Owners of foreign SIM cards have been blocked from accessing Western websites, meaning the last “loophole” for bypassing Russian internet restrictions has now been closed. This comes on the back of further legal restrictions on VPNs and access to certain non-Russian websites.
Previously, when you entered Russia with a foreign SIM card, your internet traffic usually travelled through the network of your home operator. This meant that, in many cases, you could still access websites and services blocked inside Russia because your connection was technically outside the Russian filtering system.
According to Izvestia, foreign roaming traffic is now being subjected to the same internet filtering rules as Russian users. The Ministry of Digital Development confirmed that visitors using foreign operators’ SIM cards are now treated in the same way as domestic connections when accessing the Russian network. AKA no more loophole!
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So, there is no internet in Russia?
This does not mean Russia has suddenly switched off the internet for tourists or foreign visitors. The web still works, but websites and services restricted under Russian law will be blocked regardless of whether you are using a Russian SIM card or roaming from abroad.
For travellers, this means that bringing your own SIM card is no longer a reliable way to bypass Russia’s internet restrictions. This will also mean that popular e-sims like AirAlo will also no longer offer a bypass. One only has to hope that China do not cotton on to this.
So, while you will have internet, it will be much more like China, or North Korea in that you will have to use local alternatives. So what websites are banned and what are the alternatives? We are sp glad that you asked!
What websites are banned in Russia and what are the alternatives?
No McDonalds! No problem, but alas if only the internet were as simple. Russia basically has clones of most websites, although many lack English the social media ones are kinda pointless if you are not Russian.
Google →Yandex
Yandex is often called the Russian Google. While Google services are not completely banned in Russia, Yandex dominates many areas of daily online life. It offers search, maps, email, taxis, food delivery, cloud storage and artificial intelligence tools.
For travellers, Yandex Maps and Yandex Taxi are often more useful than international alternatives because they are designed specifically for Russian cities and have better local coverage.
YouTube →Rutube and VK Video
YouTube remains available in Russia, although the platform has faced increasing pressure and restrictions. The government has promoted domestic alternatives, most notably Rutube.
Rutube is often described as Russia’s answer to YouTube, although it has nowhere near the same amount of international content. Another growing competitor is VK Video, operated by Russia’s largest social network.
Instagram →VK and Telegram
Instagram was blocked in Russia in 2022 after the government classified Meta’s platforms as extremist organisations. Before the ban, Instagram was hugely popular among Russian influencers, businesses and younger users.
Many users moved to VK, Russia’s long-running Facebook-style platform, while Telegram became one of the country’s most important platforms for news, groups and public discussion.
Facebook →VK
Facebook has been restricted in Russia since 2022. The replacement is obvious: VK.
Founded in 2006, VK was already Russia’s dominant social network before Facebook became popular there. It offers profiles, groups, messaging, videos, music and communities, making it one of the closest replacements for Facebook anywhere in the world.
X (Twitter) →Telegram and VK
X has faced restrictions in Russia, pushing many users towards Telegram channels and VK communities.
Telegram in particular has become extremely important in Russia. It is used by ordinary users, journalists, businesses, government officials and political groups.
Wikipedia →Ruwiki
Wikipedia remains available in Russia, but it has faced pressure from authorities over articles relating to politics and history.
Russia launched Ruwiki as a domestic alternative. It follows the same general idea as Wikipedia but is aimed specifically at Russian-language users. Obviously is not as anti-Putin too!
Spotify →Yandex Music
Spotify left Russia in 2022, creating space for local platforms.The biggest replacement is Yandex Music, which offers a huge catalogue of Russian and international music and is integrated into the wider Yandex ecosystem.
Booking.com →Ostrovok
Booking.com left the Russian market after 2022, forcing travellers and hotels to look elsewhere.
The main domestic replacement is Ostrovok, which works in a similar way, allowing users to book hotels and accommodation across Russia and abroad. This is legit useful.
Google Maps →Yandex Maps and 2GIS
Google Maps still functions in Russia, but many locals prefer Yandex Maps or 2GIS because they provide better information about local businesses, public transport and smaller cities.
This is pretty much a must when you travel to Russia.
Uber →Yandex Taxi
Uber was once available in Russia, but in 2018 its Russian operations were merged with Yandex Taxi, which has since become the dominant taxi app in the country.
Basically its the same crap as Uber, Bolt, or Grab, but for the Russian market. Another necessity if you visit Russia.
WhatsApp – Telegram – MAX
For all intents WhatsApp is banned in Russia, which was never much of a problem as most people preferred the Russian made Telegram. Telegram though is now under pressure for violating “Russian law”.
This means that the government approved messaging app is now MAX. VK Messenger is also popular, as is SMS messaging, remember that?
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Russia Blocks Foreign SIM Cards and travel
So, while the news that Russia blocks foreign SIM cards is a bit annoying, all it really means is a social media detox rather than you going full internet cold turkey.
And honestly the world can cope without your Instagram stories for a few weeks.
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