How to Get a SIM Card in Kazakhstan: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists in 2024
If you are planning a trip to Kazakhstan, having a local SIM card can significantly simplify your life, giving you access to mobile communication and the internet.
After all, without a SIM card, tourists cannot even book a taxi through apps like Uber. In this article, we will tell you about the different ways to get a SIM card in Kazakhstan and share some useful tips.
Buying a SIM Card at Almaty and Astana Airports
The first and most convenient way to get a SIM card is to do it right upon arrival at the airport. In Kazakhstan's international airports, such as Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport in Astana and Almaty Airport, there are 24/7 operator booths. Here you can buy a SIM card from operators like Tele2, Altel, and Beeline.
Purchase Procedure:
1. Go to the operator's booth (at Almaty Airport, they are located on the first floor near the entrance).
2. Provide the consultant with your passport number (whether it’s an American passport, EU passport, or any other).
3. The consultant will register you as a new subscriber.
4. Get your SIM card and activate it on the spot.
Prices for SIM cards at the airport are usually the same as in the city, making this purchase method very convenient and economical.
Service Prices*
Kazakhstan's mobile operators offer various packages with a wide range of prices. For example, Tele2 offers packages starting at 3,500 tenge (about $8). This includes 14 GB of 5G internet, 100 minutes of calls to any numbers within Kazakhstan, and unlimited calls to Tele2 and Altel subscribers (Tele2 and Altel are owned by the same company).
Altel offers internet-only services without calls under the "Жеке" (Individual) tariff:
- 10 GB for 2,690 tenge
- 15 GB for 3,090 tenge
- 40 GB for 4,390 tenge.
*All prices are current for summer 2024.
Operator Offices in main cities
If you did not buy a SIM card at the airport, you can do so at one of the many operator offices located throughout the city. The registration process is similar to that at the airport and takes only a few minutes.
Here are the addresses of some popular operators' offices:
Tele2 and Altel in Almaty:
- Dostyk Ave, 19
- Zheltoksan St, 115, "Kaisar Plaza" Shopping Center
- Panfilov St, 109
- Tole Bi St, 101, Dalich Business Center
- Nazarbayev Ave, 226, Ramstore All In
- Rozybakiev St, 247A, "Mega" Shopping Center, "Technodom"
- Makatayev St, 127/1, "Mega Park" Shopping Center, "Technodom"
- Abay Ave, 109, "Globus" Shopping Center
More information about branches in Almaty is available on the website [altel.kz](https://altel.kz/salons).
Tele2 and Altel in Astana:
- Respublika Ave, 5
- Beibitshilik St, 45
- Asia Park Shopping Center, Kabanbay Batyr Ave, 21
- Kanysh Satpaev St, 20/1
- Kuishi Dina St, 15
- Khan Shatyr Shopping Center, Turan Ave, 37
- Eurasia-1 Shopping Center, Aleksei Petrov St, 24
- Keruencity Shopping Center, Korgalzhyn Highway, 1
- Rakhmet Shopping Center, Nurgisa Tlendiyev Ave, 15
Beeline in Almaty:
- Timiryazev St, 40
- Zhibek Zholy Ave, 98
- Forum Shopping Center, Seifullin Ave, 617
- Mega Center Alma-Ata, Rozybakiev St, 247a
More information about branches in Almaty is available on the website [beeline.kz](https://beeline.kz/ru/offices?region=kzt).
Beeline in Astana:
- Respublika Ave, 16
- Asia Park Shopping Center, Kabanbay Batyr Ave, 21
- MEGA Silk Way Shopping Center, Kabanbay Batyr Ave, 62
- Zhaily Shopping Center, Kanysh Satpaev St, 14
Active and Kcell
Information is available at [kcell.kz](https://www.kcell.kz/contacts).
Buying a SIM Card from Mobile Accessories Sellers
Another option is to buy a SIM card from mobile accessories sellers. These sellers can be found in all city districts and operate in large shopping centers and markets. This is a convenient way for those who do not want to look for official operator offices.
@nur.kz, police department of Almaty
Useful Tips When Buying a SIM Card in Kazakhstan
1. Check the rates: Before buying a SIM card, check the rates for calls and the internet.
2. Choose a suitable data package: If you need only the internet, ask the consultant about available data-only packages and choose the one that suits you best.
3. Check compatibility: Ensure that your phone model supports the frequencies used by Kazakhstani operators.
We hope these tips will help you quickly and easily get a SIM card in Kazakhstan and enjoy your stay here.