Does the eSIM work on the Trans-Siberian train?

Partly. Along the Trans-Siberian, coverage is good near cities and towns, but on stretches through the deepest taiga or in eastern Siberia the signal can be absent for hours. We recommend downloading offline maps and content to use on the stretches without a network, and using the stops at stations to catch up on messages and bookings.

Are there restrictions on access to certain websites in Russia?

Yes. Russia operates an internet filtering system that blocks numerous services and social networks, including, at certain times, Instagram and Facebook. Some VPN services are also blocked or slowed down. An eSIM gives you a connection to the local network but does not get around restrictions imposed nationally. We recommend finding out before you leave whether you can access the specific services you need.

Do I need a power adapter to charge my phone in Russia?

No, you do not need an adapter. Russia uses Type C and F sockets, the same as those common in Italy, at a voltage of 220–230V. Your Italian chargers will fit Russian sockets without any problem.

What is the time difference between Rome and Moscow?

Moscow is on UTC+3, so it is 2 hours ahead of Rome in summer (daylight saving time, UTC+2) and 2 hours ahead in winter (UTC+1). Note: Russia does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference changes with the Italian seasons. If you travel on to Siberia or the Russian Far East, the time difference grows considerably, up to +9 hours from Rome.

How much does an eSIM for Russia cost?

eSIM plans for Russia start from €5.99. You pay once for the amount of data you choose — no subscription, no monthly fees and no hidden roaming charges. Plans with more data or longer validity cost more.

Is an eSIM or roaming better in Russia?

A local eSIM in Russia is almost always much cheaper than the roaming of your Italian operator. In the European Union roaming is often already included ("Roam Like at Home"), but outside the EU the costs can be very high — with an eSIM you know the price in advance and pay only for the data plan you need.

Which operator or network does the eSIM use in Russia?

The eSIM in Russia connects automatically to local networks such as MTS, MegaFon, Beeline (VimpelCom), Tele2 Russia — on 4G/LTE and, where available, 5G. Coverage reaches about 82% in inhabited areas. Your phone picks the best available network by itself.

Can I keep my Italian number with the eSIM in Russia?

Yes. Your Italian SIM and number stay active — the travel eSIM works alongside it as a data-only line. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or Wi-Fi while you use the local network to browse. Traditional calls and SMS still go through your Italian number.

Should I activate the eSIM before or after I leave?

Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave. The data plan then activates automatically when you connect in Russia. That way you are online as soon as you arrive, without looking for airport Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM.

Can I top up or renew the plan for Russia?

Yes. When the data runs out or the validity expires, just buy a new plan — the eSIM profile already installed is kept and does not need to be installed again. You stay connected without interruption.

Can I share the connection (hotspot) in Russia?

Yes. You can share the connection in Russia through a personal hotspot with a computer, tablet or other devices. Shared data is deducted from your plan, so allow a few extra gigabytes if you expect to use the hotspot often.

How many GB do I need for Russia?

For a normal trip, 1–3 GB a week is enough for maps, messages and occasional browsing. With social media and photo sharing allow about 5 GB; for streaming, video calls or a hotspot count on 10 GB or more. If the volume is not enough, you can buy an additional plan at any time.

eSIM plans for Russia

Instant delivery

Your eSIM for Russia is available from €5.99 and active straight away: in Russia it connects to the MTS, MegaFon, Beeline (VimpelCom), Tele2 Russia networks (4G/LTE, 5G where available), coverage 82%. Install it by QR code before you leave — no roaming and no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day returns
Support in Italian
Visa · Mastercard · PayPal (including Pay in 3) · Apple Pay · Google Pay · Satispay

eSIM for Russia — at a glance

From: €5.99
Local networks: MTS, MegaFon, Beeline (VimpelCom), Tele2 Russia
Technology: 4G/LTE
Network coverage: 82%
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Recommended data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Russia

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€7.19
Unlimited	3 days	€10.49
Unlimited	5 days	€16.99
Unlimited	7 days	€22.99
Unlimited	10 days	€32.49
Unlimited	15 days	€48.49
Unlimited	30 days	€95.49
1 GB	7 days	€5.99
2 GB	15 days	€15.49
3 GB	30 days	€16.99
5 GB	30 days	€23.99
10 GB	30 days	€41.99
20 GB	30 days	€65.99
50 GB	30 days	€95.99

Russia is the largest country in the world, where distances are measured in days by train and the landscape changes dramatically from one region to the next: the golden domes of Moscow, the canals of Saint Petersburg, the total silence of the Siberian taiga and the shores of Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth. In a territory like this, finding your way without an internet connection is unthinkable: offline maps are not enough, signs are in Cyrillic and almost everything is booked online. With a Datiovunque eSIM activated comfortably from home, you will already be connected when you land at Sheremetyevo or Pulkovo, with no need to hunt for local operators or queue at counters.

Flight from Rome

Around 4–5 hours to Moscow; 9–11 hours to Novosibirsk or Vladivostok (with a stop)

Time zone

From UTC+3 (Moscow, 2 hours ahead of Rome) to UTC+12 (far east); 10 time zones in total

Best season

May–September for the cities; December–February for the winter landscape and frozen Lake Baikal

Power socket

Type C/F — no adapter needed for Italian plugs

Why an eSIM is essential in Russia

Russia presents particular challenges for foreign travellers looking for local connectivity. In recent years the Russian authorities have imposed ever stricter registration requirements for buying physical SIMs: in many cases you must show your passport, fill in forms in Russian and sometimes even provide biometric data. Tourist SIMs sold to foreigners are often limited in data or subject to geographic restrictions. With an eSIM these bureaucratic obstacles disappear completely. The network covers about 82% of the national territory, a significant share given the sheer size of the country, with a solid 4G/LTE signal in the main cities and along the major railway lines, including the legendary Trans-Siberian route. Operators such as MTS and MegaFon provide the best coverage in urban areas and the main tourist centres. Keep in mind that Russia spans as many as ten time zones: Moscow is on UTC+3, which is 2 hours ahead of Rome in summer, while Vladivostok is on UTC+10. Having working internet from the first moment will help you recalibrate schedules, transport and communications with the people you left at home.

Network coverage in Russia

Operator

MTS

+ MegaFon

Technology

4G/LTE

Coverage

82%

Installing an eSIM for Russia: how does it work?

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Russia and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Russia and get online straight away.

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Russia and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Russia and get online straight away.

Which eSIM plan fits you best?

Holidaymakers

Going away for 1-2 weeks? Pick a plan with 3-5 GB for maps, photos and messages.

Business travellers

For video conferencing and email while travelling, we suggest at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpackers

A longer trip is better served by 10+ GB, or by a regional plan that spans multiple countries.

Families

For families with several devices we recommend a plan with tethering support and enough data.

Which suits Russia best: an eSIM, a local SIM or a Wi-Fi hotspot?

	eSIM	Local SIM	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Bought locally	Pick-up/delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €5.99	€5–30	€5–15/day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up at any time	Fixed data allowance	Daily rental
Recommended	Ideal for travellers	For long stays	For groups/families

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Common questions about the eSIM for Russia

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