A1 Belarus SIM Cards and eSIM Updated Buying Guide for Tourists

Traveling to Belarus and looking for a reliable mobile network? A1 Belarus is your best bet.

As the country’s largest mobile operator, A1 Belarus offers widespread 4G/LTE coverage, fast data speeds, and competitive rates for prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs. Keep reading to discover why A1 is the top choice for tourists visiting Belarus, and how to get connected with A1 Belarus SIM card or eSIMs during your trip.

I. Quick Facts about A1 Belarus

A1 Belarus, also known as Unitary Service Enterprise “A1”, is a leading tech provider in Belarus. Here are some quick facts about the company:

• Established: A1 started up commercially on April 16, 1999, becoming Belarus’ first GSM mobile network.
• Ownership: Since 2007, A1 has been part of the international A1 Telekom Austria Group, which is owned by América Móvil.
• Rebranding: Until August 2019, A1 operated under the velcom name.
• Customers: Over 4.8 million people subscribe to A1’s mobile services in Belarus.
• Services: In addition to phones, A1 also provides IPTV, business products, data storage, and cloud services.
• Employees: A1 employs more than 2,300 people.
• Stores: A1 has retail locations in all major Belarusian cities and towns.

II. Why A1 Belarus When You’re Exploring Belarus – Coverage and Speed

With extensive 4G and 3G coverage across Belarus, fast data speeds, and affordable prepaid options, A1 is a great choice for tourists. Here’s a closer look at A1’s network coverage and speeds:

1. A1 Network Coverage in Belarus

A1 claims population coverage of over 90% on its 4G LTE network in Belarus. This covers most major cities and populated areas across the country.

You’ll get the best coverage in major cities like Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, and their surrounding regions. But even when traveling to smaller towns and villages, A1 generally has you covered with at least 3G/4G access.

Overall, A1’s network reaches far more parts of Belarus compared to its rival mobile operators. So if coverage is your priority, A1 is a wise pick.

2. A1 Belarus Speed

In addition to wide coverage, A1 Belarus also offers fairly fast 4G speeds. Users report average download speeds of 20-40 Mbps on 4G in populated areas.

This is generally fast enough for activities like HD video streaming, group video calls, mobile gaming, and using social media apps without any hiccups. Upload speeds are decent too at around 10-15 Mbps.

Latency on 4G is reasonably low between 30-50ms. So activities like online gaming or VOIP calls work well. In rural areas and smaller towns, you may experience slightly slower 3G speeds. But even that is sufficient for essential internet access.

All in all, A1’s network is snappy enough to handle most traveler’s needs in Belarus. Their speeds are better than most local rival networks too.

III. A1 Connectivity Options for Travelers to Belarus

A1 is the largest mobile operator in Belarus, with over 4.5 million subscribers. It offers a variety of connectivity options for travelers, including:

Prepaid SIM cards are the most popular connectivity option for travelers to Belarus, as they offer the best value for money. Roaming can be expensive, and pocket Wi-Fi devices can be inconvenient to carry around.

Here are some tips for choosing the best A1 connectivity option for your trip to Belarus:

• Consider your budget: Prepaid SIM cards are the most affordable connectivity option, while roaming can be expensive.
• Consider your needs: If you need to stay connected while on the go, a pocket Wi-Fi device may be a good option for you.
• Check with your home mobile operator: If you have a roaming agreement with your home mobile operator, you may be able to use your existing SIM card to connect to A1’s network while in Belarus. However, be sure to check the roaming charges with your home mobile operator before traveling.

Once you have chosen a connectivity option, you can start using A1’s network to connect to the internet, make and receive calls, and send and receive text messages.

IV. Best A1 Belarus SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

A1 Belarus offers a variety of prepaid plans and top-up packages for tourists. Here are the best options:

Overall, data rates on A1 are quite affordable at around Br 5 per GB when you buy the larger top-ups.

The allowance can be used for Belarus or roaming in other countries. Though roaming outside Belarus is generally more expensive.

V. Does A1 Support eSIM in Belarus?

Yes, A1 Belarus launched eSIM support for tourists and locals in 2022. If you have an eSIM compatible device like the:

• iPhone XS or newer
• Google Pixel 3 or newer
• Samsung Galaxy Fold or Flip

VI. Where can You Buy a A1 Belarus SIM card and eSIM?

It’s easy to get your hands on a A1 Belarus SIM card or eSIM. Here’s where to buy:

1. Where to Buy A1 SIM in Belarus?

A1 prepaid SIM cards are available at A1 stores, partner retailers, and kiosks across Belarus. In Minsk, you can find them at:

• A1 flagship store at 29 Masherov Ave
• Partner stores like Euronet, Belpost, and BelPhones
• Small kiosks and top-up shops displaying the A1 logo

When buying in person, you’ll need to show your passport. The salesperson will register the SIM card to your name.

2. Where to Buy A1 eSIM in Belarus?

To purchase an A1 Belarus eSIM, you’ll need to order it online from the A1 website or mobile app. Provide your name and passport details when signing up.

After purchase, you’ll receive QR activation codes for the eSIM via email and SMS. Scan these codes using your phone’s camera to download and install the A1 eSIM digitally.

Purchasing online in advance is recommended to save time when you arrive. But you can also buy it after landing in Belarus if needed.

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VII. How to Activate A1 Belarus SIM Card/eSIM?

Activating your new A1 Belarus SIM card or eSIM is very straightforward:

1. How to Use A1 Belarus SIM Card?

• Purchase your A1 tourist SIM pack from any official seller. Provide passport details for registration.
• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone. Power it on and the SIM will activate automatically.
• A1 will send an SMS to your SIM card with details of the loaded plan – data allowance, validity etc.
• Start using the SIM for calls, texts and 4G/3G data within Belarus.

2. How to Activate A1 Belarus eSIM?

• Order your A1 Belarus tourist eSIM pack online and enter your passport information.
• A1 will email and SMS eSIM QR activation codes to you.
• Open the email or SMS on your phone. Scan the QR codes with your phone’s camera to install the eSIM digitally.
• The eSIM will activate automatically with the loaded data plan. No reboot required.
• You can now start using mobile data and making calls over the A1 Belarus eSIM.

That’s it! Both the A1 SIM and eSIM are ready to use within minutes of purchase and activation.

VIII. Belarus A1 Call & SMS Rates

Here are the standard calling and messaging rates on A1 Belarus:

For longer local calls, buying a data top-up and using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Skype is cheaper. International calls are very expensive at Br 3-5 per minute – so again use VoIP instead.

IX. How to Top-up A1 Belarus SIM Cards/eSIM

When your initial data allowance runs low, you can easily top-up more credit on your A1 Belarus SIM/eSIM using the following methods:

• Use an A1 voucher – Just scratch off the silver part to reveal the number. Then dial 448 and the number. You can buy vouchers at stores and ATMs.
• Online is simple – Go to a1.si/polni and choose your payment method like card or online banking.
• Text top up is handy – If you’re an A1 customer, send a text to 448 with POLNI, the amount in euros, the number you’re topping up, and an optional message. The funds will be added right away.
• Check your balance – Dial *448# or call 448 and press 1. You can also view it on the My A1 app or website portal.
• Set up automatic top ups – That way your account will refill when it gets low so you never run out of credit.
• Top up on the My A1 portal too.

Start by using the preloaded data, and then top-up more as required during your trip. Conveniently recharge via the website to avoid language issues.

X. FAQs about A1 Belarus SIM Cards

XI. Final Words

I hope this guide gives you a good overview of A1 Belarus SIM cards and eSIM for visitors to the country. With extensive coverage, fast 4G speeds, and affordable prepaid packs, A1 makes it easy to stay connected across Belarus.

Simply order their tourist eSIM online in advance or grab a SIM card on arrival at stores in Minsk for hassle-free connectivity. Manage your account in English, top-up data vouchers as needed, and use A1’s network to power your travels across this unique country. Have an amazing trip to Belarus!