Afghanistan’s telecommunications infrastructure has seen major developments over the years, making it possible for tourists, expats, and locals to access mobile services in most populated areas. If you’re traveling to Afghanistan or staying short-term, getting a prepaid SIM card is the best way to stay connected. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Afghanistan—from frequencies and prices to registration and tourist packages.
Basics of Prepaid SIM Cards in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has four major mobile network operators offering prepaid SIM services:
- AWCC (Afghan Wireless Communication Company)
- Roshan (TDCA Ltd)
- Etisalat Afghanistan
- MTN Afghanistan
These companies provide 2G, 3G, and limited 4G/LTE services. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, mobile shops, and official operator stores.
Official Websites
| Operator | Website |
|---|---|
| AWCC | www.afghan-wireless.com |
| Roshan | www.roshan.af |
| Etisalat | www.etisalat.af |
| MTN Afghanistan | www.mtn.com.af |
Frequencies
Afghanistan’s mobile operators use the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) – availability is limited and mostly in urban centers
Before purchasing a SIM, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with these bands.
Coverage & Speed
Urban Areas:
Most cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kandahar have decent 3G coverage. 4G is limited but expanding.
Rural Areas:
2G and 3G services are more commonly available. Speeds may be slow due to limited infrastructure and signal interference in mountainous regions.
| Network | Best Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AWCC | Kabul & Major Cities | Strong urban presence |
| Roshan | Balanced Coverage | Good for rural areas |
| Etisalat | Kabul, Jalalabad | Offers limited 4G |
| MTN | Southern Regions | Budget-friendly, variable speeds |
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | AWCC | Roshan | Etisalat | MTN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4G/LTE | Limited | Very Limited | Available | Limited |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| App | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android only | Android only |
| Price (SIM) | ~$2 | ~$1.5 | ~$1.5 | ~$1 |
| Data Packages | Competitive | Reliable | Affordable | Cheapest |
biometric User Registration (BVS)
Due to national regulations, every SIM card in Afghanistan must be registered with biometric verification. This includes:
- Passport or National ID (for foreigners and locals respectively)
- Fingerprint scan
- Photo ID verification
SIM cards are not sold anonymously, and unregistered cards may be deactivated.
What to Expect
- SIM cards are easy to obtain in cities
- Verification process may take 10–20 minutes
- English support is limited; bring a local translator if possible
- Only 1 or 2 SIMs per passport are allowed
- SIMs are locked to the registered device in some cases
Device Registration
As of 2025, there is no strict IMEI registration requirement for tourists. However, some operators may lock a SIM to a device to prevent misuse. Long-term visitors may be asked to register their device with the local telecom authority if staying over 90 days.
Mobile Apps
All major telecoms offer mobile apps to check balance, purchase packages, and activate services:
- AWCC MyAWCC App – Android & iOS
- Roshan MyRoshan App – Android & iOS
- Etisalat Afghanistan App – Android only
- MTN App – Android only (basic functionality)
SIM Card Price
SIM cards are affordable and can be purchased for:
- AWCC: ~150 AFN ($2)
- Roshan: ~100 AFN ($1.50)
- Etisalat: ~100 AFN ($1.50)
- MTN: ~75 AFN ($1)
Includes basic credit or data (often 100MB–500MB).
Prepaid Plans
All providers offer weekly and monthly prepaid data bundles:
| Operator | 1GB Plan | 5GB Plan | 10GB Plan | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWCC | $1.50 | $5 | $9 | 7–30 Days |
| Roshan | $1.20 | $4.50 | $8.50 | 7–30 Days |
| Etisalat | $1.30 | $4.20 | $8 | 7–30 Days |
| MTN | $1 | $4 | $7.50 | 7–30 Days |
Voice & SMS plans are also available, but data plans are more popular with tourists.
Tourist SIM
Only AWCC and Roshan currently offer Tourist SIM cards, which include:
- Free SIM
- Preloaded data (up to 5GB)
- Valid for 30 days
- Includes minutes for local and sometimes international calls
Available at airport kiosks and major cities.
Activation
SIM activation is usually immediate after biometric verification. In case of delays:
- Restart your phone
- Dial the operator’s helpline (English support may be limited)
- Visit the SIM vendor for manual activation
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Afghanistan is straightforward and essential for staying connected during your trip. Whether you’re visiting historic sites in Herat, exploring markets in Kabul, or documenting life in the Hindu Kush, a local SIM ensures reliable access to calls, internet, and maps.
AWCC and Roshan offer the best options for most travelers, thanks to broader coverage and tourist-friendly packages. Don’t forget to bring your passport and be prepared for biometric registration. For those venturing beyond city centers, consider a backup SIM or power bank—connectivity might be sparse but possible.