Salaam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, scenic horseback journeys across Central Asia.
Once your trip to Kyrgyzstan is decided, the next worry that pops up is “What do I do about internet?”
Will an eSIM bought in Japan be enough? Does povo work? Or should I buy a SIM or eSIM locally? What about a rental pocket Wi-Fi?
Our recommendation for Kyrgyzstan is to buy a local SIM or eSIM.
Our staff living in Kyrgyzstan have tried all sorts of eSIMs bought in Japan, but even when the signal bars show up, the speed just isn’t there, and it’s hard to call them usable… (povo and eSIMs bought online).
We recommend choosing from the 3 carriers, Mega, Beeline, and O!, depending on how you’ll use it.
⚠️ This article is based on the first-hand experience of our local staff living in Kyrgyzstan. However, the SIM situation (plans, coverage, where to buy, eSIM support, etc.) can change quickly. Please check each carrier’s official website for the latest information.
SIMs & eSIMs in Kyrgyzstan: how to choose for your situation
First, here’s a rough guide by situation.
- Short stay of 1–3 days: buy a local SIM or eSIM at Manas airport (if in doubt, Mega is a great choice)
- Long stay: buy a local SIM or eSIM at a shop in town
- Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan trip: for Kazakhstan, an eSIM with a phone number (one bought online is fine); for Kyrgyzstan, a local SIM or eSIM, plus a rental pocket Wi-Fi if needed
If you want to get connected the moment you land, want to call a Yandex Go taxi, or are arriving in the middle of the night, don’t hesitate: buy a SIM or eSIM at Manas airport.
Do Japanese SIMs, eSIMs, and povo work in Kyrgyzstan?
This is the first thing many people wonder about.
My staff and I have tried global eSIMs, povo, and various other international SIMs. The signal bars do show up.
But the speed is so slow that even loading a map app is a struggle.
How it differs from Kazakhstan
Even within Central Asia, the situation in Almaty, Kazakhstan is different.
- Almaty, Kazakhstan: eSIMs such as hofly, bought online, worked
- Kyrgyzstan: eSIMs bought online and povo are hard to use in practice
If you’re traveling to both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, we recommend “installing an eSIM for Kazakhstan in advance, then buying a local SIM once you enter Kyrgyzstan.”
*Note that on the overland route between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the signal can be weak even with a local SIM or eSIM.
So what about rental Wi-Fi?
If Japanese eSIMs don’t work, what about a rental pocket Wi-Fi you can pick up at the airport or have delivered?
It’s a valid option.
Past guests have told us that “Global Wi-Fi worked.”
However, we recommend a local SIM or eSIM with a phone number if you’re one of the following:
- Staying long term (rental Wi-Fi fees add up)
- Spending a long time in Kazakhstan (cafes and public Wi-Fi in Kazakhstan often require a local phone number)
- Using Yandex Go taxis every day (registering in the app requires a local number)
On the other hand, a rental Wi-Fi is plenty if:
- You’re on a short visit
- You’re traveling around Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan but don’t need a phone number
- You want to share one device among several people
- You find swapping SIMs a hassle and don’t want to get stuck on settings
- You won’t be using Yandex
- You won’t be using public Wi-Fi in Kazakhstan
As a rule of thumb: “for Kyrgyzstan only, a local SIM is cheap and reliable; for multi-country trips or groups, a rental Wi-Fi.”
For proper use in Kyrgyzstan, go with a local SIM & eSIM | Comparing the 3 major carriers
If you’re on a package tour in Kyrgyzstan or hotel Wi-Fi is enough for you, you may not need to buy a SIM or eSIM at all.
But if you want reliable internet, we recommend a local Kyrgyz SIM or eSIM.
Kyrgyzstan has 3 major carriers.
| Carrier | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega | Well-balanced, partial coverage even at Song-Kul | Average | The default choice if you’re unsure |
| Beeline | Stable in cities | Weaker in rural areas | Stays centered on Bishkek |
| O! | Strong in rural areas | Can get congested in cities as users increase | Travelers spending most of their time in rural areas |
Here’s a closer look at each carrier.
Mega | Well-balanced, with coverage in some spots even at Song-Kul
It strikes a good balance between cities and rural areas, and it’s the standard pick if you can’t decide.
Mega’s big advantage is that it has coverage in some areas even at Song-Kul. That’s reassuring if you’re heading to remote areas.
By the way, Mega officially announces coverage at Kel-Suu in Naryn Province, but Instagram comments include reports of “no signal.” Coverage in remote areas varies with weather and location, so don’t expect too much.
Beeline | Good for cities, and helps set up tablets such as iPads
Its stability in urban areas is the appeal. If your stay is centered on Bishkek, Beeline is plenty.
And here’s an understated but important point. This is my personal experience, but Beeline seems more willing to set up eSIMs on tablets such as iPads.
At other carriers, staff have been puzzled, saying things like “Data on an iPad? Not sure about that” or “Can’t you just tether from your iPhone?” But the guy at Beeline properly set up an eSIM (data) on my iPad!
It’s a bit weaker in rural areas, so if you’re heading to remote areas such as Naryn or Song-Kul, consider using it alongside another carrier.
O! | Strong in rural areas, occasionally weak in cities
O! connects well in rural areas but can occasionally be spotty in cities. In Bishkek, it can get a little congested in the season when tourists increase, much like what happens with docomo in Tokyo.
One thing to watch with O! is tethering. It has to be set up through the official app.
The safest approach is to ask the staff to set it up for you on the spot when you buy.
How to buy a local SIM or eSIM | Where, passport, prices, and payment
Once you’ve chosen among the 3 carriers, it’s time to actually buy one.
Where can I buy one?
- Manas International Airport: there’s a Mega counter right after you pass through immigration, and once you exit the arrivals gate, the other carriers are there too
- Shopping malls in town: Bishkek Park, TSUM department store, etc.
- Right after the border: for those crossing overland from Kazakhstan
Airport or town: where should I buy?
It’s a trade-off between price and peace of mind.
- In town: cheaper prices
- At the airport: you’re connected right after arrival, with peace of mind for the rest of your trip
Especially if you arrive in Bishkek late at night, SIM shops in town are likely to be closed. If you want to call a Yandex Go taxi right away or check a map on the way to your hotel, buy at the airport.
“Town if price comes first, airport if peace of mind comes first.” In my experience, first-timers have an easier trip overall if they just quickly buy one at the airport.
Time required and passport
- A passport is always required (shown & registered)
- Setup takes about 15 minutes
- If you’re using a VPN, setup can be tricky and take up to 30 minutes
If you use a VPN, turning it off temporarily while buying your SIM or eSIM will make things go smoothly.
As of 2026 | Photographing your passport and registering a photo of your face are mandatory
In 2024, Kyrgyzstan made it mandatory for SIM cards to be registered in the buyer’s own name. Until registration is complete, the SIM or eSIM can’t be used.
Here’s how the process works at the time of purchase:
- The front and back of your physical passport are photographed
- A photo of your face is taken while you hold your passport
- The registration is submitted to the mobile carrier
The photos are taken by a vendor authorized by the mobile carrier, using a dedicated app on a designated device. It’s an official procedure set by the government, so it’s the same wherever you buy.
First-timers are often surprised: “They take a photo of my face too?” But it’s an identity check to prevent impersonation, just like the ID check when you sign up for a phone contract in Japan.
Buying at an outdoor booth near the border | What you should know
Depending on your tour itinerary, the only place to buy a Kyrgyz SIM or eSIM may be a single spot near the border (for example, our Song-Kul tour starting and ending in Almaty).
In that case, you’ll buy from an outdoor booth rather than a shop counter. This is a very common way of selling in Kyrgyzstan, and it’s handled by authorized vendors.
If you’re picturing a phone shop in Japan, honestly, you’ll probably be surprised.
- It’s a roadside booth or a simple stall, not inside a building
- When a foreigner shows up, several sellers may gather around
- The process is done on the spot, using the vendor’s smartphone
All of this is a common sight locally, but some people may find it unsettling, so we wanted to let you know in advance.
⚠️ Because the photos are taken outdoors, in rare cases they can’t be read properly and the SIM or eSIM can’t be issued. Especially after dark, the app has a harder time recognizing the text in your passport and your face. If your itinerary has you crossing the border at night, please keep this in mind.
Whether to buy is your own decision
At ASHU TRAVEL, our help extends to taking you to a place where you can buy a SIM or eSIM. Whether you actually buy one is up to you.
If you feel uneasy about having your passport or face photographed, it’s perfectly fine not to buy. We have no business relationship with any carrier, so we won’t push it on you.
If you have any concerns about the photo data, you can ask the vendor on the spot. If you’d rather not ask yourself, just tell the guide traveling with you, and we’ll pass it on.
If you want to stay connected but would rather not have your passport photographed, you can also arrange a rental pocket Wi-Fi in Japan before you go.
Typical prices and how to choose a plan
- Typical price: around $10–$20 (depending on the plan)
- ⚠️ Some cheaper plans are data-only. If you need calls or SMS, be sure to check when you buy.
If data is all you need, or you just want Yandex Go and WhatsApp to work, a cheap plan is fine. If you want to make phone calls locally, check the plan details carefully.
For long-term stays | How to top up
- Travelers: pay on the spot and you’re done
- Long-term stays: you can top up at payment terminals around town
The payment terminals found all over town (the same system as the Tulpar card introduced in our article on Bishkek buses) are handy. The terminals are mostly in Russian and Kyrgyz, but they’re simple to use.
What if you’re traveling to both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan?
A common pattern for Central Asia trips is going back and forth between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
- For Kazakhstan: install an eSIM in advance (it worked in our own experience)
- For Kyrgyzstan: buy an additional local SIM once you’re there
- If needed: also use a rental such as Global Wi-Fi
A pitfall in Kazakhstan | Public Wi-Fi requires a phone number
In Kazakhstan, when you try to use Wi-Fi at cafes or public facilities, you’re often asked for a local phone number.
In fact, the first time I connected to Wi-Fi at Almaty airport and at Starbucks, it said “Enter your phone number,” and I panicked.
With a data-only eSIM or a rental Wi-Fi and no phone number, you may not be able to use these public Wi-Fi networks. Local apps also often ask for a local phone number.
If you’re staying in Kazakhstan for a while, buy a local SIM with a phone number.
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Coverage in remote areas such as Song-Kul and Kel-Suu
For those worried about whether they’ll have signal in remote areas:
Song-Kul (3,016 m)
Since 2025, it’s no longer completely out of range, and with Mega there are spots in some areas where you can get a signal.
Think of it not as “connected anytime, anywhere,” but as having pinpoint spots where you can connect.
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Kel-Suu Lake in Naryn Province (3,514 m)
A remote area near the Chinese border. Mega officially announces coverage there, but Instagram comments include reports of “no signal.”
It’s an area that requires a border permit, and visits assume travel with a guide in a dedicated vehicle. Rather than expecting too much from your connection, go in the spirit of a digital detox, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy the stunning scenery.
By the way, I usually use O!, and sure enough, I didn’t have signal everywhere at Kel-Suu…
FAQ about SIMs & eSIMs and connectivity in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Q. Can I use an international eSIM bought in Japan in Kyrgyzstan?
It’s hard to call it usable. The signal bars show up, but the speed isn’t there. I’ve tried several eSIMs myself, and in Kyrgyzstan, buying a local SIM is the reliable option.
Q. Does povo work in Kyrgyzstan?
So far, the results have been “so-so” in Kazakhstan and not really usable in Kyrgyzstan. This may change in the future!
Q. If I arrive in Bishkek in the middle of the night, can I buy a SIM right away?
SIM shops in town are likely to be closed. Manas airport has a counter open 24 hours, so if you want to use a Yandex Go taxi right away or need internet as soon as you arrive, buying at the airport is the practical choice.
Q. Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, always. You’ll need to show it and go through registration. Setup takes about 15 minutes, and if you’re using a VPN it may not go smoothly and can take up to 30 minutes, so allow plenty of time.
Q. Will they take a photo of my face when I buy a SIM?
Yes. Under a legal amendment in April 2024, in addition to the front and back of your passport, a “photo of yourself holding your passport” must be registered. An authorized vendor handles the process using a dedicated app on a designated device. It’s an identity-check method set by the government, so it’s the same at any shop.
Q. I heard I’ll be buying outdoors near the border. Is that okay?
Depending on your itinerary, the only place to buy may be a single spot near the border (for example, the Song-Kul tour starting and ending in Almaty). It’s an outdoor booth rather than a shop counter, but it’s run by an authorized vendor and is a common way of selling in Kyrgyzstan. However, after dark the photos may not be read properly, and the SIM may not be issued.
Q. I’m uncomfortable having my passport and face photographed. Can I decline?
Of course, you’re welcome to decline. ASHU TRAVEL helps by taking you to a place where you can buy one, and whether you buy is entirely your own decision.
We have no business relationship with any particular carrier.
If it feels unpleasant or worrying, don’t force yourself. It’s perfectly fine to use Wi-Fi at your accommodation and cafes and enjoy a digital detox the rest of the time.
If you have any concerns, you can ask the vendor on the spot, or if you’d rather not, just tell your guide.
Q. How much does a SIM cost in Kyrgyzstan?
Around $10–$20 is typical (depending on the plan). ⚠️ Some cheaper plans are data-only, so if you need calls or SMS, be sure to check when you buy.
Q. Can I tether (use a hotspot) with a Kyrgyz SIM?
Yes, but it may need to be set up. It’s best to ask the shop staff to set it up for you when you buy. With O! in particular, it has to be set up through the app and is hard to redo later, so get it all done on the spot.
Q. Can I use a Kyrgyz SIM on a tablet such as an iPad?
Yes. However, at some carriers the staff may be puzzled and say “Data on an iPad? Not sure about that.” I was able to get mine set up at Beeline.
Q. Can I use public Wi-Fi in Kazakhstan (cafes, etc.) as is?
You’re often asked for a local phone number. I was surprised to be told “Enter your phone number” at Almaty airport and at Starbucks. If you’re staying for a while, we recommend a local SIM with a phone number.
Q. Is there internet at Kel-Suu in Naryn Province?
Mega officially announces coverage there, but Instagram comments include reports of “no signal.” In remote areas, the right approach is not to expect too much and go in the spirit of a digital detox.
Q. Will a rental Wi-Fi work in Kyrgyzstan?
Past guests have told us that “Global Wi-Fi worked.” It’s suited to short stays and multi-country trips. For long stays or Kyrgyzstan only, a local SIM is better value.
Q. How do I top up my SIM during a long stay?
You can top up at the payment terminals found all over town (the same system as the Tulpar card for Bishkek buses). The terminals are mostly in Russian and Kyrgyz, but they’re simple to use.
ASHU TRAVEL supports your Kyrgyzstan trip from before you depart
From preparing before departure to support during your trip, our staff share information and answer questions to help with travel in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
- Useful tips for traveling in Kyrgyzstan are regularly added to our Q&A blog: https://ashu-travel.com/en/news/
- Our staff answer your questions on our official LINE account
Feel free to ask us about SIMs and internet, too.
Contact us & follow us on social media for the latest updates!
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