The short answer
Visitors can usually buy a local SIM at the airport or at shops in the main cities. You normally need your passport and a passport photo, and the shop registers the SIM in your name. Ask the seller to activate a data pack and to check that it works before you leave the shop.
Coverage varies, with good service in cities and along many routes and patchy signal in remote valleys and at altitude. If your phone supports it, check whether an eSIM or roaming is simpler for a short stay. Keep the SIM and receipt safe, and make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.
Key facts
- Bring
- Passport and photo
- Where
- Airport counters, city shops
- Ask
- Activate data and test it
- Phone
- Must be unlocked
How it works
- Unlock your phoneCheck this before you leave home.
- Take passport and photoFor registration.
- Ask for a data packCheck it is active.
- Test calls and dataBefore leaving the shop.
Insider tip
Insert and test the SIM in the shop before you walk away.
Avoid this
Do not expect signal in every valley or at high camps.
Related questions
Is eSIM possible?
Some providers and phones support it; check before you travel.
Will it work on treks?
Partly; coverage drops in remote and high areas.
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