Do Belarusian Sim Cards Work Across Europe?

If you're travelling through Europe and planning a trip to Belarus, you might be wondering about the best way to stay connected. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, known for its rich history and diverse culture. While free WiFi may be available in some places, purchasing a local SIM card is a more reliable option to access the internet, make local calls, and send SMS without incurring high roaming charges. In this discussion, we will explore the options available for staying connected in Belarus and whether Belarusian SIM cards can be used throughout all of Europe.

Belarus SIM cards can be purchased before travelling or upon arrival in the country

On the other hand, if you prefer to buy a SIM card after arriving in Belarus, you can do so at the airport, mobile network stores, or other retail outlets. This allows you to compare plans in person and select the best option for your needs. However, SIM cards purchased at the airport tend to have higher costs and lower data offers.

When buying a SIM card in Belarus, you will need to show your passport, and it is advisable to purchase it directly from the mobile provider's store or at the airport, as some local shops may not know how to deal with foreign passports.

The main mobile operators in Belarus are MTS and life:). MTS offers a range of prepaid plans, including data, voice, and text options, while life:) provides flexible data bundles and competitive rates. SIM cards are typically priced between BYN 5 and BYN 20, and data plans start from around BYN 5 for smaller bundles.

If you're looking for a SIM card that works throughout all of Europe, you may want to consider a European prepaid SIM card or an eSIM plan for Europe. These options will allow you to stay connected throughout your travels without changing your SIM card.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport, mobile network stores, or other retail outlets

When it comes to buying a SIM card in Belarus, you have several options. You can buy one at the airport, mobile network stores, or other retail outlets.

Buying a SIM Card at the Airport

Firstly, you can buy a Belarus SIM card at some international airports. However, it's important to note that the selection may be limited, and the prices tend to be higher compared to other options. You may also encounter long lines at airport stores, and they might only accept cash payments. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait until you arrive at your destination to purchase a SIM card.

Buying a SIM Card from Mobile Network Stores

Another option is to buy a SIM card directly from a mobile provider's store. This option often provides a wider range of choices and better value for money. In Belarus, the two biggest operators are MTS and A1, and they sell visitor or tourist SIM cards that can be used without local registration. However, you will still need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card, as required by law.

Buying a SIM Card from Other Retail Outlets

Besides the airport and mobile network stores, you can also find SIM cards at convenience stores, electronics retailers, and online. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens offer a quick and easy solution, although their selection may be more limited. Electronics stores like Best Buy and Fry's Electronics also sell prepaid SIM cards, especially those specialising in mobile phones. Additionally, you can purchase SIM cards online through carrier websites or third-party marketplaces like Amazon, which allows you to compare different options and choose the best plan for your needs.

Tips for Buying a SIM Card in Belarus

• It is recommended to research and compare plans and prices online before purchasing to avoid paying more than necessary.
• Be prepared to show your passport or another form of photo identification when buying a SIM card, as this is a requirement in Belarus.
• Know your phone's compatibility with the local networks and frequencies to ensure the SIM card will work with your device.
• Consider purchasing an eSIM, which can be downloaded directly to your phone, especially if your phone supports this feature.
• Keep in mind that Belarus is not part of the EU or EEA, so roaming rates on European SIM cards may be higher. Therefore, it is generally more cost-effective to buy a local SIM card.

The main mobile operators in Belarus are MTS and life:)

The main mobile operators in Belarus are MTS, A1, and life:). MTS (Mobile TeleSystems) is the leading provider in Belarus, with more than 5.7 million subscribers. It is jointly owned by the state-owned Beltelecom and the Russian-owned MTS operator. MTS offers a range of prepaid plans, including data and unlimited options.

A1 is the second-largest operator and the main competitor to MTS, with almost the same 2G/3G coverage. A1 has around 4.9 million subscribers and offers services such as mobile and fixed-line connections, online TV, entertainment content, and ICT services.

Life:) is the smallest operator in Belarus, owned by Turkcell, with the Belarusian government owning a 20% stake. Life:) has a limited network, primarily serving population centres, and offers services such as mobile phone goods and services.

All three operators provide 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services, with 4G/LTE infrastructure managed by the state operator beCloud. Belarus has a high mobile penetration rate, with 12 million subscribers in total as of Q4 2020, and many people carry two mobiles, one with an MTS SIM and one with an A1 SIM, to avoid paying for more expensive cross-network calls.

MTS offers two types of prepaid plans: 2GB for one day and unlimited data for one day

If you're travelling in Belarus, it's recommended to use a SIM card from MTS, A1, or Airalo. While you can find free WiFi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels, a SIM card will be useful if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Belarusian.

If you're looking for a longer-term plan, A1 offers an unlimited data plan valid for 30 days for BYN 29.99 ($11.88). This could be a good choice if you're planning to stay in Belarus for a more extended period.

It's important to note that Belarus is not part of the EU or EEA, so roaming rates on European SIM cards can be much higher. Therefore, it's recommended to purchase a local SIM card in the country to avoid higher charges.

When buying a SIM card in Belarus, you will need to show your passport. You can purchase SIM cards at international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online. However, it's recommended to buy directly from a mobile provider store to avoid higher costs and limited data offers at the airport.

Additionally, if you want to stay connected throughout your travels in Europe, consider purchasing a Europe or global plan, or an eSIM card, which can provide data coverage in multiple countries without the need to change your SIM card.

A1 offers one prepaid plan for tourists: unlimited data for 30 days

If you're travelling in Belarus, it's recommended to use a SIM card from MTS, A1, or Airalo. While MTS offers two different types of prepaid plans, A1 has one prepaid plan for tourists: unlimited data, valid for 30 days for BYN 29.99 ($11.88).

A1, formerly known as Velcom, is the strongest competitor of MTS in Belarus, with almost the same 2G/3G coverage. A1's prepaid card is called Privet, and the company offers a tourist plan that doesn't require the customer to be registered with the authorities in Belarus. This plan, called Drive Tourist, includes unlimited internet for 30 days, 700 domestic minutes to all networks, and costs BYN 35.

A1's tourist plan is a great option if you're looking for a simple, hassle-free way to stay connected during your travels in Belarus.

Frequently asked questions