Kazakhstan offers one of the most affordable and reliable mobile networks in Central Asia. Whether you are visiting Almaty, Astana (Nur-Sultan), Shymkent, or traveling across remote steppes, buying a local prepaid SIM card in Kazakhstan ensures fast mobile internet, cheap local calls, and easy top-ups. This detailed, SEO-optimized guide covers everything tourists and digital nomads need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Kazakhstan.
Basic Information
- SIM type: Prepaid SIM & eSIM
- Average data cost: Very affordable compared to Europe
- Registration: Mandatory biometric & ID registration
- Network coverage: Excellent in cities, good on highways
- Main operators: Kcell, Beeline, Tele2, Wraptel
- Languages supported: Kazakh, Russian, English (limited)
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available throughout Kazakhstan. Tourists can purchase SIM cards immediately after arrival or in major city centers.
- International airports
- Official operator stores
- Shopping malls
- Mobile phone shops
- Convenience stores (limited)
Where to Buy
- Airports: Almaty International Airport, Astana NQZ Airport
- City stores: Kcell, Beeline, Tele2 branded shops
- Malls: Mega Mall, Dostyk Plaza, Khan Shatyr
- Online: Limited availability (registration required)
⚠️ Passport is required for purchase and activation.
Mobile Network Frequencies in Kazakhstan
| Technology |
Frequency Bands |
| 2G (GSM) |
900 / 1800 MHz |
| 3G (UMTS) |
2100 MHz |
| 4G (LTE) |
800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz |
| 5G |
Limited pilot zones |
Coverage & Speed Comparison
| Operator |
2G |
3G |
4G LTE |
Avg Speed |
| Kcell |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
30–80 Mbps |
| Beeline |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
25–70 Mbps |
| Tele2 |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
20–60 Mbps |
| Wraptel |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
15–50 Mbps |
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature |
Kcell |
Beeline |
Tele2 |
Wraptel |
| Tourist Friendly |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
| Coverage |
Excellent |
Very Good |
Good |
Urban |
| Data Price |
Medium |
Cheap |
Very Cheap |
Cheap |
| English Support |
Limited |
Limited |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Biometric User Registration
All SIM cards in Kazakhstan must be registered using:
- Passport or national ID
- Facial verification (store or app-based)
- IMEI association
Unregistered SIMs are blocked within 24 hours.
Device Registration (IMEI)
Foreign phones must have IMEI registered automatically during SIM activation. Dual-SIM phones require both IMEIs.
SIM Card Price (Indicative)
| Operator |
Starter SIM Price |
| Kcell |
Free – 1,000 KZT |
| Beeline |
Free – 800 KZT |
| Tele2 |
Free – 500 KZT |
| Wraptel |
Free |
How to Top Up (Method)
- Scratch cards
- Mobile apps
- ATM terminals
- Online banking
- USSD codes
KCELL
Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons
| Data |
Validity |
Price (KZT) |
| 5 GB |
30 days |
2,500 |
| 10 GB |
30 days |
4,000 |
| 20 GB |
30 days |
6,000 |
Kcell SIM Card Unlimited Data
| Plan |
Speed Cap |
Validity |
Price |
| Unlimited Lite |
10 Mbps |
30 days |
7,000 |
| Unlimited Max |
No cap |
30 days |
10,000 |
Kcell Feature Packages
| Feature |
Validity |
Price |
| Extra Minutes |
30 days |
1,000 |
| International Calls |
30 days |
2,000 |
Social Media Packages Kcell
| App |
Data |
Validity |
Price |
| WhatsApp |
Unlimited |
30 days |
1,000 |
| Instagram |
Unlimited |
30 days |
1,500 |
Kcell Data-Only SIM
- Tablets
- Routers
- MiFi devices
BEELINE KAZAKHSTAN
Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons
| Data |
Validity |
Price |
| 6 GB |
30 days |
2,200 |
| 12 GB |
30 days |
3,800 |
Beeline Unlimited Data SIM
| Plan |
Speed |
Validity |
Price |
| Unlimited Start |
5 Mbps |
30 days |
6,500 |
| Unlimited Pro |
No cap |
30 days |
9,000 |
Beeline Data Feature Packages
| Feature |
Validity |
Price |
| Extra GB |
7 days |
1,200 |
Social Media Offers Beeline
| Platform |
Data |
Price |
| TikTok |
Unlimited |
1,000 |
| Telegram |
Unlimited |
800 |
Beeline Data-Only SIM
- Ideal for laptops & routers
TELE2 KAZAKHSTAN
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data |
Validity |
Price |
| 10 GB |
30 days |
3,000 |
| 20 GB |
30 days |
5,000 |
Tele2 Unlimited SIM
| Plan |
Speed |
Price |
| Unlimited |
Fair-use |
7,500 |
Tele2 Feature Packages
| Feature |
Price |
| Night Data |
1,000 |
Social Media Tele2
| App |
Data |
| Instagram |
Unlimited |
Tele2 Data-Only
WRAPTEL
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data |
Validity |
Price |
| 15 GB |
30 days |
3,500 |
Wraptel Unlimited Data
| Plan |
Price |
| Unlimited Urban |
6,000 |
Wraptel Feature Packages
| Feature |
Price |
| Speed Boost |
1,000 |
Social Media Wraptel
| App |
Offer |
| WhatsApp |
Unlimited |
Wraptel Data-Only SIM
How to Check the Remaining Balance
- USSD code: *100# (varies by operator)
- Mobile app
- SMS notification
How to Check SIM Number
- Dial *111#
- Check SIM package
- Operator app
Tourist SIM Cards
Kazakhstan does not offer a dedicated tourist SIM, but prepaid plans are tourist-friendly and activation is instant.
Digital eSIM Providers
- Airalo
- Nomad
- Yesim
- Holafly
eSIMs are ideal for short stays without registration hassle.
Other Connectivity Options
- Portable Wi-Fi routers
- Hotel Wi-Fi
- International roaming
Activation Process
- Insert SIM
- Submit passport
- Biometric verification
- IMEI registration
- Network activation
Help Line Numbers
| Operator |
Support Number |
| Kcell |
909 |
| Beeline |
0611 |
| Tele2 |
611 |
| Wraptel |
888 |
Official Websites
Mobile Apps
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Kazakhstan is easy, affordable, and essential for travelers. Kcell offers the best coverage, Beeline provides the best value, Tele2 is budget-friendly, and Wraptel suits urban users. For short trips, eSIM providers are an excellent alternative. With mandatory registration completed, you’ll enjoy fast and reliable mobile internet across Kazakhstan.
