Question 1

What is an Unlimited Daily plan?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited Daily plans give you a set amount of full-speed data that resets every 24 hours. Once you cross that daily allowance in Russia, your speed is reduced for the rest of the day under the carrier's fair-usage policy — you never fully lose connection, so messaging, maps, and rideshare keep working. Full speed returns the next day.

Question 2

How much data do I need for Russia?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you travel. Light users (maps, messaging, occasional browsing) usually do fine with 1–3 GB per week. If you stream music, post photos, or rely on rideshare and translation apps daily, 5–10 GB for a 1–2 week trip is more comfortable. For long stays or heavy streaming in Russia, look at our 20 GB or unlimited daily plans.

Question 3

When does my plan activate?

Accepted Answer

Your plan's validity (e.g. 7 days, 30 days) begins the first time the eSIM connects to a mobile network in Russia. Installing the eSIM ahead of time — even days before your flight — does not start the timer, as long as the line stays turned off until you arrive. This is why we recommend installing on home Wi-Fi the day before you travel, then enabling data roaming on the ElloSim line once you land.

Question 4

Will my WhatsApp number still work in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The travel eSIM only adds a data line — it doesn't change the phone number tied to your apps. WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, your bank's 2FA push notifications, and any other account that uses your main number keep working as long as that primary SIM stays on the device.

Question 5

Why isn't my eSIM connecting in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Three things to check first: (1) Data roaming must be ON for the travel eSIM line — it's the carrier's switch for using foreign networks, not actual roaming charges. (2) Set the travel eSIM as your active data line in Settings. (3) Pick a supported APN if one is listed in your activation email. If you're still offline, try airplane mode for 10 seconds, then reconnect.

Question 6

Can I top up my Russia eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Most Russia plans support top-ups straight from your order page — look for the "Top-up supported" badge on the plan card. You keep the same eSIM profile, no need to scan a new QR. If your plan doesn't support top-ups, or you'd prefer a different data size or validity, you can buy a fresh plan and switch to it.

Question 7

Will I be charged roaming fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Your travel eSIM bills you upfront for the data bundle you pick — there are no per-minute or per-MB roaming surcharges from your home carrier as long as you keep that line's data turned off while you're in Russia.

	Travel eSIM	Local SIM card
ID / passport at purchase	Not required	Often required
Airport shop queue	Skip it — buy online	Wait in line on arrival
Delivery	Instant QR by email	Physical card hand-over
Your home number for WhatsApp	Stays active	Replaced while card is in
Top up more data	From your account, no swap	Buy and insert a new card

Russia eSIM

Works on Russia's top networks

Travel eSIM vs buying a local SIM card in Russia

A simple, local connection from the moment you land

Russia eSIM FAQ

Nearby destinations

Åland Islands

Albania

Andorra

Austria

Belarus

Belgium