Ooredoo SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024

When traveling to Qatar, one of the challenges tourists often face is acquiring and activating a reliable and affordable mobile connection during their travels. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining Ooredoo SIM cards and eSIM, providing valuable insights and step-by-step instructions. 

I. Quick Facts about Ooredoo

Ooredoo Qatar is a leading telecommunications company in Qatar, providing a range of services to residents and businesses. Here are some facts about this company: 

•  Founded: Established in 1987, Ooredoo QSC is a Qatari multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Doha. 

• Services: Ooredoo provides mobile, wireless, wire line, and content services with market share in domestic and international telecommunication markets, and in business (corporations and individuals) and residential markets.

• Subscribers: : Ooredoo was the first operator globally to launch commercial 5G services in Qatar and is one of the world’s largest mobile telecommunications companies, with over 121 million customers worldwide as of 2021.[2]

• Coverage: Ooredoo operates in ten countries and territories across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia: Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Myanmar, Maldives, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Tunisia.

II. Why Ooredoo When Traveling Qatar – Coverage and Speed

1. Coverage

Ooredoo 2G/3G/4G/5G capable Supernet network not only covers all municipalities of Qatar – but it also extends all the way out to the desert.

• Widest 4G bandwidth including advanced frequencies
• Near-complete 4G/5G coverage nationwide
• Ubiquitous high-speed 4G coverage everywhere

2. Speed

Download Speed Experience: about 58.7Mbps

Upload Speed Experience: average overall upload speeds of 15.6Mbps

Ooredoo provides fastest speed, so it enables traveler to enjoy all activities including streaming, gaming, video calls when traveling

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Ooredoo for Travelers to Qatar?

Ooredoo offers several connectivity options for travelers visiting Qatar. Here are some of the best options:

• Prepaid SIM Cards: Ooredoo’s prepaid SIM cards, such as the Hala SIM, are a convenient and cost-effective choice for travelers. You can then choose from various prepaid plans that offer data, local minutes, and international calling options. 

• Tourist SIM Cards: Ooredoo provides special tourist SIM cards, like the Ooredoo Fan SIM card, designed specifically for short-term visitors. These cards often come with attractive data and calling packages tailored to meet the needs of tourists. 

• eSIM: Ooredoo eSIMs eliminate the need for a physical SIM card and allow you to activate a network plan remotely. This can be beneficial for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards or who need to use multiple mobile network profiles on a single device.

• Roaming Services: If you are traveling to Qatar from another country and want to continue using your existing mobile number and plan, Ooredoo offers international roaming services. Check with your home mobile network operator to see if they have a roaming agreement with Ooredoo Qatar. 

IV. Best Ooredoo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The Ooredoo SIM card, known as Hala, is available for free at Ooredoo stores. However, a minimum top-up of 10 QAR or the purchase of a plan is required. You can also find Ooredoo SIM cards for sale at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

For short-term visitors and tourists, Ooredoo provides the Ooredoo Fan SIM card, which is specifically designed as their tourist offering.

• 7-Day Package: This package includes 2 GB of data and 25 minutes of calling for a duration of 7 days. The cost for this package is 35 QAR.

• 30-Day Package: The 30-day package offers a larger data and calling allowance. It includes 20 GB of data and 400 minutes of calling, valid for 30 days. The cost for this package is 150 QAR.

In addition to physical prepaid SIM cards, Ooredoo also provides eSIM cards for tourists. For more information on these offers and services, please visit the Ooredoo Qatar website.

V. Does Ooredoo Support eSIM in Qatar?

For sure. eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device. 

• Easy activation: eSIMs can be activated by scanning a QR code 

• Dual SIM Functionality: eSIMs allow users to have multiple mobile network subscriptions on a single device.

• Security: eSIMs offer enhanced security features compared to physical SIM cards. 

This is a perfect alternative in comparison with a physical SIM Card. It can offer various choices for tourists with affordable prices and many different conveniences.

VI. Where to Buy an Ooredoo SIM card and eSIM?

1. Ooredoo SIM Card

 You’ll find Ooredoo SIM cards at the following convenient locations:

• Ooredoo Stores: Discover Ooredoo’s official stores located in major cities and airports throughout Qatar. Here, you can easily purchase a physical SIM card, select a suitable plan, and activate it right away.

• Partner Stores: Look out for Ooredoo SIM cards at partner stores and various other major retailers and supermarkets. While the options and availability may differ from the official stores, these locations provide an alternative for acquiring a Ooredoo SIM card.

• Airport & City Kiosks: When you’re at most major airports in Qatar, keep an eye out for mobile kiosks or convenient stores that offer Ooredoo SIM cards. Although prices might be slightly higher in these locations, it’s a convenient option for getting connected right away.

With these options available, you can easily find a Ooredoo SIM card that suits your needs and stay connected while exploring Qatar.

2. Ooredoo eSIM

Now, let’s explore where you can purchase a Ooredoo eSIM for Qatar:

• Book eSIM Online:

To acquire an Ooredoo Qatar eSIM, you have the option to book it online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Visit the Ooredoo website and navigate to the Tourist SIM section.

• Select the Ooredoo Tourist eSIM option.

• Choose the data package that suits your needs, ranging from 1GB to 20GB.

• Provide your email address and billing information.

• Once your purchase is confirmed, you’ll receive an email containing a QR code and activation instructions.

The entire process is conducted online, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. Additionally, activation is instantaneous, allowing you to start using your eSIM as soon as you receive the QR code.

Here are a few additional points to consider:

• Make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM technology as Ooredoo eSIM requires an eSIM-compatible device. You can check your phone’s specifications to ensure compatibility.

It’s worth noting that Ooredoo eSIM is specifically available for tourists. If you plan on staying in Qatar for an extended period, you may need to explore alternative options.

•  Ooredoo Stores – Quick with expert support but harder to find

• Third-party providers like GIGAGO. 

Gigago offers a simplified process for getting connected. We typically email you the eSIM profiles, which can be easily self-activated using a QR code. This means you can skip the hassle of finding and visiting operator stores once you’re in the country. 

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.

With the assistance of third-party providers, you can conveniently activate your Ooredoo eSIM and start enjoying seamless connectivity without the need for in-person visits.

VII. How to Activate Ooredoo SIM/eSIM in Qatar?

Using an Ooredoo SIM/eSIM for Qatar is not difficult. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below

1. How to Use an Ooredoo SIM Card in Qatar?

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

• Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
• Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
• Activate the SIM card
• Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
• Check your services.

2. How to Activate Ooredoo eSIM?

Getting started with an Ooredoo eSIM for Qatar is quite easy as follows:

• Install the eSIM
• Activate the eSIM
• Set up the eSIM
• 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 Ooredoo SIM/eSIM

To top up your Ooredoo SIM card using the Ooredoo Money service, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the Ooredoo Money International Top-Up page

• On the page, you will find a list of available countries where you can perform the top-up. Select  Qatar or any countries where the Ooredoo SIM card is registered.

• After selecting the country, you will be directed to the top-up process. Generally, you will need to follow these steps:

• Select “Top Up” from the options.

• Choose “International Number” as the type of number you want to recharge.

• Select “Airtime Top Up” as the specific service.

• Enter the prepaid mobile number without the ISD code or select it from the phone book if available.

• Enter the top-up amount or select from the predefined list of available recharge denominations.

• Enter the 4-digit code (OTP) for verification.

• You will receive a confirmation message.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Ooredoo SIM Cards and eSIM offer convenient and reliable connectivity options for tourists visiting destinations where Ooredoo operates. Whether it’s through physical SIM cards or the ease of eSIM technology, tourists can stay connected, access data packages, and make local and international calls with ease. With Ooredoo’s offerings, tourists can enjoy a seamless and hassle-free mobile experience, enhancing their travel adventures.