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Altel eSIM Kazakhstan — How to Get One, Plans & Coverage

Altel is Kazakhtelecom's budget prepaid mobile brand, merged with Tele2 KZ in 2019. This guide covers Altel eSIM signup, prepaid data plans, joint network coverage, and travel eSIM alternatives.

Last updated: 2026-05-31

Altel is Kazakhtelecom’s prepaid mobile brand, targeting price-conscious consumers. In 2019, Altel merged its mobile network with Tele2 Kazakhstan to form Mobile Telecom-Service — they now share towers and spectrum but keep separate retail brands. Altel is best known for affordable data-heavy bundles and the “izi” sub-brand for the youth segment. eSIM is supported on most Altel prepaid plans.

What is an Altel eSIM?

An Altel eSIM is a digital SIM profile from Altel that installs on your phone via QR code. Voice, SMS, data, hotspot — with a Kazakhstan +7 mobile number. Supported on iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Galaxy S20+, and recent flagship Android phones. Activation via the Altel app or at an Altel/Tele2 retail shop.

How to get an Altel eSIM

As a Kazakhstan resident

  1. Open the Altel app or visit a shop.
  2. Select “Get eSIM” or “Switch to eSIM”.
  3. Verify identity with Kazakhstan IIN/BIN.
  4. Receive QR code by email or in-app.
  5. Scan QR on your phone.

As a non-resident / tourist

Altel requires passport registration at an Altel shop. Prepaid bundles start at 1,500-2,500 KZT ($3-5 USD) for 3-8 GB — the cheapest entry point among Kazakhstan operators.

For short trips, a travel eSIM marketplace is faster — no shop visit, no Kazakhstan ID.

Altel eSIM plans

Altel prepaid (data-focused):

  • 1,500 KZT / 3 GB / 30 days
  • 2,500 KZT / 8 GB / 30 days
  • 3,500 KZT / 20 GB / 30 days
  • 5,000 KZT / unlimited / 30 days (with FUP)

izi (youth sub-brand):

  • Targeted bundles with social media access, lower-cost entry tiers

KZT = Kazakhstani tenge. 1 USD ≈ 500 KZT.

Altel coverage

Since the 2019 merger with Tele2 KZ, Altel uses the joint Mobile Telecom-Service network:

  • Almaty, Astana, Shymkent: 4G+ LTE city-wide, 5G in central districts
  • Regional cities: 4G+ LTE
  • Rural areas: 4G LTE in population centers

Altel coverage = Tele2 KZ coverage (same network).

When a travel eSIM beats Altel direct

For visits under 30 days: online order, QR by email, no shop visit, no Kazakhstan ID, payment in home currency or crypto.

Simsimsim Kazakhstan eSIM — from $2.90, on Beeline / Kcell / Tele2 / Altel networks.

FAQ

Is Altel the same as Tele2 Kazakhstan? Same network since 2019, separate retail brands. Altel targets budget prepaid; Tele2 targets youth value segment.

Does Altel eSIM support 5G? Yes, in central districts of Almaty, Astana, Shymkent through the joint network.

Can a tourist get an Altel eSIM? Yes, at an Altel shop with passport. Travel eSIM is faster for short trips.

Is Altel the cheapest in Kazakhstan? Generally yes for prepaid data bundles. Altel is positioned as the budget option below Kcell and competitive with Tele2.

Can I top up Altel prepaid online? Yes, via the Altel app, Kaspi.kz, or any Altel/Tele2 shop.

Can I transfer my Altel physical SIM to eSIM? Yes, via the Altel app. Free, ~10 minutes.

Does Altel eSIM support VoLTE? Yes, on all 4G+ LTE plans and eSIM-compatible phones.

What is izi? A sub-brand of Altel targeting young users, with social-media-heavy bundles and lower prices. Same network underneath.

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