O! is one of the leading mobile operators in Kyrgyzstan and a great option for travelers with an affordable and reliable local O! SIM card in Kyrgyzstan. This detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting an O! SIM card and eSIM in Kyrgyzstan, including coverage, speeds, costs, activation, and more. Let’s check it!
Table of Contents
1. Quick facts about O! Kyrgyzstan
O! is the leading mobile network operator in Kyrgyzstan, with over 5 million subscribers. It was founded in 2009 and is a subsidiary of Nur Telecom.
- Founded in 2009, O! boasts the largest mobile network in the country, covering over 95% of the population.
- Offer a wide range of services, including GSM, 3G, and 4G LTE mobile voice and data, as well as fixed-line internet, digital TV, and financial services.
- Has excellent 4G/LTE coverage reaching over 90% of the populated areas in Kyrgyzstan.
- Use 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz frequency bands.
- Offer Prepaid O! SIMs with variable data packages and calling rates.
- Launch eSIM service in 2020.
- Provide affordable prepaid rates, cost-effective data packages, and options for international calling and roaming.
Overall, O! SIM Card and eSIM is a good choice for tourists when travelling to Kyrgyzstan. It provides a growing network coverage in the country with affordable options and innovative services to its customers.
2. Kyrgyzstan O! Coverage and Speed in Kyrgyzstan
While connectivity was once limited in Kyrgyzstan, O! Telecom coverage and speed have expanded rapidly in the last decade.
2.1. O! coverage in Kyrgyzstan
O! is one of the major mobile network operators in Kyrgyzstan, alongside MegaCom and Beeline. It boasts impressive coverage with some caveats, depending on your specific needs and location. Here’s a breakdown:
- O! claims 97% of settlements in Kyrgyzstan have 4G coverage, putting it on par with its competitors. This translates to reliable internet access and decent call quality in most populated areas.
- Growing 5G presence: While still in its early stages, O! has been conducting 5G trials and demonstrations in major cities like Bishkek, Osh, and Jalal-Abad. This bodes well for future network upgrades and faster data speeds.
2.2. O! Kyrgyzstan Speed
O! boasts a significant share of the market and offering a range of internet plans across mobile and fixed lines. However, when it comes to speed, the picture is complex, with factors like location, technology, and network congestion playing a role. Here’s a breakdown of their current situation based on Speedchecker Insights:
- Average Download Speed: 21 Mbps
- Average Upload Speed: 11Mbps
Overall, O! has the best mobile network in Kyrgyzstan and provides good connectivity. The speeds are good considering mobile infrastructure constraints of the country.
3. O! connectivity options for travelers to Kyrgyzstan
As a tourist traveling to Kyrgyzstan, you can choose either of these options to get O! connectivity:
| Connectivity Options | Pros | Cons |
| "O! Tourist SIM" package | Includes 5 GB of data | Limited availability of O! stores, airports, and kiosks |
| Unlimited calls within the O! network | ||
| 100 minutes of local calls | ||
| Prepaid Data Packages | Flexible options to choose from | Limited coverage compared to more established operators. Limited availability of O! stores, airports, and kiosks |
| Affordable prices | ||
| Can be easily purchased at O! stores, airports, and kiosks | ||
| Allows travelers to stay connected and access the internet on the go | ||
| Roaming Services | Seamless connectivity while traveling outside Kyrgyzstan | Roaming charges may apply, resulting in higher costs for calls, data, and SMS while abroad |
| Access to data, calls, and SMS in foreign countries | ||
| Convenient for travelers who frequently visit neighboring countries or travel internationally | ||
| eSIM | Eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, offering convenience | Limited device compatibility, not all devices support eSIM functionality. Availability and support for eSIM may vary in different countries |
| Can be easily activated remotely, saving time and effort | ||
| Allows travelers to switch between multiple mobile operators without changing SIM cards | ||
| Offers flexibility and convenience for those with eSIM-supported devices |
There are different O! SIM Card and eSIM plans for tourists with data packages, calls & SMS bundles. It allows you to easily connect to the network without interruption.
While SIM Cards give flexible options, eSIMs are convenient for travel if your device supports it.
4. Best O! SIM cards for tourists & cost
O! does not have tourist plans for travelers coming to Kyrgyzstan. However, O! has designed some great prepaid plans. These packages come with bundled data and calls which makes it convenient upon arrival. Here are the best O! SIM card options to consider as a tourist:
| O! Prepaid Plans | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Validity | Activation | Total Cost with SIM (USD) |
| O! 95 | ~$1 | 10GB | 5 off-net mins + Unlimited on-net mins | 7 days | *155*77# | ~$2.4 |
| O! 135 | ~$1.5 | 16GB | 15 off net-mins + Unlimited on-net mins | 7 days | *155*8# | ~$2.8 |
| O! Premium | ~$3 | 20GB | 60 off net-mins + Unlimited on-net mins | 7 days | *155*99# | ~$4.5 |
*Note: Check the official website or contact the operator directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about SIM card options.
5. Does O! Kyrgyzstan support eSIM?
Yes, O! launched eSIM support. All subscribers whose devices support eSIM technology can connect a virtual SIM card for FREE in any O!Store or in the “My O!” mobile application.
6. Where can you buy a O! SIM card and eSIM?
Here are all the ways you can purchase an O! SIM card and eSIM in Kyrgyzstan:
6.1. Where to buy O! SIM card for Kyrgyzstan
There are a few places where you can buy an O! SIM card for Kyrgyzstan:
- Official O! Stores: These are the best places to buy an O! SIM card, as they will have the widest selection of plans and tariffs. You can find O! Stores in most major cities and towns in Kyrgyzstan.
- Cellular kiosks: These are small shops that sell a variety of cellular products, including SIM cards. You can usually find cellular kiosks in airports, train stations, and other busy areas.
- Supermarkets: Some supermarkets in Kyrgyzstan also sell SIM cards.
6.2 Where to buy O! eSIM for Kyrgyzstan
There are two ways to get an O! eSIM for Kyrgyzstan:
- O! stores – Staff can assist with QR code to activate your free eSIM digitally.
- My O! App – If you’re not in Kyrgyzstan yet, you can still get an eSIM online. Just download the “My O!” app and follow the instructions. You’ll need to enter your passport information and choose a data plan. Once you’ve paid, you’ll be able to download your eSIM profile to your phone. But the app does not have English support currently.
So, in summary, grabbing a physical O! SIM is very convenient upon arrival at Kyrgyzstan airports. For eSIM, use the online channel or mobile apps for easiest activation.
7. How to activate O! Kyrgyzstan SIM/eSIM
Activating your O! SIM card and eSIM in Kyrgyzstan is quick and easy:
7.1. How to use Kyrgyzstan O! SIM card
You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
- Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the O! SIM card will be pre-activated
- Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
- Check your services.
7.2. How to use Kyrgyzstan O! eSIM
Getting started with an O! eSIM for Kyrgyzstan is quite easy as follows:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.
So, both O! SIM Card and eSIM can be set up conveniently in a few simple steps once you have the starter pack or activation PIN.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
8. Kyrgyzstan O! Call & SMS rates
O! prepaid SIMs have the following call and SMS rates:
| Call Type | Rate (per minute, USD) |
| Local Calls (O! to O!) | $0.02 |
| Local Calls (O! to other networks) | $0.03 |
| SMS (Local) | $0.02 |
| SMS (International) | $0.06 |
O! also has some add-on packs for international calling and roaming we’ve covered ahead.
9. Useful USSD codes for O! Kyrgyzstan SIM/eSIM
USSD codes let you check balance, packs activated and other details on O! SIM Card:
- *711# – Enable personal hotspot/tethering.
For eSIMs, you can check most of these details on your online account or mobile app as well.
10. How to top-up O! Kyrgyzstan SIM/eSIM
You can recharge or top-up your O! SIM Card and eSIM through multiple convenient channels:
- O! online portal – Log in to your account and make payment by credit/debit card.
- Mobile apps – Easy to top-up with O! iOS and Android apps.
- Payment kiosks – Various self-service payment booths across Kyrgyzstan accept cash/card.
- Stores – Pay cash at O! brand stores and other retailers.
- Vouchers – Prepaid vouchers are available which you can enter to recharge.
For tourists, the most convenient ways to top-up are through the website, mobile apps or vouchers. You can buy data add-ons or longer term packs as required.
11. Alternatives to Kyrgyzstan O!
While O! is the best network in Kyrgyzstan, there are two other mobile operators:
- MegaCom – Second largest operator but has much more limited coverage than O!.
- Beeline – Owned by Russian operator Veon. Decent coverage, larger than O!.
- esimkyrgyzstan.com – provides eSIM data plans that allow you to stay connected in Kyrgyzstan without changing your physical SIM card.
Skip the hassle, go sim-less!
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12. FAQs about O! in Kyrgyzstan
Can I use O! SIM in other countries?
O! has roaming agreements in some countries, but charges are very high. Best to get a local SIM when traveling outside Kyrgyzstan.
How to check O! data balance?
You can check your remaining data balance by dialing *102# and this will send you an SMS.
How long is O! SIM card valid for?
Validity depends on the prepaid pack. The tourist SIMs are valid for 7 or 14 days from activation.
How to refill or top-up O! SIM?
You can easily top-up your O! SIM via their website, mobile apps, kiosks, stores or vouchers.
Does O! have good coverage outside Bishkek?
Yes, O! has excellent coverage across Kyrgyzstan including popular tourist spots like Issyk Kul, Karakol, Osh.
Can I use O! SIM in all my devices?
Yes, O! SIM works in unlocked phones, tablets, mobile hotspots etc. You can use the same SIM across multiple devices.
13. Final words
We hope this detailed guide has provided all the information you need to use the O! mobile network during your Kyrgyzstan trip. O! SIM Card and eSIM offer great value plans for short-term tourists with excellent countrywide coverage. So grab an O! SIM Card and eSIM based on your needs for staying connected in Kyrgyzstan. Have a great trip!
