Use Cell Phone In Bahrain for Travelers 2024: How To Do It?

Bahrain is an amazing country known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. When planning a trip to Bahrain, many travelers are concerned about staying connected. This helpful guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about using your cell phone in Bahrain as a traveler. Let’s dive in and discover the best ways to stay connected in Bahrain!

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Bahrain

Some facts about mobile network in Bahrain travelers should know: 

• Compatibility: Phones that support 2G, 3G, and 4G networks should work in Bahrain. 

• Frequencies: The common frequency bands used for mobile networks in Bahrain are as follows:

2G: GSM 900 and GSM 1800

3G: UMTS 2100

4G: LTE bands 3 (1800 MHz), 7 (2600 MHz), and 20 (800 MHz)

• Mobile Operators: The major mobile operators in Bahrain are Batelco, Zain Bahrain, and VIVA Bahrain. 

• Network Coverage: Mobile network coverage in Bahrain is generally good, with a focus on urban areas and major cities. 

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Bahrain?

You can see if a mobile phone is compatible with the 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in Bahrain. Besides you can check if it works with different mobile operators in Bahrain. This way, you can find out which operator supports the phone’s network compatibility.

Technology	Bands
Bands 5G	n78 (3500)
Bands 4G	B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B20 (800), B41 (TDD 2500)
Bands 3G	B1 (2100)
Bands 2G	B3 (1800), B8 (900)

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Bahrain?

Yes. 

Although, when traveling to Bahrain, tourists can use free wifi from coffee shops or restaurants and hotels they live, this options can be risky in some aspects: Unreliable Security, Limited coverage and Variable speed and reliability. 

International Plan is designed specially for tourists to Bahrain with many benefits: 

• Call and text internationally at preferential rates
• Use mobile data abroad at better rates than regular data roaming rates
• Keep home phone number when abroad
• Choose different packages depending on your needs and number of travel days

IV. What Are Options To Use Cellphones In Bahrain For Tourists?

The smartest options to use cellphones in Bahrain are:

• Purchase a local Bahrain SIM card for your phone
• Get an international eSIM data plan
• Rent a mobile WiFi hotspot

Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
eSIM	– Buy online – Just scan the QR to get the SIM – Use 2 SIMs at the same time  – No risk of losing it – Keep the main sim on the device	– Need compatible device	– Internationally compatible phones – Tech savvy users
Physical SIM card	– Wide coverage – Cost control – Reliable connection	-It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM.  – Main SIM is easily lost when removed – 1 phone only uses 1 sim	– Travelers staying >1 month – Digital nomads – Expats living in Bahrain
Pocket WiFi	– Portable hotspot for devices – No phone number needed – Coverage may surpass carriers	– Higher rental cost than SIM – Subscription time limits on devices – Potential loss/damage fees	– Large groups traveling together – Families with kids/elderly

V. Will My Local Network Work In Bahrain?

Most likely possible. Almost all local/domestic networks can work in Bahrain. You can use your current SIM Card in Bahrain. But that will be so expensive to use. The provider will charge you ten times higher rates for incoming, outgoing and sms messages. Plus you cannot have an internet connection.

You don’t need to spend that much money for a cellular connection. Bahrain cellular companies like Batelco, Zain or Viva will provide you a free SIM card at the Bahrain airport as you enter even if you are coming to Bahrain on a tourist visa. Their rates are quite reasonable. You can continue to use the same local number for Whatsapp and other apps.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Bahrain With Your Cell Phone

Travelers can consider using a Bahrain eSIM for their devices. It’s really convenient for tourists because you can easily purchase and set it up online. An eSIM provides a consistent internet speed without relying on your location. However, keep in mind that you’ll need an unlocked device that supports eSIM to use it for your Bahrain trip.

If you’re wondering where to buy an eSIM for Bahrain, we recommend Gigago as an excellent eSIM provider. They offer different data plans that cater to your specific needs.

Gigago is well-known worldwide as one of the top eSIM providers, and they have plans available for over 200 countries and regions, including Bahrain.

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. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Bahrain

Here are some friendly tips to help you avoid those charges while still being able to use your cell phone in Bahrain: 

• Call your service provider: Some carriers offer international calling and data plans, while others can suspend your service during your trip to prevent accidental charges. 

• Unlock your phone: Check with your service provider to see if your phone can be unlocked. 

• Bring a converter: Don’t forget to bring the necessary converters to charge your device.

• Turn off data roaming: If your phone has a data roaming setting, make sure to turn it off before your flight. 

• Disable automatic features: Automatic email checks and other features can use data without you realizing it, leading to unexpectedly high phone bills upon your return. 

• Consider airplane mode: This will prevent it from connecting to local networks, saving you from data charges altogether.

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Bahrain

IX. Conclusion

By choosing the most suitable option, you can enjoy your time and use your cell phone in Bahrain smoothly without worrying about losing essential connectivity. It’s important to set up your international cell phone appropriately based on the duration of your trip and your usage requirements. With a reliable Bahrain SIM card or eSIM, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonderful experiences Bahrain has to offer. Have a fantastic trip in Bahrain!