Best Tourist Sim Cards in Uzbekistan in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Uzbekistan across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you plan on visiting Uzbekistan, having a SIM card is essential for easy navigation and accessing the internet while exploring new cities. With a SIM card, you can easily find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share photos with your family.
While roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly become costly. Therefore, we recommend either an eSIM or a local SIM card to enjoy local phone rates. Fortunately, obtaining either option in Uzbekistan is straightforward.
This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know, including updated pricing and the best SIM card choice for your needs.
The best sim card in Uzbekistan is the sim card from Ucell combined with one of their monthly internet packages. Choose the package based on how long you are visiting and how much data you require.
For most travellers I recommend either the 7GB plan for 25,000 UZS or the 10GB plan for 45,000 UZS which should be plenty of data. It is also likely you will need to pay around 5,000 UZS for the sim card when.
Mobiuz, Beeline and Ucell all have fantastic coverage in Uzbekistan, however, Ucell is known to have the most extensive and reliable network in the country so I recommend seeking out a Ucell store once you get into the city of whichever city you are first visiting when you arrive.
WIth that in mind, it’s very important that you find the right store in Uzbekistan. It’s most likely you will be arriving in Tashkent or Samarkand. Both airports will charge you twice as much for a sim card so it’s best to head in to the city and find an official Ucell store (or Mobiuz or Beeline if necessary). Don’t go to a convenience store or a shop that has a sign for more than one mobile company.
In an official store it will be quite easy to set up. The staff will help you buy the right plan, register your sim card and install it for you. Just allow a bit of time to complete the entire process and do not forget to bring your passport.
A more convenient option is to consider the Airalo Uzbekistan eSim. They’re quite a bit more expensive but way easier to set up – mainly because you don’t need to visit a store when you arrive.
$13.50 USD (160,000 UZS) will get you 5GB data valid for 30 days which should be more than enough to get you through a 7 – 10 day trip.
A Tourist Sim Card in Uzbekistan costs 45,000 UZS in May 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Uzbekistan will cost between $4.50 USD and $34 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Uzbekistan which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13.50 USD.
In Uzbekistan, the main sim card providers are Mobiuz, Beeline, and Ucell. Mobiuz is the largest telecom operator in the country, offering a wide range of services such as voice calls, text messaging, and high-speed mobile internet. They provide affordable rates and attractive packages for both local and international calls. Beeline is another major player in the Uzbek telecom market, providing reliable network coverage and competitive prices for voice and data services. Ucell, on the other hand, focuses on delivering quality services and advanced technologies to its customers, including high-speed 4G internet and exclusive value-added services. These sim card providers have revolutionized communication in Uzbekistan, catering to the diverse needs of the population.
Mobiuz is a leading telecommunications company in Uzbekistan offering tourist sim cards to enhance travelers’ experience. These sim cards provide seamless connectivity and unlimited high-speed internet access to explore the country hassle-free. With affordable data plans, tourists can navigate the vibrant cities, access online maps, stay connected with loved ones through social media, and easily translate local languages. Mobiuz tourist sim cards ensure an unforgettable trip to Uzbekistan with 24/7 customer support and nationwide coverage.
The price of a Mobiuz tourist sim card in Uzbekistan is 40,000 UZS.
The plan offered by Mobiuz stores includes 15GB data + unlimited calls + unlimited social media + 2000 SMS valid for 1 month.
Beeline is a telecommunications company that offers tourist sim cards in Uzbekistan. Their sim cards provide convenient connectivity for travelers, enabling them to stay connected with their loved ones. With affordable data packages, tourists can access the internet to explore Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, navigate through unfamiliar streets, and share their experiences on social media. Beeline’s tourist sim cards are a reliable and hassle-free option for seamless communication during travel in Uzbekistan.
The price of a Beeline tourist sim card in Uzbekistan is 50,000 UZS.
The plan offered by Beeline stores offers 10GB data valid for 30 days.
Ucell is a leading mobile operator in Uzbekistan that offers convenient and affordable tourist SIM cards. These SIM cards provide reliable and high-speed internet access across the country, ensuring that tourists can easily stay connected. Ucell’s tourist SIM cards also come with competitive voice and data packages, allowing travelers to make calls, send messages, and browse the internet without any hassle. With Ucell’s tourist SIM cards, exploring Uzbekistan becomes more enjoyable and convenient.
The price of a Ucell tourist sim card in Uzbekistan is 45,000 UZS.
The plan offered by Ucell stores includes 10GB data valid for 31 days.
Identify mobile providers: Mobiuz, Beeline and Ucell are your best options in Uzbekistan.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Uzbekistan at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Uzbekistan then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Uzbekistan have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Mobiuz, Beeline and Ucell. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Uzbekistan are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Uzbekistan with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Uzbekistan. The Airalo Uzbekistan eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Uzbekistan without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Uzbekistan is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Uzbekistan and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Uzbekistan eSim uses the Beeline network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Beeline networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Uzbekistan.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Uzbekistan eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $7.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $9.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13.50 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $22 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $34 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Uzbekistan eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Uzbekistan eSim uses the Unitel LLCnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Uzbekistan
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Uzbekistan eSim:
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs do not require insertion or removal from the device.
Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically replace SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It removes the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, which makes it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services just like with a traditional SIM card.
Using an eSIM can be beneficial for several reasons:
1. Convenience: With an eSIM, there is no need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when changing mobile networks or plans. This is particularly helpful for frequent travelers who switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
2. Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality on your device, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
3. Space-saving: As eSIMs are embedded within the device, there is no need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space, allowing manufacturers to create smaller devices or use the extra space for other components.
4. Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air with eSIMs. This means you can activate or switch to a new mobile plan without a physical SIM card or visiting a store. It provides greater flexibility and convenience for managing your mobile connectivity.
5. Future-proofing: As eSIM technology becomes more popular, more mobile networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, you can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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