Why an eSIM is Recommended for Kazakhstan
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Kazakhstan does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is available in Kazakhstan hotels and cafes in major cities, but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
- Coverage: limited outside major cities
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity in covered areas, especially in Almaty and Nur-Sultan.
Network Coverage in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has good 4G coverage in main cities (90%+) but very limited in steppes thanks to three main carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Kcell |
90%+ (urban) |
Yes |
40% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Beeline |
88%+ (urban) |
Yes |
35% |
Holafly, Saily |
| Tele2 |
85%+ (urban) |
Yes |
25% |
Ubigi |
Note: Coverage is excellent in Almaty and Nur-Sultan but very limited or absent in steppes and remote regions.
Coverage by destination
- Almaty: excellent 4G coverage throughout the city and nearby ski resorts
- Nur-Sultan (Astana): excellent 4G coverage in the futuristic capital
- Turkestan: good coverage in the historical city
- Charyn Canyon: limited coverage, download maps before visiting
- Kolsai Lakes: limited coverage in alpine areas
- Steppes: very limited or absent coverage
- Baikonur: limited coverage near the space base
How to Install Your Kazakhstan eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Kazakhstan (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Kazakhstan eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Kazakhstan eSIM 2026"
countryCode="KZ"
countrySlug="kazakhstan"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.50",
highlight: "Global leader + Kcell network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$7.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$10.50",
highlight: "Tele2 network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Kcell network (leader 40%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Kcell network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Ubigi: Tele2 network, good alternative
Conclusion
For all travelers to Kazakhstan, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip, especially in urban areas.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Important: Coverage is excellent in Almaty and Nur-Sultan but very limited in steppes. Download maps before traveling to remote areas like Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes.
Kazakhstan eSIM FAQ
