Kyivstar SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Visiting Ukraine soon?. A local Kyivstar SIM card can help you stay conveniently connected. Follow this guide for more details

I. Quick Facts about Kyivstar

Here are some quick facts about this brand:

• Established: 1994
• Branding name: Kyivstar
• Services provided: Mobile telephony, mobile internet, SMS and MMS services.
• Number of subscribers: 26.5 million (as of 2022)
• Number of stores: Over 4,500 stores across Ukraine
• Customer service: 24/7 call center, online chat, Kyivstar app
• Awards: Mobile operator with the best mobile internet in Ukraine (2021, 2022)

II. Why Kyivstar When You’re Exploring Ukraine – Coverage and Speed

2.1 Kyivstar Coverage in Ukraine

Kyivstar has the most extensive network coverage in Ukraine, reaching over 98% of the population. Their 4G LTE network covers all major cities and towns across the country. So you can rely on getting a strong, reliable signal in most areas when using a Kyivstar SIM.

2.2 Kyivstar Speed

In addition to wide coverage, Kyivstar also offers high mobile internet speeds of 50 Mbps download and around 30 Mbps upload on their 4G network. This allows you to surf the web, stream videos, use maps & navigation apps smoothly while traveling in Ukraine with a Kyivstar SIM. T

In summary, with its unparalleled coverage reach and fast speeds, Kyivstar is an excellent choice for travelers who want to stay well-connected across Ukraine.

III. Kyivstar Connectivity Options for Travelers to Ukraine

There are three main options for getting Kyivstar connectivity in Ukraine:

Connectivity Options

In conclusion, a local Kyivstar SIM card is the most convenient and cost-effective option for most travelers to stay connected in Ukraine. Pocket WiFi can also be useful for group travel. But roaming tends to be quite expensive and should be avoided.

IV. Best Kyivstar SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here are the best Kyivstar Ukraine prepaid SIM cards for tourists to Ukraine:

Considering coverage, included benefits and strong value, the Surf SIM package would be the plan the most highly recommend tourists sign up for on Kyivstar’s reliable network during their stay in Ukraine.

V. Does Kyivstar Support eSIM in Ukraine?

Yes, eSIM is a viable option supported by Kyivstar which offers flexibility and connectivity for tourists visiting Ukraine without a nano-SIM. However, physical prepaid SIM cards still provide more choice of plans.

As a tourist, it can be difficult to directly get a Kyivstar eSIM when visiting Ukraine. However, there are some third-party providers like Ukraine eSIM from GIGAGO that offer eSIMs with Ukrainian data packages powered by the Kyivstar network. These tourist eSIMs give you the convenience of digital SIMs without needing to go to a Kyivstar store.

Some key benefits of using an eSIM for travel include:

• Digital and programmable – no physical SIM card required
• Remote activation – connect from your phone instantly
• Dual SIM capability – use local & home SIM together
• Secure and durable – eSIMs cannot get damaged or lost

So eSIMs can be a great alternative option to get seamless Kyivstar connectivity if you have an eSIM-compatible device.

VI. Where can You Buy a Kyivstar SIM Card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Kyivstar SIM Card for Ukraine

As mentioned before, Kyivstar SIM cards are easily available at Kyivstar stores, monobrand shops, sales agents, airports, malls, supermarkets, and petrol stations across Ukraine.

Some specific places popular to buy Kyivstar prepaid SIM cards are:

• Airport arrivals area

• Silpo, ATB, Auchan supermarkets

• Kyivstar Store

2. Where to Buy Kyivstar eSIM in Ukraine

As Kyivstar does not directly offer tourist eSIMs, you cannot buy Kyivstar eSIM from their stores or agents in Ukraine.

Instead, you need to purchase a Kyivstar eSIM from third-party providers that partner with the operator to offer eSIMs with Ukrainian data packages for travelers.

One popular platforms to buy prepaid Kyivstar eSIMs for is Ukraine eSIM from GIGAGO. This provider delivers eSIMs remotely by QR code after payment. Here are their highly recommended plans:

VII. How to Activate Kyivstar SIM/eSIM in Ukraine?

1. How to Activate and Use Kyivstar SIM Card

Activating and using a Kyivstar SIM card in Ukraine is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the SIM – Turn off your phone, locate the SIM tray, gently insert the Kyivstar SIM.
2. Power on device – Turn on your phone, allow some time for the Kyivstar SIM to be detected.
3. Activate the SIM – Kyivstar prepaid SIMs are often pre-activated. If not, call 595 from mobile to activate.
4. Configure APN – Set the APN for mobile data to work.
5. Check connectivity – Make a test call and browse a website to verify your Kyivstar SIM is working correctly.
6. Recharge account – Add more data, minutes or SMS by recharging your SIM via vouchers, transfers or the My Kyivstar app.

2. How to Activate and Use Kyivstar eSIM

Activating and using a Kyivstar eSIM on your smartphone in Ukraine takes just a few simple steps:

1. Install eSIM app – Download the app provided by your eSIM provider such as Airalo. Create an account and login.
2. Activate eSIM – Select your Kyivstar Ukraine eSIM plan, complete payment, activation will be done remotely.
3. Set up eSIM – Go into Settings on your phone, tap Add Cellular Plan, scan or enter eSIM code from app to install the Kyivstar eSIM.
4. Connect eSIM – Choose the Kyivstar eSIM as your active cellular plan. It will now connect to the network.
5. Start using – Make calls, send texts, and browse internet seamlessly on the Kyivstar network via eSIM.
6. Recharge – Add more data to your eSIM by purchasing top-up packs from the provider app.

VIII. Ukraine Kyivstar Call & SMS Rates

Here are the latest Kyivstar prepaid call and SMS rates for travel within Ukraine:

Call

SMS

Always check latest call and SMS rates on the Kyivstar Ukraine website before travel.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Kyivstar SIM/eSIM

Here are some useful USSD codes for Kyivstar prepaid customers in Ukraine:

USSD Codes

Dial these codes directly on your phone dial pad to manage your Kyivstar account, check usage, enable services and more. Works on both physical SIM and eSIM.

X. How to Top-up Kyivstar SIM/eSIM

You can easily recharge and add more credit to your Kyivstar prepaid account using various top-up methods:

• Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers from shops, kiosks and do self-recharge.
• Mobile transfer – Dial *144#, choose amount, complete transfer from another Ukraine mobile number.
• Apps – Recharge via Payment Center, Portmone or My Kyivstar apps.
• Stores – Visit Kyivstar shops and authorized dealers to recharge your account.

Top-ups instantly add balance for calls, texts and mobile data. For eSIMs, you can also recharge directly through provider apps.

XI. FAQs about Kyivstar in Ukraine

XII. Final Words

In summary, Kyivstar is the best mobile network operator in Ukraine offering wide coverage, fast speeds and great connectivity. Their tourist SIM cards provide excellent value with abundant data for travel.

Overall, getting a Kyivstar SIM card or eSIM from Ukraine eSIM is a convenient way for tourists to stay connected across the country during their visit.