How to buy a SIM Card at Tashkent Airport 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

Buying a SIM card at Tashkent airport can be an option for many tourists when traveling to Uzbekistan. The article below will provide enough information for visitors to have the smoothest experience buying a sim card at this airport and also offer some better suggestions for visitors to consider.

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at  Tashkent Yuzhny Airport (TAS)?

The answer will depend on travelers’ needs.

Getting a SIM card for Uzbekistan at Tashkent Airport gives you instant connectivity as soon as you arrive. You can start using your phone right away, which is really convenient. The airport has different options from various providers, so you can choose what suits you best.

However, it’s important to know that buying a SIM card at the airport might cost a bit more compared to getting one from local stores in the city. The plans and options available at the airport could also be more limited.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Tashkent Airport?

At Tashkent Airport, there are two sim card shops located in the Baggage claim area. They are really easy to find, right in the middle of the baggage claim hall. You won’t miss them when you walk through passport control.

One of the shops is from Ucell, and the other one is a tourist information/Beeline store. The great thing is that both shops are open 24 hours, so you can buy a sim card at any time. They accept both USD and the local currency, the Uzbekistan Som, as well as Visa and Mastercard.

III. How Much Does a SIM Card at Tashkent Airport Cost?

1. Ucell

At the Ucell shop at Tashkent Airport they offer 4 prepaid sim card plans for tourists. All prepaid tourist plans are valid for 1 month and they include unlimited social media apps

• 20 GB data + unlimited calls + 1,500 sms = 50,000 UZS – $3.95 USD
• 35 GB data + unlimited calls + 2,000 sms = 70,000 UZS – $5.53USD
• 50 GB data + unlimited calls + 2,500 sms = 100,000 UZS – $7.9 USD
• 200 GB data + unlimited calls + 3,000 sms = 150,000 UZS – $11.85 USD

2. Beeline

At the Beeline store they offer 6 different Uzbekistan sim cards for tourists. All prepaid plans are valid for 1 month:

• 10 GB data + unlimited calls + 1,000 sms + 20 GB social media* = 80,000 UZS- $14.22 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls + 1,000 sms + 40 GB social media** = 100,000 UZS – $7.9 USD
• 35 GB data + unlimited calls + 1,000 sms + 70 GB social media** = 130,000 UZS – $10.27 USD
• 50 GB data + unlimited calls + unlimited sms + 100 GB social media** = 170,000 UZS- $13.43 USD
• 100 GB data + unlimited calls + unlimited sms + 200 GB social media** = 190,000 UZS – $15.01 USD
• Unlimited everything = 230,000 UZS – $18.17 USD

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Tashkent Yuzhny Airport – Registration Process

To purchase a SIM card at Tashkent Airport, there are a few things you’ll need:

• Your passport: It’s necessary for registering your SIM card.
• Cash: It’s best to have Uzbekistan Som (VND) or USD for payment. While some shops might accept credit cards, having cash will make things more convenient.
• Unlocked phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks, which are commonly used in Uzbekistan.

Here’s a simple step-by-step process for buying and using a SIM card at Tash kentAirport:

• Choose a mobile operator (such as Ucell or Beeline) based on your preferences and needs.
• Talk to the staff about the available plans or packages suitable for tourists, and select the one that suits you best.
• Pay for the SIM card and the chosen plan.
• Provide your passport for SIM card registration purposes.
• Follow the instructions provided to insert the SIM card into your phone and set it up.
• Test your new SIM card to make sure it’s working properly.

V. Best Tourist Tashkent Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

In 2024, Beeline is considered the top choice for a SIM card at Tashkent Airport. Although Ucell SIM cards are cheaper by just a few dollars, Beeline stands out with its stronger 4G/LTE network. It’s worth spending a bit extra for faster data speed and better network coverage, especially when you’re traveling around Uzbekistan.

However, it’s important to note that the focus here is on the best SIM card for tourists at Tashkent Airport, not necessarily the best one for tourists in all of Uzbekistan. There are still other options which can provide tourists with better experience such as Uzbekistan eSIM from Ucell or Beeline

VI. Uzbekistan eSIM for Tashkent – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Tashkent Yuzhny Airport

eSIM cards for Uzbekistan are a fantastic choice, especially because you can easily order them online without having to visit a phone store in Uzbekistan. The process is super quick and only takes about 2 minutes! Once you have your eSIM, you can activate it before your flight to Tashkent, and as soon as your plane lands, you’ll be connected online. The best part is that eSIM cards start at a low rate, making them affordable and convenient. 

With Gigago – a reliable eSIM provider, travelers can get the best eSIM for Uzbekistan: 

• Online purchasing
• Wide Range of Coverage
• Instant Delivery
• 24/7 Support
• Easy activation

For Uzbekistan, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 300 MB/day for 7 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Uzbekistan eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $128.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Uzbekistan, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Tashkent YuzhnyAirport?

There are some ways to buy Uzbekistan SIM card outside Tashkent Airport: 

• Mobile Provider Stores: The prices and data packages at these stores are a little bit lower to those at the airport. When visiting a store, make sure to bring your passport and a copy of it as they usually require it for SIM registration.

• Train station: You can also buy a sim card at the bigger train stations Be prepared for language barriers as not many people speak English in Uzbekistan.

• Online: If you prefer to have everything sorted out before your trip, buying an eSIM online in advance might be the right choice for you. However, please note that eSIMs can only be bought from third-party providers. One popular option is Gigago, the a reliable eSIM providers

VIII. FAQs

Hopefully the above information is useful for you when buying SIM Card at Tashkent airport. Although the airport also offers Uzbekistan SIM Card options for travelers, it still has some disadvantages such as expensive prices or limited package options. It’s best for travelers to buy an Uzbekistan eSIM before flying so those can be connected as soon as they arrive in a new country. Wishing you a pleasant vacation in beautiful Uzbekistan.