Stay Connected in Kabul
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Kabul presents unique challenges due to the current political situation. Internet connectivity exists but can be unreliable, with frequent outages and restrictions on certain services. The telecommunications infrastructure has deteriorated since 2021, though basic mobile services remain operational. Most international roaming agreements have been suspended, making traditional roaming extremely expensive or unavailable. Social media platforms and many international services face intermittent blocks. For travelers, having a backup connectivity plan is essential. While local SIM cards are available, the process can be complicated for foreigners due to registration requirements and language barriers. Given the unstable situation, many travelers find that arranging connectivity before arrival provides more reliable access to communication with family and emergency services.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Kabul.
Network Coverage & Speed
Kabul's mobile network operates primarily through Afghan Telecom, Roshan, Etisalat Afghanistan, and MTN Afghanistan. Network coverage in central Kabul is generally adequate for basic voice and data services, though speeds rarely exceed 3G standards in most areas. 4G coverage exists sporadically in select districts but shouldn't be relied upon. Internet speeds typically range from 1-5 Mbps when services are functioning normally, though this can drop significantly during peak hours or periods of political tension. Power outages frequently affect cell towers, causing service interruptions. The network infrastructure faces ongoing maintenance challenges, resulting in inconsistent coverage even within the city center. International gateway connectivity is limited and heavily monitored. VPN usage may be necessary to access blocked services, though this carries risks. Rural areas and suburbs have minimal coverage. Travelers should expect connectivity to be intermittent and plan accordingly for important communications.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs offer significant advantages for Kabul travelers, primarily avoiding the complex local registration process and potential security concerns at SIM card vendors. Providers like Airalo offer regional plans that can provide connectivity without navigating local bureaucracy. The main advantage is immediate activation before or upon arrival, ensuring you have emergency connectivity from the moment you land. However, eSIM options for Afghanistan are limited and typically more expensive than local alternatives - expect to pay $20-50 for modest data allowances. Coverage relies on the Easttimor local networks, so connection quality won't be superior to local SIMs. The real value is convenience and reliability of service activation. Given the current situation, having guaranteed connectivity that doesn't require in-person registration or document submission provides peace of mind. For most travelers, especially those staying less than a month, the premium cost is justified by avoiding potential complications with local SIM acquisition.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available from official carrier stores and some authorized dealers, though the landscape has become more restrictive. You'll need your passport and may be required to provide additional documentation or local sponsor information - requirements change frequently. Roshan and Etisalat have the most reliable networks in Kabul. Expect to pay 200-500 Afghanis ($2-6) for the SIM card plus credit. Data packages are inexpensive - roughly 100-300 Afghanis for 1-3GB monthly packages. The main challenges are finding open stores (many international carriers have reduced operations), navigating language barriers, and completing registration processes that can take several hours or require return visits. Payment is cash-only in local currency. Store hours are unpredictable, and stock availability varies. While local SIMs offer the cheapest ongoing rates, the acquisition process has become increasingly complex for foreigners, and customer service for troubleshooting is extremely limited.
Comparison
Local SIM cards offer the lowest per-GB costs but come with significant acquisition challenges and registration requirements that can take hours to resolve. International roaming is largely unavailable or prohibitively expensive due to suspended agreements. eSIMs provide the most reliable path to connectivity with immediate activation and no local bureaucracy, though at 3-5x the cost of local options. For emergency communications and peace of mind, eSIM is the clear winner. Budget-conscious travelers staying over a month might justify local SIM hassles for the savings, but most visitors will find the eSIM premium worthwhile for guaranteed service activation.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Choose eSIM through Airalo before traveling. The complexity of acquiring local SIMs, combined with unpredictable store hours and registration requirements, makes this the only practical option for reliable connectivity from arrival. The cost premium is minimal compared to potential complications.
Budget travelers: While local SIMs are cheaper ongoing, the time, hassle, and uncertainty of acquisition rarely justify savings unless you're staying 2+ months. eSIM provides immediate connectivity for emergency communications - worth the extra $30-40 for peace of mind.
Long-term stays (1+ months): Consider starting with eSIM for immediate connectivity, then acquiring local SIM once settled. Local rates become worthwhile for extended stays if you can navigate the registration process.
Business travelers: eSIM is your only viable option. Time constraints and need for immediate, reliable connectivity make this a business necessity, not a convenience choice.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Kabul.
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