Best Tourist Sim Cards in Kuwait in 2025
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Kuwait across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a visit to Kuwait, having a reliable sim card is essential to stay connected and make the most of your trip. Access to the internet while traveling allows for seamless navigation in unfamiliar cities. Whether you need to discover the top-notch restaurants, find your accommodation, book transportation, or share memorable moments with your loved ones, having internet access on the go is a must.
While roaming is a viable option, international fees can quickly accumulate, so it’s advisable to opt for either an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates. Fortunately, obtaining either an eSIM or local sim card in Kuwait is incredibly convenient.
However, it’s important to understand which option suits you best. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to purchase a sim card in Kuwait, including current pricing and recommendations for the best sim card to suit your needs.
The best sim card in Kuwait is the Zain prepaid sim card. For 5 KD you will get 30GB data + 100 minutes of calls valid for 30 days. This is plenty of data for anyone visiting Kuwait.
On top of this, Zain is the largest mobile operator in Kuwait and has the best coverage and network reliability. Ooredoo also has extensive coverage and is a suitable alternative, especially if you require significantly more data, however, it will cost you almost 50% more at 7 KD.
If you are happy with a little less data, for 4.61 KD I highly recommend the Airalo Kuwait eSim. It is cheaper than the local sim cards and comes with 5GB data. This is of course a lot less than 30GB, but most people don’t need 30GB of data when they’re visiting Kuwait and I consider the improved convenience of an eSim worth the tradeoff. For 7.69 KD ($25 USD) you can get 10GB.
A Tourist Sim Card in Kuwait costs 5 KD in January 2025, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Kuwait will cost between $4.50 USD and $40 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Kuwait which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $15 USD.
The main sim card providers in Kuwait are Zain, Ooredoo and STC. All three providers offer good mobile networks due to the fact that Kuwait has some of the fastest download speeds in the entire world.
Zain’s network is widely considered to be the best in Kuwait with better 5G coverage and faster download speeds.
Zain is the best and largest mobile network operator in Kuwait. Their sim card plans are affordable and include large amounts of mobile data enabling tourists to access the internet no matter where they are.
The Zain mobile network is also the best in Kuwait with other travellers reporting negative experiences with Zain’s competitors.
You can also pick up a Zain sim card very easily in Kuwait, either at their official airport branch or at one of the stores in Kuwait City.
The price of a Zain tourist sim card in Kuwait is 5 KD.
The plan offered by Zain stores includes 30GB data + 100 minutes valid for 1 month.
Ooredoo is a good back up option for prepaid sim cards in Kuwait after Zain. Their network is still strong on paper, however, locals and tourists tend to criticise Ooredoo more due to weaker signal in various areas of Kuwait.
Realistically, you are unlikely to face challenges with Ooredoo, but given it costs slightly more than Zain it doesn’t make sense for Ooredoo to be your first pick.
The price of a Ooredoo tourist sim card in Kuwait is 7 KD.
The plan offered by Ooredoo stores offers 230GB data + 100 local minutes valid for 30 days.
STC is the third largest telco in Kuwait and is generally considered to have the worst coverage and slowest download speeds across Kuwait. Their 5G coverage is one of the best, but this doesn’t mean much in the areas where their coverage is lacking entirely.
For this reason I recommend visitors to Kuwait to choose either Zain or Ooredoo instead.
The price of a STC tourist sim card in Kuwait is 5 KD.
The plan offered by STC stores includes 200GB data + 200 minutes valid for 30 days.
Identify the mobile providers in Kuwait: Zain, Ooredoo and STC are your best options in Kuwait.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can be found all over any major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. You can’t buy sim cards in airports in Kuwait. If you’re on a budget it is usually cheaper to use the airport wifi instead and purchase your sim card in a store near your hotel.
Bring the necessary documents: It is mandatory in Kuwait to bring your passport into the store so that the staff can register it with your sim card. Without this, Zain, Ooredoo or STC staff will be unable to sell you a sim card.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are likely to be your best option, for example the prepaid plan by Zain that includes 30GB data + 100 minutes for 5 KD.
Pay and activate your card: You can expect to pay 5 KD to purchase your sim card. The staff in-store will help you install the sim card and activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always try searching for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine before leaving. If it’s not, the staff will be able to help you adjust your settings.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Kuwait at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Kuwait then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Kuwait have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Zain, Ooredoo and STC. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Kuwait are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Kuwait with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Kuwait. The Airalo Kuwait eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $15 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Kuwait without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Kuwait is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Kuwait and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Kuwait eSim uses the Zain network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Zain networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Kuwait.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Kuwait eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $8 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $10.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $25 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $40 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $15 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Kuwait eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Kuwait eSim uses the Kuwait Telecom Company (K.S.C.) / Mobile Telecommunications Company / National Mobile Telecommunications Company (K.S.C)network to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Kuwait
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Kuwait eSim:
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is installed directly into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, the eSIM does not require insertion or removal.
Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, especially for frequent travelers or those who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it much easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the desired mobile network and enjoy voice, data, and messaging services just as with a traditional SIM card.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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