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SIM card: keep your Pakistani number and get a local plan

You need a local number for daily life and a working Pakistani number for banking one-time codes and family contact. Both are easy to manage with a little planning.

Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Figures are checked against the sources listed at the bottom of the page.

Talk to a counsellor
180 daysPrepaid SIM inactivity limit before blocking, per reported PTA rule
eSIMWorks on most modern phones
OTPPakistani banks send codes to your Pakistani number
Week 1Get a local number early

Keep your Pakistani number alive

  • Pakistani banks, wallets and NADRA services send one-time codes to your registered number. If it is blocked, you may be unable to log in or move money.
  • News reports in 2026 said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would block prepaid SIMs with no activity for 180 consecutive days. Ask your operator for the current rule and how to keep the line active.
  • Ways to keep it active: have a family member make a call or recharge occasionally; use a low-cost international roaming plan; or ask your operator about a long-stay or hold option.
  • Tell your bank your plan and ask whether it can send codes by email or app.
Do not give your SIM or CNIC to anyone else to “keep it active”. If a number is reissued, you can lose access to accounts linked to it.

Get a local number

OptionGood forNotes
Airport or shop prepaid SIMQuick startCheck identification rules and plan terms
Contract or monthly planBest value for dataMay need a bank account and address
eSIM data plan before you flyInstant data on arrivalPhone must be unlocked and eSIM-capable
University Wi-Fi plus messaging appsLight usersDo not rely on it for banking codes

Phone tips

  • Unlock your phone before you travel.
  • Use WhatsApp and video calls for family, but keep a local number for emergencies and the university.
  • Check emergency numbers for your destination and save them.
  • Use a password manager and two-factor authentication on apps, not only SMS where possible.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Pakistani SIM be blocked if I leave for a year?

News reports say prepaid SIMs with 180 days of no activity can be blocked. Confirm the current rule with your operator and keep the line active.

Can I use my Pakistani SIM abroad?

Yes on roaming, which can be costly. Use it for codes and use a local plan for data.

Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM?

It is convenient for arrival and travel. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

How do I get bank codes if I turn off my number?

Ask your bank to switch to app approval or email, if it offers it, before you leave.

Do I need a local number to open a bank account?

Often yes, for contact and codes. Get a local number in week one.

Sources and how we verify

Checked on 30 September 2026. This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or financial advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the official body before you pay or apply.

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