Updated: August 6, 2023 | Published:
August 4, 2023
Traveling to Qatar can be an exhilarating experience, filled with rich cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and modern cityscapes.
To make the most of your journey, staying connected is essential.
This guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the mobile internet landscape in Qatar, ensuring you remain connected with your loved ones, stay updated with your emails, and share your experiences in real-time.
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Buying a SIM Card for Qatar
When you land in Qatar, one of the first things you should consider is purchasing a local prepaid SIM card.
This is a cost-effective way to stay connected, offering substantial data packages that can cater to your internet needs throughout your stay. Upon arrival at Doha International Airport, you’ll find several outlets selling SIM cards.
We recommend purchasing an Ooredoo SIM card, as they offer a robust 4G/5G network with fast data speeds, ensuring seamless connectivity during your stay.
An e-SIM card is a digital SIM that allows you to access a mobile network without a physical SIM card. You can order your Qatar e-SIM card online and receive a unique QR code in your email.
Scanning this code with your mobile phone will activate a data package valid in Qatar. Various e-SIM card data packages are available.
Provider
eSIM Profile
Data
Validity
Price/GB
Price
Phone Number
Coverage
BNESIM Qatar 100GB
100
30
1.58
158.43
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 50GB
50
30
1.92
95.98
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 20GB
20
30
2.24
44.70
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 10GB
10
30
2.29
22.86
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 5GB
5
1
2.57
12.85
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 5GB
5
30
2.39
11.94
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 3GB
3
1
2.65
7.94
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 3GB
3
30
2.46
7.38
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 1GB
1
1
2.74
2.74
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
BNESIM Qatar 1GB
1
30
2.54
2.54
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
MIddle East
1
7
20.00
20.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
MIddle East
2
10
15.00
30.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
MIddle East
3
14
12.00
36.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
MIddle East
5
21
8.80
44.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
10
30
2.20
22.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
15
5
2.20
33.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
20
30
1.95
39.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
1
7
6.00
6.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
2
10
4.50
9.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
3
14
3.67
11.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar
5
21
2.60
13.00
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
10GB Data Qatar
10
30
3.00
30.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
1GB Plan Qatar
1
30
45.00
45.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
3GB Plan Qatar
3
30
36.00
108.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
1GB Data Qatar
1
7
5.00
5.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
3GB Data Qatar
3
15
4.00
12.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
1GB Data Global
1
7
8.00
8.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
1GB Global Subscription
1
30
50.00
50.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
3GB Data Global
3
15
6.67
20.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
10GB Data Global
10
30
5.00
50.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar eSIM
1
7
6.00
6.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar eSIM
3
10
5.75
17.25
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar eSIM
5
15
5.50
27.50
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar eSIM
10
30
5.00
50.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global eSIM
2
3
6.67
10.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global eSIM
1
15
12.00
12.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global eSIM
5
30
10.00
50.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 3 GB
3
30
16.33
48.99
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 5 GB
5
30
12.60
62.99
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 2 GB
2
30
21.00
41.99
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 1 Day – 1 GB
1
1
19.60
19.60
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 1 GB
1
30
21.00
21.00
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 7 Days – 1GB
1
7
19.36
19.36
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 3GB
3
30
16.06
48.17
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global – 30 Days – 5GB
5
30
14.44
72.20
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global Middle East and North Africa – 1 GB – 7 Days
1
7
19.36
19.36
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global Middle East and North Africa – 2 GB – 15 Days
2
15
18.08
36.16
Not included
🇶🇦 Qatar
Global Middle East and North Africa – 3 GB – 30 Days
While Qatar offers free WiFi in many public places like shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants, relying solely on public WiFi can be limiting.
Public WiFi networks can often be slow or unstable, especially in crowded areas. Moreover, using public WiFi involves security risks as these networks are usually unsecured. On the other hand, overseas roaming plans can be expensive and offer slower data speeds.
Having a local SIM card or an e-SIM card ensures you have a secure and reliable data connection at all times, making tasks like ordering a taxi, getting directions, or checking your emails much easier.
Mobile Internet Operators in Qatar
Qatar’s mobile internet market is dominated by two providers: Ooredoo and Vodafone. Both operators offer extensive 4G/5G networks and provide prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
However, Ooredoo stands out for its superior network coverage and faster data speeds, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.
Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in Qatar
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Qatar is straightforward. At Doha International Airport, you’ll find Vodafone and Ooredoo stores in the arrival hall.
The staff at these stores can guide you through the process of buying a SIM card. If you prefer to buy a SIM card in the city, you can visit any major shopping mall where you’ll find official retail stores of Ooredoo and Vodafone.
Remember, you’ll need your passport to register your SIM card.
As a conservative Muslim country, Qatar exercises certain internet censorship measures. Some content, such as political criticism of Gulf countries and certain adult content, may be filtered.
However, popular apps like Tinder work normally and are widely used in Qatar.
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Final Thought
Staying connected while traveling in Qatar is crucial for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Whether you opt for a local prepaid SIM card, an e-SIM card, or an international SIM card, this guide provides you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Compare and find the most suitable travel eSIM for your needs and purchase it directly with the provider.
Receive eSIM via email/app
You will receive the eSIM profile within a few minutes in a separate e-mail or you can directly access it in the provider’s app.
Install eSIM
Scan the eSIM QR code in the mail with the camera function of your smartphone and follow the instructions on the screen. The profile will be set up automatically.
Free roaming abroad
You can now use the eSIM abroad!
Search over 28000 eSIM data plans in 210+ countries
Why Choose an eSIM?
Sustainable
The eSIM works digitally only, so fewer resources are used than with the classic SIM card.
Digital
The new eSIM can easily be digitally uploaded to your smartphone. It’s quick and saves the environment.
Fast Installation
Your eSIM profile is sent easily and conveniently by email. This means you will receive your digital eSIM much faster than a physical SIM Card by post.