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Pakistan: 4 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Back in the day, it was a huge hassle to get a Pakistani SIM card while in Pakistan. The SIM card registration regulations got tightened up after several terrorist attacks.

Not only was this a challenge for travelers, but it was even more challenging for the locals, who had to re-register their SIM cards twice within a two year – with photos, government ID information captures, and even fingerprints collected (one of the few countries in the world to do so).

This caused long lines as phone shops for a long time. Let's hope not many more countries will introduce such strict SIM card registration schemes

Nowadays, after a rocky start, it is relatively easy to get a SIM card, even for travelers. However, the process of getting a SIM card (activated) may take longer than what you are used to.

But first things first, how much will a SIM card cost you?

You can get a Pakistani SIM card between 200 PKR (0.65 USD) to 570 PKR (2.85 USD) in the official stores of the four operators (Jazz, Telenor, Zong & Ufone). A data package featuring 1 GB valid for 7 days can be obtained for as low as 120 PKR (0.40 USD).

Okay, so we know that SIM cards and mobile data are cheap in Pakistan, which is a good thing.

The less you pay for SIM cards and local packages, the more money you can spend on experiences while in Pakistan.

Something you could not do if you were to pay expensive international roaming rates.

But there is a lot more to know about getting yourself a SIM card in Pakistan. The operators, speeds, coverage, and packages.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Pakistan. Let's get started.

Buying a SIM Card in Pakistan Guide (logos of Jazz, Telenor, Zong & Ufone)

Original publication: 26th of February 2020. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.

Table of Contents

In This Guide Show

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Pakistan?

Everyone living in or visiting Pakistan is allowed to buy a Pakistani SIM card. Pakistani nationals can have 5 SIM cards active on their names. In contrast, foreign nationals, including Pakistan Origin Card holders can have 2 active SIM cards.

All SIM card purchases have to go through a rigorous registration process, which includes biometric capture (fingerprints).

And you also need a device that supports the frequencies used in Pakistan and have an unlocked (SIM-lock-free device).

Else, you can only use the SIM card provided by your home operator.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Pakistan?

You can buy a Pakistani SIM card in the four operators' official stores (Jazz, Telenor Pakistan, Zong, Ufone), its authorized franchises, and the Telenor Self Service Booths (TSSBs – Telenor only).

Do note that it is not possible to buy a SIM card at Islamabad International Airport or Karachi International Airport (officially known as Jinnah International Airport).

Here is an overview of what to expect to pay for a SIM card in Pakistan:

  • Jazz: 500 PKR
  • Telenor Pakistan: 200 PKR
  • Zong: 200 PKR
  • Ufone: Between 200 PKR and 570 PKR

TIP: Check out my SIM card prices lookup tool for a detailed overview of SIM card starter pack benefits (for Pakistani SIM cards and SIM cards worldwide).

Can You Use Your Phone in Pakistan?

To use your phone in Pakistan, you need a device that supports GSM. CDMA phones will not work in Pakistan anymore since 2018. Fortunately, there is a 99% chance that your phone supports GSM.

Pakistan uses primarily European frequencies. Those frequencies are used in countries in ITU Regions 1 & 3, including Africa, Asia (with the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania. Phones sold in ITU Regions 1 and 3 will have no connectivity issues when in Pakistan.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

In the Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2), they use American frequencies. Those are different from European frequencies. Phones sold in ITU Region 2 may experience connectivity issues when in Pakistan.

If you have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then you should go with Telenor Pakistan. It uses a 3G and 4G/LTE frequency (850 MHz – Band 5), which is one of the primary 3G and 4G/LTE frequencies used in ITU Region 2.

Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you should experience limited to no hindrance when using your phone in Pakistan.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Pakistan

Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

Pakistan has four mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Jazz
  • Telenor Pakistan
  • Zong
  • Ufone

The following frequencies are used by the Pakistani operators:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G: 850 MHz (Band 5), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Pakistan, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

5G NR in Pakistan

5G NR Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

5G NR is currently not available in Pakistan to the general public, and it will not be until late 2022.

Zong was the first operator in Pakistan to hold 5G trials in the summer of 2019, with speeds reaching more than 1 Gbps (1171 Mbps – see video).

The Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication noted that PTCL Group managed to achieve an even higher download speed of 1.685 Gbps (1685 Mbps) on the 12th of February 2021.

I will be discussing internet speeds in Pakistan in-depth a bit later (spoiler alert – it is slow).

You should note that 5G will not be available for commercial use until the end of 2022, as stated by Amin-ul-Haq, the Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication, when speaking as a chief guest at the 2nd PMFA Appreciation Awards in November 2020, as reported by The Nation.

Best SIM Card in Pakistan

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Pakistan, I recommend going with either Jazz or Zong. Jazz’ 2G network is the most extensive in Pakistan, but 2G is too slow for data browsing. Zong has the best 4G availability and coverage in the country. In terms of speed, both Jazz and Zong are topping the list.

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Best eSIM in Pakistan

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in Pakistan yet.

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Pakistan.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the seven best eSIMs for Pakistan:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Pakistan, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Pakistan, you better check out my Pakistan eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for Pakistan Guide (logos of Holafly, Ufone, AIS, SimOptions, Alosim, Sheesh, Jazz & Airalo)

SIM Card Registration in Pakistan

Pakistani SIM cards have to be registered with your personal information, such as your passport details or your Pakistan Origin Card (POC), your (valid) Visa, a photo of you, and a biometric scan of your thumb as part of the SIM card registration process. This will be done at the point of purchase.

At the time of writing, Pakistan is one of the 17 countries with biometric SIM card registration regulations.

The Pakistani government has tightened SIM card registration laws starting from 2014 because of terrorist attacks. Then, biometric registration was introduced.

Later, the photo requirement was added. And in 2015, all registered SIM cards had to be re-registered again.

Now, it is actually a crime to use an unregistered SIM card or use someone else's SIM card (with fines up to 500 000 PKR (3160 USD) or a maximum prison sentence of 3 years). In most cases, an unregistered SIM card will be deactivated swiftly by the operator once it notices that an unregistered SIM card uses its network. And most Pakistanis are hesitant to even give you their SIM card because of potential repercussions.

All SIM cards and fingerprints are verified and stores in the National Database and Registration Authority's (NADRA) national database.

Although Pakistani nationals are allowed to have 5 SIM cards to their name, foreign nationals or holders of Pakistan Origin Cards (POC) are allowed to have only 2 SIM cards issued to them. Moreover, the validity of the SIM card is tied to the validity of your Visa or POC.

Moreover, those with foreign phones (phones bought abroad) and who want to use a Pakistani SIM card for more than 14 days have to get their device whitelisted by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA). This has to be done on the DIRBS website and cannot be done through the operator when purchasing your SIM card. You can only register five devices per year.

From the looks of it, access to the website is geo-restricted because I have yet been able to access that website for more than a year (outside of Pakistan – even when changing VPN locations). So I cannot give you instructions on how to use that tool (it will be a while because of the current conditions in the world)

When SIM card registration got tightened, getting a Pakistani SIM card was a challenge for travelers – headache-inducing, you could say. However, with more than 70 000 fingerprint scanners installed across the country, sales agents knowing what documents to process for foreigners, and a more streamlined process of processing SIM card registration, getting yourself a SIM card is not as bothersome as some other countries in the region. However, it may seem intimidating.

Internet Censorship in Pakistan

In 2019, it was reported that The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has apparently blocked more than 900 000 URLs in Pakistan for “reasons such as carrying blasphemous and pornographic content and/or sentiments against the state, judiciary or the armed forces.” Moreover, blasphemous, anti-Islamic, or threatening to internal security are also blocked.

With all this censorship, you may want to use a VPN to access blocked websites. Remember, the government's definition of some of the terms is subjective. Innocent blogs have been censored from the web without a solid reason (as in, them not even being critical of Pakistan, Islam, or anything controversial related to Pakistan).

This, with the excessive information required to be captured and stored by the government, which invades your individual privacy in various magditudes, should be a reason to keep your internet traffic private.

I recommend NordVPN and connecting to Indian servers, the closest to Pakistan (there are no VPN servers in Pakistan). Yes, I know Pakistan and India are not friends, but that does not matter if you want to keep your internet traffic secure.

Regional Taxes in Pakistan

Mobile operators in Pakistan have to charge their customers Goods and Service Tax (GST) based on the regional (provincial) tax rates and WHT (Advance Income Tax) on recharges, surcharges on recharges, and out-of-bundle voice and SMS traffic.

The GST and WHT rates differ per region. Below are the current tax rates:

RegionWHTGST
Punjab12.5%19.5%
Sindh12.5%19.5%
Baluchistan12.5%19.5%
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)12.5%19.5%
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)12.5%17%
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)12.5%17%
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)0%0%
Federally/Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (FATA/PATA)0%0%
From Telenor Pakistan

You should reload more than what the listed bundle price is if you plan on purchasing a plan because of these taxes.

For example, the Jazz Weekly Mega data bundle (7 GB) costs 210 PKR. However, you would need to recharge at least 237 PKR to purchase this bundle (in most regions).

However, the following services are inclusive of the taxes:

  • Out-of-bundle data usage
  • Bundles (combo-hybrid/data/voice/SMS)
  • Certain reload methods (such as Internet EasyLoad with Telenor Pakistan)
  • Value-Added Services (VAS)
  • Postpaid

On the bundle pages of the operators, the bundle prices will say that the price is inclusive of all taxes, which they technically are. But the recharges are not, which is something to keep in mind when topping-up to buy a specific bundle.

Normally, I would add another column with the price with VAT/GST when listing the bundles. However, because GST varies per region, it would not be simple to calculate and make the tables confusing.

To never be short on a reload, multiply the bundle price with * 1.20 (20%). For example, you want to buy a bundle that costs 100 PKR. To be safe, you should reload at least 20% more than the listing price. In this case, that would be 100 PKR * 1.20 = 120 PKR.

You will be charged the default tax of 12.5% WHT and 19.5% GST if you recharge your SIM card while your phone is off. This could be possible by using Telenor Pakistan's EasyLoad service, for example. This is because the tax will be charged based upon the location of the tower your device is catching signals. So make sure your phone is on when you are in GB, FATA, and PATA when recharging.

Pakistan Mobile Internet Prices, Mobile Speeds & Insights

Flag of Pakistan

South Asia is not known for having fast mobile internet speeds. Although the Maldives is somewhat of an exception (with an average download speed of 44 Mbps at the time of writing).

Before we talk about speeds, let's talk about prices.

Asia is known for having low mobile data rates. Neighboring country India is the cheapest country in the world to get 1 GB of data, with a price of just 0.09 USD – borderline free.

So what about in Pakistan? How expensive is mobile internet here?

The average price for 1 GB of data in Pakistan is 0.69 USD, far below the Asian average of 2.28 USD (excluding Near East). The world average is 5.03 USD.

That places Pakistan in the top 20 countries with the cheapest mobile data rates and the third place when just looking at South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and, of course, Pakistan).

But do not get too excited yet. We have to talk about speeds a bit more.

Sadly, internet speeds are not fast in Pakistan, especially in remote areas. In fact, you would be lucky if you can even catch a signal in some places.

However, you should not forget that Pakistan did not have 3G until 2014 (at that time, some countries were already working on setting up 4G networks). Until then, the country was using 2G only. You probably know that 2G is practically useless for modern data browsing.

From 2014, mobile infrastructure has massively improved. 3G reception in almost all places that had 2G before, and a lot of 4G/LTE coverage as well, significantly increasing mobile internet speeds in Pakistan, but also demand.

But how are things now? What type of speeds can you expect in Pakistan?

The average mobile download speed in Pakistan is 18 Mbps, far below the world average of 47 Mbps.

For South Asian standards, this is a typical average. Afghanistan has to deal with an average download speed of 6 Mbps, literally at the bottom of the Speedtest Global Index, so it could be much worse for Pakistan.

Of course, you can expect even faster speeds in Pakistan's more populated areas (if the networks are not overloaded – that happens every now and then).

But there is another thing to be aware of – Pakistan is mountainous, especially up north (the area where most travelers go to). Like many countries with mountains, you should not expect any reception, including 2G reception, when in mountainous areas – you will get nothing.

However, do not let any of this discourage you. All the Pakistani operators, well, at least three of them, are still working hard to expand coverage throughout the country and improve speeds.

While the introduction of 5G is somewhat around the corner, nationwide 5G still far away. However, once it has been developed, it will bring the much-needed speeds, latency, and, more importantly, bandwidth to the country that desperately needs it.

Once again, you will have good to almost great reception when staying in the populated areas, even on 4G/LTE (but you may deal with 3G more often than you are used to). Not only that, but data packages are cheap too. The competition in the country is healthy, bringing Pakistan is on the right track to a flourishing mobile market.

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Currency in Pakistan

Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee with the symbol PKR (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Pakistan are listed in Rs. For example, 25 PKR = Rs. 25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between PKR and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):

  • 10 PKR = 0.35 USD
  • 100 PKR – 0.35 USD
  • 1000 PKR = 3.25 USD
  • 10 000 PKR = 32.55 USD
  • 100 000 PKR = 325.75 USD

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Pakistan Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Jazz, Telenor Pakistan, Zong & Ufone, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices, and availability
  • Recharge / top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)

With that being said, let’s see what Pakistan has to offer to us.


Jazz

Jazz Pakistan Logo

Jazz is the largest operator in Pakistan. Until 2016, Jazz was known as Mobilink before changing names to Jazz. Around the same time, Mobilink/Jazz decided to merge with Warid (which, at the time, was Pakistan's 4th largest mobile operator with 13 million subscribers).

For a long period, the brands Mobilink and Warid were still being used while the rebranding process was still in motion. Although the Mobilink brand ceased to exist relatively quickly, the Warid brand was still out there in 2019. Now, everything is simply Jazz.

Jazz has won the Speedtest Fastest Mobile Network two years in a row (2018 & 2019).

Speedtest Awards Pakistan's Fastest Mobile Network 2019 Award
© Speedtest / Ookla

No Speedtest Awards was given to any Pakistani operator in 2020.

Jazz uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)

This is what you will learn about Jazz:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Jazz SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Recharge Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* Roaming
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Jazz

Jazz has the most extensive coverage in Pakistan.

Jazz's 2G coverage is the best in the country. However, 2G is useless for modern data browsing. Jazz's 3G and 4G/LTE footprint are on top of the list, sharing the 3G position with Telenor Pakistan and the 4G/LTE position with Zong.

Jazz has no official coverage map on its site (anymore). Luckily, the Speedtest app has created one to give us insights into what to expect with Jazz.

Below is Jazz's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Jazz

You can buy a regular Jazz SIM card and the Data-Only SIM card for 500 PKR in Jazz stores (Retail Shops, Experience Centers, and Franchise Centers).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Pakistan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Pakistan Sheeh eSIMs from Airalo (four options):

Pakistan Sheesh eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
  1. 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 days
  4. 10 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Pakistan.

You can read about them in my Best Pakistan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Pakistan Guide (logos of Holafly, Ufone, AIS, SimOptions, Alosim, Sheesh, Jazz & Airalo)
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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Jazz

Jazz recharge cards are sold, in values starting from 100 PKR to 1000 PKR, in Jazz stores and many other retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. You can also recharge online (100 PKR – 5000 PKR) with debit and credit cards.

You can redeem your Jazz voucher code by dialing *123*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *123*123456#.

It is also possible to recharge through WhatsApp. To do so, you first send the word hi to +923003008000. Then, send 6 and follow the instructions.

To check your balance, dial *111# (costing 0.24 PKR per check) or dial *444*6*2#. You can also call 111 and select option 5 to hear your balance (for 0.72 PKR).

Just like with recharging, you can get your balance on WhatsApp. To do so, you first send the word hi to +923003008000. Then, send 5.

Note: the WhatsApp features only work if you have set up a WhatsApp account with your Jazz phone number.

Besides all the methods mentioned above, you can also use the Jazz World app to manage your Jazz SIM card (Android & iOS)

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Jazz

Jazz has three data-featured prepaid plans:

I will list all the prices in PKR (Pakistani Rupee).

To convert PKR to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

MYOB Make Your Own Bundle – Jazz

MYOB Make Your Own Bundle is, as the name implies, a product that allows you to customize your bundle. You can set the amount of data (without 5G NR access), minutes, and SMS you want and set the validity to 1 day, 7 days, or 30 days.

Make Your Own Bundle can be set up by dialing *303#, and everything can be customized through the USSD menu or on the Jazz World app.

After dialing the USSD code, the following steps have to be followed:

  1. Select the validity (1: 1 day, 2: 7 days, 3: 30 days)
  2. Confirm that you agree with the terms of MYOB by pressing 1
  3. Enter how many on-net minutes you want (maximum of 6000 on-net minutes)
  4. Enter how many off-net minutes you want (maximum of 1000 off-net minutes)
  5. Select how much data you want (0: 0MB, 1: 3000 MB, 2: 6000 MB, 3: 9000 MB, 4: 12 000 MB, 5: 15 000 MB)
  6. Enter how many local SMS you want (maximum of 10 000 SMS)
  7. Review your entries and review the bundle's price.
  8. If everything is to satisfaction, press 1 to confirm your bundle
  9. You have successfully set up MYOB

Depending on the validity of your bundle, you have different USSD codes to check your bundle's balance:

  • 1-day validity: *303*1#
  • 7-day validity: *303*7#
  • 30-day validity: *303*30#

MYOB does not auto-renew. When MYOB expires, you have to set up a new bundle or choose another Jazz bundle.

Jazz World MYOB Make Your Own Bundle
© Jazz
All In One Offers – Jazz

The All In One Offers are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), social media data, minutes, and SMS.

The following All In One Offers are available:

PricePlanDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidityActivation Code
35 PKRGive-A-Bundle1 GB100 minutesN/AN/A3 days*919#
60 PKR3 Day-Max Offer1 GB1000 minutes10 minutes1000 SMS3 days*631#
100 PKRVoice Infinity OfferN/A120 minutes20 minutesN/A180 days*710#
145 PKRSuper Woman Bundle12 GBUnlimited 1N/AN/A7 days*117*14#
174 PKRRaabta Plus10 GB 21000 minutes1000 minutes1000 SMS7 days*7678#
260 PKRWeekly All Network3 GB1000 minutes90 minutes1000 SMS7 days*700#
345 PKRWeekly Super Plus10 GB5000 minutes120 minutes5000 SMS7 days*505#
400 PKRWeekly Super Max30 GB6000 minutes150 minutes6000 minutes7 days*506#
868 PKRMonthly Super Duper12 GB3000 minutes300 minutes3000 SMS30 daysDial 3111 > 2 > 6
1215 PKRMonthly Max40 GB3000 minutes500 minutes3000 SMS30 days*708#
1218 PKRAala (10 PM – 7 PM)80 GB 22000 minutesShared with on-net minutes2000 SMS30 days*7335#
1305 PKRAala Offer80 GB2000 minutesShared with on-net minutes2000 SMS30 days*7334#

1 for between 8:00 – 18:00
2 for between 22:00 – 19:00

Jazz Pakistan All in One Offers
Prepaid – Jazz

The Prepaid plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can purchase the following Prepaid plans:

PricePlanDataSocial DataApp(s)On-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesSMSValidityActivation Code
7.3 PKRSuper Data Offer5 GB  (12 AM – 9 AM)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A1 day*577#
12 PKRPunjab Daily Offer250 MB 1N/AN/AUnlimitedN/A1000 SMS1 day*6000#
17 PKRJanoobi Punjab Super Data Offer5 GB (23:00 – 9:00)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A1 day*742#
17 PKRSindh Super Data Offer5000 MB (23:00 – 9:00)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A1 day*773#
21 PKRSindh Daily Offer250 MB 1N/AN/AUnlimitedN/A1500 SMS1 day*522#
21 PKRKP Daily Offer250 MB 1N/AN/AUnlimitedN/A1500 SMS1 day*291#
21 PKRKarachi Daily Offer250 MB 1N/AN/AUnlimitedN/A1500 SMSUntil midnight*400*2#
30 PKRWhatsApp BundleN/A250 MBWhatsAppN/AN/A1500 SMS7 days*101*1*07#
52 PKRFacebook &WhatsAppN/A4 GBBiP, Facebook, IMO & WhatsAppN/AN/AN/A30 days*499#
69 PKRKarachi Monthly Social OfferN/A5 GBFacebook & WhatsAppN/AN/AN/A30 days*532#
78 PKRSIM Offer6 GBN/AN/A600 SMS30 minutes600 SMS7 days*476#
104 PKRLajawab Haftawar Offer3 GBN/AN/A3000 minutes30 minutes3000 SMS7 days*565#
130 PKRSargodha Weekly Offer3000 MBN/AN/A3000 minutes30 minutes3000 SMS7 days*627#
156 PKRHaftawar Data Offer5 GBShared with data allowanceWhatsApp500 minutes50 minutesN/A7 days*545#
139 PKRTaxila Offer5 GBN/AN/A500 minutesN/AN/A7 days*596#
150 PKRHaftawaar All Rounder Offer1 GBN/AN/A1000 minutes50 minutes1000 SMS7 days*747#
173 PKR& Jhelum Haftawar Offer10 GBN/AN/A100 minutesShared with on-net minutes1000 SMS7 days*307#
200 PKRHarripur & Nowshere Offer10 GBN/AN/A500 minutes50 minutesN/A7 days*598#
260 PKRSocial Plus10 GBShared with data allowance300 minutes50 minutes300 SMS30 days*617#
278 PKRHaftawaar Offer6 GBN/AN/A1000 minutes100 minutes1000 SMS7 days*406#
319 PKRShahadkot Monthly Offer2 GBN/AN/A2000 minutes200 minutes4000 SMS30 days*873#
350 PKRDG Khan Monthly Offer5000 MBN/AN/A2000 minutes200 minutes4000 SMS30 days*705#
521 PKRSuper Mahana Offer10 GBN/AN/A5000 minutes150 minutes5000 SMS30 days*529#

1 for between 00:00 – 9:00
2 for between 23:00 – 9:00

Roaming with Jazz

Jazz does not have any regular plans that include free international roaming (IR). However, they do have attractive roaming packages. Check out this guide for more information about roaming with Jazz.

APN/Internet Settings – Jazz

In most cases, your phone will automatically retrieve the correct Jazz APN settings. However, if that is not the case, you can get the internet settings by dialing *443# and selecting option 5 or dialing *444*6*5#.

If the aforementioned methods do not work, you have to add the following APN settings manually:

  • Name: Jazz
  • APN: jazzconnect.mobilinkworld.com

Notes: APN “connect.mobilinkworld.com” is for postpaid customers only. Do not add or change anything else not mentioned above.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Telenor Pakistan

Telenor Logo

Telenor Pakistan, just Telenor, is the second-largest provider in Pakistan.

Telenor itself is active in Scandinavia (Norway (origin), Denmark, Sweden, Finland (as DNA), and a few countries in Asia, including Bangladesh (as Grameenphone), Malaysia (as Digi), Myanmar & Thailand (as dtac).

Telenor uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)

This is what you will learn about Telenor:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Telenor SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Recharge Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Telenor Pakistan

Telenor has extensive coverage in Pakistan.

Telenor is known for having the best 3G coverage together with Jazz in the country. Telenor's 4G/LTE footprint is extensive too, but (slightly) lacks behind the ones of Jazz and Zong.

Telenor used to have a (3G) coverage map on its site. However, that was mysteriously removed, so I will show the Speedtest app's one instead.

Below is Telenor's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

You can check if the area you are in is covered by 3G by dialing *7799#.

SIM Card Price – Telenor Pakistan

You can get a Telenor SIM card for 200 PKR in Telenor stores or a Telenor Self Service Booth (TSSB).

Telenor Pakistan Self Service Booth
© Telenor Pakistan

Although it is possible to order a SIM card online, I discourage you from doing so. Only premium numbers can be selected when buying a SIM card online, priced at 1200 PKR and 5200 PKR. Moreover, delivery can take up to 72 hours.

It will be more convenient and faster to find a Telenor store or a TBBS instead of ordering an expensive SIM card online.

Telenor Pakistan Self Service Booth Locations
© Telenor Pakistan
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Pakistan (without personal detail capturing), you can get eSIMs from Holafly (five option):

  1. 6 GB/15 days
  2. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Unlimited/7 days
  4. Unlimited/10 days
  5. Unlimited/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Unlimited/20 days

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Pakistan.

You can read about them in my Best Pakistan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Pakistan Guide (logos of Holafly, Ufone, AIS, SimOptions, Alosim, Sheesh, Jazz & Airalo)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Telenor Pakistan

You can get Telenor recharge cards, in values between 100 PKR and 1000 PKR, in Telenor stores, Telenor Self Service Booths, and at many other stores, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and mobile shops.

You can redeem your Telenor recharge card by dialing *555*VoucherCode#. The same can be done by calling 555 and following the instructions.

For example, if your voucher vode is 123456, you would dial *555*123456#.

To check your overall balance, dial *444# (costing 0.24 PKR). The same can be done by calling 555 and selecting option 2.

You can dial select USSD codes for specific balance checks, such as your data, SMS, and minute allowance. Do note that all these shortcodes cost 0.24 PKR per request:

  • Data: *200# & *999#
  • Minutes: *222#
  • SMS: *111#
  • Everything (else): *123#

You can check your balances for free by using the My Telenor App (Android & iOS).

My Telenor App Pakistan
© Telenor Pakistan

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Telenor Pakistan

Telenor has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Offers. It includes data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

I will list all the prices in PKR (Pakistani Rupee).

To convert PKR to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise
PriceBundleDataSocial DataApp(s)On-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidityActivation Code
5 PKRMonthly Snapchat PackageN/A2000 MBSnapchatN/AN/AN/A30 days *915#
18 PKR Raat Din Offer1.5 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A12 hours (0:00 – 12:00) *150#
44 PKR4G 3 Day Bundle1000 MB N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A3 days *32#
55 PKR4G Weekly Internet Max30 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7 days (00:00 – 9:00)*19#
60 PKRMonthly Social PackN/A2500 MBFacebook & WhatsAppN/AN/AN/A30 days *911#
60 PKRWeekly 6 to 6 Package5000 MBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7 days (6:00 – 18:00)
60 PKRPUBGM Monthly Offer2 GB100 MBPUBG MobileN/AN/AN/A30 days *345*57#
85 PKRMonthly Social Pack PlusN/A4000 MBFacebook & WhatsAppN/AN/A1000 SMS30 days *660#
104 PKRWeekly Social PackN/A5000 MBFacebook & WhatsAppN/AN/AN/A7 days*345*53#
120 PKR4G Weekly Super4000 MBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7 days *288#
130 PKRMonthly Social ExtremeN/A10 000 MBFacebook & WhatsAppN/AN/A30 days *345*61#
190 PKR4G Monthly Lite4 GB 2N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days *301#
200 PKR4G Weekly Ultra8 GBN/AN/AN/A100 minutesN/A7 days *336#
235 PKRWeekly EasyCard Mega8000 MBN/AN/A2000 minutes (+PCTL)85 minutes1000 SMS7 days*001#
260 PKRMega Plus Weekly EasyCard16 GBN/AN/A5000 minutes + PTCL100 minutes2500 SMS7 days*003#
350 PKR4G Monthly Super12 000 MB N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days *345*169#
370 PKR4G Monthly Starter Bundle8 GB N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days *302#
700 PKR4G Monthly Ultra Plus50 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days *303#

APN/Internet Settings – Telenor Pakistan

In most cases, your phone will automatically retrieve the correct Telenor Pakistan APN settings. However, if that is not the case, you can get the internet settings by texting internet to 131.

If the aforementioned methods do not work, you have to add the following APN settings manually:

  • Name: Telenor
  • APN: internet
  • Username: Telenor
  • Password: Telenor

Note: Do not add or change anything else not mentioned above.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Zong

Zong Pakistan Logo

Zong, officially known as CMPak or China Mobile Pakistan, is the third-largest operator in Pakistan.

China Mobile managed to enter the Pakistani mobile market by buying Millicom's shares in Paktel. Paktel was rebranded to China Mobile Pakistan. Within almost a year, that name changed to Zong.

Zong uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)

This is what you will learn about Zong:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Zong SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Recharge Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Zong

Zong has extensive coverage in Pakistan. They also have the best 4G/LTE coverage in the country, together with Jazz.

When China Mobile bought Paktel, they were already introducing 4G/LTE in China. So China Mobile decided to bring their 4G/LTE expertise immediately to Pakistan. The other operators were still working on building and improving their 2G and 3G networks.

In fact, Zong had a 2-year head start with 4G/LTE than Jazz and Telenor Pakistan, who were then the more established operators. Now, they have the best 4G/LTE availability in the country, which is also recognized by OpenSignal in its Pakistan Mobile Network Experience Report of 2021.

It is worth checking out that report, as it has some interesting findings. But honestly, I was, and still am, surprised with Zong's performance.

What, however, does not impress me is Zong's official coverage map. It is practically useless for checking its nationwide coverage. And the city/town search function does not work either.

Below is Zong's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Zong's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Zong

Zong SIM cards are available for 200 PKR in Zong Service Centers. New Zong SIM cards include the New SIM Offer, featuring 2 GB of data, 1 GB for WhatsApp, 1 GB for Facebook, and 1000 on-net minutes – all valid for 7 days. You can, however, not use your data allowance between 19:00 and 23:59.

Note: the New SIM offer only applies to “regular” Zong SIM cards, not for Mobile Broadband (MBB) nor Internet SIM (data-only) cards.

Zong New SIM Offer
© Zong

On top of the New SIM Offer, you can get bonus credit depending on how much you recharge within seven days of acquiring the SIM card.

  • Recharge between 50 PKR and 99.99 PKR: 25 PKR credit bonus
  • Recharge between 100 PKR and 499.99 PKR: 50 PKR credit bonus
  • Recharge of 500 PKR or more: 100 PKR credit bonus

You can book a phone number of liking on the Book Your Number page. A booked number can be collected at any Zong Service Center, as long as it is done within three days.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Pakistan (without personal detail capturing), you can get Pakistan Sheeh eSIMs from Airalo (four options):

Pakistan Sheesh eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
  1. 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 days
  4. 10 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Pakistan.

You can read about them in my Best Pakistan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Pakistan Guide (logos of Holafly, Ufone, AIS, SimOptions, Alosim, Sheesh, Jazz & Airalo)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Zong

Zong recharge cards are available in Zong Service Centers and many other retailers, such as grocery stores, corner shops, news stands, and gas stations. They can be obtained in values of 100 PKR, 300 PKR, 500 PKR, and 1000 PKR. You can also recharge online (50 PKR – 20 000 PKR).

To redeem your recharge voucher, dial *101*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *101*123456#.

Zong has a menu, which can be access through *310#. This menu allows you to top-up, check your balance, and and purchase plans. However, accessing the menu costs 0.24 PKR. You can also quickly check your balance by dialing *222#.

However, it is not know whether you will be charged 0.24 PKR for that method as well. (let me know if you know).

You can also use the Zong App (Android & iOS) to check your balance for free.

Zong App
© Zong

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Zong

Zong has 11 data-featured prepaid plans:

All bundles can be purchased by dialing *310# or on the Zong app.

I will list all the prices in PKR (Pakistani Rupee).

To convert PKR to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Zong Prepaid Plans
© Zong
Hot Bundles – Zong

The Hot Bundles are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Hot Bundles are available:

PriceBundleDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
99 PKRWeekly Social Offer5 GB200 minutes20 minutes200 SMS7 days 
150 PKRWeekly Mega Data Offer100 GBN/AN/AN/A7 days 
350 PKRWeekly HLO12 GBUnlimited100 minutesUnlimited7 days 
440 PKRWeekly Pro40 GBUnlimited250 minutesUnlimited7 days 
460 PKRWeekly Pro Plus60 GB6000 minutes600 minutes6000 SMS7 days 
800 PKRMonthly Super Card12 GBUnlimited250 minutesUnlimited30 days 
1300 PKRMonthly Pro40 GB10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
1400 PKRMonthly Digital Max Offer100 GB10 000 minutes1000 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
1400 PKRMonthly Pro Plus60 GB10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
Zong Pakistan Hot Bundles
All In One Bundles – Zong

The All In One Bundles are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes, and SMS.

The following All In One Bundles are available:

PriceBundleDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
250 PKRWeekly All-In-1 Weekly 4 GB5000 minutes60 minutes5000 SMS7 days 
310 PKRSuper Weekly Plus8 GBUnlimited60 minutesUnlimited7 days 
350 PKRWeekly HLO12 GBUnlimited100 minutesUnlimited7 days 
420 PKRWeekly Premium30 GBUnlimited180 minutesUnlimited7 days 
440 PKRWeekly Pro40 GBUnlimited250 minutesUnlimited7 days 
460 PKRWeekly Pro Plus60 GB600 minutes600 minutes6000 SMS7 days 
500 PKRStar Pre-Load Monthly Power Pack SIM 5002.5 GB1000 minutes50 minutes1000 SMS30 days 
575 PKRSuper Star Offer8 GB3000 minutes500 minutes3000 SMS30 days 
800 PKRMonthly Super Card12 GBUnlimited250 minutesUnlimited30 days 
990 PKRMonthly Supreme20 GB5000 minutes350 minutes5000 SMS30 days 
1000 PKR Gold Pre-Load 3 Months Power Pack SIM 15008 GB8000 minutes200 minutes3000 SMS90 days 
1299 PKRMonthly Super Offer30 GB5000 minutes450 minutes5000 SMS30 days 
1300 PKRMonthly Pro40 GB10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
1400 PKRMonthly Digital Max Offer100 GB10 000 minutes1000 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
1400 PKRMonthly Pro Plus60 GB10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
2000 PKRMonthly Family Bundle40 GB 115 000 minutes600 minutes15 000 SMS30 days 

1 + 20 GB for Facebook & WhatsApp

Zong Pakistan All in One Offers
Call Bundles – Zong

The Call Bundles are plans focused on calls. However, a few Call Bundles include data (without 5G NR access), and minutes & SMS.

Only the bundles with a data allowance will be mentioned below.

You can get one of the following Call Bundles:

PriceBundleDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
120 PKRWeekly Shandaar Haftawaar Offer500 MB500 minutes40 minutes500 SMS7 days 
305 PKR Monthly Shandaar Mahana Offer1 GB 1000 minutes100 minutes1000 SMS30 days 

For the remaining Call Bundles without a data allowance, check out the Call Bundles page.

Zong Pakistan Call Bundles
SMS Bundles – Zong

The SMS Bundles are plans focused on SMS. However, some SMS Bundles include data (without 5G NR access) and WhatsApp data.

Only the bundles with a data allowance will be mentioned below.

You can get one of the following SMS Bundles:

PriceBundleDataSocial DataApp(s)Local SMSValidity
7 PKRDaily SMS + WhatsApp Bundle 1 MB30 MBWhatsApp500 SMS1 day 
32 PKRWeekly SMS + WhatsApp Bundle N/A200 MBWhatsApp1300 SMS7 days 
75 PKRMonthly SMS + WhatsApp BundleN/A30 MB/dayWhatsApp500 SMS/day30 days 

For the remaining SMS Bundles without a data allowance, check out the SMS Bundles page.

Zong Pakistan SMS Bundles
Mini Bundles – Zong

Mini Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Mini Bundles are available:

PriceBundleDataSocial DataApp(s)On-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
14 PKR 2 Hour Non Stop Offer1 GB N/AN/AUnlimitedN/AN/A2 hours
17 PKRShaandar Daily Offer50 MBN/AN/AUnlimitedN/A800 SMS1 day 
23 PKRDaily Social Offer1.5 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A1 day 
80 PKR3 Day Bundle1 GB N/AN/A1000 minutesN/AN/A3 days
Zong Pakistan Mini Bundles
Social Bundles – Zong

Social Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), social data (TikTok, Youtube & WhatsApp) minutes & SMS.

The following Social Bundles are available:

PriceBundleData Social DataApp(s)On-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
80 PKRWeekly TikTok OfferN/A3 GBTikTokN/AN/AN/A7 days 
100 PKRMonthly WhatsAppN/A5 GBWhatsAppN/AN/AN/A30 days 
90 PKRIMO Offer2.5 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
150 PKRMonthly Social Mini6 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
169 PKRWeekly VideoN/A8 GBTikTok & YouTubeN/AN/AN/A7 days 
220 PKRMonthly WhatsApp Plus OfferN/A5 GBWhatsApp +(IMO)200 minutes30 minutes200 SMS30 days 
300 PKRMonthly Social12 GBN/AN/A250 minutes50 minutes250 SMS30 days 
Zong Pakistan Social Bundles
Stay-At-Home Bundles – Zong

Stay-At-Home Bundles are data (without 5G NR access) plans.

The following Stay-At-Home Bundles are available:

PriceBundleDataValidity
25 PKRDaily GNO2.5 GB1 day
25 PKRDaily DTO1.5 GB1 day
150 PKRMega Data Offer100 GB7 days
170 PKRStay At Home Bundle10 GB7 days
Zong Pakistan Stay-At-Home Bundles
App Exclusive Offers – Zong

The App Exclusive Offers are offers that can only be redeemed or activated through the Zong App. An App Exclusive Offer may be triggered by reaching a reload threshold or purchasing the Offer on the Zong App.

Currently, these App Exclusive Offers are available:

Price/Required ReloadBundleDataSocial DataApp(s)All-Net MinutesOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
Free6 GB on First Time App Registration200 MB/day (6 GB)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
300 PKRSuper Weekly Premium Bundle 15 GB15 GBYouTube & TikTok100 minutesN/AN/AN/A7 days 
1000 PKRSupreme Offer10 000 MBN/AN/AN/A5000 minutes300 minutes5000 SMS30 days 
3500 PKR 150 GB Exclusive Prepaid MBB Offer150 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
Data Bundles – Zong

The Data Bundles are data plans (without 5G NR access) and social data (for Facebook, Google Duo, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp & IMO).

The following Data Bundles can be purchased:

PriceBundleDataSocial DataApp(s)On-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
1 PKRMonthly Google Maps OfferN/A500 MB Google MapsN/AN/AN/A30 days 
2 PKR1 Hour YouTubeN/AUnlimitedYouTubeN/AN/AN/A1 day 
23 PKRDaily Basic100 MBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A1 day 
49 PKRDaily Data Max500 MB500 MBYouTube N/AN/AN/A1 day 
99 PKRWeekly Haftawar Voice Offer1 GB20 GBWhatsApp1000 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowanceN/A7 days 
110 PKRGilgit Baltisan OfferN/A4 GBWhatsApp1000 minutes40 minutes1000 SMS7 days 
250 PKRWeekly Super Offer4 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7 days
299 PKRMonthly 5 GB5 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
300 PKRMonthly Social12 GBN/AN/A250 minutes50 minutes250 SMS30 days 
330 PKR5 GB Monthly On Internet SIM5 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
400 PKRSuper Weekly Max20 GBN/AN/A5000 minutes100 minutes500 SMS7 days 
440 PKRWeekly Pro40 GBN/AN/AUnlimited250 minutesUnlimited7 days 
499 PKRMonthly Maheena Bhar Offer10 GB20 GBWhatsApp2000 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowanceN/A30 days 
700 PKRMonthly 20 GB20 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
785 PKRInternet SIM 4 GB + 5 GB9 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
899 PKRMonthly 40 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
1250 PKRMonthly Internet SIM (12 GB + 15 GB)27 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
1300 PKRMonthly Pro40 GBN/AN/A10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
1400 PKRMonthly Pro Plus60 GBN/AN/A10 000 minutes600 minutes10 000 SMS30 days 
2100 PKRInternet SIM 65 GB65 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
3500 PKRMonthly 160 GB MBB Exclusive Offer160 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
Zong Pakistan Data Bundles
Internet SIM Packages – Zong

The Internet SIM Packages are data (without 5G NR access) bundles exclusively for the Internet SIM (data-only SIM card).

You can get any of the following Internet SIM Packages:

PriceBundleDataValidity
230 PKRInternet SIM GNO1 GB 3As per base bundle 
330 PKR5 GB Monthly On Internet SIM5 GB30 days 
350 PKRSuper Weekly Plus On Internet SIM8 GB7 days
450 PKRSuper Weekly Max on Internet SIM25 GB7 days
550 PKRInternet SIM DTO1 GB1 day
575 PKR20 GB Monthly Internet SIM20 GB30 days 
785 PKRInternet 5 GB SIM/3 months5 GB90 days 
940 PKRMonthly 40 GB Internet SIM40 GB30 days 
1100 PKRInternet SIM 3 GB/3 month3 GB/month (9 GB)180 days 
1300 PKRInternet SIM 15 GB/3 months15 GB90 days 
2700 PKRInternet SIM New Tariff 12 GB/3 Month12 GB/month (36 GB)90 days 
3250 PKR Prepaid Internet SIM Addons – (Monthly) 175 GB 175 GB30 days 
5750 PKRInternet SIM 65 GB/ 3 months65 GB90 days 
12 500 PKRInternet SIM 105 GB/ 6 months105 GB 1180 days 
23 000 PKRInternet SIM 105 GB / 12 months105 GB 1365 days

1 105 GB anytime data, 30 GB for between 4:00 – 16:00
2 175 GB anytime data, 100 GB for between 1:00 – 9:00
3 for between 1:00 – 9:00

Zong Pakistan Internet SIM Packages
Mobile Broadband (MBB) Bundles – Zong

The Mobile Broadband (MBB) Bundles are data (without 5G NR access) bundles exclusively for those with a Zong MBB device.

PriceBundleDataValidity
450 PKRMonthly Prepaid MBB Add-On 5 GB5 GBAs per base bundle 
999 PKRMonthly MBB Monthly 30 GB Offer30 GB30 days 
2100 PKRMBB 65GB65 GB30 days 
2100 PKRMobile Broadband Reactivation Offer35 GB30 days 
2600 PKRPrepaid MBB Monthly 80 GB80 GB 130 days 
3300 PKRPrepaid MBB Monthly 100 GB100 GB 230 days 
5750 PKRPrepaid MBB 3 Months Prepaid MBB (65 GB/Month)65 GB/month (180 GB)90 days 
12 500 PKRMBB Data Bundle 75GB + 30GB of 6 Months75 GB/month (450 GB) 3180 days 
23 000 PKR 12 Months Prepaid MBB (75 GB/Month)75 GB/month (450 GB) 3360 days 

1 80 GB anytime data, 80 GB for between 4:00 – 16:00
2 100 GB anytime data, 100 GB for between 4:00 – 16:00
3 + 3 GB

Zong Pakistan Mobile Broadband (MBB) Bundle

APN/Internet Settings – Zong

  • Name: Internet
  • APN: zonginternet

Note: Do not add or change anything else not mentioned above.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Ufone

Ufone Pakistan Logo

Ufone is the smallest operator in Pakistan. They are also, in most cases, the cheapest operator in the country.

Ufone uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)

This is what you will learn about Ufone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Ufone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Recharge Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* Roaming
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Ufone

Ufone has decent coverage in Pakistan. However, they have the worst coverage of the big four operators.

When putting the four operators' coverage maps next to each other, you will see fewer LTE dots with Ufone than the other operators. For some reason, it took Ufone until 2019 to enable 4G/LTE (for comparison, Zong started deploying 4G/LTE in 2014).

Not only is network reception significantly weaker with Ufone than with the other Pakistani operators, but speeds are notably slower (the slowest in the country).

Ufone does have an official coverage map on its site. However, they decided to go with the dots on Google Maps route, which is, personally speaking, an awful way of showcasing your coverage. However, it is still better than having no official map at all (looking at you, Jazz & Telenor Pakistan).

Below is Ufone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Ufone's official coverage map.

You can check if the area you are in is covered by 3G or 4G/LTE quickly with USSD codes. To check 3G availability, dial *3344#. To check if 4G/LTE is available, dial *4#.

SIM Card Price – Ufone

You can purchase a Ufone SIM card starting from 200 PKR, depending on the SIM card you choose, in Ufone offices or stores. They can also be ordered online with free delivery (for some SIM cards).

* Dial *1000# to activate the offer

You can also book Golden and Platinum Numbers, which can be remembered easier, and pick them up at the nearest Ufone store. Golden Numbers have a surcharge of 50 PKR (or 0 PKR during). Platinum Numbers have a surcharge of 1500 PKR (or 499 PKR during promotions).

Ufone has four different starter SIM cards to choose from, which are:

  • New SIM Offer (200 PKR)
  • Classic Offer (250 PKR)
  • Super Card Double Offer (570 PKR)
  • Internet SIM (200 PKR)

Below is an overview of the perks each starter SIM card includes:

PriceSIM CardDataWhatsApp DataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSPerks Validity
200 PKRNew SIM Offer2000 MBUnlimited (90 days)500 minutes25 minutes500 SMS5 days 
200 PKR Internet SIM 1000 MBN/AN/AN/AN/A30 days 
250 PKRClassic OfferN/AUnlimited * N/AN/AN/A90 days 
570 PKR Super Card Double Offer 3400 MBN/A2000 minutes300 minutes8000 SMS30 days 
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Pakistan (without personal detail capturing), you can get eSIMs from Holafly (five option):

  1. 6 GB/15 days
  2. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Unlimited/7 days
  4. Unlimited/10 days
  5. Unlimited/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Unlimited/20 days

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Pakistan.

You can read about them in my Best Pakistan eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Pakistan Guide (logos of Holafly, Ufone, AIS, SimOptions, Alosim, Sheesh, Jazz & Airalo)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Ufone

Ufone recharge cards, in denominations of 100 PKR, 250 PKR, 500 PKR, and 1000 PKR, are available in Ufone offices and stores. You can also get them from other retailers, such as mobile shops, electronic shops, grocery stores, and convenience stores. You can also recharge online (50 PKR – 10 000 PKR).

To activate you recharge card, dial *123*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *123*123456#.

Dial *124# to check your balance.

You will most likely be charged 0.24 PKR for checking your balance through that shortcode, like with the other operators, but I cannot confirm this. Let me know.

You can also use the My Ufone app to activate recharge cards and check your balance (Android & iOS).

Ufone Recharge
© Ufone

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Ufone

Ufone has six data-featured prepaid plans:

I will list all the prices in PKR (Pakistani Rupee).

To convert PKR to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Ufone Super Cards
© Ufone
Internet Offers – Ufone

The Internet Offers are combo plans (without 5G NR access) with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Internet Offers are available:

PriceBundleDataSocial DataAppOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidityActivation Code 
5 PKRUnlimited Instagram & Threads OfferN/A500 MBInstagram & ThreadsN/A N/A N/A 1 day*9898#
5 PKRUnlimited WhatsAppN/A500 MBN/A N/A N/A N/A 1 day*987#
7 PKRBest Morning Offer2 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 day (9:00 – 12:00)*4200#
12 PKRDaily Free Fire Offer250 MB500 MBFreefireN/A N/A N/A 1 day*8080#
12 PKRDaily PUBGM Offer250 MB500 MBPUBG MobileN/A N/A N/A 1 day*8080#
15.65 PKRDaily Off Peak Plus1.5 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A 1 day (6:00 – 18:00)*10#
16.25 PKRDaily Light40 MB1 GBFacebook, Line, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTubeN/A N/A N/A 1 day*2256#
20 PKR Mega Internet2 GBN/A N/AN/A N/A N/A 1 night (24:00 – 12:00)*550#
50 PKR Monthly Snapchat OfferN/A6 GBSnapchatN/A N/A N/A 30 days *9694#
60 PKRWeekly Free Fire1 GB4 GBFreefireN/A N/A N/A 7 days *8080#
60 PKRWeekly PUBG1 GB4 GBPUBG MobileN/A N/A N/A 7 days *8080#
70 PKRUfone TikTok OfferN/A4 GBTikTokN/A N/A N/A 7 days *2345#
70 PKRWeekly SnackVideo OfferN/A4 GBSnack VideoN/A N/A N/A 7 days *265#
90 PKRMonthly WhatsApp OfferN/A6 GBSnapchatN/A N/A N/A 30 days *987#
100 PKRMonthly FreefireN/A10 GBFreefireN/A N/A N/A 30 days *8080#
100 PKRMonthly PUBGN/A10 GBPUBG MobileN/A N/A N/A 30 days *8080#
120 PKR YouTube OfferN/A5 GBYouTubeN/A N/A N/A 7 days *5883#
120 PKR Monthly Facebook OfferN/A6 GBFacebookN/A N/A N/A 30 days *987#
120 PKR Internet Max Offer25 GB 1N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 days *2570#
130 PKRSocial Champion OfferN/A4 GBFacebook, Instagram, Threads & Snapchat 150 minutes20 minutes150 minutes30 days *1818#
150 PKRWeekly Video OfferN/A6 GBSnack Video, TikTok & YouTube200 minutes25 minutes200 SMS7 days *4383#
150 PKRWeekly Social OfferN/A6 GBFacebook, Snapchat & WhatsApp200 minutes25 minutes200 SMS7 days *6660#
160 PKRSuper Internet1.5 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 days *220#
245 PKRSocial Hero OfferN/A12 GBFacebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat & WhatsApp300 minutes50 minutes300 SMS30 days *4440#
275 PKRUPOWER Internet16 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 days *270#
260 PKRWeekly Internet Plus 12 GBN/A N/AN/AN/AN/A7 days *260#
350 PKRWeekly Max Offer20 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 days N/A
375 PKRSab Se Bari Offer25 GBN/A N/A 5000 minutes100 minutesN/A 7 days *7777#
399 PKRSab Se Bari Plus Offer40 GBN/A N/A 5000 minutes250 minutes5000 SMS7 days N/A
430 PKRWeekly Digital Offer60 GBN/A N/A 7000 minutes600 minutes7000 SMS30 days *7777#
549 PKR Super Internet Plus 18 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 30 days *290#
750 PKRMonthly Heavy30 GBN/A N/AN/AN/AN/A30 days *310#

* 3 GB anytime data, 3 GB for between 1:00 – 8:00

You are allowed to purchase multiple monthly bundles at the same time (the same ones or combining ones). This does not apply to the daily, 3-day, and weekly bundles.

All In One Offers – Ufone

The All In One Offers are combo plans (without 5G NR access) with data, minutes & SMS.

You can get one of the following All In One Offers:

PriceOfferDataFacebook DataOn-Net Minutes (+PTCL)Off-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidityActivation CodeAuto-Renews?Unsubscribe Code
7.17 PKRPower Hour60 MBN/A60 minutes* N/A60 SMS1 hour *99#NoN/A
18 PKRDaily Pakistan Offer10 MBN/A100 minutesN/AN/A1 day *888#Yes*8880#
100 PKRWeekly Pakistan Offer 100 MBN/A700 minutesN/AN/A7 days*8888#Yes*8880#
120 PKR Asli Chappar Phaar Offer 1000 MBN/A100 minutes (no PTCL)N/A100 SMS7 days *5050#NoN/A
418 PKR Monthly Pakistan Offer400 MBN/A4000 minutesN/AN/A30 days *8888#Yes*8880#

* On-net minutes can also be used to call Vfone (PTCL) numbers.

Super Card Family – Ufone

Super Card Family Packages are combo plans (without 5G NR access) with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Ufone Super Card Family Packages are available:

PriceOfferDataSocial DataOn-Net Minutes (+PTCL)Off-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidityActivation Code
160 PKRSuper Internet 1.5 GBN/A N/A N/A N/A 7 days *220# 
420 PKRMini Super Card3 GB1 GB 11000 minutes100 minutes3500 SMS15 days *230# 
799 PKRSuper Card Max10 GB N/A “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes350 minutes4500 SMS30 days *629#
899 PKRSuper Card 89920 GBN/A 6000 minutes450 minutes6000 SMS30 days *899#
1199 PKRSuper Card Gold 30 GBN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes600 minutes“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS30 days *900#
1400 PKRDigital Grand Offer100 GBN/A 10 000 minutes1000 minutes10 000 SMS30 days *900#
iPhone Buckets – Ufone

The iPhone Buckets are data plans (without 5G NR access) with reduced speeds (up to 3 Mbps) specifically for iPhone users.

You can get one of the following iPhone Buckets:

PriceDataSpeedsValidity
1000 PKR3 GB3 Mbps30 days 
1800 PKR5 GB3 Mbps30 days 

Honestly, I have no idea why these bundles exist because iPhone users can get any other bundle mentioned so far, which are all far cheaper than the iPhone Buckets and do not have to deal with speed reductions.

You can activate multiple Content Bundles simultaneously (the same ones or combining different ones).

Internet SIM Bundles – Ufone

The Internet SIM Bundles are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for Ufone's Internet SIM (data-only SIM).

You can get one of the following Internet SIM Bundles:

PriceBundleDataSocial Media DataValidity
100 PKRSuper Internet1.2 GBN/A7 day
250 PKRMonthly Light1 GB2 GB30 days 
500 PKRMonthly Heavy3 GB2 GB30 days 
1000 PKRMonthly Max10 GB2 GB30 days 

Roaming with Ufone

Ufone does not have any regular plans that include free international roaming (IR). However, they do have attractive roaming packages. Check out this guide for more information about roaming with Ufone.

APN/Internet Settings – Ufone

  • Name: Ufone
  • APN: ufone.ptinternet

Note: Do not add or change anything else not mentioned above.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Pakistan

Getting a SIM card from either Jazz or Zong would do you well when considering a Pakistani SIM card.


Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

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Check Out My Resource Page

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience

Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

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Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.

Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

Let's Be Social

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?

A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is

Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!