Prepaid Kazakhstan SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

When exploring the beautiful nation Kazakhstan, having the right Kazakhstan SIM card is essential for staying connected.

This guide will cover the best SIM cards for tourists in Kazakhstan, including where to buy them, their prices, and the types available. You’ll also find out if you need a SIM card for your trip and how to prepare for buying one. Let’s get started!

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

You can buy a Kcell SIM card for 500 KZT (about 1.05 USD), but it’s often free when you buy a plan. Both Beeline and Tele2 require you to purchase a plan to get a SIM card. 

1. Kcell

Kcell is the largest mobile operator in Kazakhstan. It is also the oldest in the country.

UNLIM – Kcell

Price	Data	Social Media Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
4000 KZT	25 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	250 minutes	100 SMS	1 month
5000 KZT	35 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	350 minutes	100 SMS	1 month
8000 KZT	Unlimited	N/A	Unlimited	250 minutes	100 SMS	1 month
10 000 KZT	Unlimited	N/A	Unlimited	500 minutes	100 SMS	1 month

Internet+ – Kcell

Price	Data	Validity
130 KZT	400 MB	1 day

Additional Internet Packs – Kcell

Price	Data	Validity
990 KZT	2 GB	30 days
1490 KZT	4 GB	30 days
1890 KZT	8 GB	30 days

2. Beeline 

Beeline Kazakhstan is the second-largest mobile operator in Kazakhstan.

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	Validity
3990 KZT	13 GB	Unlimited	110 minutes	1 month
4990 KZT	25 GB	Unlimited	210 minutes	1 month
5990 KZT	33 GB	Unlimited	310 minutes	1 month
6990 KZT	44 GB	Unlimited	410 minutes	1 month

3. Tele2 

Tele2 Kazakhstan is the smallest mobile operator in Kazakhstan.

Profitable (customizable combo)– Tele2 Kazakhstan. It will include unlimited on-net minutes to Tele2 and Altel numbers.

The 2790 (Profitable) plan costs 2790 KZT and lets you choose between:

• 1 GB or 11 GB of data.

• 10 or 50 off-net minutes.

• 0 or 500 on-net SMS.

The 3590 (Profitable) plan costs 3590 KZT and allows you to select between:

• 1 GB and 22 GB of data.

• 10 off-net minutes and 120 off-net minutes.

• 0 on-net SMS and 1100 on-net SMS.

The 4590 (Profitable) plan costs 4590 KZT and allows you to select between:

• 1 GB and 45 GB of data.

• 10 off-net minutes and 220 off-net minutes.

• 0 on-net SMS and 2200 on-net SMS.

The 5590 (Profitable) plan costs 5590 KZT and allows you to select between:

• 1 GB and 65 GB of data.

• 10 off-net minutes and 320 off-net minutes.

• 0 on-net SMS and 3200 on-net SMS.

Other Tariffs – Tele2 Kazakhstan

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
990 KZT	1 GB	N/A	18 KZT/minute	18 KZT/SMS	30 days
1090 KZT	7 GB	Unlimited	50 minutes	200 SMS	30 days
2390 KZT	N/A	Unlimited	100 minutes	18 KZT/SMS	30 days
2790 KZT	5 GB	Unlimited	50 minutes	50 SMS	31 days

Add-Ons – Tele2 Kazakhstan

Price	Data	Validity
180 KZT	Unlimited	1 day
890 KZT	2 GB	30 days
1690 KZT	8 GB	30 days

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

You can find SIM cards at Nursultan (Astana) Nazarbayev International Airport and Almaty International Airport. Buying online and In the city center are also great options.

1. Buy Kazakhstan SIM Cards Online

You can purchase a Kazakhstan SIM card online before your trip. This is a great option if you want to be prepared and avoid hassles when you arrive.

Pros:

• Convenient and saves time.

• Ready to use when you arrive.

• Various plans available.

Cons:

• May have shipping costs.

• Activation can sometimes be complicated.

2. Buy Kazakhstan SIM Cards at Kazakhstan International Airports

You can also find SIM cards at Kazakhstan International Airports. 

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport:  

• Kcell Store – Best prices on prepaid SIMs, located near Gate A.

• Beeline Store – Offers eSIM activation and has booths in both terminals.

• Tele2 – Typically has tourist-friendly SIM card deals.

There are also SIM vending machines throughout the airport.

Almaty International Airport:

• Kcell Store – Located in the international arrivals area.

• Beeline Store – Located in the arrivals area.

• Tele2 Store – Another option in the arrivals hall.

The airport also has SIM vending machines in the baggage claim area so you can get connected quickly after arriving.

Pros:

• You can use your SIM card right away.

• Staff can assist with setup issues.

• Easy to find in the terminal.

Cons:

• Airport SIM cards are often more expensive than those in the city.

• Fewer plans and providers compared to city stores.

• Registration can take time due to passport and photo requirements.

3. Buy Kazakhstan SIM Cards in the City

You can find SIM cards in major cities. Look for mobile network stores or electronic shops.

Pros:

• A wide range of plans and prices.

• Local assistance and support available.

Cons:

• It may take time to find a store.

• The registration process can be slow.

III. How Much is a Tourist Kazakhstan SIM Card?

A tourist SIM card in Kazakhstan usually costs around $5.5. This price typically includes initial credit or a starter pack with data, calls, and SMS.

Prices can change overtime, so it’s a good idea to check the latest rates on the mobile provider’s websites or at the store when you buy.

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

Here are the main types of SIM cards available for tourists in Kazakhstan:

1. Prepaid SIM Card Kazakhstan. 

2. Tourist eSIM for Kazakhstan. 

	Prepaid SIM Card Kazakhstan	Tourist eSIM for Kazakhstan
Convenience	Requires a physical SIM and in-person purchase	Delivered digitally via email
Compatibility	Works with any unlocked phone	Only for eSIM-compatible devices
How to Use	Insert the physical SIM into your phone	Scan a QR code to install the eSIM

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

Yes, you definitely need a SIM card for your trip to Kazakhstan because it offers:

• Reliable Connection : Stay connected anywhere with an international SIM card.

• Lower Costs : Enjoy cheaper calls, texts, and data compared to roaming fees.

• Easy Communication : Talk to friends, family, and locals without high charges.

• Internet Access : Get fast internet for maps, social media, and travel updates.

► Recommendation : If your phone supports eSIM, consider getting a Tourist eSIM for Kazakhstan. It’s convenient and secure, allowing for instant activation via email. This way, you can skip the hassle of finding a SIM card when you arrive. Just scan a QR code, and you’re all set!

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

When buying a SIM card in Kazakhstan, you’ll need to:

• Bring Your Passport : You need it for registration and verification.

• Check Your Phone’s Compatibility : Make sure your phone is unlocked and can work with local networks.

VII. Kazakhstan eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

eSIMs are a great alternative to traditional SIM cards for tourists in Kazakhstan. They are convenient and easy to use, eliminating the need to buy and swap physical SIM cards.

Gigago is one of the most reliable eSIM providers, offering services for Kazakhstan and many other places worldwide. Here are some key features of Gigago:

• Highly rated on Trustpilot with nearly 600 positive reviews.

• Offers eSIMs for over 190 countries.

• Serves more than 1,000,000 customers globally.

• Provides 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp.

Tourists using eSIMs in Kazakhstan can enjoy several benefits:

• Instant activation without needing to visit a store.

• Multiple data plans on one device.

• Easy options to add more data.

• No roaming charges.

• Ability to keep your home number active while using local data.

For Kazakhstan, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $5.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Kazakhstan eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.00 – $19.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Kazakhstan, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

In Kazakhstan, tourist SIM cards from major providers typically last between 28 to 30 days. These plans ensure tourists can stay connected throughout their visit without frequent top-ups. For more details, visit the Beeline, Tele2, and Kcell official websites.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Kazakhstan? 

To activate your SIM card in Kazakhstan, follow these steps:

• Purchase a SIM card from a local provider or store.

• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked device.

• Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the new SIM card.

• Follow the on-screen instructions or dial the activation number.

• Provide any required personal information or ID.

• Choose a plan or add credit, then wait for confirmation of activation.

FAQs

In summary, Kazakhstan offers tourists a variety of options, including prepaid physical SIM cards and eSIMs for easy connectivity. Whether you need data for browsing or international calling, Kazakhstan has reliable providers to meet your needs.