Lifecell Ukraine is one of the leading mobile operators in Ukraine. With excellent 4G coverage and fast speeds, Lifecell is a great option for travelers visiting Ukraine.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about getting connected with Lifecell Ukraine during your trip – from SIM card options, availability of eSIM, costs, coverage maps, activation instructions and more.

Lifecell SIM Card and eSIM

I. Quick facts about Lifecell Ukraine

Here are some quick facts about Lifecell Ukraine:

  • Founded: 1993 as a fixed line telecom, launched mobile services in 1995
  • Full name: Private Joint Stock Company “Lifecell”
  • Services provided: Mobile voice and data, Lifecell Play media, Lifecell Money mobile finance
  • Number of subscribers: Over 19 million subscribers as of 2021, making it the second largest mobile operator in Ukraine.
  • Customer support: 24/7 support in Ukrainian and Russian via call center (toll free 0800 50 50 50), web chat, social media and company-owned stores.
  • Number of stores/agents: Over 1,200 Lifeshop branded stores across the country.
Lifecell- Among top Mobile Operators in Ukraine
Lifecell

II. Lifecell Ukraine Coverage and Speed in Ukraine

Lifecell Ukraine coverage in Ukraine

Lifecell Ukraine coverage map
Lifecell Ukraine coverage map. Source: nperf.com

Lifecell offers extensive 4G/LTE coverage across Ukraine’s major cities and population centers. Its 4G reaches over 87% of the population.

2G coverage is available to over 98% of Ukrainians allowing fallback connectivity. 3G coverage is limited and being phased out.

So you can expect a high-speed 4G connection across most of Ukraine with Lifecell. It offers greater coverage depth than many European networks. Rural areas may see some gaps in 4G but 2G fills these gaps.

Lifecell Ukraine speed

Lifecell Speed test
Lifecell Speed test. Source: Broadband

Lifecell offers excellent 4G speeds averaging around 40 Mbps for downloads based on Broadband’s test. This is among the fastest 4G speeds available in Ukraine.

So with Lifecell you can enjoy some of the fastest 4G in Ukraine. Just avoid bandwidth-intensive use on congested networks to get optimal performance.

III. Lifecell connectivity options for travelers to Ukraine

As a tourist visiting Ukraine, you can get connected on Lifecell using:

Connectivity Options

Option Pros Cons
SIM Card Inexpensive monthly plans starting at $0.91/month for unlimited calls/5GB data Need to purchase SIM card
Full local coverage on Lifecell network Set up required
Can manage own data usage SIM card can be lost
Pocket WiFi No setup, works out of box More expensive than SIM card
Can share with multiple devices Dependent on battery life
Don't need local number Limited data amounts
Roaming No need to purchase local SIM Very expensive data roaming fees
Use existing mobile number Coverage depends on roaming partnerships
Familiar with your home network Calls/texts deducted from home balances

Overall, a Lifecell SIM card provides the greatest value and connectivity experience for tourists staying in Ukraine for a week or more. It allows making the most of inexpensive monthly plans with ample data.

IV. Best Lifecell Ukraine SIM cards for tourists & cost

Here are some top Lifecell SIM card options for visitors to Ukraine:

Plan Name Data/Allowances Price (USD)
Visitor SIM 1-2GB valid 30 days $3-5
Social Plan 10GB/month $6
Internet Plan Unlimited 4G data 30 days $10
Traveler Plan Unlimited calls/texts, 20GB/month $15
Explorer Plan Unlimited everything, 50GB high-speed data $20

Get unlimited fast data for a month with this prepaid plan. Great for heavy data usage during an extended vacation in Ukraine. Insert and restart to activate.

With Lifecell prepaid SIMs, you only pay for the plan cost. There are no contracts or commitments. Top-ups to extend service are available starting UAH 50.

V. Does Lifecell Ukraine support eSIM?

Yes, Lifecell offers eSIM support for compatible smartphones and smartwatches. With an eSIM you can access data connectivity on Lifecell’s network.

Here are some key things to note about Lifecell eSIMs in Ukraine:

  • eSIMs are only available with postpaid (monthly) plans. Prepaid eSIMs are not offered currently.
  • eSIM plans provide data connectivity. You cannot get a voice & text eSIM.
  • eSIMs can be purchased online and downloaded to your device if eSIM compatible.

So with an eSIM compatible device, you can signup for a Lifecell data plan online and use the eSIM for data while roaming in Ukraine.

VI. Where to buy a Lifecell Ukraine SIM card and eSIM?

Where to buy Lifecell Ukraine SIM for Ukraine

You can easily purchase a Lifecell prepaid SIM card in Ukraine:

  • Airport – Lifecell kiosk at Kyiv Boryspil airport arrivals area
Lifecell Ukraine kiosk at Airport
Lifecell Ukraine kiosk at Airport
  • Lifecell stores – Official retail stores in cities across Ukraine.
Buying SIM Card at Lifecell Ukraine store
Buying SIM Card at Lifecell Ukraine store
  • Supermarkets – Electronics shops like Comfy, Eldorado, Foxtrot, Allo etc.
Getting Ukraine SIM Card at Tech Store- Foxtrot
Tech Store- Foxtrot
  • Newsstands/kiosks – Small shops/kiosks sell Lifecell SIM cards.

When purchasing, you may need to provide your passport as ID. SIM prices start from UAH 60. Top-up vouchers are available at most outlets.

Where to buy Lifecell Ukraine eSIM

To get Lifecell eSIM, you need to signup for a monthly plan on their website. eSIMs are not sold separately like prepaid SIM cards.

Here is the process to purchase a Lifecell eSIM:

  1. Check your device is eSIM compatible on Lifecell’s website.
  2. Select a monthly data plan you need. Plans start at UAH 100 per month.
  3. Provide your identification documents online.
  4. Enter delivery address in Ukraine for SIM kit with QR activation code.
  5. Receive SIM kit in 1-2 days and scan QR code to download eSIM.

So Lifecell eSIM must be purchased online and downloaded directly to your device using Lifecell’s app or activation code. Pickup at physical stores is not available.

VII. How to activate Lifecell Ukraine SIM/eSIM

Activating a new Lifecell SIM or eSIM on your phone is quick and easy.

How to use Lifecell Ukraine SIM card

To activate your Lifecell prepaid SIM card:

  1. Insert SIM into your phone. Enable data roaming if your home SIM is still inserted.
  2. Restart your device and the SIM will automatically activate within a minute.
  3. You may get a setup SMS to select your prepaid plan. Check data balance by dialing *110#.
  4. Start using data, calls and texts on the SIM per your plan rates.

That’s all – your Lifecell SIM activates instantly upon insertion and restart. No need to register separately.

How to activate Lifecell Ukraine eSIM

To activate a Lifecell eSIM on your compatible device:

  1. Install the Lifecell app from App Store/Play Store and signup for an account.
  2. Enter the QR code or activation number received in your eSIM welcome kit.
  3. Follow prompts to download the eSIM profile to your device storage.
  4. Restart device and Lifecell eSIM will be ready for use.
  5. Check data balance and settings in the Lifecell app. Enable data roaming if using your home SIM also.

So eSIM activation involves scanning the QR/activation code and downloading profile via Lifecell’s app. Restart device to complete activation.

VIII. Lifecell Ukraine Call & SMS rates

Here are the call and SMS rates on Lifecell Ukraine SIM cards:

Call

Call Type Rate (USD)
Calls to Lifecell numbers (local) $0.03-0.05/min
Calls to Lifecell numbers (long distance) $0.05-0.08/min
Calls to other networks (local) $0.06-0.10/min
Calls to other networks (long distance) $0.10-0.15/min
Calls to US/Canada $0.20-0.30/min
Calls to EU $0.15-0.25/min
Calls to Asia/Russia $0.10-0.20/min

SMS

SMS Type Rate (USD)
SMS within Ukraine $0.03-0.05/SMS
International SMS $0.10-0.15/SMS

Many Lifecell prepaid plans include an allowance of free minutes and texts to all Ukraine networks.

Tips: So convenient free on-net connectivity makes Lifecell economical for voice and text usage. Using services like WhatsApp Calling and iMessage can further reduce costs.

IX. Useful USSD codes for Lifecell Ukraine SIM/eSIM

Lifecell offers several USSD codes to check account balance and settings on your SIM or eSIM:

USSD Codes

Number Action Description
*111# Check balance Check account balance
*161# Check number and plan Check phone number and tariff plan
*121# Check minutes/data/SMS rest Check remaining minutes, MB, SMS
*112# Manage active services Access menu to activate/deactivate services
*06# Check IMEI number
*133# Change language

No need to install an app or call customer service – just dial these codes directly on your phone dialpad.

This allows quick access to account info and config at any time. Works the same whether using Lifecell SIM or eSIM.

X. How to top-up Lifecell Ukraine SIM/eSIM

When your prepaid balance runs low, you can easily top-up your Lifecell SIM/eSIM in Ukraine:

Using vouchers

  • Buy top-up vouchers from Lifecell stores, supermarkets, kiosks etc. Denominations from UAH 50 to UAH 500.

Online payments

  • Use Lifecell app or website to top-up using VISA/Mastercard or other payment methods.
  • Enter your phone number and payment details.

Cash payments

  • Pay cash at Lifecell stores and receive instant top-up.
  • May need to provide SIM card or voucher code.

So flexible top-up options exist both offline and online. Larger top-ups typically offer bonus data or other incentives.

XI. Alternatives to Lifecell Ukraine

The main mobile operators in Ukraine besides Lifecell are:

  • Vodafone Ukraine – Second largest operator with excellent connectivity and speeds.
  • Kyivstar – The largest mobile network in Ukraine with widest coverage.
  • ITrim/Telecube – Smaller player with lower data rates and added value options.

All major operators offer prepaid Ukraine SIMs and a similar experience overall. Coverage depth may vary in some regions of Ukraine.

Consider Ukraine eSIM from GIGAGO, which is one of the best options for tourists travelling to Ukraine as it provides excellent value and convenience. With its easy installation process, reasonable pricing and comprehensive coverage across Ukraine. Ukraine eSIM is highly recommended for tourists visiting the country to stay connected seamlessly during their trip.

Let’s see their best plans:

Ukraine eSIM plans
Ukraine eSIM plans

XII. FAQs about Lifecell Ukraine

Can I use Lifecell Ukraine SIM in Europe?

Yes, Lifecell SIMs allow roaming across Europe and many other regions. But high roaming charges apply outside Ukraine.

Does my Lifecell SIM expire after validity?

Unused credit expires after 180 days of inactivity. But you can extend validity by doing a top-up recharge.

Are there Lifecell stores at Kyiv Boryspil airport?

Yes, Lifecell has 24/7 stores and sales desks in the arrivals area of both Boryspil terminals.

XIII. Final words

Lifecell Ukraine provides excellent connectivity with wide 4G coverage, fast speeds and competitive rates. Their prepaid SIM cards and eSIM are convenient options for short and long term visitors.

Getting connected locally is essential in Ukraine. We hope this gives you the confidence to pick the best Lifecell plan. Consider Ukraine eSIM to get the most out of your Ukraine trip!