SIM cards and eSIM in Pakistan

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration: Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.
Tourist plans and prices: Starter prices begin near $1-5; compare the current data allowance before buying.
Where to buy: Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
Local eSIM: A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.

Good to know

Check the phone’s IMEI or device-registration rules before using a local SIM, especially on a longer stay.

Local carriers

Jazz
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Zong
Good-value option when price matters most.
Telenor Pakistan and Ufone
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
SCO
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki: retrieved 30 Jul 2026; carries the DIRBS 60-day rule, the 5-devices-per-year limit and the roaming exemption | Holafly: ~9 Jul 2026 (eSIM seller; source of the 120-day temporary registration and the 'local eSIM does not exempt you' point) | SimOwner.net.pk (Pakistan-focused): 9 Jun 2026, source of the NADRA MBVS and foreigner SIM-limit detail | PakToolsPro: 18 Jun 2026, updated with FBR Valuation Ruling 2035/2026 | Daily Capital: 1 Sep 2025 | MobileKiShop: 24 Feb 2026 | TechMag: 19 Apr 2025 | BitJoy: 17 May 2026 (EXCLUDED source - used only for the price range, flagged)

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Pakistan?

Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.

What is the best eSIM for Pakistan?

Guac eSIM covers Pakistan with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Pakistan

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration

Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.

Tourist plans and prices

Starter prices begin near $1-5; compare the current data allowance before buying.

Where to buy

Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.

Local eSIM

A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.

Good to know

Check the phone’s IMEI or device-registration rules before using a local SIM, especially on a longer stay.

Local carriers

Jazz

A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

Zong

Good-value option when price matters most.

Telenor Pakistan and Ufone

A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

SCO

A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Pakistan?

Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.

What is the best eSIM for Pakistan?

Guac eSIM covers Pakistan with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.