How to Top Up Salaam (Afghan Telecom) from Abroad

Salaam is the mobile brand of Afghan Telecom, the country's state-owned telecom company. It is used by customers in many parts of Afghanistan, including places where people have used the same SIM for years. If you have a relative or friend on Salaam and you want to keep their phone working from abroad, you can top it up online in a few minutes. This guide covers each step, the checks that matter most and what to do when something does not go to plan.

Why a careful check matters for Salaam numbers

Because Salaam numbers are issued by Afghan Telecom, people sometimes confuse them with other networks, or assume that all numbers starting with the same digits belong to one network. In practice, numbers can be moved between networks, and a prefix is only a hint. A top-up sent to the wrong network can fail or go to the wrong person. That is why the first job is always to confirm the network together with the number.

Afghan mobile networks explained gives an overview of how the networks differ, and how to find a number's network by prefix shows how to confirm it.

What you need

• The Salaam number, exactly as written. Ask your relative to send it as a message so you can copy it.
• A payment method: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• An idea of the amount the person needs.

Step 1: Enter the number

Open the top-up form and type the number, with or without the leading zero. The country code +93 is already filled in. The form suggests the network and shows a logo. For a Salaam number you should see the Salaam logo.

If a different logo appears, stop and check. Ask your relative to look at the network name shown on their phone's status bar or SIM card, or to read it from the SIM packaging. If needed, tap the logo and select the right network.

Step 2: Choose what to send

For Salaam numbers, the form shows the options available for that network. The most common is mobile credit, which pays for calls and SMS. Choose an amount that fits the person's use. If you are not sure, ask how long the last top-up lasted and adjust. Our guide to credit or data explains the difference, in case you see both.

A useful rule: send enough for the person's normal needs and a little extra for emergencies, but not so much that it sits unused. Money you do not need to send now is money you can send next month.

Step 3: Read the order summary

The summary shows the number, the network, what will be sent and the total you will be charged in US dollars. Read it slowly:

1. Does the number match your contact digit by digit?
2. Does it say Salaam?
3. Is the amount what you meant?
4. Is the total acceptable?

Mistakes at this point are the most expensive ones. Our list of common top-up mistakes shows what to watch for.

Step 4: Pay securely

Choose a card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Stripe processes payments for GO-RECHARGE, and your full card number is never stored by us. If your bank blocks the payment, approve it in your banking app or call the bank, then try again. For more on protection at this step, read is it safe to pay for a top-up online.

Step 5: Keep the order reference

After payment you receive a reference beginning with GR. Keep it, and share it with your relative if they want to ask about the order. On Track an order you can see the status at any time.

The status is honest by design. An order is marked delivered only when the delivery provider confirms it. Some networks process certain top-ups in batches or more slowly, and in that case the order may show as still processing for a while. That is normal, and it is better than a false "delivered". If the provider's answer is unclear, the order is held for checking and is not sent a second time. What happens after you pay explains the steps.

Practical tips for Salaam top-ups

• Allow a little extra time. If a top-up shows as processing, give it some minutes before worrying.
• Do not pay again during processing. A second payment could mean two top-ups.
• Ask your relative to confirm when the credit arrives, and write the reference next to their name.
• Plan for busy days, such as before Eid. Our Ramadan and Eid guide gives a simple timeline.
• Use a routine. The article on a monthly top-up routine shows how to write down numbers, amounts and dates.

If the credit does not arrive

1. Ask the person to restart the phone and check the balance again.
2. Look at the status on Track an order.
3. Confirm that the network on the order is Salaam and that the number is correct.
4. If the status says delivered and there is still nothing, write to support@go-recharge.com with the reference and the number. The Help page lists what to include.

For a fuller list of causes and fixes, read top-up not received: 9 reasons and fixes.

Frequently asked questions

The short version

For a Salaam top-up from abroad, confirm the number and the network, choose an amount, read the total, pay with a card or wallet and keep the reference. If the order looks slow, check Track an order and wait before paying again. When you are ready, start your top-up on GO-RECHARGE.