How to Get Mobile Internet in Oman for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Mobile internet in Oman is a necessity for travelers visiting the country. Finding the options and the best solution can be a challenge.

This article is written for international travelers visiting Oman. It examines the difficulties faced in obtaining reliable and affordable mobile internet in Oman and guides the optimal connectivity options to ensure a good digital experience during your stay.

I. Mobile Internet in Oman – Coverage and Speed

Oman has good mobile phone coverage with fast internet speeds, but the quality can vary depending on your location and which phone company you use. Let’s check it out now!

1. Oman Mobile Internet Coverage

Omantel:

• Pros: Best coverage, wins in Coverage and 5G Coverage awards. Top 5G speeds (233.3 Mbps) and wide network.
• Cons: 5G network still growing, so the fastest speeds aren’t everywhere.

Ooredoo:

• Pros: Good coverage, second in Coverage Experience. Decent 5G speeds (177.8 Mbps).
• Cons: 5G network not as big as Omantel’s, slower 5G speeds compared to Omantel and Vodafone.

Vodafone:

• Pros: Highest download/upload speeds in all technologies. Good 5G upload speed (23.4 Mbps).
• Cons: Lacks in 5G coverage, ranking last in 5G Coverage Experience. Might not get 5G speeds everywhere.

► Recommendations:

• For wide coverage, including remote areas, Omantel stands out.
• For the fastest speeds, especially in 5G, Omantel and Ooredoo are strong choices.
• If you prioritize consistent quality and speed, consider Vodafone.

2. Oman Mobile Internet Speed

Based on Opensignal’s January 2024 report, here’s a summary of mobile internet speeds in Oman:

• Fastest Download Speeds: Vodafone leads with 50.3 Mbps, Omantel at 41.1 Mbps, and Ooredoo at 36 Mbps.
• Fastest Upload Speeds: Vodafone tops with 12.9 Mbps, Ooredoo next at 9.4 Mbps, and Omantel at 8.8 Mbps.
• 5G Speeds: Omantel has the highest 5G downloads at 233.3 Mbps, but Vodafone has the fastest 5G uploads at 23.4 Mbps.

► Recommendations:

• For top speed, Vodafone leads with reliable download and upload speeds, perfect for heavy internet users.
• For 5G, choose Omantel for downloads and Vodafone for uploads.
• Ooredoo suits budget users with moderate internet needs.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Oman?

The connectivity options for tourists to Oman include:

• Local SIM card
• eSIM
• Roaming
• Public Wifi
• Pocket Wifi

Let’s compare each way to see which is the best option for travelers, including: Oman SIM cards, eSIMs, international roaming in Oman, public WiFi, Pocket WiFi for Oman.

Option	How it Works	Cost	Where to Buy	Convenience	Pros	Cons
Local SIM Card	Physical SIM card inserted into your phone	Affordable data packages	Airport kiosks, mobile operator stores	Requires SIM card swap	Local number, good coverage	Inconvenient if you need to keep your original SIM
eSIM	Digital SIM card downloaded to your phone	Varies depending on data plan	Online providers like Gigago	No physical SIM card needed	Easy to use, keeps your original SIM active	Requires eSIM-compatible phone
Roaming	Uses your existing mobile plan	Expensive, data charges can accumulate quickly	Your home mobile operator	No additional setup needed	Convenient if you have a good roaming plan	High costs, limited data
Public WiFi	Connect to available hotspots	Free	Cafes, hotels, public spaces	Requires finding hotspots	Free access	Security concerns, unreliable connection
Pocket WiFi	Rent a portable WiFi device	Daily or weekly rental fees	Airports, online rental services	Portable internet access	Shareable with multiple devices	Rental costs, battery life limitations

Recommendation: While each choice has its advantages, buying a data-only eSIM is often the best option for many travelers (but only if your phone supports eSIM technology). Gigago provides a range of data plans for Oman travel to suit various time frames and data requirements. Thanks to instant email delivery and 24/7 support, keeping connected in Oman is easy with eSIMs.

III. Mobile Internet Rates in Oman

The average cost of mobile internet in Oman is about OMR 5 per month for 1GB of data. This price can vary by the provider, plan and amount of data.

Let’s explore the cost of each connectivity option.

Option	Data Plan	Price (~ USD)
Oman SIM Card	1GB	~ $5.20 – $10.40
	5GB	~ $15.60 – $26
	10GB	~ $26 – $52
Oman eSIM	1GB	~ $9 – $15
	3GB	~ $18 – $25
	5GB	~ $25 – $35
Roaming with Home SIM	Varies	Check with your provider
Public WiFi	Varies	~ Free (usually)
Pocket WiFi	Unlimited	~ $8 – $15 per day

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Oman

Explore leading data SIM card options from Oman’s top providers: Omantel, Ooredoo, and Vodafone.

1. Omantel: Hayyak Tourist SIM: Tailored for tourists with packages like:

• 1GB for 7 days – 5 OMR (~13 USD)
• 3GB for 10 days – 10 OMR (~26 USD)
• 10GB for 30 days – 20 OMR (~52 USD)

2. Ooredoo: Visitor SIM: Ideal for short visits, offering:

• 1GB for 7 days – 5 OMR (~13 USD)
• 3GB for 14 days – 10 OMR (~26 USD)

3. Vodafone: Tourist SIM Card: Prepaid options include:

• 1.5GB for 7 days – 5 OMR (~13 USD)
• 4GB for 14 days – 10 OMR (~26 USD)

Note: Prices are approximate and may change. Check with the operator for the latest details and pricing.

V. Data eSIM for Oman – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

Here are 2 primary ways to get a data eSIM for your trip to Oman:

• Buy from Oman operators
• Buy from Gigago

Let’s see in details:

1. Buy eSIM from Oman Operators

Operators offering eSIM services in Oman are:

• Omantel
• Ooredoo
• Vodafone

How to buy?

• Visit the operator’s website or store.
• Choose an eSIM plan that matches your data needs and trip length.
• Submit required ID documents.
• Finish payment.
• Download and activate the eSIM on your device.

Pros:

• Local network, possibly better coverage in some areas.
• Plans tailored for tourists.

Cons:

• Might need to visit a store or use a local website.
• Possible language issues and ID requirements.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

Gigago offers a convenient and user-friendly way to obtain an eSIM for Oman. The process is entirely online, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards or paperwork.

How to buy?

• Visit Gigago and select “Buy eSIM.”
• Choose Oman as your destination.
• Select a suitable data plan, starting at 1GB/day for 3 days.
• Complete the secure online payment.
• Receive an email with a QR code and set-up instructions.
• Scan the QR code or enter the activation code to set up your eSIM.
• Connect to the Omani network and enjoy internet access.

Benefits of Gigago eSIM:

• 100% online: No physical SIM, paperwork, or ID needed.
• Instant Internet: Access the Internet immediately upon arrival in Oman.
• Flexible plans: Pick from multiple data plans to fit your needs and budget.
• Easy setup: Activate your eSIM by scanning a QR code or using an activation code.

For Oman, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $16.50 . What is great about Oman eSIM of Gigago is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $16.50 – $66.60 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Oman, there is always an option for you with Gigago. 

VI. FAQs

VII. Conclusion

In general, mobile internet in Oman has transformed travel. It offers easy access to essential online services, simplifying navigation through deserts, staying in touch, or finding local gems. Oman’s reliable mobile internet allows tourists to explore with ease and confidence. This improvement in connectivity hasn’t just enhanced travel; it’s also significantly boosted Oman’s appeal as a top holiday destination.