RUSSIA TRAVEL • DATA ROAMING
Russia eSIM vs Your Home Carrier's International Roaming
Before you land in Russia, it's worth comparing what your own network charges for roaming against a dedicated Russia travel eSIM - especially since international roaming and payment options in Russia can be limited for many home carriers.
| Factor | Home-carrier roaming | eTravelSim Russia eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost for a 7-10 day trip | Many home carriers restrict or don't support roaming in Russia at all; where available, daily fees commonly run $10 or more per day | From $4.50 for a 1 GB / 30-day plan, or $9.50 for 5 GB / 30 days |
| Data allowance | Often capped, slowed down, or unavailable depending on your home carrier's Russia coverage | Choose from 1 GB up to Unlimited (Unlimited plans include 4 GB of high-speed data per day, then continue at 1 Mbps) |
| Setup before you travel | Depends entirely on whether your home carrier has a Russia roaming agreement | eSIM delivered by email instantly after purchase; activates automatically on first network connection |
| Network in Russia | Depends on whichever local partner your home carrier has a roaming agreement with, if any | Runs on the Tele2 network (4G/5G/LTE) |
| Calls and a phone number | Your home number may work for calls where roaming agreements exist, often at a high per-minute cost | Data-only - no calls or phone number included; keep your home SIM active for calls |
| Hotspot / tethering | Often restricted or charged separately where roaming is available | Allowed on every plan except the Unlimited Data plans |
| Paperwork | None - it's your existing plan (where it works) | None - no documentation required to activate |
- ✓A dependable data option for Russia even if your home carrier doesn't support roaming there at all
- ✓Keep your home SIM active for calls and your existing number, and use the eSIM purely for data
- ✓Instant delivery by email - install before you fly or as soon as you land
- ✓Plans from 1 GB to Unlimited, for trips from 7 to 30 days, on the Tele2 network
Russia eSIM questions
Which network does the Russia eSIM use?
It runs on the Tele2 network in Russia, with 4G, 5G and LTE speeds depending on your device and location.
Does the Russia eSIM include calls or a phone number?
No - the Russia eSIM is data-only, with no calls or phone number included. Keep your home SIM active if you need to make or receive calls.
Can I use my hotspot with this eSIM?
Hotspot and tethering are allowed on every plan except the Unlimited Data plans.
What happens if I use all my high-speed data on an Unlimited plan?
Unlimited Data plans include 4 GB of high-speed data per day. After that, speed continues at 1 Mbps.
Why might a Russia eSIM work better than my home carrier's roaming?
Many home carriers restrict or don't support roaming in Russia at all, so a dedicated Russia eSIM on the Tele2 network can provide reliable data where your usual roaming simply doesn't work.