How to Buy a SIM Card at Minsk Airport (MSQ) for Tourists: Where and Price

Find out how to conveniently get a SIM card at Minsk Airport (MSQ), covering purchasing locations, costs, and choices.

This guide provides the basic information on how to get a SIM card at Minsk Airport (MSQ) for both regular flyers and first-timers visiting Belarus. It also outlines the mobile carriers present at the airport, with a clearer understanding of the prices attached to each. This will make it easier to decide on the best option for personal needs of connectivity. 

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Minsk Airport (MSQ)

You can get a SIM card at Minsk Airport (MSQ) in three main ways. These are options you have:

• Purchase online in advance and pick it up at the airport: Organize ahead and buy your SIM online to pick it up at the airport when you arrive, avoiding lines and hooking up immediately.
• Purchase on arrival: Get a SIM card right there at the airport, visiting one of several kiosks or retailers affiliated with telecom company operators. The specialists will answer all your queries and even help you complete the setup.
• Purchase an eSIM (if your phone has this option): Purchase and activate a digital SIM online before your trip or at the airport if your phone supports eSIM. It’s a convenient choice.

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

Upon arriving at Minsk Airport (MSQ), travelers can purchase SIM cards from major Belarusian mobile operators such as A1, MTS, and life:) at kiosks located in the Arrivals area of Terminal 2, immediately after exiting customs. These kiosks are conveniently situated to provide immediate connectivity upon arrival. Additionally, there is an MTS office in the arrivals hall near gates 5-6, and another kiosk on the third floor near gate 3-4. 

You can look for signs or banners displaying the logos of major Belarusian mobile operators, such as A1, MTS, or Life:), indicating the kiosk’s affiliation. 

1. Buy A1 SIM card at Minsk Airport

You can conveniently purchase an A1 SIM card at Minsk National Airport (MSQ) to stay connected during your visit to Belarus. The staff at the A1 kiosks can assist with the activation process, ensuring your SIM card is ready for immediate use. 

Location: 

• Arrivals Area, Terminal 2: A1 is one of the major mobile carriers in Belarus, operates kiosks in the Arrivals area of Terminal 2, immediately after customs.  
• Third Floor, Near Gates 3-4: There is a small kiosk on the third floor near gates 3-4 where SIM cards are available.

Opening hours: Typically 24/7 for airport locations, but some kiosks may follow specific hours. It’s best to visit during regular daytime hours (9 AM to 9 PM) for full service.

Price: SIM card prices vary based on the package:

• Basic packages start at 10–15 BYN (Belarusian Rubles)
• Data-heavy plans or tourist-specific plans cost around 25–35 BYN

2. Buy MTS SIM card at Minsk Airport

MTS has a customer service center located in the arrivals area of Minsk National Airport (MSQ). You can find it near gates 5 and 6. Look for the distinctive red MTS logo.

Location: Upon arrival, head to the arrivals hall or designated telecom booths where MTS services are available

Opening hours: The MTS customer service center at Minsk Airport is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. 

Price: 

• MTS offers a specific tourist SIM card called “MTS SMART Guest.”
• As of recent information, this SIM card costs around 12.5 Belarusian Rubles (BYN), which is approximately $7 USD.
• This price typically includes the SIM card itself, any activation fees, and an initial data package (usually around 1-5 GB), along with some local minutes and texts valid for 30 days

3. Buy Life:) SIM card at Minsk Airport

Location: Look for Life:) kiosks or booths within the arrival halls on the third floor.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. 

Price: 

• All Inclusive: Unlimited data and calls for complete connectivity at 21 BYN ($6.30 USD).
• Play Hard: 50GB of data for streaming, gaming, and more, plus unlimited calls for 19.90 BYN ($6 USD).
• Shake Mini: Perfect for light users, with 5GB of data and 300 minutes of calls for 9 BYN ($2.70 USD).

► Recommendation: If you’re unsure which provider to choose for your mobile data needs in Belarus, we recommend A1. A1 is known for its reliable network infrastructure, providing consistent and fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading.

III. Do SIM card shops at Minsk Airport open after midnight?

No. At Minsk National Airport, the SIM card store operates daily from 9:00 to 21:00. Therefore, if you arrive after midnight, this store will be closed. 

However, the airport features a 24/7 shop located on the 3rd floor in the arrival area near security point A, offering various goods. While it’s not specified whether SIM cards are available there, you might inquire upon arrival. Alternatively, you can visit MTS stores in Minsk during their operating hours. Additionally, the airport provides free Wi-Fi access for 3 hours per day, which can be useful until you obtain a SIM card.

IV. Minsk Airport SIM card Price ?

A tourist SIM card at Minsk Airport costs roughly $5, includes 5GB-7GB of data, and offers excellent connectivity choices for short excursions to Belarus. The main mobile carriers at Minsk Airport that offer SIM cards are A1, Life:) and MTS. Here’s an overview of the SIM card alternatives they offer and how much they cost:

Network	Plan	Data	Calls	Price
MTS	Bezlimitishe +	Unlimited data (throttled after 100MB)	400 mins to domestic networks	BYN 26.75/month
	MiniBit	100MB/day	N/A	BYN 0.26/day
	Bit	250MB/day	N/A	BYN 9.67/month
	SuperBit	500MB/day	N/A	BYN 18.14/month
	UnlimitedVIP	1GB/day	N/A	BYN 32.34/month
	Picnic	2GB/day	N/A	BYN 1.08/day
	Unlimited per day	Unlimited data/day	N/A	BYN 3.12/day
A1	No Limits 2.0	Unlimited data (30 days)	600 mins to domestic networks	BYN 15 (BYN 29.99/month)
Life:)	Shake Mini	5GB*	300 mins	BYN 9.90 (BYN 5 first month)
	Shake	10GB*	500 mins	BYN 13.90 (BYN 7 first month)
	All inclusive	Unlimited data	Unlimited calls	BYN 21.90 (BYN 14.90 first month)
	Play	50GB*	Unlimited calls	BYN 19.90 (BYN 15.90 first month)

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Minsk Airport 

To purchase a SIM card at Minsk Airport as a tourist, you will typically need:

• Passport – Required for registration to comply with local regulations.
• Unlocked Phone – Ensure your phone is compatible with local carriers.
• Payment Method – Cash or card is usually accepted.

Buying a SIM card in Minsk involves registering your personal details, which can feel intrusive for some tourists. The process might include:

• Filling out a registration form with passport details.
• Waiting for the telecom provider to activate the SIM, which may take time.

► Recommendation: If you wish to skip the complexity, opt for an international SIM or eSIM before your trip to Belarus. It’s faster, easier, and requires no personal information registration.

VI. eSIM at Minsk Airport – Alternative to Belarus SIM Card

You can easily purchase an eSIM for your trip to Belarus from the comfort of your home or upon arrival at Minsk Airport, without having to search for physical stores. Most Belarus’ major mobile operators offer eSIM services online, or you can choose reputable eSIM retailers like Gigago for more options and competitive prices. Purchasing an eSIM online will save you time and ensure you’re always connected when you arrive in the country.

Gigago provides Gigago Belarus eSIM that provides trusted internet access during the entire trip. Travellers may select the initial data beginning from $10.50 for 1GB for 7 days, or larger limitation choices available starting at $10.50 – $36.50 . 

VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Minsk Airport

VIII. Conclusion 

Purchasing a SIM card at Minsk Airport (MSQ) provides a convenient way to stay connected during your trip. Major carriers are widely available and offer a variety of plans. While airport pricing may be slightly more, the convenience aspect frequently makes it the best alternative. Remember to bring your passport to register and select a plan that meets your needs.