Which eSIM Brand Should You Choose?
While many providers use similar infrastructure, the value proposition varies significantly. Here is a detailed breakdown of why the pricing differences matter for your trip.
Roafly: The Best Value Option
Roafly Uzbekistan eSIM is currently the standout choice for travelers to the region, combining affordability with premium coverage.
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Price Leader: It offers the lowest price point across all data tiers (5GB, 10GB, and 20GB). For heavy data users, the 20GB plan saves you over $3 compared to the nearest competitor.
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Network Reliability: Operating on the Beeline network ensures that you have the best possible chance of a strong signal in historical city centers.
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Validity: All packages come with 30 days of validity, giving you flexibility even if your trip extends beyond a week.
Airalo and AloSIM
Airalo and AloSIM provide a solid service using the same Beeline/Unitel infrastructure. However, their pricing is slightly higher. For example, on the 20GB plan, you are paying approximately 10% more for the exact same network quality found with Roafly. While reliable, they are not the most budget-conscious choice in this specific region.
Kolet
Kolet is priced significantly higher than the market average. Charging $16.49 for 5GB makes it roughly 28% more expensive than Roafly. Unless you have a specific bundle deal, there is little reason to pay this premium for standard connectivity.
Roamless
The pricing for Roamless in Uzbekistan is unusually high, at $43.95 for just 5GB. This is more than triple the cost of Roafly’s equivalent package. Travelers looking to save money for experiences and souvenirs should avoid this price point.
Holafly: The 7-Day Limitation
Holafly offers "Unlimited" data for $29.90, which sounds appealing initially. However, the critical factor here is time. This package expires in just 7 days. Most trips to Uzbekistan last between 10 to 14 days to cover the major silk road cities adequately. With Holafly, you would need to buy a second package, doubling your cost to nearly $60. Furthermore, unlimited plans often come with hotspot restrictions, whereas fixed plans like Roafly’s allow you to share data with your laptop or travel companions freely.
The Mobile Internet Landscape in Uzbekistan
Understanding the local telecommunications infrastructure is key to choosing the right plan. Uzbekistan has modernized its digital network significantly, with 4G/LTE being widely available in all major tourist hubs.
There are primarily four mobile operators:
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Beeline: Widely considered the best for tourists due to superior coverage in urban centers and consistent speeds. It frequently ranks highest for network stability and video streaming quality. Its infrastructure is particularly dense in the "Golden Triangle" cities (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara), ensuring you have a strong 4G signal for maps and social media while exploring historical sites.
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Ucell: A strong competitor with good reach and often the fastest raw download speeds in independent tests. It is a reliable option if you need to download large files quickly. While its city coverage is excellent, it is technically state-owned (via Uzbekneftegaz), which gives it robust infrastructure but sometimes different routing priorities than private carriers.
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Mobiuz (UMS): Decent speeds but can be spotty in rural transit. Popular among younger locals for competitive voice bundles, it serves as a solid backup in urban areas. However, travelers venturing off the beaten path into the Kyzylkum Desert may find the signal less consistent compared to the larger providers.
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Uztelecom (Uzmobile): State-owned, extensive reach but variable speeds. As the national carrier, it boasts the widest geographical footprint, often having service in remote villages where others fail. While it is a great safety net for deep rural travel, its speeds in crowded city centers can be variable due to high network congestion.
For the most seamless experience, we recommend eSIM providers that utilize the Beeline network, as it offers the most reliable connectivity within the "Golden Triangle" (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara).
Physical SIM vs. eSIM: The Airport Reality
Is it worth buying a SIM card at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS)?
While physical SIM cards are available upon arrival, the experience can be frustrating:
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Long Queues: Arrival halls in Tashkent can get incredibly crowded. Waiting in line for 45 minutes to an hour just to buy a SIM card is common.
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Registration: You must provide your passport and register your device's IMEI. While usually smooth, system outages can cause delays.
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Language Barriers: Troubleshooting APN settings with airport staff can be difficult if there is a language gap.
Coverage Expectations on the Silk Road
Uzbekistan is a mix of dense ancient cities and vast open landscapes. Here is what to expect regarding signal strength.
City Centers
In Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, coverage is excellent. You can easily stream video, upload high-resolution photos, and use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go without interruption.
Inter-City Travel (Afrosiyob Train)
The high-speed Afrosiyob train is the best way to move between cities. However, the train travels through sparsely populated areas and deserts. Expect the signal to drop to 3G or cut out completely for short periods during transit. This affects all carriers, including physical SIM cards.
Remote Destinations
If you are visiting the Aral Sea (Muynak) or staying in yurt camps in the Kyzylkum Desert, connectivity will be limited. In these areas, having a provider connected to a major operator like Beeline is your best bet for finding a signal, even if speeds are slower.
Installation Guide
Setting up your Roafly eSIM is a straightforward process that takes minutes.
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Select Your Plan: Choose the Uzbekistan package that fits your data needs (e.g., 10GB).
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Install:
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QR Code: Scan the code sent to your email.
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Direct Install: If using the iOS app, simply tap to install.
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Activate: When you arrive in Uzbekistan, go to your phone settings, select the eSIM, and turn on Data Roaming.
You can install your profile while still at home and activate it the moment the plane lands. If you encounter any issues connecting initially, you can refer to our guide on How to Fix ‘No Service’ Issues with eSIM After Landing
Conclusion
Uzbekistan is a destination that rewards the prepared traveler. The convenience of landing in Tashkent and having immediate internet access cannot be overstated—it simplifies transport, translation, and navigation instantly.
When comparing the options, Roafly offers the most compelling package. It combines the reliability of the Beeline network with the lowest prices on the market and a flexible 30-day validity period.
Avoid the airport lines and high roaming fees. Secure your connection today and focus on the beauty of the Silk Road.
Check the latest eSIM packages for Uzbekistan now.
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