Russia Service
The Russia SIM card, combined with an international mobile phone, is the most simple and economical solution for staying in touch while in Russia. ALL incoming calls, regardless of their origin, are FREE! The Russia SIM card will be based in Moscow and provide service across Russia through domestic roaming. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a mobile phone in Russia like you do at home. Since this SIM card is prepaid, there are no monthly fees and no need for a contract.
Benefits:
- $7 USD starter credit.
- A local mobile phone number in Russia
- Call 160 countries for $0.69 per minute
- Voicemail
- Text messaging
- No yearly contract, monthly charges or credit check.
Rates
Domestic calls
The domestic rates are listed in 2 sections. The rates vary depending whether you are in Moscow or outside the Moscow region.
Domestic rates while you are in Moscow
| Call types | Per minute rate |
| Incoming Calls - From MegaFon-Moscow network numbers and federal numbers subscribed to BeeLine, MTS and MSS Moscow networks (926 area code) | $0.01 USD |
| All other incoming calls | $0.09 USD |
| Outgoing calls - To MegaFon-Moscow network numbers and federal numbers subscribed to BeeLine, MTS and MSS Moscow networks (926 area code) | $0.03 USD |
| All other outgoing calls | $0.19 USD |
| Incoming text messages | Free |
| Outgoing text messages | $0.03 USD each |
| Check account balance and voicemail | Free |
Domestic rates while traveling outside of the Moscow region (St. Petersburg as a an example) but within Russia.
| Call type | Per minute rate |
| Incoming calls | $0.30 USD |
| Outgoing calls | $0.30 USD |
| Incoming text messages | Free |
| Outgoing text messages | $0.07 USD per msg |
Note: The first 5 seconds of all calls while roaming outside of Moscow are FREE.
International calls
All rates are per minute for international outgoing calls from Russia.
International rates for calls placed while you are in Moscow
| Calling to | Per minute rate |
| USA and Canada | $0.69 USD |
| Europe | $0.69 USD |
| Australia and New Zealand | $0.69 USD |
| Japan | $0.69 USD |
International rates while traveling outside of the Moscow region (St. Petersburg as a an example) but within Russia.
| Calling to | Per minute rate |
| USA and Canada | $3.00 USD |
| Europe | $3.00 USD |
| Australia and New Zealand | $3.60 USD |
| Japan | $3.60 USD |
Coverage
Activating your service
Your Russia mobile phone number is printed on the white label on the envelope containing the Russia SIM card, as well as the top of your welcome letter affixed to the SIM card, and begins +7 926.
To activate your service:
- Travel to Russia.
- Be sure that the battery is adequately charged.
- Insert the SIM card into your GSM phone*.
- Turn your phone on.
- Enter PIN1 code^
- Start calling.
* You will need to snap out the thumbnail sized SIM card along the perforated edge of its holder and then insert the SIM card into your international mobile phone with the gold contacts of the SIM card facing the metal contacts of your mobile phone.
^Your Russia SIM card requires a 4 digit PIN code which can be found under the black tab located under the Russia SIM card. The PUK is only required to unblock your phone if you enter a PIN code incorrectly. Follow your mobile phone manual instructions to correctly use the PUK to unblock your phone.
Making and receiving calls
How to make a call
To make an international call from your Russia mobile phone dial 00 (or +), followed by the country code (1 for the US), area code and phone number.
How family and friends call you
Family and friends need to dial the international prefix, the country code 7 and your mobile phone number.
For example, when calling from the United States, callers need to dial 011 7 and then your mobile phone number.
Recharging your account
Your SIM card includes initial airtime credit of $7.00 USD.
To add credit to your Russia SIM card, you will need to purchase recharge vouchers, also called Reload codes. You will find recharge vouchers at tabac shops, convenience stores, Megafon shops and authorized dealers in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Caucasus region).
To recharge your account:
- Purchase a recharge voucher.
- Scratch off the grey protective layer to reveal your voucher code.
- Enter your voucher code.
- Start calling.
Do not purchase another Russia SIM card when your credit is depleted! You only need a recharge voucher!
Contacting Customer Service
Customer service for your Russia SIM card is available 24/7 by dialing 555 at any time from your Russia mobile phone, or 507 7777 from a land line.
Service life
You must recharge your account once per month. If you account reaches a $0 (zero) balance then you must recharge your account within 30 days or your mobile phone number will be recycled. To get connected again you will need to buy another SIM card.
Handset compatibility
This SIM card requires an unlocked international GSM mobile phone. If you do not have your own suitable handset, we have several models available for your review and consideration. Please click here for more information.
If you have difficulty using the service in your handset, please contact Customer service