Looking for an eSIM in Ukraine? All three Ukrainian mobile operators, Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and lifecell, offer eSIM. They suit you if you live in Ukraine or need a Ukrainian number. If you're visiting, a travel eSIM is simpler: you buy it online, install it before you leave and it connects when you arrive. This guide covers how to get each operator's eSIM on iPhone and Android, EU roaming in Ukraine, and the travel eSIMs that work there.
Just visiting? These eSIMs are data only, so you keep your home number for calls and texts. The Ukraine plans cover Ukraine only. The Europe plan also covers Ukraine, plus Poland and 32 other European countries, which helps if you travel through a neighbouring country.
Data-only plans for Ukraine and Europe · See all Ukraine eSIMs · See Europe eSIMs · All destinations
eSIM providers in Ukraine at a glance
Apple's list of carriers that support eSIM on iPhone includes Kyivstar, Lifecell and Vodafone for Ukraine, with activation by QR code or carrier app. Kyivstar and Vodafone are also listed for prepaid plans for international travelers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here's how they compare:
- Kyivstar: buy a new eSIM in the online shop, or switch your number from SIM to eSIM in the My Kyivstar app.
- Vodafone Ukraine: eSIM online, in the My Vodafone app, in Vodafone stores, at City24 terminals and in some banking apps. Prepaid eSIMs come with a tariff already set up.
- lifecell: eSIM by QR code or the lifecell app, also sold in the monobank and Privat24 apps.
- Travel eSIMs: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no store visit, ready before you leave.
Ukrainian eSIMs in banking apps
If you bank with monobank or PrivatBank, you can also buy an operator eSIM in their apps. monobank sells lifecell, Vodafone and Kyivstar eSIMs: you pick a provider, plan and number, pay, then scan the QR code or tap "Install eSIM" (monobank: eSIM). PrivatBank says Privat24 users can order Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell eSIMs in the app and get the QR code by email (PrivatBank news).
Kyivstar eSIM
Kyivstar sells eSIMs on its eSIM page. According to Kyivstar:
- New eSIM: choose a tariff and a number in the online shop. You activate it online in a few minutes, with no store visit and no delivery to wait for.
- Switch from SIM to eSIM: in the My Kyivstar app, go to Profile and tap eSIM, then follow the prompts. Wait up to 5 minutes for an SMS that confirms your eSIM is active. No SMS? Restart your phone and select the Kyivstar network manually.
- Move it to a new phone: in My Kyivstar, go to Profile, tap eSIM and choose "This device" on the new phone or "Other device" on the old one. With "Other device", you get a QR code to scan on the phone you'll use.
Which phones work with a Kyivstar eSIM?
Kyivstar says eSIM works mostly on Apple models from 2018 onwards and flagship Samsung, Huawei and Google phones. It only guarantees eSIM on devices certified in Ukraine. It won't work on an iPhone model with two physical SIM slots, or on a phone locked to another operator.
Vodafone Ukraine eSIM
Vodafone Ukraine explains its eSIM on its eSIM page. You can buy one in the Vodafone online shop, the My Vodafone app, Vodafone stores, City24 self-service terminals, or the monobank, A-Bank and Privat24 apps.
- Prepaid: the new eSIM comes with a Flexx GO or Flexx TOP tariff already installed, including the first 4-week package. You can change the tariff later.
- Contract and business lines: you go to a Vodafone store. Bring your passport or ID card, or show your ID card and tax number in the Diia app. Business customers need a power of attorney or their account manager.
- Replace your SIM with an eSIM: buy a replacement eSIM online or in a store. Your number and tariff stay the same.
- Online orders: the eSIM arrives by email as a voucher with a QR code.
Vodafone Ukraine eSIM support on iPhone and Android
Apple lists Vodafone in Ukraine for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app, and for prepaid plans for international travelers. It isn't listed for eSIM Quick Transfer or carrier activation, so plan on scanning a QR code. Vodafone says eSIM is only guaranteed on devices certified in Ukraine. You can check your model with the eSIM compatibility button on its page.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then scan the QR code (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone).
- On Android, Vodafone gives the path Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add mobile plan > QR code. Menu names vary by model.
- Activate the line by calling the number Vodafone gives you (111). You get an SMS confirming your monthly package.
Vodafone Ukraine eSIM transfer to a new phone
Vodafone says you move an eSIM by deleting it from the old phone, then scanning the same QR code on the new one. You can reuse the QR code up to 5 times. Deleting the eSIM profile doesn't remove your number from the Vodafone network.
lifecell eSIM
lifecell also offers eSIM. Apple lists Lifecell in Ukraine for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app, but not for eSIM Quick Transfer or carrier activation. You can buy a lifecell eSIM in the monobank and Privat24 apps, as described above. For lifecell's own ways to order an eSIM, move your number from SIM to eSIM or transfer an eSIM to a new phone, check the My lifecell app or lifecell.ua, as the steps change over time.
Roaming in Ukraine: EU "roam like at home" since 2026
Ukraine joined the EU's "roam like at home" area on 1 January 2026. The EU Delegation to Ukraine says the same rules apply to subscribers from EU countries travelling to Ukraine (EEAS: Ukraine joins the EU's roaming area). The EU's Your Europe portal lists Moldova and Ukraine alongside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and explains the fair use limits your operator can apply (Your Europe: mobile roaming costs).
So if your SIM is from an EU country, check your operator's roaming terms for Ukraine before you buy anything else. If your SIM is from the US, the UK, Canada or elsewhere, roaming in Ukraine depends on your own operator's prices. That's where a travel eSIM helps. More on this in our guide to roaming settings for an eSIM.
Ukraine travel eSIM: data without a local SIM
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, and it connects when you arrive. Here is what the SimOptions Ukraine plans include, according to their plan details:
- Network: runs on Vodafone in Ukraine, at 4G/LTE speed.
- Data only: no Ukrainian phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime or Telegram. See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
- Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Ukraine.
- No paperwork: no passport check and no store visit.
- Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
- Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.
- Coverage: Ukraine only. The SimOptions Europe plans also list Ukraine, so pick a Europe eSIM if you travel through Poland or other countries on the way.
Need a phone number? The SimOptions eSIMs that come with a number (the Bouygues Telecom plans) don't cover Ukraine. If you need a Ukrainian number for local services, get an eSIM from Kyivstar, Vodafone or lifecell instead.
How much data do you need for Ukraine?
The Ukraine plans range from 1 GB for 3 days to 100 GB for 180 days. As a rough guide:
- A few days: 1 GB to 3 GB for maps, messages and tickets.
- Up to a week: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days.
- One to two weeks: 20 GB for 15 days.
- A month or longer: 50 GB for 30 days, or the larger plans for long stays.
How to set up your Ukraine eSIM
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
- Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. On iPhone, open the Camera app, scan the QR code and follow the steps to add the eSIM. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Ukraine" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
- When you arrive, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
Not connecting after you arrive? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.
Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?
A Kyivstar, Vodafone or lifecell eSIM fits if
- You live in Ukraine or stay for several months.
- You need a Ukrainian phone number for banks, apps or local services.
- Your phone is certified in Ukraine, or you've checked that your model works with the operator.
A travel eSIM fits if
- You're on a short trip and want data the moment you cross the border.
- You'd rather skip the store and the ID check.
- You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.
Staying connected safely in Ukraine
Check your government's travel advice before you plan a trip. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to most of Ukraine and against all but essential travel to some western regions. It also says Ukraine's airspace remains closed (FCDO: Ukraine travel advice). If you do go:
- Install an air raid alert app. The FCDO mentions several, including "Air Alert".
- Keep your phone charged. The FCDO lists conserving mobile phone charge among its precautions, so carry a power bank.
- Keep your home line on. Use the travel eSIM for data and keep your home number for calls and security codes.
- Coming through Poland? Our guide to eSIM providers in Poland covers the Polish side of the trip.
FAQs
Which eSIM should I get for Ukraine?
If you're visiting, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. You buy it online, install it before you leave and it connects when you arrive. If you live in Ukraine or need a Ukrainian number, pick Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine or lifecell.
Which mobile operators in Ukraine offer eSIM?
All three: Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and lifecell. Apple lists all three for eSIM on iPhone, activated by QR code or carrier app.
Does Vodafone Ukraine support eSIM on iPhone?
Yes. Apple lists Vodafone in Ukraine for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app, and for prepaid plans for international travelers. Vodafone only guarantees eSIM on devices certified in Ukraine.
How do I transfer my Vodafone Ukraine eSIM to a new phone?
Delete the eSIM on your old phone, then scan the same QR code on the new one. Vodafone says you can reuse the QR code up to 5 times.
Does lifecell support eSIM?
Yes. Apple lists Lifecell for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app, and you can buy a lifecell eSIM in the monobank and Privat24 apps.
Can I use my EU SIM in Ukraine without roaming fees?
Since 1 January 2026, Ukraine is part of the EU's "roam like at home" area, so EU subscribers travelling to Ukraine get the same rules. Your operator can still apply fair use limits, so check its terms.
Do I get a Ukrainian phone number with a travel eSIM?
No. The SimOptions Ukraine plans are data only. If you need a Ukrainian number, get an eSIM from Kyivstar, Vodafone or lifecell.
Which network does the SimOptions Ukraine eSIM use?
The SimOptions Ukraine plans run on Vodafone at 4G/LTE speed.
