Buying a SIM card at Muharraq Airport (Bahrain International Airport) 2024: Travelers Guide

Staying connected with mobile data while traveling internationally can be tricky. That’s why getting a local SIM card is often the easiest and most affordable solution. In this guide, we’ll give you some friendly tips for buying a SIM card at Muharraq Airport (Bahrain International Airport).

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Muharraq Bahrain International Airport (BAH)?

Yes, travelers should buy Bahrain SIM Card in Bahrain Airport but there are some notes you should know when you find a SIM Card in this place. 

If you’re visiting Muharraq and want to get a Bahrain SIM card at the airport, you have a couple of options:

• Buy online ahead of your trip and pick it up at the airport: Some providers allow you to purchase a SIM card online before your travel and then collect it at the airport. This can save you time and ensure you have the SIM card ready to go as soon as you arrive.

• Purchase at a store or kiosk in the airport upon arrival: If you prefer, you can buy a SIM card directly from a store or kiosk at the airport. It’s super convenient because you can get connected right away.

Keep in mind that buying at the airport offers convenience, but prices may be higher, and the selection of SIM cards might be more limited compared to stores in the city.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bahrain International Airport?

Here are some of the best places to buy SIM card at Bahrain International airport:

• Kiosks of Bahrain mobile carriers

• Duty free shops

1. In the official kiosks of Bahrain mobile operators: 

When you walk into the arrival hall, you’ll notice the mobile internet provider shops on your right-hand side.

The best part is that these stores are open 24 hours, so you can get your SIM card no matter what time you arrive. And don’t worry about payment, as you can use your credit card.

2. Duty free shops

In addition, some tourist SIM cards can be bought in the duty free shops of the airport next to the normal commodities. It is easy to buy a sim card as one passes by. It’s better to check options even if they aren’t many.

III. How Much Does a SIM Card at Bahrain International Airport Cost?

SIM Cards in Bahrain International Airport often cost from $1- $8

The cost of a SIM card at Bahrain International Airport can vary depending on the mobile network operator and the type of SIM card you choose. It’s important to note that prices may change over time and different operators may have different pricing structures. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific mobile network operator or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on SIM card prices at Bahrain International Airport.

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Muharraq Bahrain International Airport – Registration Process

Travelers need passports and unlocked devices to buy SIM Card in Bahrain International Airport

At the store, they will make a copy or take a photo of your passport page, and your new Bahrain SIM card will be registered with your passport number. Additionally, you will need to provide your fingerprint as part of the registration process.

Another crucial point to note is that your mobile phone needs to be unlocked for the Bahrain SIM card to work. If your phone is locked, the Bahrain SIM card won’t be compatible.

V. Best Tourist Muharraq Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

There are some Bahrain SIM Card packages travelers can consider: 

Batelco:

• Tourist SIM: 2GB data, 300 mins, unlimited texts. Approximate cost: $2.65.
• 5 Day Plan: 5GB data, unlimited calls/texts. Approximate cost: $8.

Zain:

• Visitor Pack: 1GB data, 100 mins, unlimited texts. Approximate cost: $2.65.
• Daily Pack: 2GB data valid for 24 hours. Approximate cost: $1.33.

STC:

• Visitor SIM: 1GB data, 100 mins, unlimited texts. Approximate cost: $2.50.
• 5 Day Pack: 5GB data, unlimited calls/texts. Approximate cost: $7.

VI. Bahrain eSIM for Muharraq – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Muharraq Bahrain International Airport

In Bahrain, there’s a growing trend of using eSIM technology in addition to physical nano-SIM cards. eSIMs are digital SIMs embedded in your phone remotely, eliminating the need for a physical chip card.

If you’re planning to visit Muharraq’s Airport, purchasing a Bahrain eSIM activation code online can be an alternative to buying a traditional prepaid SIM card upon arrival.

Opting for an eSIM carrier for your unlocked phone comes with some great advantages:

• Convenience: You can activate your data plan remotely before even arriving in Bahrain. This means you won’t need to visit a store at the airport, making it super convenient.

• Multi-SIM Capability: With an eSIM, you can use your physical SIM card along with the eSIM simultaneously. This gives you flexibility and the option to have multiple connections.

• Reusability: Bahrain eSIMs store your payment information, making it easy to get connected on future trips to Bahrain. You can simply reactivate your eSIM and enjoy seamless connectivity.

One popular provider of tourist eSIMs in Bahrain is GIGAGO. Their pay-as-you-go plans offer maximum flexibility for travelers, without the need for traditional monthly contracts.

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. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Muharraq Bahrain International Airport?

For travelers planning longer stays in Bahrain, significant savings can be made by purchasing SIM card deals from carriers located throughout the metro area instead.

When purchasing a tourist SIM card from carriers outside the airport in Muharraq, you can expect some significant cost savings compared to the options available at the airport. Here’s a breakdown of the potential savings:

• Data Bundles: The cost per gigabyte (GB) of data is usually around 30 less when you buy a SIM card outside the airport. 

• Activation Fee: Often, the one-time setup fee for the SIM card is either waived or offered at a discounted price when you purchase it outside the airport. 

• Calls/Texts: Prepaid minutes and messaging credits are often included in the tourist SIM packages purchased outside the airport.

While the price difference may not seem significant for shorter vacations (around 10-20%), it’s important to note that data usage can quickly accumulate, especially during longer trips. By visiting city stores instead of buying at the airport, you can enjoy substantial savings on your prepaid mobile expenses.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

Having mobile data on your smartphone with a Bahrain SIM card at Muharraq Airport (Bahrain International Airport) can be really handy. You can easily stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM card right at the airport when you arrive or by ordering one in advance for pickup. Hope that this guide will help you to have an unforgettable trip in Bahrain