How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Pakistan?

If your trip to Pakistan is just around the corner, now is the time to think about staying connected and navigating the country. Having reliable data access for communication and transport will make your trip much smoother.

Switching your UK SIM for a Pakistan SIM card is a simple, but effective way to avoid high roaming charges. This ensures you can access essential services like maps and translation apps without needing to depend on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Pakistan and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Pakistan from the UK?

A local Pakistani SIM is another thing on your list of travel expenses, but it can actually save you money over time. UK phone plans often don’t include international calls or data, so opting for a local SIM is far more economical than paying the steep fees your provider charges for using your phone abroad. This small change ensures you avoid those unexpected costs while staying connected throughout your trip.

A local SIM makes it easy to keep in touch with family and friends by allowing you to share travel updates regularly. There's no need to depend on Wi-Fi or change plans to find a stable network. It also ensures you have access to essential travel apps like maps and translation services, helping you navigate smoothly throughout your trip.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Pakistan SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Pakistan. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Pakistan?

For shorter stays, Jazz has one of the best deals with their Weekly Extreme plan. For 113 PRK, you get 50 GB of data that you can use for a week.

If you're also considering eSIMs, Airalo’s 7-day plan with 1 GB of data is priced at £4. If you need unlimited data, Holafly’s 10-day plan costs £30.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Pakistan?

You can get a Pakistan SIM card at airports, in official mobile network stores, convenience stores and from authorised resellers. You should also consider ordering an eSIM before departure.¹

SIM cards in Pakistan must be registered under the user’s name, so you'll need to provide your passport. You'll also be asked for your signature and thumbprint to verify your identity. The store may make a copy of your passport, so it’s important to choose official and reputable carriers.²

You can get up to two SIM cards during your stay. Most stores will accept all payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff if you can pay with a credit card or debit card.²

Where can you buy a SIM card for Pakistan in the UK?

It likely won’t be possible to buy a Pakistan SIM card in the UK, since their telecommunication authorities require ID verification when buying a card. However, you’ll be able to buy an eSIM before leaving, so look into those options.

Can you buy a Pakistan SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can buy a Pakistan SIM card at major international airports. However, since airport stores can be more expensive, you might want to wait until you get to a downtown store.¹

Best prepaid SIM cards for Pakistan

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your trip to Pakistan.

Jazz

Jazz has a variety of prepaid SIM plans, suitable for each customer. Since the most important thing for tourists is data, their Weekly Extreme plan could be a great fit. For just 113 PKR, you get 50 GB of data which you can use over the course of a week.³

If you need more variety and a longer plan duration, you might like the Monthly Bachat offer. For 347 PKR, you get 6 GB of data, 300 Jazz minutes and 50 minutes to all networks and 1000 SMS.⁴

Ufone

Ufone offers dozens of SIM plans, each catering to different needs. For tourists, their internet deals are the best option. For example, the Weekly Digital Offer costs 500 PKR and includes 60 GB of data, 600 minutes for all networks and 7,000 SMS.⁵

They also have a smaller plan, such as the UPOWER Internet for 380 PKR. This deal has 16 GB of data and no calls or texts.⁵

Zong

Zong has great data-heavy options for tourists and a variety of plan durations and sizes. For instance, the Weekly Digital Max has 100 GB of data, 1,000 minutes and 10,000 Zong minutes for 600 PKR. The Weekly HLO is a smaller plan, which includes 15 GB of data and 5,000 minutes for 420 PKR.⁶

Best e-SIM cards for Pakistan

An eSIM is the most convenient way to stay connected while in Pakistan, helping you avoid costly roaming fees. You can purchase it before leaving the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive.

Be sure to confirm that your phone is eSIM-compatible prior to your trip. If it is, here are some of the top eSIM options available for Pakistan.

Holafly

All eSIM plans from Holafly provide unlimited data, with the cost decreasing as the number of days you purchase increases.

For example, their eSIM for Pakistan is priced at £6 per day, but if you opt for the 10-day plan, it costs £30. If you need a monthly option, the 30-day Holafly eSIM is £60, which works out to just £2 per day.⁸

These plans are data-only, meaning you can retain your UK number. Additionally, you can share up to 500 MB of data each day through a hotspot, allowing you to keep your travel companions connected.⁸

Nomad

When it comes to coverage, Nomad eSIMs range from 1 GB to 20 GB. They can keep you connected anywhere from one week to 45 days.⁷

Their smallest plan is the weekly 1 GB plan which costs £5, while the next one in line is the £9 plan for 3 GB. The 20 GB plan is available for £25 and you can use it for 45 days.⁷

Airalo

Airalo provides eSIMs for Pakistan through Sheesh, offering a range of six different plans to choose from. These plans cater to a variety of data needs, with options ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB, ensuring there's a suitable choice for everyone.

For example, the 7-day plan with 1 GB of data is priced at £4, while the 30-day plan with 5 GB costs £11. The most expensive option is the £26.50 plan, which provides 20 GB of data for the full 30 days.

Spend like a local in Pakistan with Wise

While you’re deciding which Pakistan SIM card to buy for your upcoming trip, you might also want to check out options for spending abroad.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Pakistan and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2025