Zong or Jazz? Where to buy a SIM card in Pakistan, how much data costs, where you’ll have signal in Hunza and Skardu, and what to do when you go completely off-grid.
One of the most common questions travellers ask before visiting Northern Pakistan is: Will I have mobile signal and internet access?
The short answer is: yes in most towns, but coverage becomes limited in remote valleys, high mountain passes, and trekking regions. Understanding which network to use can make a huge difference to your travel experience.
Yes. If you're staying for more than a few days, a local SIM card is highly recommended. Mobile data in Pakistan is inexpensive compared to international roaming, and having a local number makes it easier to contact hotels, drivers, guides, and emergency services.
Foreign visitors can legally purchase a SIM card using their passport. Biometric registration is mandatory and is completed at the point of sale.
For most visitors, Zong is the best overall choice. It offers the most extensive 4G coverage along the Karakoram Highway and in major tourist destinations including Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Khaplu, and Shigar.
Popular Zong packages include:
Package
Data
Price
Weekly Student Bundle
25 GB
PKR 250
Gilgit-Baltistan Offer
4 GB + WhatsApp
PKR 280
Monthly Social & YouTube
20 GB
PKR 700
Monthly Pro Max Basic
200 GB
PKR 2,600
Monthly Pro Max Plus
200 GB
PKR 2,700
Zong SIM cards can be purchased at Islamabad Airport, franchise stores, and most cities throughout Pakistan.
Operated by the Special Communications Organization (SCO), SCOM dominates the remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, where other operators often have weak or no signal.
If your itinerary includes Passu, Sost, Shigar, Kharmang, Astore, Ghanche, or other remote valleys, carrying an SCOM SIM is highly recommended.
Important: SCOM SIM cards are generally available only within Gilgit-Baltistan, primarily through authorized franchises and mobile shops in:
Popular SCOM packages include:
Package
Data
Validity
Price
Weekly Premium
75 GB
7 Days
PKR 499
Mega Weekly Offer
3 GB + 3 GB Night
7 Days
PKR 260
Super Load Gold
5 GB + 5 GB Night
30 Days
PKR 749
Mega Monthly Offer
10 GB + 5 GB Night
30 Days
PKR 849
Super Load Max
15 GB + 10 GB Night
30 Days
PKR 1,099
Monthly Ultra
200 GB
30 Days
PKR 1,699
SCOM package details change regularly and can be checked on the official SCO website.
Location
Coverage
Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Excellent 4G on all networks
Karakoram Highway
Good in towns, patchy in deep gorges
Gilgit City
Excellent Zong and SCOM 4G
Karimabad (Hunza)
Strong Zong and SCOM 4G
Attabad Lake
Moderate coverage
Gulmit
Good SCOM, moderate Zong
Passu
Primarily SCOM coverage
Sost
SCOM and limited Telenor
Khunjerab Pass
No mobile coverage
Skardu City
Strong Zong, SCOM and Jazz 4G
Shigar Valley
SCOM coverage in main settlements
Khaplu
Good coverage in town, limited beyond
Deosai National Park
No coverage
Shimshal Valley
Very limited or none
Baltoro Glacier & K2 Base Camp
No mobile coverage
Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés in Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu provide Wi-Fi. However, speeds can vary significantly depending on weather, location, and network congestion.
In remote valleys, Wi-Fi may be unavailable or extremely slow. Plan accordingly by downloading:
before leaving major towns.
For expeditions to K2 Base Camp, Baltoro Glacier, Gondogoro La, Shimshal Pamir, or other wilderness areas, a satellite communicator such as the Garmin inReach Mini is strongly recommended, as no mobile network operates in these regions.
Northern Pakistan remains one of the world's last great mountain frontiers. While connectivity continues to improve every year, there are still many places where the internet disappears completely—and for many travellers, those disconnected moments become the highlight of the journey.
How to Get a SIM Card in Pakistan as a Tourist
Getting a SIM card in Pakistan as a tourist is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes. Simply visit an authorized franchise or service center of a mobile network provider with your passport and valid visa. The staff will verify your documents, complete the registration process, and issue a SIM card in your name, allowing you to access local calls, SMS, and mobile data during your stay.
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