Prepaid Belarus SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing and using a Belarus SIM card for tourists. From choosing the right carrier and plan to activating your SIM, we’ve got you covered.

The ideal way to stay connected when traveling to Belarus is getting a Belarus SIM card. All of the important details you require, including where to purchase, how to activate, and which plans to select, will be covered in this thorough guide. These guidelines will make it simple for you to buy and install a Belarus SIM card so you can enjoy your vacation and stay connected.

I. What are the Best Belarus SIM cards for Tourists?

When it comes to choosing a SIM card for your Belarus trip, these are some of the top options: A1 Belarus, MTS Belarus and Life:).

1. A1 Belarus SIM cards

One of Belarus’ top telecom companies, A1 Belarus is known for its excellent service and wide network coverage. It provides a selection of reasonably priced prepaid Belarus SIM card choices that are perfect for travelers who want text, phone, and data services while they are in Belarus.

• 7-Day Plan: 5 GB of internet data + 50 minutes of calls to A1 and other networks + 50 SMS for 10,00 BYN ($3.00 USD)
• 30-Day Plan: Unlimited internet data + 50 minutes of calls to A1 and other networks + 50 SMS for 27,40 BYN ($8.22 USD)

2. MTS Belarus SIM cards

MTS Belarus, a leading telecommunications provider in Belarus, offers a range of prepaid SIM card options tailored to the needs of international travelers. With extensive network coverage across the country, MTS must be a choice for tourists to Belarus.

• #Bezlimitishe Package: 30 days with UNLIMITED Internet + 700 minutes to all networks for 30,00 BYN ($9.06 USD)

3. Life:) SIM cards 

Life:) is another popular mobile operator in Belarus, offering budget-friendly prepaid plans for tourists. Here are popular Life:) Belarus prepaid plans and packages for tourists:

• All Inclusive: Unlimited internet and calls for 21 BYN ($6.30 USD)
• Play: 50 GB of data and unlimited calls for 19.90 BYN ($6 USD)
• Shake Mini: 5 GB of data and 300 minutes of calls for 9 BYN ($2.70 USD)

Note: All plans are valid for 30 days.

► Recommendation: If your device is compatible with eSIM technology, you might consider getting a Belarus eSIM. This digital SIM can be activated online so you don’t need to physically switch SIM cards.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Belarus for Tourists?

You can buy a SIM card in Belarus for tourists from several locations, including online, at airports, retail stores and kiosks in major cities.

1. Buy Belarus SIM Card Online 

Purchasing a Belarus SIM card online is a convenient option, especially for tourists who prefer to have everything sorted before arrival. Online services allow you to order a SIM card and have it delivered to your home address or be ready for pick-up at the airport.

Pros: 

• Skip the lines at the airport or retail locations upon arrival.
• Deliver directly to your house before the trip starts.

Cons: 

• If you’re ordering from abroad, it may take several days or weeks for the SIM card to arrive, so it’s not ideal for last-minute travelers.
• You may not have face-to-face assistance if you face problems with the SIM card.

Where to buy: You can buy a Belarus SIM card online from official carrier websites (A1 Belarus, MTS Belarus and Life:)). In some cases, you can find international SIM cards for Belarus on Amazon, Klook, etc.

2. Buy SIM card at Belarus airports

Belarus airports usually offer mobile provider booths or kiosks close to the departures area, making it simple to purchase a SIM card there. Kiosks or booths representing major mobile providers like A1, MTS, and Life:) are located in the arrival halls at Minsk National Airport (MSQ). 

Pros:

• You can buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive, making it easy to stay connected from the moment you land.
• No need to search for a store in the city or wait for delivery if you’ve bought online.
• Staff at airport kiosks are often familiar with international travelers and may speak English, making the process easier.

Cons:

• Airport booths often offer a more limited selection of plans compared to what’s available in retail stores or online.
• Prices at the airport may be slightly higher than at regular stores in the city, due to the convenience factor.

Although the procedure is fairly simple, it can take some time, particularly if there is a line during peak arrival times. You will need to show your passport for SIM card registration when you buy it at the airport. It’s a good idea to have your passport ready and to exercise patience while registering. For an easier option, you can buy a Belarus eSIM and activate it online at home or with the airport wifi. 

3. Buy SIM Card in Belarus City

Buying a SIM card in Belarus city centers offers a more flexible and often cost-effective option for tourists compared to buying at the airport. A1, MTS, and Life:) have retail stores and kiosks in most major cities like Minsk, Brest, Gomel, and Mogilev. You may also find Belarus SIM cards at convenience stores or supermarkets.

Pros:

• You’ll have access to a wider selection of prepaid plans and packages, giving you more flexibility in choosing the right one.
• You may get more detailed advice and personalized help from staff in city stores.

Cons:

• You may need to travel to a store or shopping mall, which can take time, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city.
• Many staff in city stores may not speak English, therefore, you may encounter language barriers.

Where to buy:

• A1 Store: Minsk, Kalvariyskaya str., 24 (Korona)
• MTS Store: Prospekt Dzerzhinskogo 104, Minsk, Minsk Region 220089, Belarus
• Life:) Store: Ulitsa Petra Glebki 5, Minsk, Minskaja voblasć, Belarus

III. How Much is a Tourist Belarus SIM Card? 

Buying a SIM card for your Belarus trip is a budget-friendly option. Most prepaid tourist SIM cards offer good value, costing around 15-35 Belarusian Rubles (approximately 6-14 USD).

For this small investment, you typically receive the SIM card, any activation fees, and an initial package including data (usually 1-5GB), local minutes, and texts for the first 30 days.

If you need additional data during your stay, top-up vouchers are available starting from as low as 3-5 Belarusian Rubles per gigabyte. Operators also offer larger data packages for those with higher data usage.

IV. What types of Belarus SIM cards are available for tourists? 

In Belarus, visitors can choose from two primary kinds of SIM cards: 

• Prepaid SIM card Belarus
• Tourist eSIM for Belarus

Here is breakdown of Prepaid SIM Card and Tourist eSIM for Belarus:

Feature	Prepaid SIM Card	Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Requires physical SIM card swap	Digital activation, no physical SIM needed
Compatibility	Ensure your device is unlocked	Compatible with eSIM-enabled devices
How to Use	Insert physical SIM card, activate as per instructions	Scan QR code or enter activation code, follow on-screen instructions
Plan Example	5GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Belarus, valid for 30 days	10GB data, unlimited calls/SMS within Belarus, valid for 15 days

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Belarus travel? 

Yes, a SIM card is strongly advised for your travel to Belarus. You may stay connected for calls, messages, and mobile internet with a local SIM card’s safe and reasonably priced access. This is particularly helpful for sharing your trip experiences, navigating, and using internet maps.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Belarus? 

When buying a SIM card in Belarus, here’s a comprehensive list of things you should prepare:

• Check If Your Phone is Unlocked: Before traveling to Belarus, it’s crucial to verify that your phone is unlocked.
• Bring Your Passport: In Belarus, you are required to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card. The provider will take a copy of your passport for registration.
• Credit Card and Local Currency (BYN): Credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments in Belarus (like hotels, restaurants, and large retail stores), it’s still a good idea to carry local currency (BYN) for certain situations. 

For a more simple and stress-free experience, use an eSIM if your device is compatible with it. Physical SIM cards are not so recommended since the introduction of eSIM plans from major carriers like A1, which may be remotely activated.

VII. Belarus eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

For travelers visiting Belarus, eSIM technology provides an easy and user-friendly alternative to the standard SIM cards. eSIM allows you to activate your travel mobile internet plan digitally, skipping the need to queue for a physical SIM card and installation.

You should buy eSIM from a trusted eSIM retailer, like Gigago. Gigago Belarus eSIM helps you stay connected without regular difficulties caused by tourist SIM cards. Plans begin at $10.50 for 1GB for 7 days, with choices for larger usage at $10.50 – $36.50 .  

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Belarus?

Depending on the package and operator you select, the typical validity period of a Belarus tourist SIM card is between 1 week to 4 weeks. Travelers are satisfied by the majority of mobile service providers in Belarus since they provide a variety of flexible options. These offer longer plans for two weeks or a month, as well as shorter plans for 7 days. This variant enables travelers to choose the plan that best suits their trip duration in Belarus as well as any particular calling or data needs.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Belarus 

1. Using Prepaid Belarus tourist SIM Cards

Activating your SIM card is a simple process. Follow these steps:

• Purchase a data plan: You may need to purchase a data plan to use mobile data.
• Insert the SIM card: Insert the SIM card into your device.
• Turn on your device: Power on your phone or tablet.
• Follow the on-screen instructions (if needed): Your device will automatically detect the SIM card and guide you through the activation process.

2. Setting up and activating Belarus eSIM:

Activating a Belarus eSIM is easy, allowing you to start using mobile data and making calls without the need of changing a physical SIM card. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Purchase an eSIM Plan: Choose an eSIM plan from a Belarus provider that offers eSIM services (e.g., A1 Belarus)
• Receive eSIM QR Code: Once you purchase the eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code via email or from a store representative.
• Install the eSIM on Your Device: Open the Settings app on your device. Scan the provided QR code using your device’s camera. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
• Select the eSIM as Your Primary Line (Optional): Set your eSIM as the primary line for data.

X. FAQs about Belarus SIM card

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, Belarus SIM card offers tourists a range of SIM card options, including physical SIM cards and eSIMs, to ensure seamless connectivity during their visit. Whether travelers prioritize data usage for browsing or international calling, they can rely on reliable providers to meet their communication needs.