Planning your vacation to Pakistan? To get the most out of your vacation, be sure to maintain your connection to the outside world. Getting a data connection on your phone in Pakistan is the easiest to do by purchasing a local SIM card for use in the country. Data is inexpensive in Pakistan, and if you read this article, you’ll learn all there is to know about Pakistan’s various sim networks and internet service providers, as well as how to buy a sim card or connect to the internet.
Sim cards and internet providers in Pakistan for tourists:
Zong, Jazz, Ufone, Telenor, and SCOM are the five companies that provide 3G and 4G mobile internet service to customers in Pakistan. Sim cards are sold by all of them to foreign tourists.
Zong: Zong offers both prepaid and postpaid sims to foreigners. Also, you can only be given a maximum of two SIM cards, and the validity of the SIM card would match the validity of your Visa or POC.
Jazz: The activation and registration of a Jazz sim card will cost you 300 Pakistani Rupees (PKR). You have the option to buy prepaid service in addition to postpaid service despite the fact that there are variations in pricing.
Telenor: The activation and registration of a Telenor prepaid SIM card will cost you an additional 200 Pakistani Rupees (PKR). They provide you with the option of purchasing prepaid as well as postpaid sim cards.
Ufone: Despite the fact that there are price differences between the two types of service, you still have the option to get prepaid service as well as postpaid service from Ufone.
SCOM: SCOM is a government-owned company that provides you with both prepaid and postpaid sim cards. It is best to use in northern areas.
Documents required to buy a sim card in Pakistan as a foreign tourist:
In order to purchase a SIM card in Pakistan, a traveler is going to need the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Valid visa
- POC that is required from overseas Pakistanis
How to buy a SIM card for tourists in Pakistan with an internet bundle?
A passport or a national identification card must be used to register any Pakistani SIM card. If you have a foreign passport, your Pakistan visa is also required. As a result, in addition to your passport, you must also carry your visa when purchasing a SIM card in Pakistan. Both your passport page and your visa will be copied at the phone shop, and they will also take your fingerprints. The validity of your Pakistan sim card is determined by the length of your visa.
However, it is simple for foreign visitors to Pakistan to get a SIM card in the country. They are required to go to the service center of any SIM provider in order to get the SIM card. They are unable to make purchases from local merchants since those businesses do not sell on the passport. Different data packages are offered by each SIM provider, but you may choose which one to purchase based on your needs.
How long does it take to activate a new SIM card?
Normally, SIM activates within two hours after purchase. In some cases, it may take more than two hours. If this occurs, it is recommended to visit the nearest office of the SIM provider and seek their assistance.
Which SIM network is the best in Pakistan for the internet?
Jazz and Zong are the most satisfactory for both mobile internet and coverage. SCOM is best for northern areas.
How many SIMs can a foreign tourist buy in Pakistan?
Foreign tourists can buy a maximum of two SIMs. But overseas Pakistanis can buy a maximum of 5 SIM cards.
Do Pakistani mobile networks sell eSims?
Yes, almost all Pakistani mobile networks sell eSims for small one-time charges. In Pakistan, eSIMs are more affordable compared to the prices in Western countries. This makes it possible to experience this cutting-edge SIM technology at an economical cost in Pakistan.
What will be the validity period of the SIMs issued to foreign tourists?
The validity period of SIMs issued to foreign tourists will depend on the duration of the visa. For example, if your visa validity is 2 months, your SIM will automatically be blocked after two months.
How can I extend my SIM’s validity period?
First, get a visa extension then visit the nearest service center of your SIM provider and get an extension.
How long I can use my home country’s mobile in Pakistan?
The Government has restricted the imported mobiles in Pakistan by imposing heavy taxes and duties. That’s why you can use your home country’s mobile in Pakistan only for two months. After that, it will be blocked (the IME number of your mobile) for Pakistani sim networks. Once it will block then you have three options:
- Contact Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and request a 2-month extension on a foreign passport. If this option will not work then use other options.
- Pay the taxes and use the same mobile.
- Buy any PTA-registered cheaper mobile in Pakistan and use the SIM.
- Buy any portable wifi device and use it with blocked mobile.
Suppose you have questions in mind about a SIM card for tourists in Pakistan then ask in the comments section. Locals will help you how you can get a SIM card for tourists in Pakistan.
How much does a SIM card cost in Pakistan?
Some SIM provider companies offer free SIMs and some charge 200-300 Pakistani rupees. Additionally, you have to pay for your desired package. Package prices can be inclusive or exclusive of taxes.
Can you use international roaming in Pakistan?
Yes, but it will be very costly so better to use the local SIM. Local internet and call packages are usually more economical compared to roaming charges. It is advisable to purchase a local SIM card for both making calls and accessing the internet.
Can tourists have any other options in Pakistan for the internet?
Yes, they can also buy portable wifi devices and use the internet without SIM cards. The registration process for these portable wifi devices is the same as for SIMs. In Pakistan, most companies offer portable Wi-Fi devices. As a result, you have the option to select one that meets your needs and internet package preferences.
Which PTA-approved mobile brands can I buy in Pakistan for the internet?
You can buy almost all PTA-approved mobile brands in Pakistan. The most popular mobile brands in Pakistan are Samsung, OPPO, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Honor, Infinix, itel, and Nokia. You can also purchase PTA-approved iPhones in Pakistan, but they tend to be more costly due to high taxes. If you are looking to buy a secondary mobile device primarily for internet use, it is recommended to consider other brands, particularly those manufactured locally in Pakistan.
How we can recharge SIM cards in Pakistan?
There are many ways to recharge your SIM card in Pakistan. You can buy recharge cards, super cards, or an easy load from all retail shops and from the service centers of your SIM provider. Or, you can download the mobile app of your SIM provider and directly recharge by connecting your bank card. Or, you can use any digital payment system in Pakistan (Jazz Cash, EasyPaisa, etc.) and recharge your SIM card directly from their app.
Where can I get all the details of SIM card internet packages in Pakistan?
You can get this information from the website, mobile app, or Service Center of SIM providers. The following are the official website links of all SIM card providers in Pakistan:
Zong:
Jazz:
Ufone:
Telenor:
SCOM: (only for the northern area)
What is the helpline number of different sim card providers in Pakistan?
You can dial these helpline numbers from your mobile network to get information about packages or for complaints.
| SIM Card Provider | Contact Number (dial directly from SIM card) |
| Zong | 310 |
| Jazz | 111 |
| Telenor | 345 |
| Ufone | 333 |
What is the helpline number of the PTA?
You can contact PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) for mobile IMEI unblock by dialing 0800-55055 (Timing: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM). PTA will provide you with all the information about the mobile IMEI unblock procedure.
How can overseas Pakistani tourists check previously issued SIM cards on their Pakistani CNIC numbers?
Overseas Pakistani tourists can check previously issued SIM cards on their Pakistani CNIC numbers on this website: https://cnic.sims.pk/ Simply use your CNIC, NICOP, or POC number on this website to check previously issued SIM cards.
How can foreign tourists check previously issued SIM cards on their Foreign IDs?
Foreign tourists can check previously issued SIM cards on their Foreign IDs on this website by selecting the ‘Foreign ID’ tab: https://cnic.sims.pk/ Use your passport number on this website to check previously issued SIM cards. Data of all SIM card for tourists in Pakistan will appear here.
Can tourists purchase a Pakistani SIM card online?
No, tourists are not able to purchase Pakistani SIM cards online. SIM card for tourists in Pakistan is only available in franchises of mobile network provider. They must obtain them from official outlets and franchises of the SIM provider companies. On the other hand, overseas Pakistanis can purchase them from either merchandisers or official outlets and franchises of the SIM provider companies.
Can Pakistani SIM provider companies only offer data packages?
Yes, almost all Pakistani SIM provider companies offer data packages only. You can purchase daily, weekly, or monthly data packages.
Which Pakistani SIM provider company is the best for international calls?
Ufone is considered the best and most affordable option for making international calls, especially for calls to landline phones.
Do WhatsApp, Viber, and IMO work in Pakistan?
Yes, all popular social messaging services such as WhatsApp, Viber, and IMO are available in Pakistan. You can also purchase exclusive internet packages specifically for these social messaging services, especially for WhatsApp and IMO.
Do Pakistani SIM provider companies offer prepaid SIM cards?
Yes, all Pakistani SIM provider companies (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor, and SCOM) offer both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Which Pakistani SIM provider companies offer SIM cards with unlimited internet packages?
Unfortunately, no Pakistani SIM provider companies offer SIM cards with unlimited internet packages. They provide SIM cards with a maximum data allowance, which typically ranges up to 150 GB.
What should you do if you lose your SIM card or mobile phone in Pakistan?”
If you lose your SIM card:
- Visit the nearest franchise or service center of your SIM provider company.
- Inform them of the loss.
- Request a replacement SIM card.
- Your old SIM card will be blocked and you will be issued a new one. This replacement SIM card may incur a fee.
If you lose your mobile phone:
- Call the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) mobile block helpline at 0800-25625.
- Alternatively, you can send an email to imei@pta.gov.pk.
- Provide the IMEI number of your lost phone to the PTA.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your personal and financial information stored on your lost device.
Is 5G technology available in Pakistan?
No, 5G services are not currently available in Pakistan. However, the government and telecommunications companies are working towards launching 5G technology in the country in 2023.
At present, 3G and 4G services are widely available and in use across Pakistan. The majority of mobile phone users in the country have access to either 3G or 4G services, which provide high-speed internet and data connectivity. The availability of these services has greatly improved over the past few years, leading to increased use of mobile internet and online services in the country.
What are the age requirements for purchasing a SIM card for tourists in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, it is mandatory for a person to be 18 years of age or older to purchase a SIM card. The government and telecommunications companies have established this requirement in order to ensure that minors are not able to access or use mobile services without adult supervision and guidance.
When purchasing a SIM card, individuals are typically required to provide government-issued identification such as a passport or national ID card, which will be checked against a national database to verify their age and identity.
Minors under the age of 18 are not eligible to purchase their own SIM card, but they may be able to use a SIM card that has been purchased for them by a parent or guardian. This person is responsible for supervising and managing the minor’s mobile usage, and for ensuring that the usage is in accordance with local laws and regulations.
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