CENTRAL ASIA-- SIM CARD

[travelbug121]

Hi,

I have query regarding sim card. If i buy beeline sim card from Kazakstan. Will it work in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan since beeline network is available in all the three countries? Kindly confirm.

Thanks

[steven]

It will work.

[Diravium]

Hi, I have a few questions:
1) Will it work in Tajikistan too?
2) What are good places to purchase this sim card?
3) What is the best deal to purchase if i want to call internationally too (as in to the UK)?

Thanks

[Julia]

Hi

Beeline sim card bought in Kazakhstan will work in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
But as those are different countries you'll have to use roaming service.
Prices for roaming depend on the package you bought.
Check carefully. Some roaming services are expensive, others are good prices. Better to check and buy roaming package before leaving Kazakhstan.
If you're on a very tight budget than buying a sim card in Kyrgyzstan is a bit cheaper than using Kazakh roaming (the cheapest one).

It's easy to buy sim cards in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
So maybe can consider that option.

As for Tajikistan I tried to buy sim card in Dushanbe but didn't sell me because I didn't have registration papers (I don't need them to travel).
So for some nationalities looks like it's impossible to buy a sim card in Tajikistan.
Although I read from other travellers that they bought sim card without additional documents. Maybe in smaller cities it works.

[Diravium]

Thank you for your detailed reply

One question: Did you mean buying a sim card in Kyrgyzstan is cheaper than using a Kazakh sim card in Kyrgyzstan?

Thanks

[Julia]

Exactly, that's what I meant)

Kazakh Beeline sim card has Super Visa package for using in roaming when you travel abroad.
That package costs 2000 tenge for a month and gives 1 GB of Internet. It's very good price for roaming.
I used it in Tajikistan as couldn't get a local sim card there.
In Kyrgyzstan you can buy a local sim card with cheaper or more expensive tariff. Depends on what you need. I don't know how much of Internet and calls you plan to use.

You mentioned you wanted to call to UK. Not sure about International calls - if they are affordable.
You need to check on beeline.kz
They have English version too.

[Diravium]

Thanks so much

[minavagante]

I read that in Tajikistan this year the tourism office gives a sim card to visitors !!