Russian SIM cards with roaming enabled (or even with only cellular service enabled, no data) can receive SMS and calls. Incoming calls might be charged based on the tariff, but SMS and verification codes typically arrive free of charge. To prevent a Russian SIM card from being blocked due to 90 days of inactivity while abroad, some operators (e.g., MegaFon) offer a service to retain the number's activity for a small monthly fee. Disabling mobile data does not prevent the reception of SMS or calls, as they operate via the cellular network.
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