SIM Card & Internet Guide
Compare Afghan mobile providers and find the best connectivity options for your trip
Quick Summary
Best Coverage: Salaam (nationwide)
Best Data Plans: MTN (value for money)
Most Reliable: Roshan (overall)
Mobile Providers
📱
Roshan
One of Afghanistan's largest mobile operators
Coverage: Excellent in major cities, good in rural areas
Data Plans:
Basic Plan (1GB)150 AFN
Standard Plan (5GB)500 AFN
Premium Plan (15GB)1200 AFN
SIM Card:50 AFN
Activation Fee:200 AFN
Pros:
- • Wide coverage
- • Good customer service
- • Reliable network
Cons:
- • Higher prices
- • Limited international roaming
📶
Etisalat
International operator with good network quality
Coverage: Good in cities, moderate in rural areas
Data Plans:
Starter (2GB)200 AFN
Regular (8GB)600 AFN
Unlimited (Unlimited)1500 AFN
SIM Card:75 AFN
Activation Fee:300 AFN
Pros:
- • Good data speeds
- • International roaming
- • Modern network
Cons:
- • Limited rural coverage
- • Higher activation fees
📡
MTN
Popular choice for data-heavy users
Coverage: Good in urban areas, limited rural coverage
Data Plans:
Light (3GB)250 AFN
Medium (10GB)700 AFN
Heavy (25GB)1400 AFN
SIM Card:40 AFN
Activation Fee:150 AFN
Pros:
- • Good data packages
- • Fast internet
- • Easy activation
Cons:
- • Limited coverage outside cities
- • Customer service issues
📞
Salaam
Government-owned operator with extensive coverage
Coverage: Excellent nationwide coverage
Data Plans:
Basic (1.5GB)180 AFN
Standard (6GB)550 AFN
Premium (20GB)1300 AFN
SIM Card:30 AFN
Activation Fee:100 AFN
Pros:
- • Best rural coverage
- • Government support
- • Reliable service
Cons:
- • Slower data speeds
- • Limited modern features
How to Get a SIM Card
Activation Steps:
- 1.Visit any official store or authorized dealer
- 2.Present your passport or ID document
- 3.Pay the SIM card cost and activation fee
- 4.Complete registration form with your details
- 5.Wait for activation (usually 1-2 hours)
- 6.Test your connection with a call or message
Required Documents:
- • Valid passport or government ID
- • Proof of address (hotel booking or local contact)
- • Cash for SIM card and activation fees
- • Phone number for emergency contact
Internet & Connectivity Tips
Best Practices:
- •Download offline maps before arrival
- •Use VPN services for secure browsing
- •Monitor your data usage regularly
- •Keep backup SIM cards from different providers
- •Consider portable WiFi devices for heavy usage
- •Check coverage maps before choosing a provider
Network Information:
Network Type: 4G LTE (major cities), 3G (rural areas)
Average Speed: 5-15 Mbps (4G), 1-3 Mbps (3G)
Peak Hours: 6-9 PM (slower speeds)
Best Time: Early morning or late night
Important Notes:
- • SIM cards are registered to your passport - keep it safe
- • Data speeds may vary significantly between providers and locations
- • International roaming is limited and expensive
- • Consider buying multiple SIM cards for backup
- • WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in major cities