Internet and Roaming in Poland: Polish SIM or Ukrainian - Which Is Better Value?

On 1 January 2026, Ukraine joined the EU's unified roaming zone. Ukrainian subscribers can now use their tariff in Poland just as they would at home - without additional charges. But does this mean a Polish SIM card is no longer needed? We look at where it is cheaper and what to choose for work and everyday life.

What Changed from January 2026?

Until the end of 2025, a temporary agreement was in place between EU and Ukrainian operators, concluded back in 2022 in response to mass migration following the start of the full-scale invasion. From 1 January 2026, this agreement evolved into Ukraine's full participation in the RLAH system - Roam Like at Home.

This means that Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell subscribers in Poland and the other 26 EU countries use minutes, SMS messages and internet data from their main package - exactly as if they were in Ukraine. No additional charges apply for calls and messages within the package.

There is, however, an important condition: the fair use rule. If a subscriber is permanently abroad and uses roaming more than the domestic network in Ukraine, the operator is entitled to apply additional rates. In other words, "roaming like at home" is designed for trips and business travel, not for permanent residence abroad.

Roaming from Ukrainian Operators in Poland

All three major Ukrainian operators support RLAH conditions in Poland. The details depend on the tariff plan and require individual verification for your specific number.

Kyivstar The "VSE RAZOM Lehkyi" tariff (UAH 290/month when porting your own number) includes an internet package that also applies in roaming.

Vodafone The "Flexx GO" tariff (UAH 280/month for subscribers porting their own number) includes unlimited internet in Ukraine and 15 GB specifically for roaming in 27 EU countries.

lifecell The "Mega" tariff (UAH 270/month) provides 25 GB or unlimited internet in Ukraine and 10 GB for roaming in the EU.

Polish SIM Cards: PLAY, ORANGE, T-MOBILE

A Polish SIM card is issued on the basis of a passport or other identity document. A PESEL number is not required - it is sufficient to present a document at an operator's shop or kiosk. A starter pack costs between PLN 5 and PLN 20 and already includes the SIM card and an initial balance.

Play Play is the most popular operator among migrants in Poland. The main prepaid packages for 2026 are as follows:

• 50 GB for 30 days - PLN 30
• 100 GB for 30 days - PLN 45
• Unlimited night-time internet (22:00-08:00) - PLN 25
• 20 GB for 24 hours - PLN 5

Orange Orange offers "Bez limitu" (No Limit) tariffs - unlimited calls and SMS messages plus an internet package:

• Bez limitu + 50 GB - PLN 35/month (first month - PLN 15)
• Bez limitu + 150 GB - PLN 45/month Unused gigabytes roll over to the following month.

T-Mobile T-Mobile offers tariffs from the GO! series, including a special option for Ukrainians:

• GO! M (20 GB + unlimited calls and SMS) - PLN 35
• GO! L (30 GB + unlimited calls and SMS) - PLN 45
• GO! M+UA (20 GB + 1,500 minutes for calls to Ukraine to Vodafone and Kyivstar) - PLN 40
• GO! XL (200 GB) - PLN 50

Comparison: Where Is It Cheaper?

For comparison, we calculate the cost of 20 GB of internet per month in zlotys. The hryvnia-to-zloty exchange rate in July 2026 is approximately PLN 1 = UAH 10-11.

Ukrainian operators (roaming package 20 GB):

• Kyivstar: approximately PLN 32-35
• Vodafone: PLN 25-28

Polish SIM cards per month (with calls):

• Play: PLN 30 for 50 GB
• Orange: PLN 35 for 50 GB + unlimited calls within Poland

A Polish SIM card works out cheaper or comparable for those who need a larger internet package. This is particularly noticeable with heavy usage - Polish packages often provide 2-3 times more gigabytes for the same converted amount.

When to Keep Both Cards

For those living and working in Poland permanently, the most convenient solution is to have two numbers simultaneously. Modern smartphones support Dual SIM or eSIM.

Polish SIM card - for mobile internet, registration on Polish services, communication with employers and coverage within the country.

Ukrainian SIM card - for calls and messages from family, contacts in Ukraine, banking SMS messages and verification on Ukrainian platforms. With RLAH conditions in place from 2026, this SIM card no longer incurs additional charges simply for receiving calls.

Advice from Gremi Personal

Tip 1: Check your tariff conditions before travelling Not all Ukrainian operator tariff plans include roaming gigabytes.

Tip 2: Do not buy SIM cards from strangers or private individuals Play, Orange and T-Mobile starter packs are sold in official shops, supermarkets and Żabka kiosks.

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