iPhone eSIM in Pakistan: Charges, Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor

The short version

If you only read one part, read this.

• An eSIM is a SIM that is built into the phone. You get a QR code from your mobile operator instead of a plastic card, and you scan it with the iPhone.
• Apple says eSIM works on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every later iPhone. Some newer models have no SIM tray at all, so for them an eSIM is the only way. See the next sections to check yours.
• In Pakistan you get the eSIM in person, at a service centre or franchise. Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor all ask for a fingerprint (biometric) check first. Bring your original CNIC.
• Jazz and Zong print Rs 1,500 for an eSIM. Ufone prints both Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 on the same page. Telenor prints no price. Since 17 August 2026, PTA's maximum retail price for a new eSIM or a physical-SIM-to-eSIM conversion is Rs 1,500.
• PTA says moving an eSIM from one phone to another is free for up to ten moves.
• An eSIM does not remove the PTA tax. If the phone is imported and its tax is not paid, the eSIM can be blocked.

What is an eSIM?

Apple describes an eSIM as an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPhone, so you do not need a physical SIM card. Jazz, Zong and Ufone describe it the same way: a digital SIM in your phone that lets you activate a mobile number without a physical SIM.

You still need a normal Pakistani mobile number from an operator. The eSIM is just a different way to carry that number. Apple says you can store more than one eSIM on an iPhone, which is handy if you want a personal and a work number on one phone. The operators say the same: you can add several numbers, and the eSIM works while roaming.

Your existing offers and tariffs do not change. Jazz, Zong and Ufone all say that your current services stay on the new eSIM when you replace a physical SIM.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Apple says eSIM works on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and later. That covers the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and newer models, and also the iPhone SE (2020), which the operators list.

A warning about the operator lists. The handset lists on the operator pages are not always current. When we read them, Ufone's iPhone list stopped at the iPhone 14 and Jazz's list included the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air. Telenor's list, as reported on 24 October 2026, stopped at the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The lists are old marketing pages, not tests of every model. If your iPhone is newer than the list, Apple's page is the better guide. Ask the shop to confirm before the fingerprint check so you do not pay for something your phone cannot use.

Which iPhones are eSIM-only?

Some iPhones have no SIM tray, and for those an eSIM is the only choice. Apple's Identify your iPhone page says this about the tray:

• iPhone Air and iPhone Duo: no SIM tray, anywhere.
• iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: no SIM tray in the United States, Puerto Rico, Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In other countries or regions Apple says there is a SIM tray with a physical nano-SIM.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 (all four models), 16 (all four models) and 16e: no SIM tray in the United States only. In other countries or regions there is a tray.
• Older eSIM iPhones (XS, XR, and the 11, 12 and 13 series): these have a tray as well as eSIM.

Does an iPhone bought in Pakistan have a SIM tray?

Pakistan is not in Apple's no-tray list. So, going by Apple's page, an iPhone sold for the Pakistan market is among the "other countries or regions" and has a physical SIM tray, as well as eSIM. We could not find a Pakistan-specific line from Apple, so use this as a guide and check the phone in your hand.

The eSIM-only phones most Pakistani buyers meet are imports, especially US and Gulf versions. The same iPhone can have a tray in one country and none in another, so a phone from a shop in the United States or the UAE may not take a physical SIM. Before you pay, look at the phone's side. Check whether there is a tray, and check the model number against Apple's Identify your iPhone page, which lists the A-numbers by country.

Ufone says on its eSIM page that its eSIM does not support carrier-locked handsets, and that you have to unlock the handset before downloading the eSIM. Ask the seller whether the phone is factory unlocked. We did not find the same rule printed by the other operators, so check with them.

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What does an eSIM cost in Pakistan?

These are the figures the operators publish, as we read them on 27 October 2026. They are the eSIM fee. Jazz and Ufone say it is on top of the usual number charges, so a brand-new number may cost more than the eSIM fee alone.

• Jazz: Rs 1,500. Jazz's eSIM page says "eSIM charges are Rs.1,500 (excluding standard number charges)".
• Zong: Rs 1,500, charged at Zong Customer Service Centres, according to Zong's eSIM page.
• Ufone: the page contradicts itself. The Price section says Rs 1,500 for both new customers and customers who switch a physical Ufone SIM to eSIM. The FAQ and the Terms & Conditions on the same page say Rs 2,000 (excluding number charges). We can only tell you what is printed. Ask the counter which price applies and get a receipt.
• Telenor: no price. As reported on 25 October 2026, Telenor's eSIM page prints no fee for a new eSIM or a conversion. Ask the Telenor shop before the fingerprint check. Telenor Pakistan has also merged into Ufone's company, PTML, from July 2026 (The News, 2 July 2026), so Telenor's pages and prices may change.
• PTA's cap: PTA says it has set a maximum retail price of Rs 1,500 for issuing an eSIM and for converting a physical SIM to eSIM, across Pakistan, AJ&K and GB, from 17 August 2026. That comes from PTA's own post and from The News, Business Recorder, ProPakistani and PhoneWorld. We could not open PTA's formal notice on its website, so we are going by those reports.
• Transfers: PTA says moving an eSIM profile from one device to another is free for up to ten moves.

Our experience: an eSIM from a Ufone office for Rs 2,000

This part is first-hand. One of us bought an eSIM for his own iPhone at a Ufone office in October 2026 and paid Rs 2,000.

Rs 2,000 is the amount in Ufone's FAQ and Terms & Conditions, but it is more than PTA's Rs 1,500 cap that has applied since 17 August 2026. We do not know why the counter charged it, and we do not want to guess. Prices can vary by office and by what is included, such as the number itself. So treat Rs 2,000 as what one customer paid, not as the official price.

What we suggest: ask the price out loud before the fingerprint check, ask what exactly it covers, and ask for a receipt. If you are charged more than Rs 1,500 for an eSIM and it does not make sense to you, you can complain to PTA. PTA's consumer line is 0800-55055, and there is an online complaint form on the PTA website.

How to get an eSIM from each operator

All four follow the same pattern: go to the operator in person, pass the fingerprint check, get a QR code, and scan it on your iPhone. The details differ a little.

• Jazz: visit a Jazz Experience Center, franchise or eligible retailer. Jazz says biometric verification is required before activation, you get a QR code on a voucher, and the eSIM activates within 5 minutes after you scan it. You can get a new eSIM account or replace your existing physical SIM with one. Jazz says the physical SIM linked to that number is deactivated.
• Zong: visit the nearest Zong Customer Service Centre or franchise. You can book a new number or replace an existing Zong number with an eSIM. After BVS verification, Zong hands you a physical voucher with the eSIM QR code.
• Ufone: visit any Ufone Service Center, franchise or Ufone Self Service Booth (open 24/7) to get a new eSIM or convert an existing Ufone number. After BVS registration you get an eSIM jacket with a QR code. If the phone is lost or stolen, Ufone says you must visit a Ufone service centre or franchise to get a new QR code.
• Telenor: as reported on 25 October 2026, visit a Telenor franchise or retailer with your original CNIC, complete the biometric check and give an email address. Telenor also emails a password-protected QR code, and the password is the last four digits of your CNIC. Telenor's launch notice in 2024 said you can scan the QR code at any Telenor Sales and Service Centre or authorised retailer.
• Documents: the operator pages talk about a CNIC and fingerprint (biometric) verification. If you only have a passport, or the SIM is for someone else, ask the operator first. We did not find a published rule for that.
• Online: we found no operator page that lets you get a brand-new eSIM without first visiting for verification. Apple notes that in some countries you may need to activate an eSIM at the carrier store for an in-person ID check.

How to activate the eSIM on your iPhone

Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi or mobile data first. Then use the QR code you were given. On some iPhones the menu is called Mobile Service instead of Cellular. Apple uses both names.

• Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Add eSIM, then tap Use QR Code. On some versions it says Add Cellular Plan, which is the wording Jazz, Zong and Ufone use. The camera opens.
• Point the camera at the QR code. You can also open the Camera app and scan it, then tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
• Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. If it asks for a confirmation code, enter the number your operator gave you.
• Ufone's page says to type the default PIN 0000 when asked.
• Check it works. Go to Settings > Cellular and make sure the new line is turned on, then make a call. If you cannot call, contact your operator.
• Do not share the QR code. All three operators warn about this. If you lose the QR code before you scan it, Jazz says to call 111 or visit a Jazz Experience Center to deactivate it.

How to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM

In Pakistan, you do this at the operator. Jazz, Zong and Ufone each say you can replace an existing number with an eSIM at their centres. You pay the eSIM fee and pass the fingerprint check. You get a QR code and scan it as above. Jazz says the physical SIM for that number is deactivated afterwards, and Apple says the same: after you convert, the physical SIM no longer works. PTA's Rs 1,500 cap also covers conversions.

Apple's phone-only way is Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, choose the number on your physical SIM, then tap Convert to eSIM. Apple says this only works if your carrier supports it. We did not find any Pakistani operator saying it supports this on-phone conversion, so go to the counter unless your operator tells you otherwise.

How to move your eSIM to a new iPhone

The cost is the good news. PTA says moving an eSIM profile from one device to another is free for up to ten moves from 17 August 2026. PTA's announcement said you could already move an eSIM a limited number of times with the original QR code, at no extra cost.

What the operators say:

• Zong: if you change your handset or the eSIM profile is deleted, you can re-scan the existing QR code.
• Jazz: the eSIM QR code can be reused if it has been properly removed or deleted from the previous handset. If you factory reset the phone, the eSIM is removed, and you must visit a Jazz centre, franchise or retailer to get a new QR code.
• Ufone: the page says a new QR code is needed from a Ufone service centre or franchise if the phone is lost or stolen. It does not describe a way to reuse the code, so ask at the counter first.
• Telenor: keep the password-protected email with the QR code, as it is the thing you will need later, according to the Pakera report.

Before you sell, reset or upgrade your phone

Save the QR code or voucher somewhere safe, but not on the phone you are about to wipe, and do not share it. Do not erase the phone until you know how your operator handles a move. Then remove the eSIM from the old phone as the operator says, so the code can be used again.

Apple also has its own transfer feature, eSIM Quick Transfer. On the new iPhone you go to Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM and choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone. It needs both phones signed in to the same Apple Account, Bluetooth on, and iOS 18.4 or later, and Apple says it only works if your carrier supports it. We could not confirm that any Pakistani operator does, so do not count on it. Ask your operator, or ask for the QR route.

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PTA registration and tax for an imported eSIM iPhone

An eSIM does not skip PTA. Jazz, Zong and Ufone all explain it the same way: the eSIM activates the eSIM IMEI of your phone, and to avoid being blocked in DIRBS you need to do these things:

• Send both IMEIs to 8484. Dial *#06# on the phone to see them. IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 are the two numbers.
• Email screenshots of IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 to typeapproval@pta.gov.pk for whitelisting.
• If the phone tax is not paid, pay it first to keep using the eSIM.

What the tax is, and where to check it

PTA runs the DIRBS system that decides which phones can use Pakistani SIMs. The tax is set by the FBR, not by PTA, and it changes. We do not repeat amounts in this guide. Use the PTA tax calculator and our PTA tax guide for the current numbers, and check the figure on the PSID that DIRBS gives you.

On the 60 days: our PTA guide explains that a phone whose tax is not paid within 60 days of first use on a local network is blocked from Pakistani SIMs, while Wi-Fi keeps working. An imported eSIM-only iPhone is a phone like any other here, so register it. If you buy one, ask the seller for proof that it is PTA approved, or ask for the price to include the tax.

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• PTA tax calculator

Quick checklist at the counter

Run through this before you leave.

• Ask the exact price and what it includes, and ask for a receipt. The cap is Rs 1,500, but check what the shop says.
• Bring your original CNIC and the iPhone, and have Wi-Fi or data ready.
• Watch that the QR code is scanned on your phone, and that you get a call or SMS test before you leave.
• Take a photo of the voucher and keep the paper safe. Do not post it online.
• Ask what happens when you change phones, and what you need if the phone is reset.
• At home, check both IMEIs in DIRBS and pay any tax due.

What is an eSIM on an iPhone?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into the iPhone, so you do not need a physical SIM card. You get a QR code from your mobile operator and scan it in Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Service on some iPhones) to add the number.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Apple says iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and every later iPhone support eSIM, if your carrier supports it. Operator handset lists in Pakistan are not always up to date, so ask the shop if your model is newer than the list.

Which iPhones are eSIM-only?

Apple says the iPhone Air and iPhone Duo have no SIM tray anywhere. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have no tray in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico and several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The iPhone 14, 15 and 16 series have no tray in the United States only.

Does an iPhone 17 bought in Pakistan have a SIM tray?

Pakistan is not in Apple's no-tray list, so by Apple's page a Pakistan-market iPhone 17 has a physical SIM tray. A US or Gulf-market iPhone 17 does not. Check the phone before you pay, and match the model number on Apple's Identify your iPhone page.

How much does an eSIM cost in Pakistan?

Jazz and Zong print Rs 1,500. Ufone's page shows Rs 1,500 in one place and Rs 2,000 in its FAQ and terms. Telenor prints no price, so check with Telenor. PTA says the maximum retail price for a new eSIM or a conversion is Rs 1,500 from 17 August 2026.

Is Rs 2,000 for an eSIM too much?

One of our team paid Rs 2,000 at a Ufone office in October 2026. Ufone's own FAQ and terms say Rs 2,000, but PTA's cap is Rs 1,500 since 17 August 2026. Ask what the price covers and get a receipt. You can complain to PTA on 0800-55055 if you think you were overcharged.

Can I get an eSIM online without visiting a shop?

We did not find an operator page that offers a brand-new eSIM without a visit. Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor all ask for biometric verification first. Ufone also lists self-service booths that are open 24/7.

Is eSIM transfer free when I change my phone?

PTA says moving an eSIM profile from one device to another is free for up to ten moves from 17 August 2026. Zong says you can re-scan your QR code on a new handset. Jazz says the code can be reused if it was properly removed from the old phone. After a factory reset, Jazz says you need a new QR code from a Jazz centre.

Do I still have to pay PTA tax if I use an eSIM?

Yes. Jazz, Zong and Ufone say to send both IMEIs to 8484, email screenshots to typeapproval@pta.gov.pk, and pay the phone tax first if it is not paid. See our PTA tax guide and calculator for the current amounts.

Does the physical SIM still work after I get an eSIM for the same number?

No. Jazz says the physical SIM for the same number is deactivated, and Apple says a converted physical SIM stops working. You can use the tray for a different number if your iPhone has one.