Shipping Electronics To Afghanistan: What You Need To Know

It is possible to mail a cell phone to someone in Afghanistan, but it is important to note that the phone may not work as expected. While local and international phones do work in Afghanistan, the quality of the carrier coverage can vary. To improve connectivity, the recipient can purchase a local SIM card, such as Roshan or AWCC, which offer cell and data networks. Alternatively, they can use a WiFi connection to make calls and send messages through apps such as MagicJack, iMessage, or Google Voice.

International calling on Verizon pay-as-you-go phones in Afghanistan

International calling is available on Verizon pay-as-you-go phones in Afghanistan. Verizon offers international calling to over 200 countries and destinations outside the US.

To use your Verizon pay-as-you-go phone in Afghanistan, you will need to ensure that your device's roaming is turned on. Roaming must be activated for your device to connect to cellular networks in Afghanistan. You can find instructions on how to turn roaming on and off by visiting the “Let's Troubleshoot Your Devices" page on the Verizon website or app. Here is a brief overview:

• Visit the "Let's Troubleshoot Your Devices" page on the Verizon website or app.
• Enter your device in the search field under Filter (e.g., "Samsung" or "S23").
• Choose your device from the search results.
• Select "Troubleshoot" under the device's name.
• In the Search Another Issue field, type "Turn data roaming on or off" and follow the instructions for your specific device.

It is worth noting that if you do not choose an international plan, you will be charged a pay-as-you-go rate for each minute, text, and MB of data used while in Afghanistan. Verizon offers various international plans that may be more cost-effective, such as TravelPass or the $100 International Monthly Plan.

Additionally, in response to developments in Afghanistan, Verizon previously waived calling and texting charges for its wireless and landline consumer and business customers to Afghanistan for a specific period. While this offer may no longer be available, it is worth checking for the latest updates and offers on the Verizon website or by contacting their customer support.

Cell phone coverage in Afghanistan

Afghan Wireless is the oldest telecommunication company in Afghanistan and covers all 34 provinces. It provides 3G internet across the country and 4G internet in Kabul and the surrounding provinces. Roshan Telecommunication Company claims to have the largest coverage with 6.4 million subscribers and also covers all 34 provinces. It provides 2G, 3G, and 4G internet services. MTN covers 27 out of 34 provinces and provides mobile services to 75% of the country. MTN claims to provide 2G, 3G, and 4G internet services for about 50% of the country's residential areas, although 4G is only available in Kabul. Etisalat, a multinational company, covers 29 provinces, home to 18 million people, and provides global roaming services and 3G internet for its subscribers.

According to a 2013 statistic, there were over 20 million GSM mobile phone subscribers and 177,705 CDMA subscribers in Afghanistan. Mobile communications have improved with the introduction of wireless carriers, with Afghan Wireless and Roshan providing services to all major cities within Afghanistan. There are also VSAT stations in major cities such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat, providing international and domestic voice and data connectivity.

In terms of internet access, Afghanistan ranks 180th in the world for fixed-network broadband internet speed and 141st for mobile internet speed. Around 18% of the population has access to the internet, which is approximately 9 million users.

Using a Verizon iPhone 5 in Afghanistan

International Calling and Texting

Verizon offers international calling and texting plans that can be added to your existing plan. These plans vary in price and features, so it is essential to review the options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Alternatively, Verizon has been known to waive calling and texting charges to Afghanistan during specific events and time periods.

WiFi and Internet Access

Afghanistan has internet access, but the quality and speed may vary depending on your location. It is recommended to use WiFi whenever possible, as it provides a more stable connection.

IMessage and FaceTime

IMessage and FaceTime will work in Afghanistan as long as you have a WiFi connection. You can communicate with anyone who has an iPhone via iMessage, and FaceTime Audio provides the best voice quality for calls between iOS devices. However, please note that iMessage may be affected if you switch to a local Afghan SIM card.

Local SIM Cards

If you plan to stay in Afghanistan for an extended period, consider purchasing a local SIM card. Roshan and AWCC are two popular providers in Afghanistan. A Nano-SIM card will be needed for the iPhone 5. The cost for a Nano-SIM card is around $25, and a data plan with 1.5GB of 3G data will cost about $17.76 per month. Please note that switching to a local SIM card may affect your ability to use iMessage with your Verizon phone number.

Alternative Calling and Messaging Apps

There are several alternative apps you can use to make calls and send messages while in Afghanistan:

• MagicJack: This app allows you to make free calls over WiFi.
• Google Voice: This app provides you with a "local" number and allows you to make calls and send messages using data.
• Talkatone: This app integrates with your Google Voice account and enables you to make free calls and receive calls from any landline or mobile number.

Unlocking Your Phone

Before travelling to Afghanistan, contact your carrier to unlock your phone. This will allow you to use local SIM cards without restrictions. Verizon has been known to unlock phones for free when customers notify them of their international travel plans.

Additional Tips

• If you have a Verizon iPhone 5, it may already be unlocked from the factory due to an agreement with the FCC.
• Consider using a second device with a local SIM card for data and your original device with a Verizon SIM card for iMessage and FaceTime. This will allow you to maintain your original phone number for messaging and calling over WiFi.
• Use your email address as your iMessage ID instead of your phone number to bypass any SIM card restrictions.

Using a US SIM card in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a highly competitive mobile market, with 5 mobile GSM operators and 1 CDMA operator. The major GSM providers are:

• Afghan Wireless (AWCC)
• Roshan
• MTN Afghanistan
• Etisalat Afghanistan
• Salaam by Afghan Telecom

CDMA is not compatible with GSM, so it is not possible for a US SIM card to connect to the Wasel network.

The GSM providers all offer prepaid SIM cards, which can be purchased from official retailers or from resellers. The price of a SIM card is around 300 AFN ($4).

To purchase a SIM card in Afghanistan, you will need to show your passport and provide a coloured passport-sized photograph.

If you want to use a US SIM card in Afghanistan, you will need to check that your phone is unlocked. Most 4G LTE Verizon smartphones are unlocked, but it is worth checking with your service provider.

It is also worth noting that Afghanistan is categorised as a "war zone", and there are safety concerns to consider when travelling there.

Using a local SIM card in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a highly competitive mobile market with 5 mobile GSM operators and a 6th provider based on CDMA. The major providers are:

• Afghan Wireless (AWCC)
• Salaam Network (Aftel)
• Roshan
• MTN
• Etisalat Afghanistan

It is relatively easy to buy a local SIM card in Afghanistan. You can buy a SIM card in a store or outlet of the provider for around 300 AFN ($4) by showing your passport. You can also pick up a SIM card from street sellers, but you will need to find a telco office to activate it.

If you want to buy a SIM card in Afghanistan, it is recommended to go with Roshan, as they have the best coverage throughout the country. Afghan Wireless is also a good option, as they have the most towers in the southeastern part of the country and offer good coverage in the north and east.

Afghan Wireless

• 2.5 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 250 ($2.93)
• 4 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 390 ($4.57)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 600 ($7.02)
• 13.5 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 800 ($9.36)
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 999 ($11.69)
• 40 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 1800 ($21.07)

Etisalat

• 400 MB, valid for 1 day for AFN 30 ($0.35)
• 9 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 599 ($7.01)

MTN

• 1 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 110 ($1.29)
• 2 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 220 ($2.58)
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 330 ($3.86)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 650 ($7.61)
• 15 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 899 ($10.52)
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for AFN 1499 ($17.55)

Frequently asked questions