How to Get a Pakistan SIM Card as a Foreigner

Getting ready for a trip to Pakistan and trying to figure out the best way to stay connected? You’ve got options!

A local prepaid SIM card is budget-friendly, and global eSIMs like Airalo are super easy to set up right on your phone.

But which one is the best for reliable data on the go? This guide covers everything you need to know to stay connected throughout your journey in Pakistan.

We will explain how to buy a sim card in Pakistan and which documents will be needed, and some of the best deals.

How to Buy SIM Card in Pakistan

In Pakistan, you can’t just pick up a prepaid SIM card from street vendors.

If you’re a tourist, you’ll need to visit an official store of one of the mobile providers—Jazz, Zong, Ufone, or SCOM. These customer service centres are the only places authorized to issue SIM cards to foreigners, so plan a quick stop at one of their outlets to get connected. Y

ou need to know everything about SIM information with number in Pakistan. Here’s what you need to know:

Authorized Customer Service Centers

Jazz

Jazz is also one of the most trusted networks for foreigners because you can buy sim online in Pakistan, and it provides excellent coverage across the major cities.

Jazz Franchise Locator

Here are the Jazz locations with direct Google Maps links for your convenience:

1. Karachi (Clifton)
   View on Google map
2. Lahore (Eden Centre, Jail Road)
   View on Google map
3. Islamabad (Blue Area)
   View on Google map

Zong

Zong is another popular telecom service provider in Pakistan. The company offers reasonably priced packages and 4G services, and the remarkable quality makes your PK sim info private.

Zong Franchise Locator

Here are the Zong service center locations with direct Google Maps links for your convenience:

1. Karachi (Gulshan-e-Iqbal)
   View on Google map
2. Lahore (Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam)
   View on Google map
3. Islamabad (Jinnah Ave, Blue Area)
   View on Google map

Ufone 

Ufone also offers prepaid services. Ufone is generally recommended, especially for amazing data packages.

SCOM

This network provider is best for northern travelers as it provides good coverage. It offers several packages, including data-only and calls-with-texts combinations.

Documents Foreign Visitors Need to Buy a SIM Card in Pakistan

People usually misunderstand that sim card for Pakistan cannot be purchase by foreigners, However, to buy a SIM card in Pakistan, tourists need the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Pakistan Valid Visa

After verifying all the SIM card information in Pakistan, the customer service center can provide the SIM card– They will also take a signature and thumb impression.

Available Telecom Packages

Measure your data requirements according to your usage patterns—do you intend to stream many videos, use a map often, or just keep checking your emails and want to keep your PK SIM info private?

Measure up your stay duration – prepaid plans are usually the most cost-effective.

Find coverage areas, especially if you plan to roam extensively outside the major towns or head into mountainous regions.

Here’s a comparison of popular packages from major providers, including special options like SuperCard:

Selecting the Right Package

When selecting a package:

• Review data usage against your specific requirements, such as streaming and browsing.
• Then, note how long you may stay, whereby the prepaid plans are affordable.
• Check on coverage areas if travel is to other areas outside of big cities and into mountainous regions.

Common Problems for Travellers

If foreign tourists don’t pay the PTA tax on their foreign phone within 60 days of arriving in Pakistan, the phone’s unique identifier (IMEI number) will be blocked on local mobile networks, making it unusable with Pakistani SIM cards.

If someone is traveling for less than 60 days, there’s no issue, and registration with the PTA isn’t required.  It can be prevented by doing:

• Registering your cell phone either before or when arriving in the country. (Applied for visitors who are staying in Pakistan for more than 60 d
• For those having a blocked device, a tax of import duty of PKR 25,000 to PKR 75,000 ($90-270) will be added to your expenses. Otherwise, you buy one locally registered and approved by PTA.

SIM Options for Foreigners

Obtain the eSIMs from other providers like Airalo for instant connectivity after arrival. 

Advantages include:

• Activation upon arrival without demanding a physical SIM.
• Choices of plan according to different data requirements.
• Use the promo code MUHAMM7693 to get US$3 off your first Airalo purchase.

Conclusion

Getting a SIM card is quite easy in Pakistan. Once you have the right information for the procedures taken at designated service centers, you can adequately document and package the items in the market.

To minimize the hustle in connection when getting there, get an eSIM from Airalo; using this guide, you can now have a pleasant journey while staying connected throughout it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain a SIM card at the airport?

No, foreigners can not get SIM cards at Pakistani airports. Authorized centers exist in major cities.

How many SIM cards am I eligible for?

Foreign tourists can get a maximum of two SIM cards throughout their stay in Pakistan.

My phone is IMEI blocked in Pakistan. What should I do?

If a person’s IMEI no is blocked in Pakistan, or the whole world, for that matter, because of defaulted taxes on foreign devices- then here are a few available options

• Pay tax of around PKR 25,000 – 75,000 ($90-270) to a telecommunication provider.
• Buy a cheap PTA-approved phone which you can use within the country.
• Invest in a portable WiFi device that can provide internet services during your stay.

PTA approval for local laws can also be applied through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority website.

What is the best SIM card for coverage in Pakistan?

The best SIM card for coverage in Pakistan is Jazz, one of the country’s largest telecom networks, which offers extensive coverage across major cities and rural areas. Other good options include Zong, which also provides solid 4G services, and Ufone, known for its reliable network. For travelers heading to northern regions, SCOM is recommended due to its strong coverage in those areas.