Mobile Internet in Qatar for Tourists: Ways to Get Data & Cost

Mobile internet has become an essential companion for travelers, and Qatar mobile internet will not make you disappointed! 

 With its reliable and widespread mobile internet coverage, you can stay connected, access helpful information, and make the most of your journey in this captivating country.

I. Mobile Internet in Qatar – Coverage and Speed

 As of Statistics’s report in April 2023, Qatar had the fastest average mobile internet connection worldwide, nearly 190 Mbps. This proves that Qatar’s mobile network infrastructure is among the best in the world

1. Qatar Mobile Internet Coverage

• Ooredoo has the best coverage in Qatar. This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Ooredoo’s coverage map produced by Speedtest:

• Vodafone has extensive coverage throughout Qatar.

Below is Vodafone’s coverage map produced by Speedtest:

2. Speed

According to Broadband speedchecker, in Q4-2024: 

• OOREDOO is an internet service provider which operates in Qatar. Currently it ranks on the place 1 from 7 providers in Qatar.

• Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C. is an internet service provider which operates in Qatar. Currently it ranks on the place 2 from 7 providers in Qatar.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Qatar?

To get mobile data in Qatar, tourists can choose one of the four following ways:

• Use a local Qatar SIM card
• Use International roaming service with your home network operator
• Use travel eSIM for Qatar
• Use public WiFi

Below we make a comparison table on these connectivity options to get mobile internet in Qatar for travelers:

Connectivity Options	What it is	Pros	Cons
Local SIM Card	Purchase a local SIM card in your destination country and insert it into your unlocked mobile device.	– Affordable local data plans.  – Reliable coverage. – No dependency on public Wi-Fi.	– Requires an unlocked mobile device.  – Need to switch SIM cards and manage multiple numbers.
International Roaming	Use your existing mobile data plan from your home country while abroad.	– no need to change SIM cards.  – Seamless connectivity with your existing number.	– Can be expensive, with high data roaming charges.  – Data speeds may be limited.
Public Wi-Fi	Connect to freely available Wi-Fi networks in public places such as cafes, hotels, or airports.	– No additional cost. – Widely available in many locations.	– Security risks, as public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure.  – Limited coverage and speed.
eSIM	Utilize an embedded SIM card that is built into your device, allowing you to download and switch between different mobile network profiles.	– No physical SIM card required.  – Easy to switch between mobile network profiles.  – Can add multiple eSIM profiles on a single device.	– Requires a device with eSIM support.

► Our Recommendation:

From the table above, we can see that eSIM seems to be the most convenient and secure way to get mobile internet while traveling in Qatar, but only if your phone supports eSIM function. Below, we will explain in more details.

III. Internet Rates in Qatar – Is it Expensive?

Now, let’s have a quick comparison on how much each connectivity option in Qatar cost:

Connectivity Options	Description	Rates in USD
SIM card country	Purchase a local SIM card from a Qatar telecom provider	Prices start at 2.70 USD.
Qatar eSIM	Activate an eSIM from a Qatar telecom provider	Prices start at 2.04 USD/GB
Roaming with Voldafone	Use international roaming services with Voldafone in Qatar	Prices start at 27.47 USD/1GB, 100 minutes.
Roaming with Ooredoo	Use international roaming services with Ooredoo in Qatar	Prices start at 41.21 USD
Public Wi-Fi	Access Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and public areas	Often free

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Qatar

Using a Qatar data SIM card can be an excellent option for tourists who want to stay connected and keep in touch with people back home through various apps. 

Qatar data SIM cards provide you with internet connectivity, allowing you to access messaging apps, social media platforms, and video calling services, among others. 

This enables seamless communication with your loved ones, sharing travel updates, photos, and videos in real-time. Additionally, data SIM cards often offer affordable data plans, ensuring you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

• You can purchase a Vodafone SIM card at Vodafone stores in Qatar for the following prices: 30 QAR (approximately 8.10 USD), 60 QAR (approximately 16.20 USD), 100 QAR (approximately 27 USD), or 300 QAR (approximately 81 USD). Alternatively, if you prefer to buy the SIM card at (Doha) Hamad International Airport (DOH), it is available for 35 QAR (approximately 9.45 USD).

• You can also obtain an Ooredoo SIM card, known as Hala, for free at Ooredoo stores. However, a plan purchase or a minimum top-up of 10 QAR (approximately 2.70 USD) is required. Ooredoo SIM cards are also available for purchase at (Doha) Hamad International Airport.

IV. Data eSIM for Qatar – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

eSIM, short for embedded-SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. 

Qatar eSIM has some advantages which outweigh other options: 

• Convenience: The eSIM is embedded directly into your device, eliminating the need to carry and swap physical SIM cards.

• Flexibility: eSIM allows you to switch between multiple mobile network operators without needing to physically change SIM cards. 

• Remote Activation: You can often activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code or through a mobile app, without needing to visit a physical store.

To buy an eSIM for Qatar as a tourist, you have a couple of options: Buy directly from the operator and Buy from eSIM providers. 

1. Buy eSIM from Qatar Operators

Buy directly from the operator: You can purchase an eSIM for Qatar directly from the mobile network operators that provide eSIM services in the country. Visit their official stores or websites to check if they offer eSIMs and follow their specific instructions for activation.

Here are the pros and cons of buying an eSIM directly from Qatar operators:

Pros:

• Guaranteed Compatibility: Buying an eSIM from Qatar operators ensures compatibility with their network and services. 

• Operator Support: By purchasing the eSIM from the operator, you have direct access to their customer support for any inquiries, assistance, or troubleshooting related to the eSIM service.

Cons:

• Limited Provider Options: Buying directly from Qatar operators restricts your choices to the available eSIM plans and services they offer. You may have fewer options compared to third-party eSIM providers that support multiple countries.

• Potentially higher price Variation: The eSIM plans provided by the operators may have higher costs

• Limited Flexibility: Once you purchase an eSIM from an operator, switching to a different operator’s eSIM requires obtaining a new eSIM from that operator. 

These are some packages from Ooredoo: 

Price	SIM Card	Credit	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 2	Validity
35 QAR	Fan SIM	N/A	2 GB	25 minutes	15 minutes	7 days 3
150 QAR	Super Fan SIM	30 QAR	20 GB 1	400 minutes	75 minutes	30 days

Also, you can see some plans of Vodafone: 

Price	Plan	Credit	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 4	Validity
30 QAR	New Prepaid SIM with Combo 30	N/A	3 GB 1	120 minutes	N/A	30 days
60 QAR	New Prepaid SIM with Combo 60	N/A	8 GB 1	240 minutes	N/A	30 days
100 QAR	New Prepaid SIM with Combo 100	1000	2.2 GB 2	N/A	N/A	30 days
300 QAR	New Prepaid SIM with Combo 300+	N/A	20 GB 3	Unlimited	100 minutes	30 days

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

When it comes to Qatar eSIM providers, Gigago appears to be a reliable eSIM provider. Here are some reason why you should choose Gigago as a Qatar eSIM provider:

• 100% online
• No passport
• No ID card
• No waiting for SIM delivery
• Easy setup ( just scan QR)
• Have internet as soon as arriving in Qatar.

Here are the detailed instructions on how to buy an eSIM from Gigago, a reputable eSIM provider, for Qatar:

• Visit the Gigago website, search for Qatar in the search bar
• On the Qatar eSIM page,

• Go to the homepage and use the search function to find Qatar’s eSIM page. 

• On the Asia’s eSIM page, browse through the available plans and choose the one that suits your needs, budget, and trip duration.

• Click on the selected plan to view its details, including data allowances, validity, and pricing.

• Once you have decided on a plan, proceed to make the payment using the provided payment options.

• After completing the payment, wait for an email from Gigago containing instructions and the necessary QR code or activation code.

• Check your email inbox for the email from Gigago and locate the QR code or activation code provided.

• Activate data roaming on your phone. Wait for a few moments for the eSIM to connect to the carrier network. 

For Qatar, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $5.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Qatar eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.00 – $49.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Qatar, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

V. FAQS about Mobile Internet in Qatar

Mobile internet in Qatar provides convenience, flexibility, and reliable connectivity, allowing users to stay connected and access the internet while in the country. You can enjoy your trip to Qatar without any worries!