Getting yourself a SIM card in Bahrain is cheap, relatively easy, and recommended.
In fact, local prepaid SIM cards in most countries are cheaper than roaming internationally.
Bahraini SIM cards, also called SimSims, are sold for as little as 1 BHD (2.65 USD) in STC' (VIVA), Batelco's, and Zain's official stores. You can also get them at authorized resellers. Plans featuring 1 GB of data are available for as low as 3 BHD (7.95 USD).
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here
or on YouTube.
Moreover, mobile internet speeds are quite fast too, with a country average download speed of more than 40 Mbps.
Mobile data prices can be considered cheap compared to other things you will buy in Bahrain, as it is a relatively expensive Kingdom.
There are a few ways to get even more data than what is advertised by the Bahraini operators, as long as you know about these deals and options.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Bahrain. Let's go.
Original publication: 18th of December 2019. Last updated: 11th of February 2021.
Table of Contents
Bahrain SIM Cards Videos
Do not feel like reading? Watch all my videos related to the Bahraini operators and SIM cards.
Cannot see the playlist above? Watch it on YouTube.
Can I Use My Phone in Bahrain?
Bahrain has GSM networks utilizing frequencies used in many regions around the world (such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania – ITU Regions 1 & 3), but not in the Americas (North-, Central-, and South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).
by Denelson83, CC BY-SA 2.5, If you purchased your phone in the Americas, if your device has not been unlocked, or the phone does not support Bahrain's frequencies, then you cannot use your phone in Bahrain.
Mobile Operators, Networks, and Frequencies in Bahrain
Bahrain has three mobile network operators:
- STC Bahrain (formerly VIVA Bahrain)
- Batelco
- Zain Bahrain
All operators have 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G NR networks.
The following frequencies are used by the Bahraini operators:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
Note: Batelco shut down its 2G network on the 31st of December 2019.
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
To check whether your phone will work in Bahrain, check out this page by Will My Phone Work.
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Bahrain
All Bahraini operators (STC Bahrain, Batelco, and Zain Bahrain) have been offering 5G NR to their customers.
At the time of writing, only STC Bahrain offers 5G NR to its prepaid customers for an additional 5 BHD on top of their prepaid plans. Batelco offers 5G NR to postpaid customers, while Zain Bahrain offers 5G NR to broadband users only.
The Best SIM Card in Bahrain
If you want to buy a SIM card in Bahrain, I recommend going with STC (VIVA) because they have the best coverage in the country and the fastest speeds. Consider Zain if you want more data for the same price as STC and Batelco would charge you.
SIM Card Registration in Bahrain
SIM card registration with the use of your passport information is required in Bahrain. It is done at the point of sale. As of 2017, fingerprints will also be taken as part of the SIM card registration process.
The State of the Telecom Market in Bahrain
Bahrain is an island nation surrounded by the Persian Gulf, also known as the Arabian Gulf.
Countries that have direct access to the gulfs, seas, or oceans are often directly connected to submarine cables.
One major benefit for nations that have direct connections to submarine cables is that they do not have to deal with the lack of a proper domestic fiber network of feeding countries (countries that supply bandwidth to other countries with no access to submarine cables).
Bahrain is connected to at least four submarine cables named FALCON, FOG, GBICS/MENA, and TATA THG-Gulf. As a result, internet speeds in Bahrain are higher than the world average.
According to the Speedtest Global Index, the average download speed in Bahrain is around 42 Mbps, which is 20% higher than the world average of 35 Mbps, placing Bahrain on spot #34 on the world.
When looking at mobile data rates, Cable.co.uk found that the average price for 1 GB of data in Bahrain is 2.27 USD, which is much less than the Middle Eastern average of 4.46 USD, and the world average of 5.03 USD.
Besides that, packages that feature mobile data are incredibly generous in Bahrain compared to neighboring countries.
Those who are solely interested in mobile internet should consider getting a mobile broadband (data-only) SIM card from the Bahraini operators, as you will get much more data compared to the regular SIM cards. However, you will not be able to make/send/receive calls or SMS with those SIM cards.
Currency in Bahrain
Bahrain uses the Bahraini Dinar with the symbol BHD (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Bahrain are listed in BD. For example, BD 25 is 25 BHD. For reference, below are some exchange rates between BHD and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 BHD = 2.65 USD
- 10 BHD = 26.50 USD
- 100 BHD = 265.15 USD
For up-to-date BHD:USD exchange rates, search BHD to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Transferwise Borderless Account and Debit Card. Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Transferwise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks). I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Transferwise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Transferwise account FREE!
Bahrain Prepaid SIM Cards & Video Guide
Below, I will guide you through STC Bahrain, Batelco, and Zain Bahrain, and go through:
- Background information about the operators
- How to get a SIM card from each operator
- How to recharge your SIM card
- What type of data-featured packages are offered by the operators
If you prefer to watch a video of what the Bahraini operators have to offer, be sure to check the video below AND also subscribe to my channel for more local prepaid SIM card guides, SIM card reviews (prepaid and international), mobile hotspots, and international roaming guides. You should still go through the guide after watching the video (I refer to it multiple times throughout the video).
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
With that said, let’s see what Bahrain has to offer to us.
STC Bahrain (VIVA)
STC Bahrain, formerly known as VIVA Bahrain and will be referred to as just STC, is the youngest operator in Bahrain – they entered the Bahraini market in 2010.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
This is what you will learn about STC:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get an STC SIM Card & SIM Card Prices
* Starter Packs
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* Enabling 5G for STC Prepaid SIM Cards
* APN Settings
Jump to Batelco | Jump to Zain Bahrain
STC Bahrain Coverage
STC has, together with Batelco, the best coverage in Bahrain. As the Kindgom is relatively small, mobile coverage can be found in every corner of Bahrain.
Although the STC website does not have an official coverage map, the Coverage Map tool in the Speedtest app does give you an insight into STC's coverage based on crowdsourced information.
Below is a mobile coverage map of STC.
Getting an STC Bahrain Prepaid SIM Card & Price
You can buy an STC prepaid SIM card starting from 4 BHD in STC stores throughout Bahrain. An STC Prepaid Broadband SIM card, STC' data-only SIM card, is sold for 10.50 BHD.
STC SIM cards are also sold at Bahrain International Airport.
STC Bahrain Prepaid Starter Packs
There are three prepaid starter packs to choose from for the STC Prepaid SIM card and only one prepaid broadband starter pack for the Prepaid Broadband SIM card.
The perks of each starter pack are listed below.
| Price | Starter Pack | Data | TikTok Data | On-net Minutes | Off-net/Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Weekly 1.25GB | 1.25 GB | N/A | N/A | 125 Local minutes | N/A | 7 days | 222*45# |
| 7 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Monthly 8GB | 8 GB | N/A | N/A | 500 Local minutes | N/A | 30 days | *222*71# |
| 8 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Monthly 10GB | 10 GB | 15 GB | Unlimited | 200 Off-net minutes | Yes* | 30 days | 222*56# |
| 10.50 BHD | SIM Only | 20 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
* 30 minutes to India, 30 minutes to Bangladesh, 30 minutes to Pakistan, 10 minutes to Nepal, and 10 minutes to Sri Lanka.
The Prepaid Starter Packs auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial #222#.
Reloading Your STC Bahrain SIM Card
STC selles recharge vouchers in denominations starting from 0.5 BHD to 30 BHD for STC Prepaid.
The following recharge vouchers are available:
| Recharge Card | Validity |
|---|---|
| 0.50 BHD | 1 day |
| 1 BHD | 2 days |
| 1.50 BHD | 3 days |
| 2 BHD | 7 days |
| 3 BHD | 14 days |
| 5 BHD | 21 days |
| 6 BHD | 30 days |
| 6.50 BHD | 31 days |
| 7 BHD | 40 days |
| 8 BHD | 40 days |
| 10 BHD | 45 days |
| 15 BHD | 45 days |
| 20 BHD | 60 days |
| 25 BHD | 60 days |
| 30 BHD | 100 days |
To recharge your STC SIM card, dial *100*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *100*123456#.
Dial *101# to check your STC balance.
When the voucher credit expires and you have no active internet plan, then your STC SIM card will be in a 90-day grace period where you can only receive SMS and incoming calls. After that, your SIM card will be in the 30-day disable period where your STC line is temporarily suspended, which also means that you will lose any credit on your SIM card.
STC Bahrain Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
STC has several types of packages to choose from for both STC Prepaid and STC Prepaid Broadband, which are:
- Prepaid Subscriptions (combo plans for STC Prepaid)
- One Time Data Add-Ons (data-only add-on for STC Prepaid Subscriptions)
- Prepaid Data Add Ons (data-only for STC Prepaid)
- Data Single Top-Ups (data-only add-ons for Prepaid Data Add Ons)
- Prepaid Broadband Recharge (data-only plans for STC Prepaid Broadband)
Let's go through each option. Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
STC Bahrain Prepaid Subscriptions
The Prepaid Subscriptions, also known as Add Ons, are combo plans that come with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following Prepaid Subscriptions are available:
| Price | Add-On Name | Data | TikTok Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Weekly 1.25GB | 1.25 GB | N/A | N/A | 125 local minutes | N/A | 7 days | *222*45# |
| 7 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Monthly 8GB | 8 GB | N/A | N/A | 500 local minutes | N/A | 30 days | *222*71# |
| 8 BHD | STC Prepaid Data & Minutes Monthly 10GB | 10 GB | 15 GB | Unlimited | 200 off-net minutes | Yes* | 30 days | *222*56# |
* 30 minutes to India, 30 minutes to Bangladesh, 30 minutes to Pakistan, 10 minutes to Nepal, and 10 minutes to Sri Lanka.
The Prepaid Subscriptions auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial #222#.
Dial *101# to check your data balance.
STC Bahrain One Time Data Add-Ons
The One Time Data Add-Ons are data bundles that, unlike the Prepaid Subscriptions, do not auto-renew. You need an active Prepaid Subscription to enable a One Time Data Add-On.
The following One Time Data Add-Ons are available:
| Price | Data | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| BHD 1.05 | 1 GB | *81172*1# |
| BHD 3.15 | 3 GB | *81172*3# |
| BHD 5.25 | 8 GB | *81172*5# |
| BHD 10.50 | 20 GB | *81172*10# |
A One Time Data Add-On expires when the active Prepaid Subscription expires.
Dial *101# to check your data balance.
STC Bahrain Prepaid Data Add Ons
The Prepaid Data Add Ons, also known as 4G LTE Data Add-Ons, are data-only plans that come with a high-speed data allowance and unlimited data at slower speeds.
Although the name implies that these plans are add-ons, they can be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Prepaid Data Add Ons are available:
| Price | High-Speed Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.15 BHD | 1 GB | 7 Days | *88825*33# |
| 4.20 BHD | 2 GB | 7 Days | *88825*4# |
| 5.25 BHD | 4 GB | 15 Days | *88825*53# |
| 8.40 BHD | 7 GB | 30 Days | *88825*83# |
| 15.75 BHD | 15 GB | 30 Days | *88825*153# |
The Prepaid Data Add Ons auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial #88825#.
Dial *101# to check your data balance.
STC Bahrain Data Single Top-Ups
The Data Single Top-Ups are data bundles that, unlike the Prepaid Data Add Ons, do not auto-renew. You need an active Prepaid Data Add On to enable a Data Single Top-Up.
The following Data Single Top-Ups are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHD 3.15 | 1 GB | 7 Days | *98993*3# |
| BHD 5.25 | 3 GB | 15 Days | *98993*5# |
Dial *101# to check your data balance.
STC Bahrain Prepaid Broadband Recharge
The Prepaid Broadband Recharges are data-only reloads for STC Prepaid Broadband.
The following Prepaid Broadband Recharges are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BHD | 1 GB | 3 Days |
| 2 BHD | 2 GB | 7 Days |
| 3 BHD | 2 GB | 7 Days |
| 4 HBD | 3 GB | 7 Days |
| 5 BHD | 4 GB | 14 Days |
| 6 BHD | 6 GB | 14 Days |
| 7 BHD | 7 GB | 14 Days |
| 8 BHD | 4 GB | 14 Days |
| 9 BHD | 9 GB | 14 Days |
| 10 BHD | 10 GB | 30 Days |
| 15 BHD | 15 GB | 30 Days |
| 20 BHD | 22 GB | 30 Days |
| 25 BHD | 30 GB | 30 Days |
| 30 BHD | 40 GB | 30 Days |
Prepaid Broadband Recharges are available as electronic vouchers, at STC Self-Service Machines, or Quick Pay on the STC website.
Dial *101# to check your data balance.
STC Bahrain 5G for Prepaid SIM Cards
All STC prepaid SIM cards and plans can take advantage of STC' 5G network for 5 BHD a month by dialing *98037#.
Make sure your device supports 5G and 3500 MHz (3.5 GHz) on n78, and that 5G is available in the areas you are visiting or staying.
STC Bahrain APN Settings
In most cases, your phone will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings for your STC Bahrain SIM card. If that does not happen, then you have to enter the following details in your APN settings (only enter the field listed below – leave the others blank):
- Name: STC
- APN: viva.bh
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
RELATED GUIDES:
- Buying a SIM Card in the Middle East (All Middle Eastern Countries)
- Buying a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia
- Buying a SIM Card in Qatar
- Buying a SIM Card in Kuwait
- Buying a SIM Card in the United Arab Emirates
Jump back to the table of contents.
Batelco
Batelco, also known as Bahrain Telecom, is Bahrain's incumbent operator. The company is active in other countries under different brands, such as Sure South Atlantic.
Batelco is currently the only operator without a 2G network in Bahrain. This should not be a huge problem because 2G is too slow for modern data browsing.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
This is what you will learn about Batelco:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Batelco SIM Card & SIM Card Prices
* Starter Packs
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Jump to STC Bahrain | Jump to Zain Bahrain
Batelco Coverage
Together with STC, Batelco has the best coverage throughout Bahrain.
Batelco has no official coverage map on its website, so I will use the Coverage Checked on the Speedtest app.
Getting a Batelco Prepaid SIM Card & Price
You can get a Batelco Prepaid SIM card, called SimSim, with a prepaid starter pack from 4 BHD in Batelco stores. You can also buy a Batelco Prepaid Monthly Internet Starter Pack for as little as 7.35 BHD.
Batelco also sells SIM cards at Bahrain International Airport.
Batelco Prepaid Starter Packs
There are three Batelco prepaid starter plans you can choose from, and there are two starter plans for the Prepaid Monthly Mobile SIM card.
The perks of each starter pack are listed below:
| Price | Pack Name | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 BHD | Weekly Package 1.250 GB | 1.25 GB | 125 minutes | N/A | 7 days | *211# |
| 7 BHD | Monthly Package 8 GB | 8 GB | 500 minutes | N/A | 30 days | *700# |
| 7.35 BHD | Prepaid Data BD7.35 | 10 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
| 8 BHD | Youth Package 10 GB | 10 GB | 200 minutes | N/A | 30 days | Text U8 to 88188 OR dial *808# |
| 10.50 BHD | Monthly Package + 12 GB | 12 GB | 800 minutes | 800 SMS | 30 days | Text F10 to 88188 |
| 10.50 BHD | Prepaid Data BD10.50 | 20 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
* The Youth Package 10 GB is only available to those between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
The prepaid packages, the ones with local minutes, auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text DW2, DM7, or DF10 to 88188 for the 4 BHD, 7 BHD, and 10.50 BHD (Monthly Package +12 GB) plans, respectively.
Also, note that the renewal price for the Weekly Package 1.250 GB plan is 2 BHD instead of its original price of 4 BHD. The renewal price for the Monthly Package +12 GB is 10 BHD instead of 10.50 BHD.
Moreover, you get free social bundles the longer you stay with Batelco. The social bundles are:
- 10 GB/month for WhatsApp (upon activation)
- 10 GB/month for Snapchat (on the 3rd month)
- 10 GB/month for Instagram (on the 6th month)
- 10 GB/month for YouTube between 23:00 – 7:00/11 PM – 7 AM (on the 9th month)
If you have forgotten your Batelco phone number, you can dial *751# to retrieve your number.
Reloading Your Batelco SIM Card
Batelco prepaid vouchers are available in denominations from 1 BHD to 100 BHD. Prepaid vouchers are available in many retailers throughout Bahrain, or you can top-up online with Quick Refill.
The following top-up vouchers are available:
| Recharge Card | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1 BHD | 2 days |
| 2 BHD | 7 days |
| 3 BHD | 14 days |
| 5 BHD | 21 days |
| 6 BHD | 30 days |
| 7 BHD | 40 days |
| 10 BHD | 45 days |
| 12 BHD | 45 days |
| 20 BHD | 60 days |
| 30 BHD | 100 days |
To recharge your Batelco SIM card, dial *125*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.
Dial *122*60# to check your Batelco Prepaid balance.
When the voucher credit expires and you have no active internet plan, then your Batelco SIM card will be in a 90-day grace period where you can only receive SMS and incoming calls. After that, your SIM card will be in the 30-day disable period where your Batelco line is temporarily suspended, which means that you will lose any credit on your SIM card.
Batelco Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Batelco has several packages you can choose from, which are:
- Prepaid Packages (combo plans for Batelco Prepaid)
- Prepaid Add-Ons (data-only packages for Batelco Prepaid)
- Prepaid Mobile Internet Vouchers (data-only packages for Batelco Mobile Internet)
Let's go through each plan. Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Batelco Prepaid Packages
The Prepaid Packages, also known as Bolton, are prepaid combo plans that come with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following Prepaid Packages are available:
| Price | Pack Name | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 BHD | Weekly Package 1.250 GB | 1.25 GB | 125 minutes | N/A | 7 days | Text M7 to 88188 OR dial *211# |
| 7 BHD | Monthly Package 8 GB | 8 GB | 500 minutes | N/A | 30 days | Text W2 to 88188 OR dial *700# |
| 8 BHD* | Youth Package 10 GB | 10 GB | 200 minutes | N/A | 30 days | Text U8 to 88188 OR dial *808# |
| 10.50 BHD | Monthly Package + 12 GB | 12 GB | 800 minutes | 800 SMS | 30 days | Text F10 to 88188 |
* The Youth Package 10 GB is only available to those between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
The prepaid packages, the ones with local minutes, auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text DW2, DM7, FU8, or DF10 to 88188 for the 4 BHD, 7 BHD, 8 BHD, and 10.50 BHD plans, respectively.
Also, note that the renewal price for the Weekly Package 1.250 GB plan is 2 BHD instead of its original price of 4 BHD. The renewal price for the Monthly Package +12 GB is 10 BHD instead of 10.50 BHD.
Moreover, you get free social bundles the longer you stay with Batelco. The social bundles are:
- 10 GB/month for WhatsApp (upon activation)
- 10 GB/month for Snapchat (on the 3rd month)
- 10 GB/month for Instagram (on the 6th month)
- 10 GB/month for YouTube between 23:00 – 7:00/11 PM – 7 AM (on the 9th month)
Dial *888*1*1# to check your data balance.
Batelco Prepaid Add-Ons
The Prepaid Add-Ons, also known as Prepaid Vouchers, are data-only vouchers ranging from 1 BHD for 1 GB to 30 BHD for 60 GB.
The following Prepaid Vouchers are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BHD | 1 GB | 3 days |
| 2 BHD | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 3 BHD | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 4 BHD | 4 GB | 7 days |
| 5 BHD | 8 GB | 14 days |
| 6 BHD | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 7 BHD | 14 GB | 30 days |
| 10 BHD | 20 GB | 30 days |
| 20 BHD | 40 GB | 30 days |
| 30 BHD | 60 GB | 30 days |
To redeem a Prepaid Mobile Internet Voucher, dial *125*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.
Dial *888*1*1# to check your data balance.
Batelco Prepaid Mobile Internet Vouchers
The Prepaid Mobile Vouchers are the data-only vouchers for Batelco's data-only SIM card (Prepaid Mobile Internet).
The following Prepaid Mobile Internet Vouchers are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BHD | 1 GB | 3 days |
| 2 BHD | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 3 BHD | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 4 BHD | 4 GB | 7 days |
| 5 BHD | 8 GB | 14 days |
| 6 BHD | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 7 BHD | 14 GB | 30 days |
| 10 BHD | 20 GB | 30 days |
| 20 BHD | 40 GB | 30 days |
| 30 BHD | 60 GB | 30 days |
To redeem a Prepaid Voucher, dial *125*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.
Dial *888*1*1# to check your data balance.
Batelco APN Settings
- Name: Batelco
- APN: internet.batelco.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the table of contents.
Zain Bahrain
Zain Bahrain, simply Zain, is Bahrain's second mobile operator. They are now the smallest operator in the Kingdom, but they often offer more perks for the same price than STC and Batelco.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
This is what you will learn about Zain:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Zain SIM Card & SIM Card Prices
* Starter Packs
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Jump to STC Bahrain | Jump to Batelco
Zain Bahrain Coverage
Zain Bahrain has the worst coverage in Bahrain. However, because Bahrain is a small country, Zain's coverage should not be an issue, as it has nationwide coverage.
Zain does not have a coverage map on its website, so I will show the coverage map provided by the Speedtest app.
Getting a Zain Bahrain SIM Card & Price
You can get a Zain SIM Card, called eeZee Prepaid, starting from 2 BHD in Zain stores. It is also possible to get a data-only SIM card, called Zain Prepaid Mobile Broadband, from 7.35 BHD.
If you have forgotten your Zain phone number, dial *111# to see your number.
Zain Starter Packs
There are three eeZee Prepaid Starter Packs to choose from, and three Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM cards.
The perks of each starter pack are listed below:
| Price | Starter Pack | Data | TikTok Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 BHD | eeZee Prepaid Weekly | 1.5 GB | N/A | N/A | 125 Local minutes | N/A | 7 days | *123*4# |
| 7 BHD | eeZee Prepaid Monthly | 9 GB | N/A | N/A | 500 Local minutes | N/A | 30 days | *123*7# |
| 7.35 BHD | SIM Only | 10 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
| 8.40 BHD | SIM Only | 12 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
| 8 BHD | Super eeZee Prepaid Monthly | 11 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 200 Off-net minutes | Yes* | 30 days | *123*8# |
| 10.50 BHD | SIM Only | 20 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
* 30 minutes to India, 30 minutes to Bangladesh, 30 minutes to Pakistan, 10 minutes to Nepal, and 10 minutes to Sri Lanka.
The eeZee prepaid plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *123*11#.
Reloading Your Zain Bahrain SIM Card
Zain recharge vouchers are sold in Zain stores, from many other retailers, and on the Zain App and website in denominations starting from 0.5 BHD to 30 BHD.
Do note that if you recharge your Zain SIM card through the Zain App (Android/iOS) or the Zain website with Quick Pay, the validity of your credit will be longer compared to using a physical reload voucher.
The following recharge vouchers are available:
| Recharge Amount | Reload Card Validity | Zain App/Website Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50 BHD | 1 day | 1 day |
| 1 BHD | 2 days | 3 days |
| 1.50 BHD | 3 days | 4 days |
| 2 BHD | 7 days | 9 days |
| 4 BHD | 17 days | 21 days |
| 5 BHD | 21 days | 26 days |
| 6 BHD | 30 days | 35 days |
| 6.50 BHD | 31 days | 37 days |
| 7 BHD | 40 days | 47 days |
| 8 BHD | 40 days | 49 days |
| 10 BHD | 45 days | 60 days |
| 20 BHD | 60 days | 120 days |
| 25 BHD | 60 days | 120 days |
| 30 BHD | 100 days | 120 days |
To activate your recharge voucher, dial *141*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *141*123456#.
Dial *142# to check your Zain balance.
When the voucher credit expires and you have no active internet plan, then your Zain SIM card will be in a 90-day grace period where you can only receive SMS and incoming calls. After that, your SIM card will be in the 30-day disable period where your Zain line is temporarily suspended, which also means that you will lose any credit on your SIM card.
Zain Bahrain Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Zain has several types of packages to select from, which are:
- eeZee Prepaid Plans (combo plans for Zain eeZee Prepaid)
- Data Single Top-Ups (data-only for Zain eeZee Prepaid)
- YouTube & Netflix Top-Ups (app-specific data add-on for Zain eeZee Prepaid)
- Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge Vouchers (data-only plans for Zain Prepaid Mobile Broadband)
Let's go through each plan. Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Zain eeZee Prepaid Add-Ons
The eeZee Prepaid Add-Ons are combo plans that come with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following eeZee Prepaid Add-Ons are available:
| Price | Starter Pack | Data | TikTok Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.575 BHD** | eeZee Prepaid Weekly | 1.25 GB | N/A | N/A | 100 Local minutes | N/A | 7 days | *123*1# |
| 2 BHD | eeZee Prepaid Weekly | 1.5 GB | N/A | N/A | 125 Local minutes | N/A | 7 days | *123*4# |
| 6.30 BHD ** | eeZee Prepaid Monthly | 7 GB | N/A | N/A | 500 Local minutes | N/A | 30 days | *123*2# |
| 7 BHD | eeZee Prepaid Monthly | 9 GB | N/A | N/A | 500 Local minutes | N/A | 30 days | *123*7# |
| 8 BHD | Super eeZee Prepaid Monthly | 11 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 200 Off-net minutes | Yes* | 30 days | *123*8# |
* 30 minutes to India, 30 minutes to Bangladesh, 30 minutes to Pakistan, 10 minutes to Nepal, and 10 minutes to Sri Lanka.
** Plans only available to those who have an active Zain account before the 11th of November 2019
The eeZee prepaid plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *123*11#.
Zain Bahrain Data Single Top-Ups
The Data Single Top-Ups are data-only bundles that can be used as standalone data-only plans.
The following Data Single Top-Ups are available:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 1.05 BHD | 1 GB |
| 2.10 BHD | 2 GB |
| 5.25 BHD | 8 GB |
| 10.5 BHD | 20 GB |
You can activate a Data Single Top-Up by dialing *123#.
Zain Bahrain YouTube & Netflix Top-Ups
The YouTube and Netflix Top-Ups are data add-ons for YouTube or Netflix.
The following YouTube and Netflix Top-Ups are available:
| Price | Bundle Name | Data | App | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 BHD | YouTube Bundle | 60 GB (2GB/day) | YouTube | 30 days | *606*1# |
| 4.2 BHD | Netflix Bundle | 60 GB (2GB/day) | Netflix | 30 days | *606*2# |
Zain Bahrain Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge Vouchers
The Prepaid Mobile Internet Recharge Vouchers are data-only vouchers for the data-only Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM card.
The following Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge Vouchers are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BHD | 1 GB | 3 Days |
| 1.5 BHD | 1.5 GB | 3 Days |
| 2 BHD | 2 GB | 7 Days |
| 4 BHD | 4 GB | 7 Days |
| 5 BHD | 8 GB | 14 Days |
| 6 BHD | 10 GB | 14 Days |
| 6.5 BHD | 12 GB | 30 Days |
| 7 BHD | 13 GB | 30 Days |
| 8 BHD | 14.5 GB | 30 Days |
| 10 BHD | 20 GB | 30 Days |
| 20 BHD | 40 GB | 30 Days |
| 25 BHD | 50 GB | 30 Days |
| 30 BHD | 60 GB | 30 Days |
Zain Bahrain APN Settings
- Name: Zain Internet
- APN: internet
- Username: internet
- Password: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
RELATED GUIDES:
- Buying a SIM Card in Egypt
- Buying a SIM Card in Jordan
- Buying a SIM Card in Oman
- Buying a SIM Card in Turkey
- Buying a SIM Card in Lebanon
Jump back to the table of contents.
Other Ways to Get Online When Traveling in Bahrain
Getting a Bahraini SIM card is the cheapest way to get online when traveling in Bahrain.
The data allowances the Bahraini operators offer are extremely generous compared to other countries in the Middle East and compared to other countries around the world.
However, there are many other ways to stay connected when traveling in Bahrain, and there are some reasons why you do not want or cannot buy local SIM cards.
International Roaming
Those with a SIM card from other GCC countries may be able to roam for free in Bahrain or can take advantage of extremely low roaming rates. Be sure to check your options.
Those from other countries may not want to roam in Bahrain, as international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases.
International SIM Cards or Travel SIM Cards
You could also consider using an international SIM card or a travel SIM card. These are useful for frequent travelers who do not want to deal with expensive roaming rates but also do not want to keep switching SIM cards all the time.
There are many expensive and terrible international SIM cards out there, which is why I do not recommend them over getting local prepaid SIM cards. However, there are a few I recommend, which you can read about here.
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting. Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free. The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available all the time, especially when on the road.
Although public WIFI hotspots can be found in touristy areas, expect them to be slow. Moreover, make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data and to access blocked websites.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Bahrain
Getting a SIM card from STC would do you well when considering a Bahrani SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Middle Eastern Countries
Visiting other countries in the Middle East? Check out my Middle Eastern SIM card buying guide, covering other Middle Eastern countries, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling? In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services, and products I have for this site and my YouTube channel. If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally. Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Sign up for my newsletter: Get an excel sheet of the best SIM cards of over 230+ destinations around the world, updated monthly! Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on how to save money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone? A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and repin some pins!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!
