SIM Card Guides

Pakistan SIM card: Best plans for tourists 2026

Learn more about the best SIM cards in Pakistan from Ufone, Telenor, Jazz, and Zong, including plans, prices, and a digital alternative.

As a tourist, you can buy a prepaid Pakistan SIM card at major airports in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, and official provider stores across the country. You’ll need a couple of things for registration, such as your passport and visa, as biometric verification is required.

Finding the best Pakistan SIM card is a great way to avoid high roaming fees. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get connected in Pakistan, from Pakistan prepaid SIM card options, prices, and data plans to digital alternatives like an unlimited data eSIM for Pakistan.

In this article

Is eSIM available in Pakistan?

Yes, you can choose to get an eSIM (instead of a physical SIM card) from local Pakistan mobile operators such as Telenor, Zong, and Jazz. However, the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) registration process will remain largely the same.

To avoid the hassle of in-person registration, opt for an international travel internet solution like Holafly’s eSIM for Pakistan. PTA registration isn’t needed for travel eSIMs. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.

Can I use my UK SIM card in Pakistan?

You’ll be able to use your UK SIM card and mobile data in Pakistan if you enable data roaming. Providers such as Vodafone UK, EE, O2, Three, and Lycamobile offer roaming plans and packages for destinations worldwide, including Pakistan.

Our provider-specific guides offer the exact plans and prices you can expect while roaming in Pakistan:

How to buy a Pakistan SIM card

To buy a SIM card in Pakistan, you have two main options: purchasing a Pakistan SIM card after arrival or opting for a virtual SIM or physical SIM card before you travel. Each option offers specific advantages based on convenience, data usage needs, and how soon you want internet access.

Note: You can get both prepaid and postpaid SIMs in Pakistan (only from official stores).

Buy a SIM card for Pakistan before you travel

You won’t be able to get a local SIM card for Pakistan as official mobile network stores do not ship abroad, and the telecommunication authorities require ID verification. However, certain third-party sellers do ship SIM cards for Pakistan (and other destinations) internationally:

travSIM: Offers tiered data SIM cards and free worldwide shipping
XeSIM: Offers data plan options

Buy a Pakistan SIM card on arrival

You can also choose to purchase a Pakistan SIM card from the leading mobile providers such as Ufone, Jazz, Telenor, and Zong at:

Major international airports (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, etc.): Kiosks for Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone SIMs
Official provider stores: Multiple shops and outlets can be found nationwide
Local shops: Smaller shops and kiosks sell prepaid SIM cards

How much does a prepaid Pakistan SIM card cost?

Prepaid Pakistan SIM cards from Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone typically cost between £1 and £5, depending on the provider and package. Activation fees or extra charges may cost slightly more.

Best Pakistan SIM card providers

Below, you’ll find Pakistan SIM cards from the country’s top mobile networks, including Jazz, Ufone, Telenor, and Zong. We’ve also listed prepaid SIM card plans and pricing to help you choose the best local SIM card for your trip.

Jazz SIM card plans

Jazz is Pakistan’s largest and one of the oldest mobile networks. It is known for its reliable network coverage and is ideal for travelers who want to stay connected in urban and rural areas.

Jazz offers a wide range of plans, including daily, weekly, and monthly options, as well as bundles. Here are popular local SIM card plans:

Weekly AIO: 5 GB, 1,000 Jazz minutes and SMS, and 90 off-net minutes for PKR 347 (~£1)
Monthly Premium Plus: 25 GB, 3,000 Jazz minutes and SMS, and 500 off-net minutes for PKR 2,000 (~£5)

Ufone prepaid SIM card plans

Ufone is another local service provider known for its affordable data packages, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who only need basic connectivity in cities and urban areas.

Here are some of Ufone’s prepaid packages for tourists:

Weekly Mega Offer: 150 GB (100 GB + 50 GB social), 10,000 Ufone mins, 1,000 off-net mins, 10,000 SMS for Rs. 680 (~£2)
Digital Mega Offer: 200 GB, 10,000 Ufone minutes, 1,000 off-net minutes, and 10,000 SMS for Rs. 2,400 (~£6)
Digital Plus Offer: 200 GB, 10,000 Ufone minutes, 2,000 off-net minutes, 10,000 SMS, 40 international minutes, and 1 GB international roaming for Rs. 2,500 (~£7)

Telenor prepaid SIM card plans

Telenor has a strong reputation for fast internet speeds and competitive data-focused packages, including:

15 Days Extreme: 130 GB and 7,500 Telenor minutes for Rs. 869 (~£2)
15 Days Max: 30 GB and 5,000 Telenor minutes for Rs. 783 (~£2)
4G Monthly Smart: 150 GB (75 GB + 75 GB free 1 AM to 7 AM) for Rs. 2,500 (~£7)

Zong prepaid SIM card plans

Zong is mainly known for its reliable coverage and high-speed data in urban and remote areas. Here are some of their popular SIM card plans:

Weekly Pro Plus: 60 GB, 6,000 Zong minutes, and 600 off-net minutes for PKR 700 (~£2) Weekly
Digital Max: 100 GB, 10,000 Zong minutes, and 1,000 off-net minutes for PKR 730 (~£2)
Monthly Pro Max Plus: 200 GB, 20,000 Zong minutes, and 2,000 off-net minutes for PKR 2,700 (~£6)

Requirements to buy a SIM card in Pakistan for tourists

Here are a few things to know before buying a SIM card for Pakistan:

Tourists can use both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, which is uncommon in some other countries. Some Asia SIM cards offer coverage in the entire region with a single SIM.
Ensure you use an unlocked device, as switching SIM cards won’t work with a locked one.
To buy a SIM card, you’ll need a valid passport and a Pakistan visa (or a Pakistan Origin Card, POC) if you’re a foreigner.
You’ll be required to provide your signature, thumbprint, and scanned copies of the passport page showing your information.
Tourists can obtain up to two Pakistan SIM cards, and their validity will match the duration of their visa or POC.
If you plan to travel to Pakistan regularly, remember to keep your SIM card active by adding extra credit or paying your plan bill regularly. Otherwise, you’ll burn through two SIM cards very easily.

PTA temporary registration for foreign visitors

Foreign visitors and Pakistanis living abroad using a physical SIM card for Pakistan must register their mobile devices with the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). This is necessary to avoid additional taxes and ensure legal compliance. This temporary registration lasts 120 days and allows access to local networks.

Visit the PTA registration portal: dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs.
Create an account: Sign up and verify your email or SMS.
Complete the registration: enter your personal information and travel dates, then select “Temporary Registration.”
Submit and verify: Confirm details and enter the OTP sent to your phone.

Since this service isn’t available outside Pakistan, it’s an additional step in the already-long physical SIM card registration process. With eSIMs, the registration and setup process is more straightforward compared to this.

Using Holafly eSIM for Pakistan as an alternative

Holafly’s eSIM for Pakistan is the most convenient way to stay connected, as it doesn’t require you to register or set up a local SIM card. All you need to do is check if your device supports eSIM functionality (most modern smartphones do).

With Holafly, you can buy and install your Pakistan eSIM and other destinations (visit our eSIM store) via a QR code before boarding your flight and activate them as soon as you land without ever worrying about data usage. Here’s what you get with Holafly:

Unlimited data during your entire stay
Customizable plans from one to 90 days
1,024 MB per day to share with others
Monitor and manage your data plan through the Holafly app
24/7 customer support

If you’re going on an Asia tour, use Holafly’s regional eSIM for Asia and stay connected in 16 Asian destinations (including Pakistan) as you travel across borders.

Or, if you’re planning a long-term stay in Pakistan, consider Holafly’s monthly eSIM subscription service, Holafly Plans. The Unlimited plan offers unlimited data and unlimited hotspot for your other devices.

That’s not all. At Holafly, we make travel easy by including 1 GB of Always On backup data with every eSIM purchase. Simply keep the Holafly eSIM installed on your device to stay connected for whenever travel gets difficult.

Check out our other SIM card guides on how to buy and what the best options are for:

Disclaimer: Information in this article was last reviewed and updated on July 6, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions on Pakistan SIM cards

Which SIM card is the best in Pakistan?

The best SIM card in Pakistan depends on your internet needs. Choose a local SIM card from a popular mobile provider such as Ufone, Telenor, Zong, or Jazz.

Is UK SIM allowed in Pakistan?

Yes, you can use your UK SIM card in Pakistan, but only if you have a roaming plan.

Can I buy a Pakistan SIM card online?

The best way to buy a physical Pakistan SIM card is in person to avoid any registration issues.

Can a foreigner buy a SIM card in Pakistan?

Yes, as a tourist or visitor, you can purchase a SIM card in Pakistan, provided you meet the biometric requirements.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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