Can You Get an eSIM Online in Pakistan?

The answer is yes and no – it depends on what type of eSIM you need. For a local Pakistani eSIM with a Pakistani mobile number, most major operators require an in-person visit for biometric verification. However, there is one fully digital option, and travelers can also get data-only eSIMs entirely online.

Online vs In-Person: Quick Summary

Option 1: Fully Online Local eSIM – Onic

Onic is Pakistan's first fully digital telecom operator and offers the only way to get a local Pakistani eSIM entirely from home.

How to get an Onic eSIM from home:

1. Visit Onic's website or download the Onic app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Choose your plan – select a plan that fits your needs

3. Select eSIM – choose eSIM instead of physical SIM during checkout

4. Complete digital verification – biometric verification is done through the app, not in-person

5. Receive QR code – delivered digitally in the app or by email

6. Scan to activate – scan the QR code in your device settings and activate instantly

Key Benefits:

• No queues, no paperwork, no store visit

• Manage everything from the app – buy plans, track usage, get support

• Competitive pricing and transparent plans

Option 2: Local eSIMs Requiring In-Person Visit – Jazz, Zong, Ufone

For traditional operators like Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, you cannot get an eSIM online or from home. You must visit a service center in person.

Zong

Cannot be issued online. You must visit a Zong Customer Service Centre or Franchise.

Process:

1. Visit a Zong Customer Service Centre or Franchise

2. Request eSIM issuance or physical-to-eSIM conversion

3. Complete mandatory biometric verification (thumbprint scan)

4. Receive a physical voucher containing a QR code

5. Scan the QR code at home using Wi-Fi to activate

Charges: Rs. 2,000 for eSIM issuance

Note: Do not share the QR code with anyone as it is linked to your mobile number.

Jazz

Jazz was the first operator to introduce eSIM in Pakistan but also requires an in-person visit. You need to go to a Jazz Experience Center, Franchise, or eligible retailer. The process involves biometric verification (thumbprint scan) at the center, and you receive a QR code voucher. Your eSIM is active in 5 minutes after scanning the QR code.

Ufone

Ufone supports eSIM for both prepaid and postpaid users but requires an in-person visit to a Ufone Service Center. Available in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.

Option 3: Travel eSIMs (Fully Online, No Biometric)

If you are a traveler and do not need a local Pakistani mobile number, you can get a data-only travel eSIM fully online with no biometric verification. These eSIMs work on local partner networks like Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone.

HelloRoam

Starting Price: From €1.72 / $5.99
Network: Jazz 4G
Activation: QR code via email
KYC Required?: No

HelloSIM

Starting Price: From a few euros
Network: Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone
Activation: QR code via email/app
KYC Required?: No

AnyFone

Starting Price: From ¥1,330
Network: Jazz
Activation: QR code via email
KYC Required?: No

VoidMob

Starting Price: From $5.99
Network: Jazz 4G/LTE
Activation: QR code via email
KYC Required?: No (crypto accepted)

How to get a travel eSIM online:

1. Choose a provider and select a data plan

2. Complete purchase online (credit card or crypto)

3. Receive QR code by email within minutes

4. Scan QR code in device settings (requires Wi-Fi)

5. Activate on arrival in Pakistan – connects to local network automatically

Important Notes:

• Travel eSIMs are data-only – they do not provide a Pakistani phone number for calls or SMS

• No biometric verification or PTA registration required for travelers

• Connect to local networks like Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone

Why Biometric Verification is Required for Local eSIMs

In Pakistan, biometric verification is mandatory for local eSIM activation to ensure the SIM is registered to your CNIC and prevent unauthorized usage. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requires all local SIMs – physical or digital – to be tied to a verified identity.

Summary: Which Option is Best for You?

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step-by-Step: Get an Onic eSIM from Home

2. Visit onic.pk or download the Onic app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

3. Choose your plan and select eSIM option during checkout

4. Complete digital biometric verification through the app

5. Receive your QR code digitally in the app or by email

6. Scan the QR code in your device settings:

7. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Scan QR Code

8. On Android: Settings > SIM Card Manager > eSIM > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR Code

9. Your eSIM is now active

10. Step-by-Step: Get a Travel eSIM Online

11. Choose a travel eSIM provider (HelloRoam, HelloSIM, VoidMob, etc.)

12. Select a data plan and complete purchase online

13. Receive QR code by email within minutes

14. Install before travel on home Wi-Fi:

15. Scan QR code in device settings

16. Follow on-screen instructions

17. On arrival in Pakistan, enable the eSIM line and turn on Data Roaming

18. The eSIM connects to local networks automatically

19. Step-by-Step: Get a Zong eSIM (In-Person Required)

20. Check device compatibility: Dial *#06# – if an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM

21. Visit a Zong Customer Service Centre or Franchise

22. Complete mandatory biometric verification (thumbprint scan)

23. Pay the Rs. 2,000 eSIM issuance fee

24. Receive a physical voucher containing a QR code

25. At home, scan the QR code in your device settings:

26. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Scan QR Code

27. On Android: Settings > SIM Card Manager > eSIM > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR Code

28. Enter PIN: Type default code "0000" when asked

29. Your eSIM will be active in 5 minutes