Practical aspects spring 2026: border to Murmansk, to Pskov, SIM cards, internet. (page 3 of 5)

Thanks for this well-documented info on our communication options after the border. Sometimes, relearning to do without isn’t so bad.

I’ll give some concrete examples to demystify the fact that foreign SIM cards do work, and roaming charges aren’t any different from those in many non-EU/EEA countries. The only major difference is that these fees were much lower before 2022.

My domestic SIM is necessary if I need to make an online purchase with my VISA card, since the bank’s 3D Secure process requires online verification linked to my domestic SIM number. For example, buying a flight ticket for my return once I know which border point I’ll be re-entering Schengen from. But you might also need to log into your online banking to pay an overdue bill or for any other urgent reason.

Here’s the SMS I received after unlocking my domestic SIM, with the prices. It’s in Norwegian kroner, 1 NOK ≈ 0.9 €:



Details of the SMS: sent by my mobile operator on 19.3.2026 at 05:38 (when I turned on the phone with this SIM) and received on 20.3.2026 at 06:19, so well after 24 hours. (Phone was on the whole time):



In last month’s bill, usage for Russia is almost zero since I didn’t need to use this SIM, but it’s there:



If I had to rely on this SIM for my entire stay, I could buy a plan at these prices. 5GB of data included:





You can see that in the operator’s pricing grid, this falls under their Zone 1. It’s the same rate/zone as, for example, Canada:



Japan is in Zone 2, much more expensive, for the same price plan but with only 1GB instead of 5GB:



For comparison with trendy destinations, here are the rates for Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which are billed by usage with no plans:

Hey Esantirulo, Here’s some detailed info that’ll help anyone planning to visit Russia. I’ve heard—this was late 2024—that Russian SIM cards worked in the EU, which would make sense for roaming, a reciprocal arrangement between operators. Can you confirm this? Honestly, you’re way more credible as a tech advisor than as a critic of the EU or Schengen Space 😉

Strange for the main poster on a travel forum.

I’m heading to Japan next week, to two or three ports on the Sea of Japan side, and I can assure you I won’t be doing any touristy outings: no "sites," no museums, no temples. Just traveling.

Michel

Just traveling Michel

For your pleasure?

Very nice for Russian opponents... Move along, there's nothing to see.

It's not about being nice or not; there are opponents, activists, people involved in politics, generally from a certain background—urban, intellectual. But are they representative? Actually, no.

Hey Tatra, so do these opponents have a prominent presence, can they freely share their ideas in the press, on TV, etc.? Can they freely say that the Russian government is doing whatever (right or wrong, that's not the issue)? Can they also create political parties openly opposed to the current power? Regardless of the audience—maybe it’d be ridiculous—my question is: is it possible?

For your pleasure?

Yes, just out of curiosity.

Michel

Hey Tatra, so these opponents have a public presence and can freely spread their ideas in the press, on TV, etc.? Can they freely say that the Russian government is messing up (whether rightly or wrongly isn’t the issue)? Can they also create political parties openly opposed to the current power? Regardless of their audience—maybe it’d be tiny—my question is: is it even possible?

Thinking that quality of life and individual freedom are tied to how easy it is to engage in politics is a very French, idealistic notion—an intellectual’s perspective. But in France, if you believe that the values of the Republic come after your religious values, personal ethics, individualism over collectivism, or liberalism, you won’t face legal consequences—well, not yet, anyway. But if you’re a foreigner, people dream of deporting you, and if you’re French without having asked for it, you’re offered internal exile.

Michel

Thanks a lot! This info is really like a SIM card tutorial—super helpful.

I’m heading back to beautiful Russia in July. Hope it hasn’t changed too much since I last saw it. And I’m always happy to return to the West. No part of the world is perfect; travelers observe but steer clear of politics.

I forgot this fundamental difference that’s been shaking this forum since its inception: the basic tourist vs. The Traveler. 😇

But we’re really getting off topic here...

Good evening Agnès,

No need to be ironic. When I go to Japan, like next week, I couldn’t care less about museums, I don’t visit any natural sites, I’m not interested in onsens, and I only pass by temples by chance. That’s just how it is. I love business hotels, izakayas, konbinis, kei cars, markets, vending machines, airports, and walking down the streets looking at signs and passersby. I’m not going to make travel journals out of that. You love natural parks, recognized and certified villages, tourist sites. We’re different, and I don’t really feel like a tourist. To be honest, I don’t care.

Michel

This is funny—this is the fourth time I’ve asked the question in this thread, and both you and Isantirulo keep answering something else. The question is actually simple: it’s about freedom of speech in Russia, not in the EU, and not about quality of life either. So if you don’t know, just say you don’t know instead of dodging the question. The day I want to know about quality of life in Russia, I’ll ask "What’s the quality of life like in Russia?", and the day I want to know if freedom of speech is restricted in France or the EU, I’ll ask "Is freedom of speech restricted in France or the EU?"

"Is freedom of speech restricted in France or the EU?"

Hi there,

In France, you can criticize Trump and the US, Putin and Russia—obviously, you can criticize Iran. You can even question whether some highly touristy countries are democracies. But there’s one country you’re not allowed to criticize. However, if you go to Spain or Portugal, for example, it’s very different. You’ll see stickers (with slogans) and flags on the walls that would be banned in France.

It’s just an observation—draw your own conclusions....

In Russia, there’s very strict control over political opinion, press expression, and union or activist activity. Like in Turkey, for example, though to a lesser degree.

France is very different: it’s a diffuse media and social pressure that makes it socially or professionally risky to bring up many topics if you’re not toeing the official or dominant line. Public speech is highly regulated, standardized, and formalized. It’s also a country where the government seizes control of opinion, and where many people—many politicians—dream of banning free expression on numerous subjects: history, health, religion, sexual identity, even the environment. France, Germany, and Spain follow this model. Central and Eastern European countries much less so, which explains why, as long as you’re not involved in politics, you feel freer and more at ease there. Far from these legal and moralistic hysterics, far from all kinds of lobbies that want the law to protect them and act accordingly.

Is that clearer?

Michel

Oh, great! A suggestion with no pressure—you could enter the April photo contest, it’s easier than keeping a travel journal. Funny timing, your trip to Japan fits the theme perfectly. Have a great time in Japan.

Which flags are you talking about?

It’s also a country where the government seizes control of public opinion, and where many people—many politicians—dream of banning free expression on numerous topics: France, Germany, and Spain follow this model.

Go to Spain and take a walk, even in the smallest village in the middle of nowhere—you’ll immediately notice a huge difference, something that would be impossible in France.

Hi Marie,

For Spain, I’ll take your word for it—I never go there. I can’t stand the Spanish vibe, the pace, the food, even the music, so I’ll 😏 avoid it. But you’re probably right.

Michel

How do I access these photo contest pages?

Michel

For Spain, I’ll take your word for it

Pedro Sánchez is the only Western leader standing up to Trump, and he refused to let the US use bases in Spain for THEIR war in Iran.

Don’t tell me you don’t know how to do this. It’s really simple and basic. Just go to the April contest theme discussion and follow the steps.