2016-09-18

work in progress

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=='''Kyivstar Ukraine '''with '''Roaming option'''==

''Verified in 2016 in ###########################''

'''Kyivstar in Ukraine gives out roaming data on a daily basis in some EU countries and beyond. Per day 0.35-0.60 UAH (€ .....) are charged for 100 MB, including cheap roaming rates for voice and text too.'''

In this article all prices quoted in local currency Ukranian Hryvnia (UAH) are converted into Euro (EUR, €) for a better comparison. This exchange rate has proved to be extremely volatile. The conversions are made based on a cross rate of 28:1 (UAH:EUR) effective on average in 2016 so far. Sudden fluctuations are frequent to this currency. Better check a converter like [http://www.xe.com/ http://www.xe.com] or use an exchange rate app for the most up-to-date exchange rate.==='''Network'''===

Kyivstar (Київстар)

'''Issuing country'''

Ukraine

==='''Number'''===

*+380 9# ### ## ##

*+380 6# ### ## ##

==='''Roaming option'''===

Regular roaming option. Doesn't need to be enabled.

==='''Validity'''===

MAP

*

==='''Roaming networks'''===

Roaming is on 2G and 3G networks only, no 4G/LTE. ''Which networks??? only one or serveral per country?''

==='''Speed'''===

Data are unthrottled in full 2G and 3G speed available, but not 4G/LTE. The download and upload speeds are similar to other roaming plans depending on location up to some Mbps. As all data are routed through an Ukrainian server, latency is somewhat higher resulting in longer ping times (of around 100-200 ms) and thus some connections feel slower, what is typical for roaming SIM cards.

==='''Availability of SIM card'''===

===This Kyivstar SIM is an '''Ukrainian-issued SIM card. '''Kyivstar only sells it in Ukraine in their stores and doesn't send it abroad. But online vendors distribute them worldwide on eBay or other platforms, which is legal in Ukraine. Offline and online triple cut SIM cards are given out in mini, micro and nano size.===

===='''In Ukraine:'''====

Sold in Kyivstar stores ([http://www.kyivstar.ua/kr-620/mm/service/centers/list/ locator] only available in Ukranian) for around UAH 25 without credit preloaded.

===='''Outside of Ukraine:'''====

Online vendors charge around €5 for the SIM and another €5 for activation, shipping & handling. It will be delivered worldwide to your postal address already activated with roaming enabled. Just look around on eBay (using a worldwide search) and other platforms for any 'Kyivstar Ukraine SIM'.

==='''Activation'''===

All SIM cards need to be activated by the vendor in Ukraine as they need to connect to their home network first. International roaming should be enabled automatically too. SIM cards from Ukraine are not registered.

==='''Starting up'''===

You'll receive the SIM in their card holder, probably taken out before for activation. On the holder you find your phone number (+380 ## ### ## ##) and PIN / PUK numbers. Sometimes leaflets and sleeves in Ukrainian only are added and possibly some translated information by the vendor that is only partly correct.

After purchase the SIM plan should be activated, an Ukrainian number attached to it and roaming enabled. Take your phone, put in the SIM, enter PIN and it should connect to Kyivstar network or one of its roaming partners in a few minutes to text you messages.





==='''APN settings'''===

'''to be added'''

==='''Base plans'''===

On Kyivstar you are always on a monthly domestic base plan.

''Which plan to choose? The smallest or a bigger one, with a top-up below that it can't be enabled????''

==='''Checking data consumption'''===

Code

==='''Managing the SIM '''===

'''on your personal account'''

Kyivstar has a personal account in English for this SIM card too. It's called 'Internet Helper' in English and well hidden on the website of their parent company MTS Ukraine. Use this link to logon: https://ihelper-prp.mts.com.ua/SelfCareUA/Logon

First you need to register giving your phone number and a PUK and setting a password. Every time you logon to your account, Kyivstar sends you a message to your phone to prevent misuse.

In your self-care unit, you can see general balance and remaining packet allowances, set options like roaming and check tariffs and consumption. It also links to a top-up site which may not be working for you. The big advantage of this account is, even if it looks a bit old-fashioned, that it can be set to (well mostly) English, unlike the messenges sent to your phone in Ukrainian only.

===='''Through the My Kyivstar app'''====

'''to be added'''

==='''Top-ups'''===

===='''From outside of Ukraine'''====

Kyivstar Ukraine accepts all major foreign credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard on their [https://www.vodafone.ua/en/payment website]without any surcharges. The menu can be switched to English (on top right) and is self-explaining. Minimum top-up value is very low around UAH 5-10. 

Remember that your bank may charge a small conversion fee for paying in UAH if your payment system is set to a different currency. Any further suggestions to recharge in the given price range are very welcome.

It can take a few minutes until the transaction is processed and the amount debited. Check balance by entering *101#.

===='''In Ukraine:'''====

Within the country you can go to many supermarkets, kiosks, service stations, newspaper stands and get a Kyivstar voucher with a PIN. This must be entered in your phone like this: *111*<PIN code># and <call>. These scratch cards work from abroad too.

==='''Expiry'''===

Topped up credit on this SIM card stays valid for ### days. The whole SIM card or plan stays active for #### days from the last top-up. So one recharge of UAH 5-10 [€0.20-0.40] per year is enough to keep it alive.

==='''Restrictions'''===

*Vodafone doesn't restrict roaming in their T&Cs in any way. Tethering and VoIP are allowed. Data consumption on different roaming networks than these of 'Roam like home' is limited to only 2 MB per month in high speed as a precaution to avoid high charges.

*On 'Roam like home' they only give caps for roaming of 5.5 GB for RED S, 7.5 GB for M or 10 GB for L which are given out at full speed per month and 5 GB for a daily allowance. Using more, you'll be almost shut off (8 kbits).

*As all status messages are in Ukrainian only, you should better use a translator. The personal account however can be switched to English (at least partly), but is hard to find.

*All numbers for calls and texts must be entered in international format with a country code even if they are directed only domestic and stay within the same roaming country.

*As a consequence of the longer latency time, some communications like VoIP and replies from websites may feel a bit more delayed, but data traffic is unthrottled in 2G and 3G.

*Have in mind that Vodafone Ukraine can raise prices at any time, though this offer is not advertised as a promotion and has been running since 2015.

*Exchange rate fluctuations and variable top-up fees can also affect your total expenses.

Consider that while it's cool and cheap for you to use this SIM in some countries, calling an Ukrainian SIM can be very expensive for the caller as Ukraine is not a member of the EU/EEA and these foreign call rates are highly unregulated. So better use it for outbound calls or data only, or as a second SIM e.g. in a dual-SIM device.

Be aware when buying a SIM card from Ukraine, you can't expect support or consumer protection like you are used to in the EU or US.

==='''Support'''===

You might try '''+380 500 400 111 '''as it's free for Vodafone Ukraine customers in roaming, but English speakers are not always available.

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