Free eSIM for Ukraine 
3 GB of free mobile data across Ukraine and 38 other European countries. From Lviv's cobbled centre to the Carpathian foothills, your eSIM connects to Kyivstar's resilient network the moment you cross the border. No SIM swap, no credit card, no roaming surcharge.
Free for new users · Credit card for identity verification only — never charged · Valid 3 days
Why an eSIM is the practical choice for Ukraine today
Physical SIM purchases in Ukraine now require passport registration and, for most operators, a Ukrainian bank card for top-ups — both headaches for short-stay visitors, journalists and aid workers. An eSIM sidesteps the paperwork entirely. Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and Lifecell have all made remarkable investments in network resilience since 2022, running towers on generators and battery backup during outages. A 99esim profile installed before you cross the border means you're online the instant you connect — useful for Diia app services, Uklon bookings and air-raid alert apps.
- No Ukrainian passport or bank card required for registration
- Connects automatically at all western land borders (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova)
- Works with Air Alert UA and Diia app for arrivals
- 3 GB covers several days of navigation, messaging and check-ins
How Ukrainian networks treat 99esim
99esim's default routing in Ukraine is through Kyivstar, the largest operator by subscribers and the one with the deepest backup-power investment (over 95% of its towers have battery reserves). Vodafone Ukraine and Lifecell cover as secondary fallbacks. 4G LTE is the norm nationwide. 5G is not yet commercially live in Ukraine as of early 2026 — spectrum auctions have been paused. Expect strong 4G and reliable messaging in all major western and central cities.
Arriving in Ukraine
As of early 2026, civilian air traffic at Ukrainian airports remains suspended due to closed airspace. Most visitors arrive overland from Poland (Medyka, Dorohusk), Romania (Siret), Hungary (Záhony) or Moldova (Palanca). Your 99esim picks up Kyivstar automatically at the border, and historic airport profiles remain in place for when traffic resumes.
Ukraine's main hub, historically. When civilian aviation resumes, the Boryspil Express rail link to Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi keeps full 4G end-to-end. Profile retained for future travel.
Historic low-cost hub close to the city centre. All routes to/from the terminal connect to Kyivstar 4G throughout.
Western Ukraine's gateway airport. Was fully 4G-covered; most visitors now arrive via land border from Przemyśl (Poland).
Where your free eSIM works best
What 3 GB covers in Ukraine
With no 5G and generally modest data consumption culture, 3 GB stretches further in Ukraine than in most Western European countries. Most apps travelers use (Air Alert, Diia, Uklon, maps) are deliberately lightweight.
Ukraine-specific travel tips
Install Air Alert UA before you arrive
The national air raid warning app (Повітряна тривога) is essential for any Ukraine trip. Runs in the background on minimal data. Your 99esim keeps it connected even when network loads are high during alerts.
Kyivstar's 2022 outage and after
After a major cyber incident in December 2022, Kyivstar rebuilt with hardened infrastructure and deeper network redundancy. In late-2025 power grid disruptions, mobile stayed up in most cities thanks to battery-and-generator backup on towers. Your eSIM benefits from that investment directly.
Border crossing handoff
Crossing from Przemyśl (Poland) to Lviv, your phone switches from Orange Polska or Play to Kyivstar within 15–30 minutes of the crossing. No roaming alert — both countries are in the 39-country plan.
Western Ukraine and Lviv heritage
Lviv's old town has the best network density outside Kyiv. Ploshcha Rynok, the Armenian quarter and the tram lines all have solid 4G. Use Lviv's tourist card QR menus liberally — your eSIM handles them without lag.
Telegram is the default here
Unlike most of Europe, Telegram (not WhatsApp) is the dominant messaging app. News channels, local businesses and city services all publish on Telegram. Install it ahead of time — it runs fine on 3 GB.
Travelers who used 99esim in Ukraine
"Crossed from Przemyśl to Lviv by bus. My phone picked up Kyivstar 20 minutes before the border post. Air Alert UA was running by the time I reached my hostel."
"Reporting trip to Kyiv. Signal held through a rolling blackout — map and Signal both worked, video calls throttled but usable. The resilience is real."
"Three days in Lviv for a wedding. eSIM worked on the trams, in the old town and at the castle. Telegram groups for the event stayed live."
Frequently asked — Ukraine edition
Is Ukraine covered in the 39-country free plan?
Yes. Ukraine has been part of our European roaming footprint since 2022. No separate region upgrade, no extra cost. Your free 3 GB works identically in Kyiv as it does in Berlin or Rome.
Will my eSIM work during blackouts or power grid strikes?
In most cases, yes. Kyivstar has invested heavily in tower-level battery backup and mobile generator dispatching since 2022. Signal survives most rolling blackouts, though speed may dip. Voice calls and messaging are prioritised over video streaming.
Can I use the eSIM for Air Alert UA notifications?
Yes, and it's strongly recommended. Air Alert runs on minimal background data and your 99esim keeps it online whenever you have any cell signal. The app is free and available in Ukrainian and English.
Is there coverage in the Carpathians and Bukovyna?
Broadly yes in valleys and villages. Kyivstar covers Bukovel ski resort, Yaremche, Rakhiv and most Verkhovyna-district trail heads. Deep ridge hikes and remote forests can drop to 2G — expected mountain behaviour.
Can I take the train from Kyiv to Lviv on my eSIM?
Yes. Ukrainian Railways Intercity trains (Kyiv ↔ Lviv, Kyiv ↔ Odesa) maintain 4G along most of the route. Expect brief drops in long tunnels and deep forested sections, but the core route stays online for messaging and maps.
What about the Russian-occupied territories and front-line regions?
We strongly advise against travel to front-line or temporarily occupied areas. Network behaviour in those zones is unpredictable — 99esim cannot guarantee service. Follow official travel advisories from your home government.
Free eSIM in other European countries
Your 3 GB works in all 39 countries. Here are a few more popular destinations:
See all 39 countries →
Ready to claim your free 3 GB in Ukraine?
Install the 99esim app, create a free account, and your data is live in about 90 seconds.