Pakistan SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

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

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

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

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card for Pakistan in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid travel 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 Pakistan.

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 Urdu – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Pakistan.

Best Pakistan SIM Cards

If you’re traveling in Pakistan, we recommend using a SIM card from Telenor, Ufone, Zong, 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 a global option that offers coverage in other countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Pakistan

You can either buy a Pakistan 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 a prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Telenor, Ufone, and Zong.

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Telenor SIM Cards

Telenor offers four different types of tourist plans:

• 8 GB, valid for 7 days for PKR 190 ($0.67)
• 20 GB, valid for 7 days for PKR 240 ($0.85)
• 8 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 370 ($1.31)
• 50 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 700 ($2.48)

Ufone SIM Cards

Ufone has several different prepaid plans available:

• 750 MB, valid for 1 day for PKR 10 ($0.03)
• 16 GB, valid for 7 days for PKR 260 ($0.92)
• 18 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 549 ($1.94)
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 730 ($2.58)

Zong SIM Cards

Zong offers several main SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 1 GB, valid for 1 day for PKR 49 ($0.17)
• 40 GB, valid for 7 days for PKR 420 ($1.49)
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 575 ($2.03)
• 40 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 1249 ($4.42)
• 60 GB, valid for 30 days for PKR 1350 ($4.77)

Overall, we think Zong 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 Pakistan 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 SIM cards for Pakistan on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Pakistan 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

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Pakistan SIM card on SimOptions.

They currently offer two packages that cover Pakistan:

• 1 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90
• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy a Pakistan eSIM card plan.

How To Buy A Pakistan ESIM Card

eSIM is a new concept that allows 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 Pakistan.

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 Pakistan.

Airalo Pakistan

If you want a Pakistan eSIM, you could purchase one on Airalo.

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

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

Here are the options available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $7
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9.50
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $21
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $32

Go to Airalo

Holafly Pakistan

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.

You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of the plans for Pakistan:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $19
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $27
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54

Go to Holafly

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Pakistan

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Pakistan or even an eSIM for your travels in Pakistan 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 a global plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Pakistan 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.

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

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

• Uzbekistan SIM card
• Bangladesh SIM card
• Tajikistan SIM card