Buying Ukraine Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM: Detailed Guide

This article gives travelers visiting Ukraine all the information about how to get a Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM . 

One of the biggest mobile network providers in Ukraine is Kyivstar. Getting a Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM is a great way to remain in touch if you’re traveling to Ukraine. This article will go over everything you need to know about purchasing and utilizing Kyivstar mobile services in Ukraine. 

I. Overview about Kyivstar Ukraine

Kyivstar is a Ukrainian telecom provider that offers data transmission and communication services based on a variety of mobile and fixed technologies, including 4G (LTE) services, throughout Ukraine.

• Established: 1994
• Branding name: Kyivstar
• Products: Cellular (2G:GSM, 3G:UMTS, 4G:LTE), Internet access (FTTB), Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM 
• Number of stores: Over 4,500 stores across Ukraine
• Coverage: The Kyivstar mobile network covers all cities of Ukraine, as well as more than 28,000 rural settlements, all major national and regional routes, most sea, and river coast

II. Kyivstar Coverage in Ukraine

Kyivstar, the largest Ukrainian telecom operator, has expanded its 4G coverage area by more than 4,400 settlements since February 2022. Based in coverage map, we can see that: 

• Kyivstar provides robust 4G LTE coverage in major cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, facilitating high-speed internet access for residents and visitors.
• The network extends to numerous rural regions, offering dependable 3G and 4G services. However, coverage may be limited in certain remote locations, particularly in the Ukrainian Carpathians and dense forested areas.

III. Kyivstar Speed in Ukraine

Kyivstar high-speed mobile Internet is available to more than 95.6% of the population in the territory controlled by Ukraine, while a year ago this figure was 94.7%.

• Average Download Speed: In the first half of 2021, Kyivstar achieved an average download speed of 33.2 Mbps, leading among Ukrainian mobile operators.
• Speed Score: During Q3-Q4 2021, Kyivstar attained a Speed Score of 41.25, reflecting its strong network performance. 

In 2023, Vodafone Ukraine surpassed Kyivstar to become the leader in mobile internet speed, achieving a Speed Score of 33.33. 

IV. Types of Kyivstar Ukraine SIM Card Options for Tourists

In Ukraine, there are 4 primary ways to obtain Kyivstar connectivity:

• Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM 
• Using Kyivstar Pocket WiFi
• Roaming with home carrier

The following table compares prepaid Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM and other option:

Option	Pros	Cons
Kyivstar Prepaid SIM Card	– Relatively affordable, especially for shorter trips  – Easy to obtain and activate  – Can be used in a phone or tablet  – Includes EU roaming in some plans (with limits)	– Data limits vary by plan – EU roaming may have restrictions  – May require a compatible device
eSIM	– Smaller device footprint – Easy switching between carriers – Ideal for wearables and IoT devices	Device compatibility
Kyivstar Pocket WiFi	– High-speed data allowance – Dedicated EU roaming plans available  – Good for multiple devices	– Can be more expensive upfront  – Requires carrying an extra device  – Battery life needs to be managed
Roaming with Home Carrier	– Use your existing phone and number – No need to purchase a local SIM  – May be included in your existing plan	– Potentially very expensive without a travel plan  – Data limits and costs vary greatly – Relies on your home carrier’s roaming agreements

V. Top Kyivstar Ukraine SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

The top Kyivstar Ukraine prepaid SIM cards for visitors to Ukraine are as follows:

Tariff Plan	Mobile Internet	Calls to Kyivstar	Calls to Other Mobile, Landline & International	Apps with Free Traffic	Roaming	Superpower at No Extra Cost	Tariff Fee
LOVE UA Light	20 GB	Unlimited	150 min	19 apps	Available	Unlimited Internet / Unlimited Calls / Unlimited SMS / Kyivstar TV / Support for Armed Forces / Video on the Go	300 ₴/4 weeks
LOVE UA Power	50 GB	Unlimited	300 min	19 apps	Available	Unlimited Internet / Home Internet / Unlimited Calls / Unlimited SMS / Kyivstar TV / Support for Armed Forces / Video on the Go	350 ₴/4 weeks
SuperGig	Unlimited	—	—	—	Available	Plan for routers and tablets	350 ₴/month

The Surf SIM package is the one that travelers are most encouraged to sign up for on Kyivstar’s dependable network while visiting Ukraine, given its coverage, included features, and excellent pricing.

VI. Where to buy Kyivstar Ukraine SIM cards for tourists?

In Ukraine, Kyivstar SIM cards are readily accessible in airports, shopping centers, supermarkets, gas stations, sales representatives, monobrand stores, Kyivstar stores or buy online before traveling

1. Buy Kyivstar SIM at Ukraine airports

Purchasing a Kyivstar SIM card at major Ukrainian airports, such as Boryspil International Airport (KBP) in Kyiv and Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO), is a convenient and straightforward option for travelers.  

Kyivstar SIM card kiosks or counters are typically located in the arrivals hall, often near or just after the baggage claim area.

Presenting your passport or other form of identification is usually required for purchasing, and occasionally a picture may be taken. Although prepaid plans are available, prices are typically higher at airports. Be ready for possible wait times, though, and keep in mind that kiosks can close overnight.  

2. Buy Kyivstar SIM in Ukraine city center

Visitors to Ukraine can purchase SIM cards in major cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. These SIM cards are available at network representative stores, and convenience stores. 

To locate SIM card sales points, you can use Google Maps and search for the nearest Kyivstar official stores. This will provide a list of specific locations as below:

• Kyivstar in Kyiv: Khreschatyk St, 13, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Kyivstar in Lviv: Beryndy St, 1, Lviv, L’vivs’ka oblast, Ukraine
• Kyivstar in Odesa: New Privoz, Panteleimonivs’ka St, 25, Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine

While Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM in city centers are generally cheaper than those at the airport, the purchase method and registration process are more time-consuming. The procedure for purchasing Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM in Ukraine city center typically requires visitors to register their personal information, which can be a complicated process. 

3. Buy Kyivstar Ukraine SIM online before departure

Buying a Kyivstar Ukraine SIM card online before your trip is one of the most convenient and proactive options for travelers. Simply search for travel SIM providers offering cards that use Kyivstar’s network. These can be found on platforms like Gigago, Amazon, eBay, or travel SIM websites.

Here are steps to buy Ukraine eSIM before departure:

• Look for a SIM card compatible with Kyivstar’s network. (You can search “Ukraine travel SIM” and check the details to confirm the network provider.)
• Complete your purchase by providing basic information like your name, phone number, and shipping address. There’s no need to submit personal documents like a passport.
• The SIM card will be delivered to your address before departure.

This method is highly recommended due to its convenience, affordability, and the ability to set up your connectivity in advance.

If Kyivstar supports eSIM options like those from Gigago, you can also consider purchasing an eSIM online. This eliminates shipping time and lets you activate your connection instantly.

VII. Where to Buy Kyivstar Ukraine eSIM for tourists?

To avoid the complicated registration process and requirements like presenting your passport, it’s best to buy a travel eSIM.  For a convenient and reliable option, consider purchasing a Gigago Ukraine eSIM. Gigago provides eSIM packages from Kyivstar, the leading telecom providers in Ukraine, ensuring you have fast and reliable internet throughout your trip.

Gigago offers affordable Ukraine eSIM plans, starting at $3.00 , providing 500MB of data everyday for 3 days. Whether you’re on a short trip or a longer stay, Gigago has flexible plans between $3.00 – $95.90 that meet different data needs and validity periods.

► Recommendation: For a stress-free experience, we recommend purchasing your eSIM from an online provider like Gigago before your departure. This will help you avoid the long registration process at the airport or in-person stores.

VIII. How to top up your Ukraine Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM

Topping up your Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM in Ukraine is simple and can be done in 3 main ways:

• Top Up via Kyivstar Website or App: Visit the official Kyivstar website or app and follow the steps to top up your account using a credit/debit card or other payment methods.
• Top Up via Vouchers: You can purchase top-up vouchers from convenience stores, supermarkets, and kiosks throughout Ukraine. Scratch the code on the voucher, and enter the provided number to top up your balance.
• Top Up at Kyivstar Stores: Visit any Kyivstar retail store in major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, or Odesa. You can easily top up your balance over the counter with cash or card payment.

By using one of these methods, you can keep your Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM active and ready to use throughout your stay in Ukraine.

IX. FAQ about Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM 

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Kyivstar SIM card & eSIM provide a convenient and reliable option for tourists and residents in Ukraine. With extensive network coverage and competitive pricing, it caters to various connectivity needs. For convenience, consider purchasing a Kyivstar SIM card at Boryspil Airport or an eSIM online before departure. This approach ensures immediate connectivity upon arrival, saving time and effort. By choosing Kyivstar, you gain access to one of Ukraine’s most trusted mobile networks, making your trip smooth and connected.