Batelco SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Batelco is one of the leading telecommunication providers in Bahrain. This guide aims to provide you with useful information about Batelco, why it’s a great choice for travelers, the best connectivity options offered by Batelco, where you can purchase Batelco SIM cards and eSIM plans, how to activate and use them, and other important details that tourists should know.

I. Quick facts about Batelco

Batelco is the principal telecommunications company in Bahrain. 

• Full name: Bahrain Telecommunication Company BSC

• Founded: 1981

• Services: Fixed-line telephone, Mobile telephony and Broadband

• Subcribers: 36% subscription-based market share, 76% market share in fixed lines and 82% in fixed broadband in 2022

• Awards: MEA Technology Achievement Awards, Glotel Award (2022),  New Design/Build Data Centre Project of the Year at the 2020 DCS Awards,…

II. Why Batelco When Traveling Bahrain – Coverage and Speed

Batelco has extensive coverage in Bahrain

1. Batelco Coverage in Bahrain

Batelco users has a 3G or better connection over 98% of the time

2. Batelco Speed

Currently its speed ranks on the place 1 from 12 providers in Bahrain (Results based on tests from 03.10.2023 to 03.04.2024).

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Batelco for Travelers to Bahrain?

Batelco offers two main options for tourists to stay connected during their travels in Bahrain:

• Prepaid SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards available for purchase that don’t require a contract.
• Bahrain eSIM: Virtual SIM downloaded to your phone.
• Data roaming: Using your regular SIM card to access data when roaming in Bahrain by paying higher international rates.

CONNECTIVITY OPTION	PROS	CONS
Prepaid SIM Card	Inexpensive; no contracts; can buy data packages à la carte	Must purchase upfront; need compatible phone
Bahrain	Convenient, affordable, multiple plans in the same device	Need compatible devices
Data roaming	Use existing number and provider	Very expensive international rates; data limits

In summary, buying Batelco SIM card/eSIM offers the most cost-effective option for travelers to get online in Bahrain via Batelco’s network, while avoiding expensive roaming charges or device limitations of rental wi-fi. Travelers should consider their needs and trip length to choose the best option.

IV. Best Batelco SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

You can get a Batelco SIM card called SimSim from Batelco stores starting at just 4 BHD! If you’re looking for a SIM card specifically for internet usage, Batelco offers the Batelco Prepaid Monthly Internet SIM card starting from 7.35 BHD. You can also find these SIM cards at Bahrain International Airport. So, whether you need a regular SIM or a data-only SIM, Batelco has you covered!

The following Prepaid Monthly Internet Starter Packs (data-only SIM cards) are available:

Price	Data	Speed	5G NR Access?
7.35 BHD	10 GB	Unrestricted	No
10.50 BHD	20 GB	Unrestricted	No
12.50 BHD	200 GB	10 Mbps	Yes
17.75 BHD	600 GB	Unrestricted	Yes
23 BHD	1 TB	20 Mbps	Yes
37 BHD	3 TB	Unrestricted	Yes

V. Does Batelco Support eSIM in Bahrain?

Yes absolutely. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan without having to use a physical SIM card. Now with Batelco, customers can get their eSIM easily and can activate up to 3 new mobile numbers under one CPR per month.

VI. Where to Buy a Batelco SIM card and eSIM?

If you’re visiting Bahrain and looking to purchase Batelco SIM cards or eSIMs, here’s where you can find them:

1. Where to Buy Batelco SIM Card for Bahrain?

• At Bahrain International Airport: You can find Batelco stores in Bahrain Airport. They offer new SIM cards and top-up services.

• Batelco Stores: There are many official Batelco stores throughout Bahrain. These stores are great for tourists, as the staff can help you set up your plan and assist you with any questions.

• Other Retailers: You can also find Batelco SIM cards from many partner retailers across Bahrain

2. Where to Buy Batelco eSIM for Bahrain?

If you’re looking to purchase Batelco eSIM plans in Bahrain, you have a few convenient options:

• Batelco Website: Existing customers can log into their Batelco account online and purchase eSIM plans directly from the website.

• Batelco App: If you’re already a Batelco customer, you can download the Batelco app on your phone and easily obtain an eSIM through the app.

• Third Party Resellers: Companies like GIGAGO offer the option to buy Bahrain eSIMs without requiring prior registration. This is especially useful for first-time tourists who may not have local registration details.

Gigago is well-known worldwide as one of the top eSIM providers, and they have plans available for over 200 countries and regions, including Bahrain.

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 activate Batelco Bahrain SIM/eSIM

It’s not difficult to use a Batelco SIM/eSIM for Bahrain. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to use Batelco Bahrain SIM card

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, Batelco Bahrain SIM card will be pre-activated
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to activate Batelco Bahrain eSIM

Getting started with an Batelco eSIM for Bahrain is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

• Activate eSIM on IPhone (https://gigago.com/installation-guide/iphone/ )
• Activate eSIM on Samsung (https://gigago.com/installation-guide/samsung/ )
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel (https://gigago.com/installation-guide/google-pixel/ )

VIII. How to Top-up Batelco SIM/eSIM

To top-up Batelco SIM Card, you can follow general instructions below

• Visit the official Batelco website or download the Batelco mobile app

• Navigate to the “Bill Payment/Refill” section. 

• Click on the “Top Up” or “Refill” your prepaid Batelco SIM card.

• Select your Batelco SIM card or mobile number that you want to top up.

• Choose the amount or denomination you wish to top up your Batelco SIM card with. 

• Proceed to the payment section. 

• Verify your payment details and complete the transaction. 

IX. Alternatives to Batelco Bahrain

Batelco is a network operator with good service experience in Bahrain. Visitors can also refer to Zain Bahrain – also a long-standing network communication company in Bahrain.

With Bahrain, visitors can experience a variety of packages with more diverse and reasonable prices than Batelco. Services are also listed with a public, appropriate price list so customers can choose and compare prices to best suit their needs. Isn’t it wonderful? Explore more about Zain Bahrain and you won’t regret it!

X. FAQs about Batelco in Bahrain

Getting a Batelco SIM card and eSIM provides excellent connectivity through your Bahrain trip for great value. Hopefully this guide has provided helpful information for your upcoming Batelco vacation!