Prepaid SIM Cards in Kyrgyzstan: Complete Guide

Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for adventure travelers, digital nomads, and Silk Road explorers. Whether you’re hiking in the Tian Shan mountains or working remotely from Bishkek, having a local prepaid SIM card ensures fast mobile internet, affordable calls, and reliable coverage across the country.

This guide covers Beeline, MegaCom, and O!, including prices, coverage, data plans, registration rules, and eSIM alternatives.

Basic Information About SIM Cards in Kyrgyzstan

  • SIM type: Prepaid (pay-as-you-go)
  • SIM sizes: Nano, Micro, Standard
  • eSIM: Limited (mostly via international providers)
  • Validity: Typically 30 days (extendable)
  • ID required: Passport mandatory
  • Biometric registration: Required
  • Device registration: Required for long-term use
  • Average data speed: 4G/LTE widely available, 5G limited

Availability

Prepaid SIM cards are widely available throughout Kyrgyzstan, including:

  • International airports
  • Operator retail stores
  • Mobile kiosks
  • Shopping malls
  • City centers

Tourists can buy and activate SIM cards on the same day.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Kyrgyzstan

LocationAvailability
Manas International Airport (Bishkek)✅ Yes
Official operator stores✅ Best option
Shopping malls✅ Yes
Mobile street kiosks⚠️ Limited support
Online❌ Not available locally

Tip: Buy from official stores for proper registration and English-speaking staff.

Mobile Network Frequencies in Kyrgyzstan

Operator2G (GSM)3G (UMTS)4G/LTE
Beeline900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz
MegaCom900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz
O!900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz

✔ Most unlocked phones from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are compatible.

Coverage & Speed Comparison

OperatorUrban CoverageRural CoverageAverage 4G Speed
BeelineExcellentGood25–60 Mbps
MegaComExcellentVery Good30–70 Mbps
O!Very GoodGood20–50 Mbps

MegaCom often performs best in mountainous and remote regions.

At a Glance: SIM Card Comparison

FeatureBeelineMegaComO!
Tourist friendly
English supportGoodGoodModerate
Best rural coverage
Cheapest data
Unlimited plans

Biometric User Registration

All SIM cards in Kyrgyzstan require mandatory biometric registration:

  • Passport scan
  • Photo capture
  • SIM linked to personal identity

Registration is done free of charge at the time of purchase.

Device (IMEI) Registration

  • Phones must be IMEI registered
  • Short-term visitors usually have no issues
  • Long-term stays may require IMEI validation
  • Unregistered devices may lose service after a grace period

SIM Card Prices (Starter Packs)

OperatorSIM Price
BeelineLow-cost
MegaComLow-cost
O!Low-cost

Most starter packs include bonus data or local minutes.

Top-Up Methods in Kyrgyzstan

You can recharge your balance using:

  • Scratch cards
  • Mobile apps
  • USSD codes
  • ATMs
  • Convenience stores
  • Online banking

Beeline Kyrgyzstan

Prepaid Data Add-Ons

DataValidityPrice Range
5 GB30 daysAffordable
10 GB30 daysAffordable
20 GB30 daysMid-range

Beeline Unlimited Data Plans

PlanSpeed PolicyValidity
Unlimited DailyFair use1 day
Unlimited MonthlySpeed capped after limit30 days

Feature Packages

FeatureAvailability
International calls
Night data
Roaming packs

Beeline Social Media Offers

AppIncluded
WhatsApp
Instagram
Facebook
Telegram

Beeline Data-Only SIM

  1. Ideal for tablets & routers
  2. No voice/SMS
  3. Flexible monthly plans

MegaCom Kyrgyzstan

Prepaid Data Add-Ons

DataValidityPrice Range
5 GB30 daysMid
15 GB30 daysMid
30 GB30 daysHigher

MegaCom Unlimited Data Plans

PlanSpeed PolicyValidity
Unlimited StandardFair use30 days
Unlimited MaxHigh speed cap30 days

Feature Packages MegaCom

FeatureAvailability
Rural booster
Roaming add-ons
Extra night data

MegaCom Social Media Packages

AppIncluded
WhatsApp
Instagram
TikTok
Telegram

MegaCom Data-Only SIM

  • Best for remote travel
  • Strong rural LTE
  • Works well with mobile hotspots

O! Kyrgyzstan

Prepaid Data Add-Ons

DataValidityPrice Range
3 GB30 daysBudget
10 GB30 daysBudget
25 GB30 daysMid

O! Unlimited Data Plans

PlanSpeed PolicyValidity
Unlimited BasicFair use30 days
Unlimited PlusHigher cap30 days

Feature Packages O!

FeatureAvailability
Night data
Combo bundles
Roaming

O! Social Media Packages

AppIncluded
WhatsApp
Instagram
Facebook

O! Data-Only SIM

  • Budget-friendly
  • Ideal for light users
  • Popular with students

How to Check the Remaining Balance

OperatorUSSD Code
Beeline*102#
MegaCom*500#
O!*100#

How to Check SIM Number

OperatorUSSD Code
Beeline11010#
MegaCom*205#
O!*150#

Tourist SIM Cards in Kyrgyzstan

  • No special “tourist-only” SIM
  • Regular prepaid SIMs work perfectly
  • Passport required
  • Activation takes 10–15 minutes

Digital eSIM Providers (Alternative Option)

If you prefer not to buy a physical SIM:

  • Airalo
  • Nomad
  • Holafly
  • Yesim

✔ Instant activation
❌ Higher cost than local SIMs
❌ Limited local support

Other Connectivity Options

  • Pocket Wi-Fi rental (limited availability)
  • Hotel Wi-Fi (often slow)
  • Cafés and coworking spaces in Bishkek

Activation Process

  1. Visit the official store
  2. Present passport
  3. Biometric registration
  4. SIM activation
  5. Choose data plan
  6. Start using immediately

Customer Support & Helpline Numbers

OperatorHelpline
Beeline611
MegaCom500
O!100

English support available in major cities.

Official Websites

Mobile Apps

  • Beeline KG (Android / iOS)
  • MegaCom App (Android / iOS)
  • O! App (Android / iOS)

Apps allow balance checks, top-ups, and plan management.

Conclusion

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Kyrgyzstan is easy, affordable, and essential for travelers. Beeline offers budget-friendly plans, MegaCom delivers the best nationwide coverage, and O! provides solid value for everyday users. With mandatory registration, fast LTE speeds, and flexible data options, staying connected across Kyrgyzstan is simple—whether you’re in Bishkek or deep in the mountains.