# Offsite Biometrics Collection for Foreigners **URL:** \ **Category:** Travel to Russia\ **Created:** [August 8, 2025, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266 "2025-08-08T21:08:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Cal)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2025, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/1 "2025-08-08T21:08:59Z")
I was not aware that T-Mobile is available in Russia. But apparently it is. This is the instructions I got on a chat group that I belong to. This is only if you want T-Mobile as your carrier: T-Mobile SIM card Offsite Biometrics Collection for Foreigners When you order a T-Mobile SIM card, you can skip the hassle of registering on Gosuslugi and the Unified biometric system (UBS). Our representative will meet you at a location that’s convenient for you and take care of everything on the spot. Regions where offsite collection is available • Moscow and the Moscow Region • Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region • the Republic of Tatarstan • the Sverdlovsk Region • Krasnodar Krai Offsite biometrics collection will soon become available in other regions as well. What to expect at the appointment: The representative will help you to obtain your SNILS online and set up a Gosuslugi profile. They will then collect your biometrics by taking your photo and asking you to read some numbers aloud from a tablet. Your SIM card will be ready to use right after the appointment. Benefits of T-Mobile • Stay connected wherever you go across Russia • Set up your plan as you need it: select the amount of minutes and data or activate unlimited services • Share mobile data free of charge • Record calls • Enjoy free protection from fraudulent calls ---
**Author:** ![NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/u/NorseVictory)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2025, 2:28pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/2 "2025-08-09T14:28:14Z")
This is not affiliated with the other T-mobile [Deustche Telecom] Tinkoff Mobile is a virtual mobile operator that, together with Tinkoff Bank, is part of the Tinkoff Group of Companies. The operator launched in December 2017. ---
**Author:** ![KO11](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@KO11](https://forum.russiable.com/u/KO11)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2025, 2:58pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/3 "2025-08-09T14:58:14Z")
@Cal So this T-Mobile is specific to T-Bank? As in Tinkoff Mobile? That makes more sense. ---
**Author:** ![NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/u/NorseVictory)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/4 "2025-08-09T16:56:20Z")
@KO11 Correct. You can look at tinkoff-group .com for everything that the group is involved with. Just as a side note, T-bank/Tmobile is just the rebranded names for the Tinkoff group. ---
**Author:** ![Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Cal)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 1:48am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/5 "2025-08-12T01:48:26Z")
You are correct - I was mistaken. T-mobile in this case is Tinkoff. [https://www.tbank.ru/mobile-operator/](https://www.tbank.ru/mobile-operator/) This confused me because I am from the states and I have the “other” T-mobile, which did work flawlessly in Russia I might add. ---
**Author:** ![KO11](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@KO11](https://forum.russiable.com/u/KO11)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 11:32am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/6 "2025-08-12T11:32:18Z")
@NorseVictory My failed attempt to open an account with T-Bank last autumn was because my UK SIM card was not getting their SMS messages. So now T-Bank also has a SIM card with their T-Mobile division and that would allow me to get that SIM card prior, or at the same time, I’d be going through the process for biometrics and SNILS? Am I understanding this correctly? Does anyone have a link for direct contact to schedule this in English? ---
**Author:** ![NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/u/NorseVictory)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/offsite-biometrics-collection-for-foreigners/266/7 "2025-08-13T01:32:03Z")
Correct. As it reads, when you set up the Tbank/Tmobile they will come to you and do everything with you [Gosuslugi/ snils etc etc] I would just use the help/contact chat on their website. I used the translator to start off in Russian; but told them I was using a translator so it would be slow. They asked what was my language… so most likely they will either switch to English or whichever language or find someone who does speak the language to continue to set everything up.