All you need to know about Data roaming in Bahrain for tourists and better alternatives so you can choose the best connectivity option for your Bahrain travel.
This guide aims to help you understand what data roaming in Bahrain is, how much it can cost you (with different local mobile operators in Bahrain), and most importantly, how to avoid high roaming fees. By reading our guide, you will be able to:
So, let’s get started and make sure you have a worry-free trip!
In this article
Here is a quick overview about phone roaming in Bahrain for tourists:
When you travel to Bahrain, your phone will automatically connect to a local mobile network (roaming network) if your home network provider has a roaming agreement with that network. Once connected, you can make calls, send text messages, use mobile data. However, you will be charge a roaming fee for this usage.
To explain in more detail, when your phone connects to a roaming network, it will typically send a signal to your home network provider. Your home network provider will then authorize the roaming connection and set the roaming rates.
On average, making voice calls can cost you around $0.2 to $0.6 per minute, and using data can be as expensive as $13 to $15 per megabyte.
Generally, roaming rates in Bahrain can be quite pricey, and they vary depending on your mobile network carrier and the specific roaming plan you choose. Some operators charge a per-minute rate for voice calls, a per-MB rate for data usage and a per-message rate for SMS.
Let’s see the table comparing roaming rates offered by the three Bahrain mobile network carriers:
| Operator | Data (per MB) | Voice (per minute) | SMS (per message) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batelco | 0.5 BHD ~ $0.13 | 0.5 BHD ~ $0.13 | 0.25 BHD ~ $0.06 |
| Zain Bahrain | 0.4 BHD ~ $0.11 | 0.4 BHD ~ $0.11 | 0.2 BHD ~ $0.05 |
| VIVA Bahrain | 0.25 BHD ~ $0.06 | 0.25 BHD ~ $0.06 | 0.1 BHD ~ $0.02 |
Note:
Fortunately, there are more budget-friendly options available, like daily or weekly packages, that can help you save on roaming costs.
Pro Tip: Ask your mobile network operator to get the most recent and accurate information about their roaming rates and available plans. They will be able to guide you on the best options for your specific needs.
To activate roaming services for Bahrain travel in your cell phone, you need to take 4 steps:
Below we describe steps in detail:
► Step 1: Choose your preferred service provider
You need to determine the service provider first.
You can either keep your home mobile plan or go for a local cellular carrier
If you keep your home cellular plan and assume that your home network carrier is one of the following brands, here is what to expect:
| Mobile network carrier | Roaming fees |
| Three | 5 USD/day |
| Vodafone | 6 USD/day |
| Rogers | 15 USD/10 MB |
| Verizon | 2.05 USD/MB |
| AT&T | 2.05 USD/MB |
| T-Mobile | 70 USD for 5 days |
If you choose a local mobile carrier, and activate its roaming service, the recommended local providers for roaming services are Zain or Batelco:
| Bahrain mobile network carrier | Roaming fees |
| Zain | Starting at 23 USD for 100 voice minutes for 3 days With data offer just 2 GB for 27.77 USD in 1 Day |
| Batelco | Starting at 1 USD for data only |
► Step 2: Activate the roaming function for your service provider
Each mobile network carrier has a different way to activate roaming service. You had better refer to the official website of the chosen operator for more detail.
For example: for Vodafone: download My Vodafone (Vodafone’s app) > get the option named “International roaming” > choose your destination country > Done, you get it.
Step 3: Buy a mobile package with roaming
Why is the roaming package important?
Regular roaming rates are usually expensive. Buying roaming packages will warrant that you will not break the bank with roaming charges.
Pro Tip:
Step 4: Turn on your phone’s roaming
Note: Do not forget to turn off the roaming feature when not in use to prevent any unnecessary expenses once you come back Bahrain
You can avoid roaming charges when traveling Bahrain by applying the following tips:
If your phone works with eSIM, there is no reason not to use Bahrain eSIM for staying connected during your trip.
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM or electronic SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other connected devices.
Travelers can experience many benefits of Bahrain eSIM:
So which eSIM providers to choose for the best experience?
Gigago is the best provider of eSIM for Bahrain and other countries.
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.
Turning off roaming service may have some differences between Android and Iphone models. Visitors can refer to how to turn off both devices as instructed below:
You can usually check your data usage while roaming in Bahrain through your phone’s settings or by contacting your home network provider
To avoid excessive data roaming charges, it’s recommended to connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. Additionally, you can disable automatic app updates, sync services, and background data on your device.
Yes. They can provide you with specific information regarding roaming services, charges, and any necessary settings for your device. It’s also an opportunity to inquire about any available international roaming packages that suit your needs.
Yes, you should be able to receive voicemail notifications while roaming in Bahrain. However, keep in mind that listening to voicemails and accessing voicemail services may incur additional charges.
Data roaming charges in Bahrain can be expensive for visitors from other countries if you’re not careful. But don’t worry, there are ways to avoid those charges! The best thing you can do is get a local prepaid SIM card from one of the major Bahrain mobile companies as soon as you arrive. Another option, if your device supports it, is to use a travel Bahrain eSIM. Both options will help you stay connected without breaking the bank!
In this guide, we will provide information on the various SIM card options available in Bahrain, including pricing, the best plans, and where to purchase them.
In this guide, we’ll give you some friendly tips for buying a SIM card at Muharraq Airport (Bahrain International Airport).
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need about obtaining and activating Zain SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists visiting Bahrain.
This guide aims to provide you with useful information about Batelco, why it’s a great choice for travelers, the best connectivity options offered by Batelco, where you can purchase Batelco SIM cards and eSIM plans, how to activate and use them, and other important details that tourists should know.
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