Phone and Internet Access & Useful Mobile Apps
Let's take a look at the most popular and effective options for mobile and internet communication in Ukraine.
SIM card for mobile Internet in Ukraine
One of the most common ways to make phone calls and access the Internet in Ukraine is via SIM cards for data transmission.
SIM cards of Ukrainian operators are quite cheap (from 50 to 300 UAH / 1 to 8 USD) and easy to activate. SIM cards in Ukraine are sold freely without documents.
It is simple to start using a SIM card: you just need to insert it into your smartphone and enjoy the connection. 4G coverage is available in most Ukrainian cities, but it can disappear in rural areas or small towns. There are also areas (not only near the frontline) where there is no mobile Internet at all.
Please note that Ukrainian mobile operators offer many plans for different communication options. You can read all the terms and conditions on the operators' websites or in their stores. It's a good idea to ask fixers or other colleagues in Ukraine to help you choose a SIM card.
During the war, national roaming works in Ukraine. You can connect to another operator's network if your operator's services are unavailable.
eSIM for mobile and internet connection in Ukraine
If your device supports eSim technology, you can purchase a digital SIM card from a Ukrainian mobile operator instead of a physical one. eSim has the same functions as a plastic card, but you don't need to insert it into your smartphone. You just need to scan the QR code provided by the operator when you purchase the card.
The advantage of eSim is that one such card contains up to five numbers of any operator. One of the five numbers is active. It can be easily changed in the phone's settings. You can use both an eSIM and a standard SIM card simultaneously, and both numbers will be active. Besides, eSIM cannot be lost, allowing you to protect your personal data better.
List of mobile operators in ukraine
Ukraine hosts several mobile operators with a range of service plans available for everyone. Each company provides both physical SIM and eSIM options to choose from. The list includes:
How to get the Internet in Ukraine with your non-Ukrainian operator?
If you want to connect to a roaming service in Ukraine, you need to find out the conditions of your mobile operator in advance. The services of your local operator in Ukraine can be expensive.
Portable Wi-Fi option
Portable or pocket Wi-Fi is a useful device that allows data to be transferred to several devices at once without losing the quality of cellular Internet. This option is quite convenient if you use the Internet not alone but with a group of colleagues or friends. If this is not the case, then it is not worth spending money renting or buying such a small router. Such modems are sold in electronics and cell phone shops.
Public Wi-Fi in Ukraine
One of the cheapest, often free, ways to access the Internet while traveling in Ukraine is to connect to the public Wi-Fi networks you can find in hotels, restaurants, coworking spaces, and other places.
However, public Wi-Fi has its drawbacks, especially for reporters. Since such networks are open to everyone, it is quite dangerous to connect to them, as your personal information can be stolen. But if you have no other options for communication at the moment and need to inform someone of your location or arrange a meeting urgently, you can use public Wi-Fi. The main thing is not to share important confidential information, such as your bank account data, over this service.
Starlink Internet in Ukraine
The Internet is also available in Ukraine through Starlink, a service that offers satellite connection. It is used by military and government institutions in frontline areas. Starlink also works in the rear, where it is typically used as an additional source of Internet in case of a power outage.
To use the Internet through the Starlink system, you need to purchase equipment worth $599. A standard Starlink satellite internet package costs $110 per month. You can buy the Starlink satellite system in Ukrainian tech stores or bring it with you from another country.
Landline calls
The popularity of landline telephones has steadily declined in recent years, but this option is still available in Ukraine as an alternative way to communicate.
What to do during connection interruptions?
If you plan to travel to different regions of Ukraine, including the frontline, you should prepare for possible connection problems. Here are some tips to help you.
- Limit your mobile data usage during an outage;
- Do not watch long videos on the Internet or reduce their resolution to a minimum;
- Turn off automatic file downloads from messengers;
- When your mobile network goes down, use national roaming. To do this, turn off the automatic network selection function on your smartphone and select the operator manually;
- Connect your laptop to your smartphone's Wi-Fi and use the mobile Internet. Of course, this will only be possible if the mobile Internet itself is available;
- Enable offline mode for Google Docs and email in advance. To do this, turn on “Offline access” in the settings;
- Plan for a complete internet outage with your friends and colleagues in advance. Create a plan that details where and when you will meet in person and how you will document and pass information to editors without the use of the Internet;
- Consider exchanging landline contact information;
- Print out all documents or content from online sites that you may need in advance;
- Take care of USB drives or CDs for data storage during an Internet outage.
Tips for working during blackouts
- Have flashlights, USB-powered lamps, or candles for comfortable work in the dark;
- Save energy on your laptop. Lower the screen brightness and set the most energy-efficient power consumption;
- Don't forget to charge your laptop and other devices you need to work on time. Buy a power bank or portable power station;
- If you come to Ukraine for a long time, find an internet provider that offers internet access in the case of a power outage.