Afghanistan SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Afghanistan soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Afghanistan SIM card.

Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily.

You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Afghanistan in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Afghanistan.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Dari and Pashto – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Afghanistan.

Best SIM Cards In Afghanistan

If you’re traveling in Afghanistan, we recommend using a SIM card from Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, MTN, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Afghanistan

You can either buy an Afghanistan prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asian prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, and MTN.

Afghan Wireless SIM Cards

Afghan Wireless offers several different types of tourist plans:

• 2.5 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 250 ($2.93)
• 4 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 390 ($4.57)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 600 ($7.02)
• 13.5 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 800 ($9.36)
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 999 ($11.69)
• 40 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 1800 ($21.07)

Etisalat SIM Cards

Etisalat has two different prepaid plans available:

• 400 MB, valid for 1 day for AFN 30 ($0.35)
• 9 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 599 ($7.01)

MTN SIM Cards

MTN offers several main SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 1 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 110 ($1.29)
• 2 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 220 ($2.58)
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 330 ($3.86)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 650 ($7.61)
• 15 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 899 ($10.52)
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 1499 ($17.55)

Overall, we think Afghan Wireless is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.

That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Afghanistan Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Afghanistan is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Afghanistan or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Afghanistan

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Afghanistan.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Afghanistan.

Airalo Afghanistan

If you want to buy an eSIM for Afghanistan, you could purchase one on Airalo.

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Afghanistan.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.

Here are the options available:

• Sohbat Mobile: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
• Sohbat Mobile: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $16

Go to Airalo

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Afghanistan

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Afghanistan or even an eSIM for your travels in Afghanistan is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia or global plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Afghanistan if you wish to have data upon your arrival.

This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Asia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Iran SIM card
• Bhutan SIM card
• Azerbaijan SIM Card