If you’re planning a trip to Belarus, staying connected is essential—whether it’s for navigation, translation, or simply staying in touch. Fortunately, Belarus offers a variety of prepaid SIM card options with reliable networks, affordable prices, and straightforward activation procedures. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying and using a prepaid SIM card in Belarus in 2025.
Basics of SIM Cards in Belarus
Belarus has a well-established mobile network system with modern infrastructure. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, kiosks, mobile shops, and operator stores across major cities like Minsk, Brest, and Grodno. They are popular among both locals and tourists thanks to flexible data packages and competitive rates.
Major mobile operators in Belarus:
- A1 (formerly Velcom)
- MTS Belarus
- life:) Belarus
Each provider offers different coverage strengths, pricing, and apps, making it easy to find a match for your travel needs.
Official Websites
You can explore SIM plans and services directly on the operators’ websites (available in Russian and sometimes English):
- A1 Belarus: https://www.a1.by
- MTS Belarus: https://www.mts.by
- life:) Belarus: https://www.life.by
Frequencies Used in Belarus
Belarus uses GSM, 3G, and 4G/LTE frequencies that are compatible with most European and unlocked international devices:
- 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz
- 3G (UMTS): 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3)
Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports these bands for full compatibility.
Coverage & Speed
Belarus offers excellent mobile coverage, especially in cities and towns. While rural areas may have slightly weaker signals, 3G and 4G are accessible in most inhabited regions.
| Operator | 4G Coverage | Urban Speed | Rural Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | 70–90 Mbps | 20–30 Mbps |
| MTS | Excellent | 80–100 Mbps | 30–40 Mbps |
| life:) | Good | 40–60 Mbps | 10–20 Mbps |
MTS and A1 are known for higher speeds and broader coverage, while life:) is budget-friendly but with slightly less rural reach.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | A1 | MTS | life:) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | High-speed users | Balanced use | Budget travelers |
| 4G Availability | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| English Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SIM Card Price | ~BYN 5–10 | ~BYN 5–10 | ~BYN 2–5 |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Biometric User Registration
In Belarus, SIM card registration is mandatory. You’ll need to provide:
- Passport or national ID
- Visa (if required for your nationality)
This process is done instantly at official stores or kiosks. Biometric data such as a signature or photo may be required in some cases, especially for long-term packages.
What to Expect from Belarus SIM Cards
- Easy setup with plug-and-play SIM cards
- Multilingual support at major outlets
- Good customer service via call or app
- Recharge via card, app, or convenience stores
- No long-term commitment or hidden fees
Device Registration
Belarus currently does not require international tourists to register their devices (IMEI) for using local SIM cards. However, it’s wise to ensure your phone is unlocked and supports local frequencies.
Operator Mobile Apps
Each mobile operator offers a handy mobile app for managing your account:
- A1 App – Available on iOS/Android (English interface)
- MTS App – Feature-rich with top-up and plan activation
- life:) App – Simple and budget-focused
Apps allow users to monitor data usage, top up, change packages, or activate roaming.
SIM Card Price in Belarus
You can expect to pay between BYN 2 to BYN 10 ($1–$5 USD) for a basic prepaid SIM. Some tourist packages may include a bundled offer with data and calling credit for a slightly higher upfront cost (~BYN 20–25).
Prepaid Plans Overview
Here are typical prepaid plans (as of mid-2025):
A1 Belarus
- 5 GB + 100 mins – BYN 12 (~$4.50)
- 10 GB + Unlimited on-net calls – BYN 18 (~$6.80)
MTS Belarus
- 6 GB + 150 mins – BYN 10 (~$3.80)
- 15 GB + 300 mins – BYN 20 (~$7.60)
life:) Belarus
- 3 GB + 100 mins – BYN 6 (~$2.30)
- Unlimited social media + 10 GB – BYN 15 (~$5.70)
Tourist SIM Cards
Tourist SIMs are available at Minsk National Airport and major train stations. A1 and MTS offer the most tourist-friendly bundles.
- A1 Tourist SIM – 5 GB, 100 mins, valid for 30 days – BYN 20
- MTS Welcome Pack – 10 GB + unlimited MTS calls – BYN 25
Bring your passport when purchasing at airport counters or official kiosks.
Data Add-Ons
Running low on data? You can top up via app or USSD code:
| Add-On | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | ~BYN 2 | 7 days |
| 5 GB | ~BYN 8 | 30 days |
| Unlimited Social Media | ~BYN 5 | 30 days |
Each provider offers flexible boosters that can be activated multiple times.
Activation Process
Activating a prepaid SIM in Belarus is simple:
- Buy SIM at airport, shop, or kiosk
- Present ID/passport for registration
- Insert SIM and restart phone
- Select package via app or USSD code
- Top-up if needed, start browsing!
Staff typically assist with activation, especially in tourist areas.
Conclusion
Belarus makes staying connected easy, affordable, and tourist friendly. Whether you need just a few gigabytes for maps and messages or a full-featured data plan for work or streaming, the country’s mobile operators offer something for every traveler. With reliable coverage, modern apps, and competitive prices, a prepaid SIM card in Belarus is the smart choice for any visitor in 2025.
Pro tip: Choose MTS for speed, A1 for balanced plans, and life:) for the budget option.