Q&A: What to do if your foreign SIM card doesn't work in Russia?

Do foreign SIM cards work in Russia?

Of course, you can use your phone in Russia without any problems: Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants, public transport and many public places. You can also connect via roaming. You don't necessarily need to buy a Russian SIM card (although here are instructions on how to do this).

However, for security reasons, Russia currently has a so-called "cooling-off period". This means that, when crossing the border into Russia, telecom operators block mobile internet and SMS services for 24 hours. This applies to both foreign and Russian SIM cards.

What communication services are available when crossing the border?

Despite the restrictions, you’ll still be able to make and receive regular phone calls. You can also connect to Wi-Fi networks – and everything will work.

How to restore access to communication services via your SIM card?

Service will be automatically restored 24 hours after entering Russia. If you want access to mobile internet and SMS services sooner, you can go through the instant verification procedure for your SIM card.

It's simple: You will receive a message from your mobile operator with a link to an authorization portal (this service will work even during the "cooling-off" period). There, you will need to pass a‘Captcha’ test that confirms the SIM card is being used by a person. After that, internet access will be restored within a few minutes.

If you have a push-button phone (not a smartphone), you will need to authenticate the phone by calling the mobile operator's call center in Russia.

What if you enter Russia with a Russian SIM card?

The 24-hour “cooling-off period” applies not only to those arriving from abroad, but also if the SIM card has not been used for more than 72 consecutive hours. That means a Russian SIM card that has been idle will also need to be verified. The process is similar.