport) and sometimes waiting for activation. Many tourists find this inconvenient and prefer alternatives.
You can make things easier by getting an international SIM card online before your trip, so you won’t have to deal with registration. eSIM is one of great options that doesn’t require showing a passport. You can activate it immediately upon landing.
VI. eSIM at Boryspil Airport – Alternative to Ukraine SIM Card
Unlike physical SIM cards that require pick-up, insertion, or swapping, a tourist Ukraine eSIM can be purchased online and activated instantly from anywhere in the world. Ukraine eSIM (like Kyivstar eSIM) can be purchased online either prior to your arrival in Ukraine or once you arrive at Boryspil Airport. Simply scan a QR code or enter a code, and your plan is ready to use.
Among the many travel eSIM providers, Gigago stands out as a reliable choice for every traveler. Gigago offers eSIMs from leading telecom providers in Ukraine, guaranteeing stable and fast internet connectivity throughout your journey.
Gigago Ukraine eSIM plans are budget-friendly, starting at $3.00 , and provide 500MB of data per day for 3 days. Whether you’re on a short visit or a longer stay, Gigago’s flexible plans, starting at $3.00 – $95.90 , offer a variety of data packages and validity periods to match your travel needs.
VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Boryspil Airport
Can I buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport?
Do I need to bring identification to buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport?
Are there eSIM options available at Boryspil Airport?
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, you can easily buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) with your passport and an unlocked phone. Prices depend on the plan you choose, with options from Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Lifecell. For a simpler option, skip the registration and get an international SIM card or eSIM before your trip.