Best Qatar SIM Cards for Tourists: Updated Prices & Where to Buy 2024

Daisy Rodriguez

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Published: May 2024

If you’re planning a visit to Qatar, you might be wondering about getting a SIM card. Qatar SIM cards are your key to staying connected during your trip, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and access the internet hassle-free. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of getting a Qatar SIM card and how it can enhance your travel experience. Let’s dive in and discover the world of seamless communication in Qatar!

I. Should You Get a Sim Card in Qatar?

Yes. Getting a SIM card in Qatar can be a great idea, especially if you want to stay connected during your visit. With a local SIM card, you’ll have access to a reliable network and can enjoy the convenience of making local calls, sending messages, and using mobile data.

Let’s explore other options:

• Data roaming: it is expensive 
• Pocket WiFi: it is easy to lose the device and the insurance for the pocket WiFi is expensive. 
• Free WiFi: slow speed, unstable coverage, high risks of losing personal information.
• An embedded SIM card (virtual, digital SIM): convenient but requires eSIM-supported mobile devices.

Every option has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, when considering overall performance, SIM cards and eSIM (if your phone supports it) tend to deliver positive results.

II. Types of Prepaid Qatar SIM Card for Tourists – Which One is the Best?

Tourists to Qatar can choose from 02 types of Qatar SIM card for their trip:

• Prepaid physical Qatar SIM cards
• Prepaid Qatar digital SIM (eSIM)

According to the comparison table, eSIM offers numerous advantages compared to physical SIM cards. However, it’s important to note that in order to utilize eSIM, your phone must be equipped with eSIM technology.

III. Buy Best Qatar SIM Card Packages for Tourists and Price – Which to choose?

We recommend you 2 big mobile operators in Qatar. They are Ooredoo and Vodafone

1. Ooredoo

Ooredoo has five data-featured prepaid plans:

• Flexi Packs (combo)

• Hala Smart (combo)

• Hala Super Recharges (combo)

• Data Recharges

• Endless Data Recharges

2. Vodafone

Vodafone has four data-featured prepaid plans:

• Flex (combo with a unit system)

• Combo+

• Combo

• Data

IV. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Qatar? 

There are 4 ways you can buy a SIM card for your trip to Qatar. Let’s take a closer look at each option:

1.Buy a SIM card at Qatar airports:

When you arrive at Doha  airport or any international airport in Qatar, you’ll find kiosks or bookshops that sell prepaid SIM cards. They offer different deals based on your needs. Just make sure to check if the stores are open when you arrive since they may not be open 24/7.

• Price: Higher than those sold in stores in cities
• Pros: Get internet right away upon arrival.
• Cons: Higher cost, limited plan options, possible queues, and stores may not be open.

2.Buy a physical SIM card online before you leave:

Getting connected during your Qatar trip is easy these days. Before you depart, you can search for online SIM providers that offer Qatar-only travel SIMs or international SIM cards that cover Qatar. Make the purchase and wait for it to be delivered to your home address.

• Price: Affordable, but there may be a shipping fee.
• Pros: Prepare for internet connection before your trip, choose plans based on your needs.
• Cons: Need to wait for delivery, possibility of delivery delays.

3.Buy a SIM card in Qatar city centers:

You can buy prepaid SIM cards at official phone stores, convenience stores, official stores of Qatar mobile internet carriers, or even gas stations. Once you’re settled in your hotel, you can use Google Maps to find the nearest SIM card providers. In cities like Doha, it’s easy to find a store near your hotel.

• Price: Cheaper than buying at airports.
• Pros: Competitive prices, more options to choose from.
• Cons: Requires travel to the stores.

4.Buy an eSIM online one day before departure:

This option only applies if your phone supports eSIM. If it does, you can choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, make a payment, and within 5 minutes, receive a QR code in your email. Scan the QR code, and your eSIM plan will be activated on your phone. No need to wait for SIM delivery, travel to stores, or swap SIM cards.

• Pros: Pre-order and activate your eSIM for internet connection in advance. Saves time and money (cheaper with no shipping fee).
• Cons: Only works if your phone supports eSIM.

V. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Qatar?

Below is a table illustrating the average data requirements for travelers visiting Qatar of varying durations:

Let me explain in simple terms:

• If you’re planning a one-week trip to Qatar, you’ll probably need around 500 MB of data each day. That’s because you’ll be using your phone to look up maps, find attractions and restaurants, post pictures on social media, and maybe even watch some videos. So, for the entire week, you’ll need about 3.5 GB of data.

• Now, if you’re staying in Qatar for two weeks, your daily data needs might go down a bit to around 300 MB. As you settle into your trip, you might spend less time online. That means you’ll need a total of approximately 4.2 GB of data for the two weeks.

• For longer trips of three weeks or more, your daily data usage could decrease even more to around 250 MB. By this time, you’ll probably be spending less time planning and more time enjoying your time in Qatar. So, for a three-week trip, you should plan on having around 5.25 GB of data.

It’s always a good idea to have some extra data just in case you end up needing more than expected.

VI. Qatar eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Qatar

When you travel to Qatar in 2024, the easiest way to stay connected is by using an eSIM card. It’s incredibly convenient and takes just a few minutes to set up everything online. No more hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or buying one from a store – an eSIM card simplifies the process.

Just make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM before ordering one for Qatar. It’s that simple! Stay connected and have a fantastic time in Qatar!

Gigago appears to be a reliable service provider that offers Qatar eSIMs for international travel. 

• Convenient and Fast Delivery: Gigago offers instant delivery of the eSIM via email, right after payment.

• Extensive Coverage: The Qatar eSIM provides coverage throughout the entire territory of Qatar. 

• Reliable Network Providers: Gigago partners with reputable network providers in Qatar, namely Vodafone and Ooredoo. 

• Flexible Data Packages: Gigago offers a range of data packages to suit your needs. You can choose from 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or even 20GB options, depending on the duration of your stay and your data usage requirements.

• Easy to Use: You can simply scan the QR code provided in the email or manually enter the activation code to set up the eSIM on your device. 

• 24/7 Customer Support: Gigago provides round-the-clock customer support to assist you with any questions or technical issues you may encounter. 

• Positive Customer Reviews: Gigago has received positive feedback from over 1,000,000 satisfied customers. 

For Qatar, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $5.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Qatar eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.50 – $53.90 . 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.

VII. Which Qatar Mobile Networks Are The Best for Tourists?

In Qatar, you’ll find two major mobile internet providers that offer extensive coverage throughout the country, including mainland Qatar and the Qatar desert. These providers are:

• Ooredoo Qatar
• Vodafone Qatar

These operators have established networks that ensure reliable and widespread coverage, allowing you to stay connected and enjoy mobile internet services wherever you go in Qatar.

Let’s take a closer look at each major operator to help you make an informed decision and choose the best one for your trip to Qatar.

1. Ooredoo Qatar

Ooredoo Qatar (قطر), commonly known as Ooredoo, holds the distinction of being the largest mobile operator in Qatar. 

• Not only that, but it is also renowned for its exceptional network performance, making it a top choice among mobile service providers in the country.
• Ooredoo uses the following frequencies: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G NR, VoLTE. 
• Ooredoo wins both overall speed experience awards (Opensignal) – Download Speed Experience & Upload Speed Experience, as well as those for the 5G Experience – 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed. 

2. Vodafone Qatar

Vodafone Qatar (قطر), also known simply as Vodafone, is the second mobile operator in Qatar. It entered the Qatari telecom market in 2009 and has been a formidable competitor to Ooredoo Qatar (formerly known as Qtel) ever since, providing customers with alternative choices and fostering healthy competition

• Vodafone uses the following frequencies: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G NR, VoLTE. 
• Although Vodafone Qatar has not surpassed Ooredoo Qatar in terms of market dominance, it still holds a substantial market share ranging between 30% and 40%. 
• Vodafone remains firmly in second place in overall speed experience awards (Opensignal) – Download Speed Experience & Upload Speed Experience, as well as those for the 5G Experience – 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed. 

VIII. How to Use Qatar Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

1. Using prepaid Qatar tourist SIM Cards

Here are the basic steps to use a SIM card as a tourist in Qatar:

• Buy: Buy a prepaid SIM card either online or from most major cell carriers like Ooredoo or Vodafone at airports, train stations, shops. Make sure your phone is unlocked.
• Insert the SIM card into your phone: power off your phone, then insert the SIM into the sim tray, switch it on. 
• Activate the SIM card: switch on your phone, follow the instructions to set up the card. Enter a PIN code given by the provider with the SIM.
• Top up: Most prepaid SIMs come with a  small balance. To use more, you can top up online or buy top-up vouchers locally. 
• Use your phone as usual.
• Be aware of usage limits and fees if going over.

2. Setting up and activating Qatar eSIM 

Here are basic steps to install and activate an eSIM for your Qatar travel:

• Make a purchase an eSIM Qatar plan either from a Qatar mobile carrier or an eSIM provider like Gigago
• Get the information sent the email registered for receiving eSIM. Scan the QR code by using your phone camera to install the eSIM profile
• Restart your phone 
• Check if the eSIM profile has been activated or not in the mobile settings. You should see Qatar carriers listed. OK, done
• Use your phone to surf the Internet after arriving in Qatar airports
• Remove the eSIM profile before leaving Qatar to avoid any roaming charges. 

IX. FAQs

Conclusion

Qatar SIM Cards provide a convenient and budget-friendly option, allowing visitors to easily purchase them at airports and stores without breaking the bank. By using a travel SIM card, travelers can use their own devices with a local Qatari number, avoiding exorbitant roaming charges from their home service providers. In addition to the SIM card, if your phone is compatible with eSIM, utilizing a virtual SIM for Qatar is an excellent alternative to access the internet while traveling around the country.