Cell phones in Moscow

[MatryoshkaMan]

Hey all, I am leaving for Moscow in 6 weeks and have a question about cell phone service.

I am getting a new Apple iPhone 3GS for my trip. As soon as I get it in my hands next week I am going to get it unlocked/jailbroken so I can use any sim card with it.

My question is - get the sim card before I go (there are lots of websites selling international and even Russian pre-paid sim cards) -- OR -- just get one in Moscow?

What have you guys done in the past? Any tips? This will be the first time that I have taken my cell to Russia.

Also how does the data work? I will be getting a 6gb data plan on my home sim (Rogers Wireless in Vancouver). Will I be limited in Moscow to wi-fi hotspots?? Or is their pre-paid plans in Moscow for data? (sorry if I sound stupid, actually I am trading up from a "stupid" phone to a "smart" phone )

I have already downloaded a few Apps with Moscow maps, etc. Even dropped $2 for one app lol.

Thanks!

[UTRO]

When you land in Moscow you can 'buy minutes' from a mobile vendor at the airport.  Like 'Pay As You Go', but there are no Prepaid Cards involved. They simply credit your SIM. The SIM Card will be free, unlike Rogers and Bell who charge $25 for the privilege
Not so sure about Data Plans.
You can thereafter 'top up' your SIM at vendors throughout Russia, or at Mobile Minute Vending Machines located everywhere.
I'd go with MTS.

[Lee08]

Get it in Moscow like Dave said.
You will pay out the ying yang for roaming if you don't. Been there and did it.
My second trip there my wife got me a MTS sim card and it's still in my verizon world phone.

Good luck! 

[JR]

Glad things are still on track for you

[MatryoshkaMan]

Didn't get my iPhone yet (shortages!!) but until next week I am occupied with loading songs, apps and pics of me on my girlfriend's iPod Touch which I just bought for her as a present. Damn cool little contraption, now if only people in my building would onlock their wi-fi...
Thanks for the tips guys! I would get set up in the airport but I arrive at 2am so don't know if any kiosks will be open!

[chivo]

Thanks for the tips guys! I would get set up in the airport but I arrive at 2am so don't know if any kiosks will be open!

How long will you be in Moscow?

As far as the phone is concerned, you can buy a cheap phone ($10) and get a sim card ($10 also) with time on it at most small shops, like Euroset for example. You can also use it on any subsequent visit you may take.

This is what I would do and not worry about any added expenses. The phone will work throughout Russia. Good luck

chivo

[Mars]

The SIM Card will be free, unlike Rogers and Bell who charge $25 for the privilege

The SIM card in Moscow might be cheap, but not free.

[Mars]

Get it in Moscow like Dave said.
You will pay out the ying yang for roaming if you don't. Been there and did it.
My second trip there my wife got me a MTS sim card and it's still in my verizon world phone.

Good luck! 

The OP said he could buy a Russian company's SIM card before arriving in Moscow.  So he wouldn't be paying out the ying yang for roaming.

If that is true, it would be the way to go.  He could program in all his contact numbers before arrival and be good to go upon landing; not worrying about fact he is arriving when it is still dark and small shops  not open.  It is critical to have a working phone upon landing to call the people who . . . didn't show to pick him up!!  :-))

[Faux Pas]

MM
If you are meeting your girl, why do you need a cell phone? You can call her from any pay phone much cheaper. FWIW I have never used my cell in Russia. I turn it off on the plane leaving and never turn it back on until returning. I understand you are probably of the generation that fears death if they have no working cell but, other than her, who are you going to call? I can see where for the WMVM guys a cell is necessary. With an adapter you can still use your new phone for pics and songs or other apps.

[MatryoshkaMan]

FP I won't be calling anyone other than my girl...I mainly bring the phone for internet access. I just have to figure out 2 things 1) Can I get a pre-paid data plan and 2) If not where I can get wi-fi access. The apartment that we are thinking of renting does not have wi-fi. If the data plan is too expensive or impossible to get (who knows...I will let her do the chatting in the cell phone store) then I will just find the nearest cafe with free wi-fi I so I can get on-line.

[Faux Pas]

FP I won't be calling anyone other than my girl...I mainly bring the phone for internet access. I just have to figure out 2 things 1) Can I get a pre-paid data plan and 2) If not where I can get wi-fi access. The apartment that we are thinking of renting does not have wi-fi. If the data plan is too expensive or impossible to get (who knows...I will let her do the chatting in the cell phone store) then I will just find the nearest cafe with free wi-fi I so I can get on-line.

I always take my laptop as the apartment I rent has internet access. Data plan for cell phone what I have heard are available but, expensive. I don't remember the specifics but they didn't seem to be cost effective. Most charge by the MB which adds up fast. There is wi-fi hotspots everywhere but be prepared to buy something to get a password.