Purchasing a local SIM card for your phone is the best way to get affordable data and calls in Kyrgyzstan.  As you wish, it’s very easy to buy SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas Airport outside Bishkek to get connected to the internet and make local calls during your visit. Here’s a guide to getting a SIM card at Manas Airport when you land.

SIM Card at Manas Airport

1. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas Airport

When you arrive in the main terminal at Manas Airport, you’ll find several kiosks and stores that sell local SIM cards right as you exit customs. The two main operators offer SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas airport are Beeline and Megacom, and you can easily purchase a prepaid SIM card from either provider as soon as you arrive.

1.1. Megacom store

MegaCom is one of the major mobile network operators in Kyrgyzstan. They likely have a store or kiosk located inside the airport terminal where you can purchase a Megacom SIM card. MegaCom offers SIMs with data packages suitable for both local and international use.

  • Opening Hours: Generally align with the airport’s operating hours. It typically operates 24 hours a day. However, individual shops and kiosks may have varying opening hours within the airport, so check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
  • Location: Typically be situated in the arrival hall or near the exit area.
  • Language Support: Russian or Kyrgyz, and English.

Tips:

Provide your passport and completing necessary forms.

Check the latest details by contacting the Megacom customer service or visiting their official website for the most up-to-date information.

buying sim card at Kyrgyzstan manas airport

Easy to buy SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas airport

1.2. Beeline store

Another major cellular provider is Beeline KG. When you visit the Beeline store at Manas Airport, the staff will assist you in choosing the right Beeline SIM card and plan based on your requirements. They will guide you through the registration process, which typically involves providing your passport and completing necessary forms.

  • Opening Hours: Early morning (5-6am) until late evening (8-11pm).
  • Location: Both terminals, near the entrance of the arrivals area.
  • Language Support: Russian or Kyrgyz, and English.
beeline store image

1.3. O! Store

  • Type of SIM Card: SIM Cards and eSIM may not be widely available at the airport
  • Opening Hours: Early morning (5-6am) until late evening (8-11pm).
  • Location: Near the entrance of the arrivals area.
  • Language Support: Russian or Kyrgyz, and English.

Both Megacom and Beeline have service desks located right as you exit the customs area, before you get to the main arrival hall. There will likely be sales agents standing outside the desks as well, so feel free to ask if you aren’t sure where to go.

Purchasing a SIM card at Kyrgyzstan Manas airport is convenient and ensures you’ll have data service for maps, transportation, and looking up your accommodation as soon as you arrive in Kyrgyzstan.

2. SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas airport options and costs

Here’s an overview of what SIM card options you’ll find and how much they cost at Manas Airport:

Operator SIM Card Type Price Range (approx. in USD) Available Services Data Call Minutes Text Messages Where to Buy at Manas Airport
Megacom Physical SIM $4 - $18 Data, Call, Text 1 GB - 10 GB 50 minutes - 500 minutes Varies Kiosks in Arrival Hall or Near Exit Area
Beeline Physical SIM $5 - $18 Data, Call, Text 1.5 GB - 15 GB 100 minutes - 1000 minutes Varies
O! Physical SIM $1.5 - $3 Data, Call, Text Varies Varies Varies

Both Megacom and Beeline also offer additional data packages or minutes you can add to your plan as needed. The basic packages should be sufficient for short trips, while the larger packages are good if you will be in Kyrgyzstan for an extended time.

3. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Manas Airport

Purchasing SIM card at Kyrgyzstan Manas Airport is very straightforward. Here are a few tips on what to have ready:

  • Passport: You’ll need to show your passport at the service desk when purchasing your SIM card.
  • Unlocked phone: Your phone will need to be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Contact your home provider about unlocking before you trave
  • Local currency: Have some Kyrgyzstani Som ready to pay for your SIM card package. Both Megacom and Beeline accept credit cards as well.
  • SIM card size: Bring any adapters you may need for your SIM card to fit your device. The standard card size is nano-SIM.
  • E-SIM compatible device: If your phone supports eSIM, you can download an eSIM for Kyrgyzstan rather than using a physical SIM card.

No pre-registration is required – you can just show up and purchase your SIM card on the spot when you arrive at Manas Airport.

4. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Kyrgyzstan Manas airport

If you have a device that supports eSIM such as newer iPhones or Google Pixel phones, you may want to consider downloading an eSIM for Kyrgyzstan rather than using a physical SIM card. Ensure your device is compatible with eSIM before buying it, check detailed in eSIM compatibility list.

Some benefits of using an eSIM include:

  • No need to find a SIM card kiosk after you land or make sure your device is compatible.
  • Ability to quickly activate service as soon as you land vs. waiting in line.
  • Avoid potential roaming charges when you first land before getting set up with a local SIM.
  • Flexibility to change plans or operators more easily compared to physical SIM swap.

O! Beeline and Megacom do provide eSIM service in Kyrgyzstan. You can purchase their eSIM plans directly from their websites or mobile apps before you arrive or after you land as well.

Other popular eSIM providers like esimkyrgyzstan.com also offer eSIM data packages that work in Kyrgyzstan and can be set up before you depart. With an eSIM, you can land in Bishkek already connected.

Kyrgyzstan eSIM Plans

5. FAQs

Do I need to register my SIM card?

No registration is required for prepaid SIM cards purchased at Manas Airport. You can provide your passport details when purchasing, but no further registration is needed.

Can I get a SIM card outside the airport?

Yes, Megacom and Beeline have retail stores throughout Bishkek and other cities where you can also buy a SIM card if needed. Purchasing at the airport kiosks is simplest though.

How long does the SIM card credit last?

Prepaid credit on Megacom and Beeline SIM cards remains valid for 180 days from your last recharge. So you can purchase a card on arrival and top up as needed during your trip. Unused data or minutes do not roll over though when you recharge.

Can I use the SIM card in other countries?

Megacom and Beeline SIM cards from Kyrgyzstan only provide service within Kyrgyzstan itself. If traveling onward in Central Asia, you’ll need to purchase a new local SIM card in each country.

6. Final words

Purchase an affordable prepaid SIM from Megacom or Beeline at Kyrgyzstan’s Manas Airport for easy connectivity. Look for their service desks after customs to get data and calling abilities. This allows arranging transport, navigating to lodging in Bishkek, and planning adventures throughout beautiful Kyrgyzstan.