1 GB
Valid for 7 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Roshan
- APN is set automatically
€6.99
Buy
Afghanistan eSIM
5 data plans from €6.99 · instant delivery by email
The Afghanistan eSIM runs on local networks at a fixed plan price – much cheaper than roaming and without a contract. Choose from 5 data plans from 1 GB to 10 GB, valid for 7 to 30 days. You use the Roshan network.
Afghanistan eSIM data plans
2 GB
Valid for 15 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Roshan
- APN is set automatically
€9.99
Buy
3 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Roshan
- APN is set automatically
€14.99
Buy
5 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Roshan
- APN is set automatically
€19.99
Buy
10 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Roshan
- APN is set automatically
€38.99
Buy
Travel guide: Afghanistan
Afghanistan isn't your average destination: between the peaks of the Hindu Kush, centuries-old caravanserais and lively bazaars lies a culture that leaves a deep impression on many travellers. Infrastructure is often basic, though, and without a reliable connection even arriving at the airport can become a challenge. With an eSIM you're online from the very first minute – for navigation, translation and staying in touch with home. Those who embrace the country are rewarded with hospitality and places that hardly anyone gets to see.
At a glance
- Currency
- AFN (AFN)
- Power sockets
- Type C, F · 220 V
- Emergency
- Police 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 119
- Country code
- +93
- Time zone
- UTC+4:30
- Driving
- Drive on the right
- Tipping
- Rounding up is enough
- Tap water
- Bottled water recommended
- Best time to travel
- Apr–May, Sept–Oct
Mobile internet in Afghanistan
The mobile network is run mainly by Roshan, the country's largest provider. In Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e Sharif and Kandahar 4G is now standard, but in many rural regions and mountain valleys the signal drops back to 3G or disappears altogether. For travellers this means mobile internet works reliably in the cities, but you should expect dead spots on overland journeys.
With an eSIM you save yourself the trip to a mobile phone shop, which often opens only at certain times and issues a local SIM card only on presentation of your passport. After landing you're connected straight away and can find your way with a map, call a taxi or contact your accommodation. Public Wi-Fi is barely available in Afghanistan; in cafés and hotels it's often slow or non-existent. Mobile data is therefore your most important link to the outside world.
Be sure to download offline maps before your trip – Google Maps and Maps.me work without a signal too. For translating Dari and Pashto, Google Translate with offline language packs is a help. Since power cuts are frequent, a power bank is worth having to keep your phone and eSIM-capable device charged. In remote valleys the network can go down for hours, so plan important communication for the cities.
Highlights in Afghanistan
Band-e-Amir National Park
Six deep-blue lakes separated by natural limestone dams shimmer amid the barren mountain landscape of Bamyan province. The park is Afghanistan's first national park and a place that feels almost surreal – ideal for a day hike.
Bamyan and the Buddha niches
Above the valley of Bamyan two vast niches gape in the rock where the world's largest standing Buddha statues once stood. The surrounding cave monasteries and red cliffs tell of the Buddhist heyday on the Silk Road.
Herat
The city in the west charms with the Friday Mosque and its turquoise-blue mosaics and the citadel that crowns a 3,000-year-old hill. In the bazaars of the old town you sense the closeness to Iran and Turkmenistan.
Kabul
The National Museum displays finds from the Stone Age to the Islamic era, and the Babur Gardens offer a green oasis in the middle of the city. The bird market and the old Murad Khani quarter are also worth a visit – best with a local guide.
Mazar-e Sharif
The Blue Mosque, the city's landmark, is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture with turquoise domes and a peaceful courtyard. Especially at the Nouruz New Year festival, pilgrims flock here from all over the country.
Minaret of Jam
In a remote valley of Ghor province stands the 65-metre-high minaret from the 12th century, surrounded by steep rock faces. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can only be reached with a permit and an experienced driver – an adventure for true explorers.
Practical travel tips
- Learn a few words of Dari or Pashto: "Salaam" (hello) and "Tashakor" (thank you) open many doors, as English is rarely spoken.
- Take plenty of cash in US dollars and change small amounts, as cash machines hardly work outside Kabul. Keep your money distributed about your person.
- For long distances, plan domestic flights with Ariana Afghan or Kam Air – road travel is often slow and can be delayed by checkpoints.
- For trips outside the cities, find a local guide or driver who knows the area and can mediate if needed. This increases safety and cultural understanding.
- Respect prayer times: on Fridays many shops close for midday prayer, and near mosques you should keep quiet and not take photos.
- Dress conservatively, men too: long trousers and shirts with sleeves are standard. Women should wear a headscarf and a loose-fitting coat (abaya or long coat) to avoid attracting attention.
Do’s
- Take off your shoes when entering mosques, shrines and homes and place them neatly at the entrance – there are often shelves for this.
- Accept tea or food when it is offered – hospitality is sacred, and a polite no could be taken as a rejection of the person.
- Always ask before photographing people, especially women and families. In many areas taking photos without permission is a major taboo.
- Use your right hand for eating, drinking and handing over objects; the left is considered unclean.
- Always carry a small torch or use your phone torch – power cuts are frequent and the streets are often unlit.
Don’ts
- Don't photograph military installations, checkpoints or government buildings – this can have serious consequences.
- Don't show affection in public; even holding hands between married couples is unusual and can be seen as disrespectful.
- Don't drink alcohol in public – consumption is illegal and can lead to serious problems.
- Don't discuss politics, religion or the security situation with strangers; such topics are sensitive and can easily be misunderstood.
- Don't hike alone in remote areas without a guide who knows the area – the risk of mines and unclear situations is real.
Entry, visa and safety: please check your government’s current travel advice before you go. Last updated: October 2026.
Afghanistan eSIM – frequently asked questions
Which Afghanistan eSIM plan do I need?
That depends on how much data you use: for navigation, messaging and occasional browsing 1–3 GB per week is usually enough; for social media, video calls or hotspot rather 5 GB or more. The plans cost between €6.99 and €38.99.
When does the validity of my eSIM start?
Validity only starts when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination for the first time. So you can safely install it before your trip.
Will my normal phone number stay reachable?
Yes. This is a data-only eSIM installed in addition to your SIM card. Calls and SMS still use your normal number – mind your provider’s roaming prices.
Does the eSIM work with my phone?
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. This includes all iPhones from XS/XR, Samsung Galaxy from S20 and Google Pixel from 3. See “Compatible devices” for the full list.
How do I set up the eSIM?
After purchase you receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone’s mobile network settings, select the eSIM for mobile data and switch on data roaming for the eSIM at your destination.
Do I need to set an APN?
No. The access point (APN) is set automatically for all Afghanistan eSIM plans.
Do WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work with the eSIM?
In most Asian countries, yes, without restrictions. In some countries (e.g. China) certain services are blocked on local networks; travel eSIMs usually route data abroad, so these services generally remain available. We cannot guarantee this, though.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a SIM card at the airport?
Often, yes – mainly because you do not lose time at the airport, do not need to show your passport and know the exact price in advance. Your normal SIM also stays in your phone.