How to get a Pakistan SIM card in 2024

For many UK residents with family ties to Pakistan, visiting often means reconnecting with loved ones, exploring family roots, and rediscovering the country’s natural beauty and historic sites. 

Staying connected during these trips is essential, so many try to find the best UK SIM for roaming in Pakistan. Others go a different route and use a local Pakistan SIM card or an eSIM to avoid high roaming fees.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to get connected in Pakistan, from prepaid SIM cards to Holafly’s eSIM, to make your travels smoother and more affordable – whether for a family visit or an adventurous holiday.

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Why buy a SIM card in Pakistan?

If you’re going to Pakistan, especially to reconnect with family, having a local SIM card is necessary. It allows for affordable internet access and easy local calls and lets you avoid the high roaming costs that often come with UK carriers. A Pakistan SIM card will be helpful for:

• Navigation: Accessing maps and directions to visit relatives, find restaurants, and explore cultural sites
  
• Communication: Keeping in touch with family and friends through apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime without worrying about international charges
  
• Convenience: Not all regions of Pakistan have many English speakers, so internet access can help with translation apps, making communication much easier.

How to buy a SIM card in Pakistan

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

Things to know before buying a SIM card in Pakistan:

• Both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards are available to tourists, which is uncommon in some other countries.
  
• Make sure you use an unlocked device, as switching SIM cards won’t work with a locked one.
  
• As a foreigner, you’ll need a valid passport and Pakistan visa (or Pakistan Origin Card, POC) to buy a SIM card.
  
• The SIM card registration process requires providing your signature, thumb impression, and scanned copies of the passport page with 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 on traveling to Pakistan regularly, keep in mind that you need to keep your SIM card valid by occasionally adding some credit to it or regularly paying for your plan. Otherwise, you’ll burn through two SIM cards very easily.

PTA temporary registration for foreign visitors

Foreign visitors and Pakistanis living abroad who are using a physical SIM in 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.

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

Many Pakistan users complain that this service isn’t available outside Pakistan, which makes it one additional step to use your SIM card. 

“Suggestion: Overseas travelers need mobile phone from the time they landed in Pakistan even at the airport. But the website is not accessible outside Pakistan. So it takes a day or two to get your mobile registered after you get internet access at home. Kindly allow the website to be accessible outside Pakistan as well for registration.“

Ranaasif Ali M Sadique

“The Mobile Device Registration facility is exclusively accessible within the territory of Pakistan.“

Sajid Mehmood

This step isn’t required for eSIM users like Holafly, simplifying setup and avoiding registration altogether. 

Buying a Pakistan SIM card before arrival

If you want to skip this entire procedure, as well as searching for retail mobile operators and their stores all over the city, get a virtual Pakistan SIM card or an eSIM. 

With an eSIM, like the one offered by Holafly, you can set up and activate your Pakistan data SIM online, skipping the need to wait in lines or navigate any language barriers. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that eliminates the need for adding another SIM card to your phone, since it is installed digitally.

There’s no complex registration process, so you won’t need to provide sensitive data like fingerprints or photocopies of your passport or national identity card. Additionally, Holafly provides 24/7 support in English, so help is always available if you need assistance managing your data plan.

Best Pakistan SIM cards 

Here’s the offer from the best providers of Pakistan SIM cards. Below, you’ll find Pakistan SIM cards from Jazz, Ufone, Telenor, and Zong, including data, calls, and pricing details to help you choose the best SIM network in Pakistan and the local SIM card for your trip.

Jazz SIM card (Mobilink)

Mobilink was a leading mobile operator in Pakistan, and in 2017, it merged with Warid Pakistan to form Jazz. Jazz is Pakistan’s largest and one of the oldest mobile networks, known for its reliable network coverage and wide variety of data plans. It’s ideal for travelers who want to stay connected in urban and rural areas with access to 3G and 4G networks. They have a variety of plans, and there are just some of them.

Jazz prepaid SIM card

Here are the prepaid plans Jazz offers.

Jazz postpaid SIM card

This is what you can expect from the Jazz postpaid offer.

Ufone local SIM card

Ufone is known for its affordable data packages, and its SIM cards are suitable for budget-conscious travelers who only need basic connectivity. It may not have excellent network coverage in rural areas as well as other mobile operators, but works well in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

Ufone has dozens of different packages both prepaid and postpaid. 

Ufone prepaid packages 

These are the types of packages that Ufone has as prepaid options.

• Ufone Super Card Family: Covers calls, texts, and data, all without extra fees
• Ufone All in One Offers: A good mix of minutes, texts, and data in one bundle
• Ufone Call Packages: Extra minutes if you like to keep chatting
• Ufone Internet Packages: Affordable internet for when you’re on the go
• Ufone SMS Packages: Plenty of options for staying in touch over text

Ufone postpaid packages

There are four postpaid types of packages from Ufone.

• Postpaid Prime Packages: Covers calls, SMS, and data in one
• Postpay Business Prime: Aimed at businesses
• Ufone Postpaid Internet Packages: Affordable internet options
• Ufone Postpaid Call Packages: Flexible voice and SMS bundles

Each of these groups offers several packages.This means that you get to choose from dozens of different plans which can get overwhelming.

Telenor SIM card

Telenor has a strong reputation for fast internet speeds and competitive data packages. Their SIM cards are popular with tourists who need consistent and reliable connectivity for streaming or video calls. Telenor might be the best SIM in Pakistan for internet.

Telenor prepaid SIM card

These are the prices for prepaid SIM cards from Telenor.

Telenor postpaid SIM cards

There are three types of postpaid Telenor SIM cards.

• Freedom Plans: Comprehensive postpaid packages with calls, SMS, and internet services. These plans are designed for users seeking an all-in-one solution.
• Smart Plans: Flexible postpaid options focusing on data services, these are ideal for users looking for the best internet SIM in Pakistan.
• Family Share Plans: Tailored for families, these plans allow multiple users to share data and minutes.

Zong SIM card

Zong is mainly known for its 4G network coverage and high-speed data in both urban and remote areas. It’s a good fit for travelers needing strong connectivity in remote places.

Zong prepaid SIM card 

Zong offers extensive prepaid plans.

Zong postpaid SIM card

You can choose from these six postpaid plans.

How to choose the right SIM card

Selecting the best local SIM card for your trip to Pakistan depends on a few essential factors. Here are some tips to help you find the right fit based on your travel needs:

1. Data usage: Consider how much data you’ll use daily. A high-data plan will suit you best if you plan on video calling, streaming, or using GPS frequently. In this case, an eSIM with unlimited data is the best option for your data usage. Lower-data plans from providers like Ufone or Jazz can be cost-effective for basic browsing and messaging.
   
2. Duration of stay: Most providers offer flexible plans, from daily to monthly options. If you’re visiting for a short period, a weekly or daily prepaid packages can provide just enough data. However, Holafly gives you unlimited data for precisely the number of days you choose.
   
3. Coverage area: Different providers have varying levels of coverage across Pakistan. Jazz and Zong are known for broader coverage, especially in rural areas. If your travels take you outside major cities, check provider maps for network reach in more remote areas.
   
4. Device compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports the network frequencies in Pakistan, especially for 4G and LTE networks.
   
5. Ease of use and customer support: If you prefer to avoid language barriers or complex setups, consider an option like Holafly’s eSIM. This virtual SIM card offers easy app-based management in English, 24/7 support, and eliminates the need to visit physical stores.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find the best prepaid SIM card to stay connected seamlessly during your trip. You won’t need to use your UK SIM card in Pakistan and pay roaming fees.

How to activate a Pakistan SIM card

Activating a Pakistan SIM card requires a few steps to ensure compliance with local regulations. Depending on whether you choose a physical SIM from local providers or a Holafly eSIM, the process may involve registration and verification or a quick digital setup. 

How to activate a local SIM card in Pakistan

Activating a physical local SIM card in Pakistan involves a few necessary steps, mainly due to registration and verification requirements. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Provide your passport: Pakistan SIM providers require proof of identity, usually a valid passport. At the point of purchase—whether at the airport or in a local store—you’ll need to present your passport, which the staff will register.
   
2. Complete the registration: Your information will be entered into the system for verification. This process may take a few minutes, but the staff usually handle it on the spot.
   
3. Activate the SIM card: Once registered, your Pakistan SIM card should activate within a few minutes. Insert it into your phone, restart the device, and wait for the network signal. Customer service can assist with any issues, though language barriers may sometimes be challenging.
   
4. Top up: Many local SIM cards, like those from Ufone or Jazz, will have some data, minutes, and SMS budget when you buy them. You can always add more if you spend it all.

How to activate a Holafly eSIM in Pakistan

You can buy, install, and activate a Holafly eSIM for Pakistan entirely online and in a matter of minutes. 

1. Choose your eSIM: Find Pakistan on the list of Holafly’s destinations and purchase the Holafly eSIM online, choosing the number of days you need your eSIM for.
   
2. Scan the QR code: After purchase, you’ll get an email with a QR code you need to scan with your phone. That will install your eSIM.
   
3. Activate upon arrival: Turn on the eSIM in your device settings once in Pakistan. The days of validity are counted from the moment of activation, not installation. 

Using Holafly eSIM as an alternative

Holafly eSIM is an even better option than using SIM cards in Pakistan as it doesn’t require you to go through the local SIM card registration and setup. 

With Holafly, you can buy and install your Pakistan eSIM before boarding your flight and activate it as soon as you land. Here’s what you get with Holafly:

• Unlimited data during your entire stay
• Top-up is available if you decide to prolong your trip.
• Customizable plans from one up to 90 days
• 500 MB per day to share with others
• You don’t need to stand in long lines like with local SIM cards.
• You can monitor and manage your data through the Holafly app.
• 24-hour customer service in English by chat, email, or WhatsApp
• You’ll have the best network coverage in Pakistan.
• Your primary SIM card will continue to receive calls and SMS.
• Your WhatsApp number remains the same.
• No need to have two SIM cards.

FAQs about Pakistan SIM cards

Plans that may interest you

Pakistan

From

$6.90

USD

Nepal

From

$31.90

USD

Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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