Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport is the main international airport serving Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. For travelers arriving at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, having access to mobile data is crucial for navigating the city and staying connected.
A local Kazakhstan SIM card can provide affordable data, calls, and SMS without incurring expensive roaming charges. This guide will outline where to buy a SIM card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, the best SIM card options, how to prepare, and using eSIM as an alternative.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport
There are several locations at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to purchase a local Kazakhstan SIM card after arriving:
1. Beeline Store
Beeline is one of the three major mobile operators in Kazakhstan. There is a Beeline store located in the public area of the airport’s Terminal 1, near exits 3 and 4. It is open daily from 7:00am to midnight. The Beeline store sells prepaid and contract SIM cards with competitive data packages. Purchasing a Beeline SIM card at the airport is a convenient option for short-term visitors.
2. Kcell Store
Kcell is another leading mobile carrier in Kazakhstan with a store at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport’s Terminal 1, public area near exit 2. The store is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Kcell provides prepaid and contract SIM cards with strong nationwide coverage. Their prepaid plans are suited for travelers staying a week or two in Kazakhstan.
3. Tele2 Kiosk
Tele2 is the third major telecom company in Kazakhstan. Tele2 has a 24/7 self-service kiosk located in the Terminal 1 arrivals area that dispenses prepaid SIM cards. Purchasing a Tele2 SIM card from the kiosk is quick and simple for short visits. Data packages can be added to the SIM card online or via the Tele2 mobile app.
4. Other Retail Stores
There are also smaller retail stores scattered throughout Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport that may sell SIM cards from various providers like Beeline, Kcell, Tele2, and Altel. However, the selection may be limited compared to the main operator stores and kiosks.
Get more insights on Buying a SIM card at Kazakhstan Airports: The Definitive Guide
II. Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
When purchasing a Kazakhstan SIM card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, there are a few key factors to consider:
| Airport | Operators | SIM Card Price | Data Allowance |
| Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport | Kcell - Second largest operator with broad coverage nationwide. | approximately $10-12 USD | 5GB-10GB |
| Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport | Beeline - Largest operator with reliable network across Kazakhstan. | approximately $6-8 USD | 3GB-8GB |
| Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport | Tele2 - Strong coverage, lower prices. | approximately $4 USD | 2GB-5G |
The SIM cards provide 2GB-10GB of data allowance, allowing for reliable connectivity for travel around the country. Prepaids require presenting your passport for activation. No registration is needed for short-term use under 30 days. Contract SIMs require formal registration.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport
When purchasing your Kazakhstan SIM card at the Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, make sure you are prepared with the following:
Unlocked Phone
Your phone must be unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card. Contact your home provider in advance to request an unlock.
Passport
Have your passport ready to present for activating prepaid SIM cards.
Local Currency
Have some Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) to pay for your SIM card and data plan. ATMs and currency exchanges are available at the airport.
Phone Cleaner
Bring a SIM card pin or adapter to switch your existing SIM for the new Kazakhstan SIM.
Patience
Be ready to wait in line during peak arrival times. Getting a SIM card can take 10-30 minutes depending on the store traffic.
Kazakh Phrases
Learn a few key Kazakh phrases to help communicate with store staff when purchasing your SIM card
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport
Using an eSIM is an alternative to getting a physical SIM card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport. An eSIM is a digital SIM card installed directly on your phone. With an eSIM, you can remotely activate data plans without visiting a store. Major providers like Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 in Kazakhstan offer eSIM service. However, eSIM capabilities may be limited on some phone models.
Travelers staying for short visits under 30 days will likely benefit more from a prepaid SIM card purchased airport-side versus eSIM. But for long-term visitors or residents, eSIM makes managing Kazakhstan mobile service easier.
A more convenient option is to buy an eSIM plan from Esimkazakhstan.com as the #1 Kazakhstan eSIM provider which presents affordable data packages on reliable networks without any contracts or deposits
Plan that may interest you
V. FAQs
Which provider has the best coverage at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport?
Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 generally have the strongest coverage at the airport. Smaller providers can be more spotty.
How long does a prepaid SIM card last?
Prepaid SIM cards can remain active for up to 180 days as long as you add more data before your current plan expires.
Do I need to register my prepaid SIM card?
No registration is required for prepaid SIM cards used less than 30 days in Kazakhstan. Longer use requires formal registration.
Can I use my SIM card in other Kazakhstan cities?
Yes, SIM cards from major providers work nationwide across Kazakhstan’s cities and regions.
Do prepaid SIM cards work for calling international numbers?
Yes, prepaid SIMs can call international numbers by purchasing add-on credits or packages. Check rates in advance.
VI. Conclusion
In summary, acquiring a local Kazakhstan SIM card at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport is easy and convenient. Major providers like Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 have stores or kiosks located right in the airport terminal.
Short-term prepaid SIM cards provide affordable mobile data, calls, and SMS while visiting Kazakhstan. With an unlocked phone and passport ready, travelers can quickly get connected with a Kazakhstan SIM before even leaving the airport.
