Best unlimited data SIM card for Ukraine: Which esim to choose

Four Ukrainian mobile providers started to support eSIM technology by the end of 2020. Kyivstar was the last of the trio of carriers to join; therefore, regardless of operator, everyone will be able to use an electronic card. Yes, there are some nuances and restrictions. Below, we’ll reveal all the specifics, along with the technology features, and prices.

What is eSIM?

The typical plastic SIM card is replaced by an electronic SIM (eSIM), which is a tiny chip on the circuit board of a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device. Delivering it yourself, as in the case of a standard SIM card, will not operate if the manufacturer did not first install it in the model. Due to this, only owners of specific models are permitted to use this technology.

The eSIM stores encrypted subscriber mobile data in the form of a QR code when the service is activated. They keep records of the user’s profile, phone number, and data plans. There can be up to five profiles on one chip, even ones from different operators. You can still use your previous SIM card in this situation.

True, it is worth considering that when calling a SIM card, eSIM profiles are temporarily blocked. These are not limitations of technology, but of the capabilities of phones, for the most part, using one radio module.

Ukrainian operators currently support eSIM only in smartphones, with the exception of some models of tablets and smartwatches from Lifecell and Vodafone. Almost always, these are flagships, but every year their list is expanding. Most likely, in a year or two, such chips will be put into affordable and mid-budget models.

eSIM 2023: Which Ukrainian operators support and what do they offer

Conditions, tariffs, and other nuances are different for everyone, so let’s clarify them below. But before doing this, you must ensure your model supports this technology.

What devices support eSIM?

On the websites of operators, the list of models is slightly different; some even have tablets and even one smartwatch on the list. But they all ask you to make sure that your device is certified in Ukraine.

How to activate eSIM in Ukraine?

Every telecom operator in Ukraine almost always has a number when connecting an eSIM. The process for plan activation and replenishing the account remains the same; the subscriber must still transfer funds to the number via an application, an ATM, a terminal, or another suitable method. It is better to use the esimway.com service to choose the best unlimited data plan.

Kyivstar

Switching from an existing number to an eSIM is currently only possible for Kyivstar prepaid subscribers; for contract ones, this option is not available. To connect, prepaid owners need to go to the “My Kyivstar” application and select the “Change SIM to eSIM” option. The transition must then be finished by adhering to the instructions. The web version of the application allows for the same functionality. See here for comprehensive instructions for Android and iOS devices.

You must purchase one of the operator’s tariffs from their online store in order to connect a new number. In order to scan the necessary QR code with the smartphone to which you wish to connect the eSIM, it is preferable to do this from another device. Then finish the activation by following the instructions. A QR code will be delivered to the provided email address if requested.

Kyivstar eSIM has three tariffs:

• “eSIM Communication without Borders” – a basic package with a connection cost of UAH 100, but a further payment of UAH 125 for 28 days;
• “eSIM Entertainment without Borders” – a package with a connection cost of UAH 100 but with a large amount of traffic and a subscription fee of UAH 175 for 28 days;
• “eSIM Video without Borders” is the most expensive package of the operator, the cost of its connection is 150 UAH, and the subscription fee is 225 UAH for 28 days.

Vodafone

For 150 UAH, Vodafone’s online store offers eSIM cards with the SuperNet Pro tariff for prepaid customers.

A QR code will soon be delivered to the provided email address, where it must be activated in accordance with the provided instructions. The tariff can be changed to any other in the list if preferred. Prices each month range from 50 to 230 hryvnia.

Contract and corporate customers must also purchase a Vodafone Ukraine eSIM card and select a plan, but in order to activate it, they must visit any nearby Vodafone location with a TIN and passport.

lifecell

A “lifecell eSIM Starter Package” for 150 UAH must be purchased by prepaid Lifecell users through the operator’s website. Through the EasyPay replenishment terminal, the same procedure is possible. To activate the electronic SIM card, a QR code will be sent to the provided email address, where it must be scanned and a few steps are done. The next step is to select a tariff with affordable pricing from the ones offered and connect to it from 40 to 300 hryvnia in price. By the way, the only operator in Kyiv that offers the option to select an eSIM number is Lifecell.

3Mob

Customers of 3Mob local network coverage can purchase an eSIM beginning kit through the provider’s webshop. It will always be the 250 hryvnia “Internet M” + eSIM tariff when connected. With this technology, the operator has no other choices.

When buying, we indicate the email, a QR code comes to it, we scan it on the desired device and activate the number with the combination * 100 #. Detailed instructions can be found on the 3Mob website.