Best Bahrain SIM Cards for Tourists: Updated Prices & Where to Buy 2024

Planning a trip to Bahrain soon? Simplify your connectivity by opting for a tourist-friendly prepaid Bahrain SIM Cards that offer both calls and data. In this guide, we will provide information on the various SIM card options available in Bahrain, including pricing, the best plans, and where to purchase them. With the right SIM card, you can stay connected effortlessly while exploring the wonders of beautiful Bahrain, ensuring a stress-free communication experience.

I. Do I Need a Bahrain Sim Card?

Definitely! Travelers should buy Bahrain SIM Card for the best convenience

When it comes to staying connected in Bahrain, there are several options to consider: SIM cards, free Wi-Fi, and international roaming. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparison table of these connectivity options in Bahrain:

Criteria	Bahrain SIM Card	Free Wi-Fi	International Roaming
Convenience	High – Internet access from your phone anywhere	Low – Need to find and stay near hotspots (unavailable when traveling to remote areas)	High – Use existing number
Price	Low – Affordable plans available with ample data	Free	Very High – High fees for calls, texts, and data usage
Availability	High – Reliable coverage even in remote areas	Low – Available at limited hotels, restaurants, cafes,	High – When within network coverage

As you can see, a Bahrain SIM card offers high convenience with internet access available anywhere. It is cost-effective, with affordable plans providing generous data allowances.

Free Wi-Fi, on the other hand, may be limited in availability and requires staying near hotspots. International roaming can be quite expensive, especially for extended stays in Bahrain.

II. Which Types of SIM Card Plan Do You Need for Bahrain Travel?

Categorized by their form, tourists visiting Bahrain have the option to choose between a physical prepaid SIM card or a prepaid eSIM for connectivity.

1. Physical Prepaid SIM Card for Bahrain (Mini SIM, Micro SIM, Nano SIM):

Tourists can opt for two main variations of physical prepaid SIM cards in Bahrain, categorized by plan types:

Data-only plans:

• Provide internet access via data.

• Do not include calling or texting services.

• A more affordable option suited for light internet users.

• Ideal for communication through apps.

 Data + Voice & Text plans:

• Include internet, calling, and texting services.

• Come with a Bahrain phone number.

• Offer a more comprehensive communication solution.

• Slightly more expensive compared to data-only plans.

• Best suited for longer trips or frequent callers.

2. Prepaid eSIM for Bahrain (Virtual SIM)

An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded within your device, eliminating the need for physical card swapping when changing carriers or plans.

Prepaid eSIMs for Bahrain function similarly to regular SIMs. Activation is convenient, requiring scanning a QR code or clicking a link. eSIM plans offer data-only or data with talk/text options, similar to physical SIM choices. 

	Prepaid Bahrain SIM Card	Prepaid eSIM for Bahrain
Pros	– Widely available for purchase in Bahrain – Affordable rates for data and calls – Compatible with all unlocked smartphones	– No need to purchase a physical SIM card – Convenient activation process – Can pre-order eSIM before travel
Cons	– Requires a physical SIM card – Risk for loss of main SIM Card	– Device must support eSIM profiles

III. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Bahrain?

There are 4 main ways to buy a tourist SIM Card for Bahrain: 

• Buying online before departure

• Buy at airports after arrival

• Buy in Bahrain cities at official stores, convenience stores

• Buy online 

1. Buying online before departure

How: Purchase from websites of Bahrain carriers like Zain, Batelco or other travel SIM retailers. They can ship to international addresses.

Requirements: Valid passport details (if buying from mobile network operators). You may need a VPN if buying from abroad.

Cost: Starts around $18 for a basic plan. Shipping fees may apply.

Convenience: Can be used immediately upon arrival, saving you a trip to the airport.

Con: Non-refundable if plans change, and network coverage may vary.

2. Buying at airports after arrival:

How: Purchase at airport kiosks of carriers located at airports such as Bahrain International Airport

Requirements: Valid passport, cash (possibly), and an unlocked phone.

Cost: Higher than other places, with possible activation fees.

Convenience: Can be used right away without shipping delays. Gives you a chance to try before buying.

Con: Limited options and higher prices compared to online purchases.

3. Buying in Bahrain cities at official stores or convenience stores:

How: Visit carrier stores in major cities, or consider purchasing from online retailers 

Requirements: Valid ID is mostly required.

Cost: Average prices range from $20-40 for basic plans, with discount stores available.

Convenience: Offers wider options compared to airports, but return policies may vary.

Con: Activation may be delayed, and it requires additional travel effort.

4. Buying eSIM online:

How: Register for eSIM on carrier websites without needing a physical SIM card.

Requirements: Requires a compatible smartphone and ID verification.

Cost: Around $30 for an average plan. Prices may vary.

Convenience: Offers instant activation without shipping. However, eSIM compatibility may be limited to certain devices.

Con: Wastage if plans change and limited device compatibility.

► Our recommendation: The best, easiest, and cheapest way to get data for internet connection during Bahrain travel is to use a prepaid Bahrain eSIM card. 

IV. How to Get a SIM Card in Bahrain – What to Prepare?

To buy a Bahrain SIM card, travelers should prepare some important documents such as:

• Identification: You’ll need your passport for registration.
• Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone isn’t locked to a specific carrier.
• Cash: Currently, airports in Bahrain only accept cash payments.

V. Best Bahrain SIM Card Packages for Tourists and Price

In Bahrain, there are 03 main mobile internet operators: Zain, STC, Batelco and many MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) of these major operators.  

Below are some packages for Bahrain travel of the major cellular internet operators:

1. Zain

They offer 2 prepaid sim card packages, valid for 1 month.

• 8 BD = 24 GB + 200 minutes – $21 USD

• 10.5 BD = 100 GB data only – $28 USD

At Zain they offer e-sim cards for tourists for an extra fee of 3.125 BD ($8.3 USD).

2. Batelco

Batelco has 5 prepaid sim card deals, 2 data-only and 3 data + calling packages, all valid for 1 month.

• 7 BD = 8 GB data + 500 minutes – $18.5 USD

• 10.5 BD = 12 GB + 800 minutes – $28 USD

• 7.35 BD = 10 GB data only – $20 USD

• 10.5 BD = 100 GB data only – $28 USD

• 8 BD = 10 GB data + 35 GB social media + 80 minutes + free international minutes

At Batelco they offer e-sim cards for tourists for an extra fee of 8 BD ($21.2 USD).

3. STC

STC offer only 2 prepaid sim card packages valid for 1 month: 

• 7.5 BD = 22.5 GB + 200 minutes – $20 USD

• 10.5 BD = 100 GB data only – $28 USD

At STC they offer e-sim cards for tourists for an extra fee of 3.125 BD ($8.3 USD).

VI. Bahrain eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Bahrain

Bahrain eSIM is a virtual SIM card that securely stores the necessary mobile data to access the mobile network in Bahrain. Here are some reasons why Bahrain eSIM is the preferred choice:

• No physical SIM required: With an eSIM, you can easily purchase and activate a data plan using a QR code sent to your email.

• Simple setup: Activating a Bahrain eSIM is quick and straightforward, directly from your phone.

• Flexibility to change plans: If you come across a better deal, switching plans and providers is just a few taps away with eSIM technology.

• Constant connectivity: With an eSIM integrated into your device, you won’t have to worry about misplacing or losing a physical SIM card. 

When purchasing an eSIM plan for Bahrain from major carriers, you may need to go through ID verification and registration. However, opting for an eSIM package from a trusted provider like Gigago eliminates the need for ID verification. All you need is an eSIM-enabled smartphone, watch, or tablet.

For Bahrain, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $6.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Bahrain eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $6.90 – $19.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Bahrain, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. How to Use Bahrain Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

Travelers can easily purchase and activate Prepaid SIM Cards or eSIMs for Bahrain, ensuring a seamless and connected experience throughout their trip. Here is a simple guide to assist you:

1. Using Prepaid Bahrain Tourist SIM Cards:

Purchase a Bahrain SIM card and follow these steps:

• Power off your phone and safely remove your existing SIM card.

• Insert the purchased SIM card into the appropriate slot.

• Power on your phone and wait for it to connect to the network.

• Configure the APN settings provided by the SIM card provider if necessary.

2. Setting up and Activating Bahrain eSIM:

To set up your Bahrain eSIM, follow these steps:

• Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with eSIM.

• Purchase and download your Bahrain eSIM online. The activation pass/QR code will be sent to your email.

• Open the eSIM settings on your phone and scan the QR code or enter the activation pass.

• Restart your device, and you’re ready to go! No need to deal with physical SIM cards.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, we highly recommend purchasing a Bahrain SIM card or eSIM for travelers. We hope that the information provided in this article has been helpful to you. For the latest packages with special prices for your upcoming trip, please visit Gigago.