Exploring Belarus and need a reliable local SIM card? Get a MTS Belarus SIM card or eSIM before your trip! MTS is the leading mobile operator in Belarus with the best coverage and speeds.
MTS Belarus offers some great SIM card options for tourists with calling, texting and lots of data. Their prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy online or locally, and you can also get a MTS Belarus eSIM.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about MTS Belarus
MTS Belarus has been providing communications services to Belarusians since 2002 when it was founded as a joint venture between the national telecom company Beltelecom and Russian telecom giant Mobile TeleSystems.
Under the MTS brand, customers can choose from a wide range of services like cellular networks, home phone, high-speed internet, mobile TV, cable TV, satellite TV and digital TV. As of early 2021, over 5.7 million subscribers relied on MTS’s network, serving telecom needs in over 5,200 communities across the country.
II. Why MTS When You’re Exploring Belarus – Coverage and Speed
With great connectivity on MTS Belarus, you’ll be able to easily stay in touch, use maps or social media and share photos of your Belarus trip online.
1. MTS Network Coverage in Belarus
MTS has the best overall coverage in Belarus across 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE networks. MTS takes great pride in providing reliable network access to communities across Belarus. Their extensive coverage network extends to over 75% of the country, ensuring telecom services reach far and wide.
This includes keeping people connected in both large cities and small towns alike. Major population hubs like the capital Minsk, Gomel, Mahilyow, Vitebsk, Hrodna and Brest all benefit from MTS connectivity. But they also connect rural settlements like Babruysk, Baranovichi, Pinsk, Orsha, Novoye Medvezhino, Mazyr, Salihorsk, Maladzyechna and Navapolatsk, to name a few.
MTS uses 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum bands which gives them great overall coverage and indoor/building penetration too.
2. MTS Belarus Speed
On the MTS 4G/LTE network you can get up to 300 Mbps speeds in cities and towns. In rural areas too, MTS usually offers the fastest mobile data speeds compared to other networks.
MTS also strives to deliver fast and dependable internet speeds. Independent testing in November 2022 found mobile data connections through the MTS network offered average download speeds of approximately 11.7 megabits per second. This allows users to surf, stream, work or play online without frustrating delays.
This means fast browsing, streaming, social media, messaging and calling over VoLTE on MTS Belarus.
III. MTS Belarus Connectivity Options for Travelers
MTS Belarus has some great connectivity options for tourists on short term trips:
- Prepaid SIM Cards – 7 days, 14 days and 30 days packs with calling, text and data
- eSIM – MTS Belarus eSIM for your unlocked phone
- Unlimited Data Packs – High speed 4G data add-on packs
- Roaming SIM – For Europe roaming
So whether you need a SIM for a week or two, or up to a month – MTS Belarus has got you covered.
IV. Best MTS Belarus SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
MTS Belarus offers a prepaid mobile plan called “#Безлимитище для гостей” that is tailored specifically for foreign visitors to the country. This plan provides a suite of connectivity services at affordable rates during a traveler’s stay.
Included Services:
Service | Details |
Mobile Internet | Unlimited data on smartphone/tablet |
Tethering Internet | 100MB per day at no extra cost, then 0.75 rubles/day for additional data |
Domestic Calls | 650 minutes to all Belarus networks |
Now one thing to note – since this plan is designed just for use in Belarus, it won’t work if you travel abroad or make calls to other countries. But that’s totally fine! Most visitors just want a reliable and affordable way to stay in touch while exploring Belarus.
V. Does MTS Support eSIM in Belarus?
Yes, MTS Belarus launched eSIM support in late 2022.
MTS Belarus eSIM profiles provide the same number, service plan, and billing experience as physical SIM cards. Users have the ability to store multiple international eSIM profiles from various carriers on devices like the iPhone, and easily switch the active profile wirelessly when traveling abroad. If an eSIM device requires repair services, the profile must first be deleted as eSIMs cannot be reinstalled once removed.
VI. Where can You Buy a MTS Belarus SIM card and eSIM?
It’s easy to purchase a MTS Belarus SIM card or eSIM before your trip or after you arrive. Here’s how:
1. Where to Buy MTS SIM for Belarus?
You can buy MTS Belarus SIM cards online for delivery globally or pickup in Belarus:
- MTS Belarus Online Shop – Order a tourist SIM for delivery globally or Belarus pickup
- Kiwi.com – Preorder and pickup at Minsk airport
- MTS Stores in Belarus – Walk-in and buy a SIM card
In Belarus you can find MTS stores in the arrivals area of Minsk airport and main cities. Bring your passport when buying a SIM locally.
2. Where to Buy MTS eSIM in Belarus?
To utilize an eSIM as the main mobile line, MTS Belarus customers can visit any retail store location or call customer support to have their existing SIM swapped for an eSIM profile for a flat fee. However, this process may require identification documents or proof of residence that foreigners do not have.
If you’re looking for a more hassle-free option using MTS mobile network, esimbelarus.com also provides some convenient eSIM options you could consider:
The esimbelarus.com plans have the advantage of being purchased and activated directly online on a compatible device, without needing to visit a store. Users receive the eSIM profile via email immediately upon purchase and can install it easily to stay connected in Belarus – bypassing the difficulties foreigners may face registering directly with MTS.
Plans that may interest you
VII. How to Activate MTS Belarus SIM Card/eSIM?
Activating your new MTS SIM card or eSIM in Belarus is very easy:
1. How to Use MTS Belarus SIM Card in Belarus?
For the physical MTS Belarus SIM Card:
- Insert SIM in unlocked phone
- It will auto configure and activate
- A welcome SMS is sent with pack info
- Start using your data, mins & texts!
2. How to Activate MTS Belarus eSIM?
To start using MTS Belarus eSIM:
- Enter eSIM app and signup for a plan
- Confirm passport details
- eSIM profile is downloaded to your phone
- Just select it to activate MTS service
That’s it! Both the SIM and eSIM are ready immediately after activation.
VIII. Belarus MTS Call & SMS Rates
MTS Belarus prepaid packs come with bundled minutes and texts to Belarus numbers.
The rates when you use above your allowance are:
Call Type | Rate |
Incoming Calls | Free |
Calls to MTS Networks | 0.05 rubles |
Calls to Other Networks | 0.15 rubles |
Calls to Short/Premium Numbers | Additional charges may apply |
Incoming SMS | Free |
Outgoing SMS in Belarus | 0.08 rubles |
International SMS | 0.185 rubles |
MMS Messages | 0.1203 rubles |
IX. Useful USSD Codes for MTS Belarus
Here are some useful MTS USSD codes to check your prepaid account balance and packs:
USSD Codes | Details |
*558# | Checks remaining data megabytes on "Internet" tariff |
*100# | Checks remaining account credit balance |
*300# | Disables ringback tone service |
##002# | Disables voicemail service |
9870# | Disables spam messages |
1500# | Disables possibility of negative account balance |
You can also top up your SIM and check data usage via the MTS Belarus app.
X. How to Top-up MTS Belarus SIM Card/eSIM
Topping up your SIM card is easy! You can purchase prepaid vouchers or cards at any MTS store or partner store. Vouchers typically come in amounts like $5, $10, $15 or $20.
Take your voucher to the store and they’ll be happy to activate it for you. Simply provide your SIM card number and they’ll scratch off the code on the back of the voucher to credit the amount to your account.
If you prefer not to leave home, you can also top up online! Just go to www.mts.by, log into your account, select “Top up account” and enter the amount and payment details. It’s fast and convenient.
Sending an SMS is another simple option. Text the voucher code and your SIM number (e.g. 12345678901 234567910) to 888.
Want to check your balance? Just dial *100# from your MTS phone – it will let you know how much credit you have left to use.
Best of all, top ups never expire so you can add funds whenever it’s convenient for you. Your SIM will remain active for 6 months from your last top up too. Now you’re all set to stay connected easily!
XI. FAQs about Using MTS Belarus
Does MTS work in all of Belarus?
Yes, MTS has the best overall coverage in Belarus on 2G, 3G and 4G networks. They cover 99% of the population.
How fast is the MTS Belarus 4G network?
You can get speeds of up to 300 Mbps on MTS 4G/LTE in the cities and towns. Their mobile data network is the fastest in Belarus.
Can I use MTS Belarus SIM card in Russia?
MTS launched 5G service in 2021 but coverage is very minimal at the moment, available only in parts of Minsk. 4G is still the main data network.
Is there 5G coverage on MTS Belarus?
MTS launched 5G service in 2021 but coverage is very minimal at the moment, available only in parts of Minsk. 4G is still the main data network.
XII. Final Words
Hope this guide has helped explain all about getting and using MTS Belarus SIM cards and eSIM when travelling in this country.
MTS Belarus gives you excellent connectivity throughout Belarus so you can easily stay in touch, access maps, share your journeys and avoid getting lost!
Enjoy your trip to Belarus!