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FairSIM

CIS eSIM

Trips across this part of the world rarely stop at one border. Tbilisi to Yerevan by marshrutka, a flight from Almaty to Bishkek, a week in Chisinau before heading east. Buying a local SIM in each country means a new shop, a new passport check and a new top-up system every few days.

The FairSIM CIS eSIM covers seven countries on one plan at wholesale rates: Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Your phone joins a partner network in each country on its own. That matters here because local prepaid SIMs in several of these countries require passport registration in person, and in some places the registration can take a day to activate.

There are three plan sizes in the app. Pick by trip length and how much you stream, then install before you fly while you still have a stable connection.

CIS eSIM plans

Wholesale rates in US dollars, with nothing added at checkout. Buy in the FairSIM app and the plan is on your phone in seconds.

How long is your trip?

All plans. Pick a trip length to narrow the list.

Coverage in CIS

  • 4G LTE
  • 5G

One plan, 7 countries. Your phone switches networks at each border with nothing to reinstall.

  • Armenia
  • Georgia
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Moldova
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • Leading network in each countryBeeline in Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Tele2 Kazakhstan (5G), Magticom, Silknet and Beeline Georgia (5G) in Georgia, Team Telecom Armenia and MTS Armenia (5G), Kyivstar and lifecell in Ukraine, Moldcell, Moldtelecom and Orange in Moldova.

Cities and main highways are well served. Expect gaps in the high Caucasus, the Pamir and Tien Shan valleys, the Kazakh steppe between towns, and on long train routes. Neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are not on this plan; they have their own pages in the app.

How FairSIM works

  1. 1

    Pick a destination and a plan

    Choose the country or region and the data you need. The price you see is the price you pay.

  2. 2

    Tap install

    On iPhone (iOS 17.4+) the eSIM installs in one tap, no QR code. Do it at home while you still have Wi-Fi.

  3. 3

    Land and connect

    Turn on data roaming for the FairSIM line when you arrive. Your plan starts when it first connects.

Read the full setup guide, including device compatibility

CIS eSIM questions

Which countries does the CIS eSIM cover?

Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. The list is shown in the app before you buy.

Do I need to change anything at each border?

No. Leave data roaming on for the FairSIM line and your phone registers on a partner network in the next country, usually within a couple of minutes.

Does it include calls and SMS?

No. FairSIM is data only. Use WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber for calls and messages, all of which are widely used across these countries.

Is the CIS plan cheaper than local SIMs?

Per gigabyte a local SIM can be cheaper in one country. Across two or more countries the CIS plan is usually less expensive once you count the shop visits, passport registration and unused balances.

Will I get 5G?

Only where the host network runs it: MTS Armenia, Beeline Georgia and Tele2 Kazakhstan. Everywhere else on this plan you are on 4G LTE.

How much data do I need for two weeks?

Around 10 GB covers maps, ride hailing, messaging and photo uploads across several cities. Double that if you stream or work from your laptop.

Can I tether to a laptop?

Yes, on the plans that allow hotspot use. The app states this per plan before you buy.

Should I install before I travel?

Yes. Install the eSIM on home Wi-Fi and switch it on after you land. Installing needs a connection, which is the one thing you may not have at the airport.

What is an eSIM?

A SIM card built into your phone. Instead of a plastic chip, you download a profile. Every iPhone since the XS has one next to the physical SIM slot, so your home number stays put while FairSIM supplies the data.

Is my phone compatible?

FairSIM works with eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked iPhones: the XS, XR and everything newer, on iOS 17.4 or later for the one-tap install with no QR code. iPhones bought in mainland China do not support eSIM at all, even when unlocked. Not sure yours is unlocked? Check Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock, or ask your carrier. The full list is on the How it works page.

When should I install my eSIM?

Before you travel, while you still have Wi-Fi. Installing does not start your plan; the validity typically starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination.

Do FairSIM eSIMs come with a phone number?

No. FairSIM eSIMs are data-only by design, which keeps costs low. For calls and texts, your physical SIM stays active so you keep your existing number, and WhatsApp, FaceTime and iMessage work over data.

Single-country plans

Get your CIS eSIM in the app

Plans from $7.99. Install before you fly, track your data live, and top up in seconds if you need more.

Download on theApp Store

iPhone XS or later · iOS 17.4+ for one-tap install