Ukrainians in Canada often keep their Ukrainian SIM cards for banking SMS messages, “Dii” services, access to accounts, and communication with relatives. Kyivstar has officially announced that, starting February 6, 2026, it will change the terms for extending the validity of prepaid numbers.
What exactly is changing
The total validity period of the number remains 365 days, but now it is divided into two stages with an intermediate “suspended” status:
- Active status — 274 days from the last account top-up or tariff payment. All services are available during this period.
- Suspended status — another 91 days. During this time, SMS reminders will be sent. When the number is suspended, you can top up your account and call service numbers, but to fully restore service, you need to top up from 30 UAH in a single payment.
How to guarantee you don't “lose” your number: simple rules
Kyivstar describes several options for extending the validity period:
- The simplest: top up your account with a single payment of at least 30 UAH.
- Or: pay for the basic service package for 4 weeks/month or the daily package.
- If you have a tariff with payment for six months or a year, the validity period is automatically extended each time the package is renewed.
Important note: “Extra money” and money transfers are not counted as actions to extend the validity period of the number.
How to check how long your number is valid
-
USSD request:
*114# - Or in the “My Kyivstar” app: Profile section.
USSD may sometimes be unstable when roaming, so it is most convenient to check in the app.
What to do if you are in Canada (practical checklist)
- Make it a rule to top up at least $30 in a single payment every few months (this is the simplest “insurance” scenario).
- Do not rely on “Extra Money” or transfers — they do not extend the validity period.
- Check your status via
*114#or “My Kyivstar,” especially if you haven't topped up in a while. - If your number has already been suspended, top up with a single payment of at least 30 UAH to restore full functionality.
- If you need support from abroad: the Kyivstar support page lists contacts for roaming (including a number for calls from abroad).