Planning a trip to Pakistan and need reliable mobile data? Getting an eSIM for Pakistan is your best bet.
eSIMs (embedded SIMs) allow you to access local data networks without using a physical SIM card. Instead, the SIM profile is stored on your phone’s internal memory or integrated circuit. eSIMs are super convenient for travel as you can buy them ahead of time and activate them remotely once you arrive in Pakistan.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting an eSIM for Pakistan. We’ll recommend the best eSIM providers, highlight key factors to consider when buying an eSIM, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive right in!
How eSIMs Work in Pakistan
Here’s a quick overview of how eSIMs give you mobile data access when traveling to Pakistan:
- You buy an eSIM plan online – There are many companies selling eSIMs for Pakistan. We list the top options later on.
- The eSIM company emails you an activation code – This code pairs your device to their network. It usually comes as a QR code you scan using your phone’s camera.
- You activate the eSIM profile through your phone’s settings – Open “Cellular” or “Mobile Networks” and select the eSIM option. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code or enter the activation number manually.
- You’re connected to the local mobile network partner – The eSIM provider partners with major Pakistani telecom operators like Zong, Jazz, Telenor to give you nationwide coverage.
That’s it! No need for buying a physical SIM card when you land or dealing with roaming fees.
Best eSIM Providers for Pakistan
We evaluated over 15 eSIM companies for criteria like price, data options, network quality, customer support, and ease of setup.
Based on extensive analysis, these five eSIM providers consistently come up on top for getting mobile data in Pakistan:
1. Airalo
Airalo is our top choice for getting an eSIM in Pakistan.
Here are some key advantages:
- Very affordable data plans – Prices start at $4.99 per GB
- Reliable coverage – Uses the Jazz network, which tested highest in mobile network quality
- LTE/4G speeds – Get the fastest mobile data speeds in Pakistan
- Good package options – Choose anything from 500MB to 25GB valid for 7 to 365 days
- Superior customer support – 24/7 live chat, email, WhatsApp available
While they don’t have unlimited data options, their regular data packages offer outstanding value compared to alternatives. Overall, Airalo hits the sweet spot across pricing, speeds, support channels, and ease of setup through their mobile app.
2. Holafly
For unlimited mobile data in Pakistan, Holafly is a great choice.
They partner with Telenor to bring completely unlimited 4G LTE data to your device. The speed is capped at 10 Mbps but that’s enough for most travel needs like navigation, social media, calls, music/video streaming, etc.
Here’s an overview:
- Uncapped mobile data – Truly unlimited with no throttling. 10 Mbps speed cap.
- Longer validity eSIMs – Get unlimited data for up to 30 continuous days
- Global coverage – Also use Holafly plans in 170+ other countries
- Easy online activation – Scan QR code to connect
One limitation is no free tethering/personal hotspot with the Pakistan unlimited data packs. But Airalo allows free hotspot usage.
3. AIS eSIM
Part of Advanced Info Services (AIS), Thailand’s largest mobile operator, AIS eSIM is another excellent choice for getting mobile data in Pakistan.
While they don’t have specific Pakistan eSIMs, you can use their South East Asia or Global plans to connect:
- High network quality – Advanced Info Service has a strong reputation
- Affordable rates – Global 6 GB 15-day eSIM plan works out to ~$3 per GB
- 5G & 4G LTE – Get the fastest mobile data speeds where available
- Multi-country access – Also use your AIS eSIM in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.
They have outstanding connectivity within South East Asian countries. For Pakistan, network quality would depend on local roaming partners but should still beat expensive roaming.
4. Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile is a fast-growing UK-based eSIM provider for worldwide travel.
They have highly affordable Pakistan eSIM data packs valid for 30 days:
- Cheap data rates – 1 GB for just $5. 5 GB $20. 10 GB for $35.
- Unlimited plan available – $89 for 30 days
- Reliable networks – Uses Telenor, Pakistan’s second largest provider
- Tethering allowed – Share your mobile data by turning on personal hotspot
While speeds are capped at 100 Mbps, Maya Mobile plans offer outstanding value-for-money. They also have exceptional customer service response times under 2 hours.
5. Dent eSIM
Dent is another option worth checking out. This global eSIM provider gives you low-cost data packs in over 130 countries including Pakistan.
Benefits of using Dent:
- Pay-as-you-go model – Get small data packs from as low as $4
- Local network partners – Connecting to Pakistan’s largest provider, Zong
- Data gift cards available – Buy as gifts for friends & family
One limitation is data-only SIMs with no integrated calling or texting. But Dent is a cost-effective way to get mobile data without lock-in contracts. You can quickly top-up talk time or data packs as needed.
Key Factors When Comparing eSIMs for Pakistan
As you decide which Pakistan eSIM provider best meets your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
Coverage and Speeds
The first priority is reliable connectivity throughout your trip. Pakistan’s top mobile carriers are Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone.
The best eSIM providers partner directly with these leading Pakistani telecom companies or use extensive local roaming to match their coverage footprint. This prevents limited network access issues.
For connectivity speeds, Jazz and Telenor support 4G/LTE mobile technology widely across Pakistan. Zong has the most extensive 5G coverage right now. Opt for an eSIM company giving you access to one of these high-speed networks.
Price Per GB
Carefully compare costs per GB across eSIM providers to find the best deals. Prices range widely from as low as ~$3 per GB (Airalo 500 MB pack) up to $14 per GB (Ubigi).
To avoid bill shocks, first estimate your expected monthly data usage. For example, 5 GB per week is sufficient for most travelers to cover social media, navigation, web browsing and audio streaming.
Then choose an appropriately sized data pack that meets your needs at the lowest $ per GB rate. Airalo has outstanding rates for their regular data plans listed earlier.
Tethering Support
Some eSIM providers like Holafly disable tethering and hotspot access on their Pakistan data plans. This prevents you from routing other devices like laptops or tablets through your phone’s mobile connectivity.
If you’ll need to work on other devices on-the-go, choose an eSIM company like Airalo that allows free tethering. You can then use your smartphone’s data for WiFi hotspot access when required.
Customer Service
Getting quick support if connectivity issues arise during your trip is crucial. Compare eSIM providers on response times and support channels offered.
For example, both Airalo and Holafly have 24/7 live chat plus email/WhatsApp support. Maya Mobile promises under 2 hour response times over email. This ensures any activation, renewal or troubleshooting problems can be rapidly resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eSIMs easy to set up in Pakistan?
Yes, eSIMs are very convenient and easy to activate in Pakistan. Once you purchase your data plan online and receive the QR activation code, just scan this code using your phone’s camera when prompted. It automatically configures the plan profile.
The whole process from scanning to getting connected takes under 5 minutes. Much simpler than finding and inserting physical SIM cards on arrival!
Can I use mobile data while roaming on my regular SIM?
Your regular SIM card may work for calls and texts after enabling international roaming. But for mobile data, standard roaming rates are very expensive at $2-$10 PER Megabyte used.
Getting a local Pakistani eSIM for mobile data is WAY cheaper and more practical than racking up shocking data roaming bills. With prepaid eSIMs, you pay fixed rates upfront for data allotments.
Do eSIMs work for iPhones and Android phones?
Yes! Most newer iPhone models from iPhone XS and newer support eSIM activation. For Android phones, Pixel 3 onwards, newer Samsung S/Note and select LG/Motorola models allow eSIM functionality.
Can’t figure out if your device accepts eSIMs? Just Google “[Your Phone Model] eSIM support”. Or try scanning a sample QR code on eSIM provider websites which won’t activate anything but tells you compatibility.
Can I use the eSIM’s mobile data for calls & texts?
eSIM data-only plans don’t directly allow calling and messaging. But many travellers use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Google Hangouts Dialer, Microsoft Teams, etc for free IP-based calling.
You can also use online texting apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal, Viber, etc. Leveraging your eSIM’s mobile data allotment for data-driven communications.
Get Going With the Best eSIM for Pakistan!
We hope this guide helped you find the ideal eSIM provider for your upcoming trip to Pakistan.
Simply get your eSIM data pack before you fly out and scan the activation code once you land. Then start enjoying reliable connectivity on the go in Pakistan, without any SIM card fuss or preventing nasty roaming surprises.
Let’s quickly recap top recommendations to consider:
- Airalo offers very affordable mobile data plans on fast jazz LTE networks. No unlimited data but top value 500 MB to 25 GB packs.
- Holafly brings unlimited 4G data on Telenor, with no speed throttling. But hotspot access disabled.
- Maya Mobile has incredibly cheap data-only and unlimited eSIMs starting $5. Tethering allowed and good customer service.
- Dent eSIM offers starter data packs from just $4 over 130 countries like Pakistan. Quick top-ups available. No calls.
- AIS eSIM is extensively used in South East Asia. Affordable plans to roam in Pakistan. High network quality reputation.
Have a great trip to Pakistan! Let us know if you have any other questions as you get your eSIM activated.
