Best Tourist Sim Cards in Qatar in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Qatar across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
If you’re planning a visit to Qatar, having a SIM card is essential for staying connected. Whether you want to easily explore new cities, find the best dining options, navigate to your accommodation, or share memorable moments with loved ones, having internet access on the go is invaluable.
While roaming is an option, it can quickly become expensive, especially when traveling internationally. That’s why we recommend either an eSIM or a local SIM card to enjoy local phone rates without breaking the bank.
Thankfully, obtaining either of these options in Qatar is incredibly straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in Qatar, including current prices and the optimal choice for your needs.
The best sim card in Qatar is an Airalo Qatar eSim. Usually I recommend a local sim card for anyone looking for the best value, but the price of Airalo’s eSims in Qatar are almost the same as Vodafone or Ooreedoo for a similar amount of data. In my opinion, the convenience of an eSim makes this the best pick for most visitors to Qatar.
If your phone isn’t compatible with eSims (most phones support eSims now, including all iPhones since 2018), then your best local option is the Vodafone prepaid sim card with 8GB data valid for 30 days for 60 QAR.
Ooreedoo’s network is technically the best in Qatar, but Vodafone is a close second and in reality you won’t notice the difference. Both the Airalo eSim and the Vodafone prepaid sim card use Vodafone’s reliable and extensive mobile network in Qatar.
A Tourist Sim Card in Qatar costs 60 QAR in November 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Qatar will cost between $5 USD and $49 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 Qatar which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $17.50 USD.
Qatar has only two major mobile network operators: Vodafone and Ooredoo. These two companies dominate the market and both offer extremely fast mobile internet that extends all across Qatar.
Both networks are renowned for their fast speeds and offer packages with generous data caps for competitive prices.
Vodafone is my top recommendation for sim cards in Qatar. Their network is pretty much as good as Ooreedoo and the overall experience with them is fantastic.
Sim cards with Vodafone are slightly better value than Ooreedoo, especially for longer trips to Qatar.
On top of this, I recommend going for an Airalo eSim instead which uses the Vodafone network but doesn’t require you purchasing a card in person. Just bear in mind it works out to be slightly more expensive so if you’re on a budget just pick up a Vodafone sim card in Qatar.
The price of a Vodafone tourist sim card in Qatar is 60 QAR.
The plan offered by Vodafone stores includes 8GB data + 240 minutes valid for 30 days.
Ooredoo is the largest telecommunications company in Qatar. Their mobile network has the most extensive coverage and fastest speeds, however, in real-world use you’re unlikely to notice the difference between Ooredoo and Vodafone.
If you’re visiting Qatar for less than 7 days and don’t wish to get an eSim, then ooreedoo does have a good value plan that lasts for up to 7 days.
The price of a Ooreedoo tourist sim card in Qatar is 35 QAR.
The plan offered by Ooreedoo stores offers 2GB + 25 minutes calls valid for 7 days.
Identify the mobile providers in Qatar: Vodafone, Ooreedoo and are your best options in Qatar.
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 Qatar. 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 Qatar to bring your passport into the store so that the staff can register it with your sim card. Without this, Vodafone, Ooreedoo or 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 Vodafone that includes 8GB data + 240 minutes for 60 QAR.
Pay and activate your card: You can expect to pay 60 QAR 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 Qatar 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 Qatar then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Qatar 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 Vodafone, Ooreedoo and . 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 Qatar 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 Qatar 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 Qatar. The Airalo Qatar 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 $17.50 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 Qatar without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Qatar is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Qatar 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 Qatar eSim uses the Vodafone network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Vodafone networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Qatar.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Qatar eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $5 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $9 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $12 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $17.50 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $30 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $49 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $17.50 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 Qatar eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Qatar eSim uses the Ooredoonetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Qatar
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Qatar eSim:
3GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $34 USD
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
8GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $47 USD
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a built-in digital SIM card found in devices like smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. Unlike regular physical SIM cards, the eSIM doesn’t require insertion or removal from the device.
Instead, the eSIM is already 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 needing to physically change SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for travelers or individuals who frequently switch networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their network operator or manually input activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen network and access voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a regular 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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