Purchasing a SIM card in Kuwait and a plan from one of the three operators (Zain, Ooredoo & STC) will be a cost-effective way to stay connected when in the country.
But how much do SIM cards and data cost in Kuwait?
Zain, Ooredoo, and STC sell SIM cards starting from 5 KWD (16.30 USD), and you can expect to spend at least 5 KWD for a package that comes with 5 GB of data and many local minutes.
Compared to other countries in the Middle East, these prices seem high (which they are). But you get some benefits for paying these high prices, such as the fact that Kuwait is in the top 15 countries with the highest average mobile download speeds in the world (56 Mbps).
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
That is quite an impressive thing to brag about as a country. It is one of the reasons why you should get a Kuwaiti SIM card instead of roaming internationally.
Unless you are coming from another GCC country, whose operators offer attractive roaming packages for those traveling in GCC countries, it will be cheaper to get yourself a Kuwaiti SIM card and data than to roam.
In this guide, I will tell you all about buying a SIM card in Kuwait. Let's do this.
Original publication: 25th of December 2019. Last updated: 12th of February 2021.
Table of Contents
Kuwait SIM Cards Videos
Do not feel like reading? Watch all my videos related to the Kuwaiti operators and SIM cards.
Cannot see the playlist above? Watch it on YouTube.
Can I Use My Phone in Kuwait?
Kuwait uses GSM for its mobile telecommunications network. They use frequencies used in many regions around the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania – ITU Regions 1 & 3). However, these frequencies are not used in the Americas (North-, Central-, and South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).
If you bought your phone in the Americas, if your device has not been unlocked, or your phone does not support the Kuwait's frequencies, then you cannot use your phone in Kuwait.
Mobile Operators, Networks, and Frequencies in Kuwait
Kuwait has three mobile operators:
The following frequencies are used by the Kuwaiti operators:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G: 3500 MHz (n78)
5G trials are being done on 2100 MHz by STC Kuwait, which I suspected will be on n34.
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 Kuwait, 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 in Kuwait
The three Kuwaiti operators have been offering 5G services as of mid-2019.
At the time of writing, 5G is only offered to wireless broadband devices, yearly contracts, and postpaid subscriptions.
Prepaid customers do not have access to Zain Kuwait, Ooredoo Kuwait, nor STC Kuwait 5G network, even if they have a compatible 5G device.
This restriction will change in the future, and this guide will reflect those changes when officially announced.
The Best SIM Card in Kuwait
If you want to buy a SIM card in Kuwait, I would recommend going with Zain or Ooredoo because both have fantastic coverage and speeds. The STC network used to be unreliable at times, but this has been improved over the years. Consider going with Zain's eeZee Flexi or Ooredoo's ANA to get customized plans based on your needs.
SIM Card Registration in Kuwait
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Kuwait. It will be done at the point of purchase.
Internet Censorship & Surveillance in Kuwait
A few internet categories are censored by the Kuwaiti operators, such as pornographic, anti-religion, anti-tradition, and anti-security websites. LGBTQ+ content is not as heavily censored as the other categories, but some sites are.
Unlike some other Middle Eastern countries, social media apps are not blocked in Kuwait, nor are VoIP apps (like WhatsApp calls). Using a VPN is legal too.
The Kuwaiti government, reportedly, monitors social media accounts of outspoken journalists and residents, but it does not monitor everyone's traffic (at least, that is what is known).
As a result, those worried about their privacy may consider using a VPN when in Kuwait (mostly because your SIM card will be linked to your personal information). I talk more about VPNs here.
The State of the Telecom Market in Kuwait
Internet speeds are fast in Kuwait. The average broadband download speed is 114 Mbps, placing Kuwait in the top 30 fastest countries.
Kuwait's average mobile download speed is 56 Mbps, making Kuwait the 14th fastest country in terms of mobile data speeds.
For reference, the world average mobile download speed is 35 Mbps. So, mobile download speeds in Kuwait are 64% faster than the world average.
One of the reasons Kuwait has fast internet is that it has direct access to several submarine cables. As a general rule, nations with access to submarine cables will have faster internet than landlocked countries.
When looking at mobile internet prices in Kuwait, they are actually low.
The average cost of 1 GB of data is 0.77 USD in Kuwait, making Kuwait the 3rd cheapest Middle Eastern country to buy 1 GB of mobile data.
That is according to Cable.co.uk.
So, why did I say that data rates are expensive for Middle Eastern standards earlier on?
That is because none of the Kuwaiti operators allow you to simply buy 1 GB of data. You always have to buy a combo plan with at least 5 GB and minutes, which drives up the costs, or get a flexible plan with a minimum spending requirement (at least 5 KWD).
So, even though the average cost of 1 GB of data is extremely low in Kuwait (in the top 30 cheapest countries around the world), you will always have to get a plan or bundle that may come with more data and unnecessary perks than you want.
Sadly, that is just how it is in Kuwait.
On the other hand, the perks and benefits the Kuwaiti operators offer are incredibly generous, even for Middle Eastern standards.
But be prepared to spend much more on a plan than you would want to or than you would in other Middle Eastern countries.
Currency in Kuwait
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti Dinar with the symbol KWD (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Kuwait are listed in KD or د.ك. For example, 25 KWD is KD/د.ك 25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between KWD and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 KWD = 3.25 USD
- 10 KWD = 32.65 USD
- 100 KWD = 326.55 USD
For up-to-date KWD:USD exchange rates, search KWD 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!
Kuwait Prepaid SIM Cards & Video Guide
Below, I will guide you through Zain Kuwait, Ooredoo Kuwait & STC Kuwait, 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 Kuwaiti 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 Kuwait has to offer to us.
Zain Kuwait
Zain Kuwait, just Zain, is Kuwait’s first telecom provider. They are the market leader in Kuwait. Zain is, on average, the fastest operator in the country.
Zain is also active in other Middle Eastern countries and Arab/Arabic-speaking nations in Africa (mostly Northern Africa).
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 Plans
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Extra Validity
* Internet Packages
* eeZee Flexi
* APN Settings
Jump to Ooredoo Kuwait | Jump to STC Kuwait
Zain Kuwait Coverage
Zain has the best coverage throughout Kuwait.
As Kuwait is a relatively small country, it will be easy to get mobile coverage throughout the nation.
Zain has no coverage map on their website, so I used the Coverage Maps tool on the Speedtest app to check Zain's coverage.
Below is the mobile coverage map of Zain.
Getting a Zain Kuwait Prepaid SIM Card & Price
You can buy a Zain SIM card, called eeZee Prepaid, starting for 5 KWD to 10 KWD in Zain stores and from distributors, depending on the starter pack you choose.
Zain (eeZee) SIM cards are available at Kuwait International Airport.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Starter Plans
eeZee starter plans come in five variants, ranging between 5 KWD to 10 KWD, which come with data and local minutes.
The following starter packs are available:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Unlimited YouTube |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 15 GB | 300 local minutes | No |
| 7 KWD | 30 GB | 300 local minutes | No |
| 8 KWD | 30 GB | 600 local minutes | No |
| 8 KWD | 75 GB | N/A | No |
| 10 KWD | 75 GB | N/A | Yes (100 GB) |
Recharging your Zain Kuwait SIM Card
Zain (eeZee) recharge cards are sold starting from 1.5 KWD to 25 KWD in Zain stores and from many retailers across Kuwait. Recharging online is an option as well.
The following eeZee recharge cards are available:
| Recharge | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | 7 days |
| 3 KWD | 15 days |
| 5 KWD | 30 days |
| 10 KWD | 90 days |
| 20 KWD | 180 days |
| 25 KWD | 365 days |
To redeem your eeZee recharge card, dial *141*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *141*123456#.
Dial *142# to check your balance.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Validity Extension
Zain allows you to extend your eeZee recharge airtime's validity without having to buy another recharge voucher by using their extra validity feature.
The following extra validity options are available:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 15 days | v1 |
| 3 KWD | 60 days | v2 |
| 5 KWD | 120 days | v3 |
| 13 KWD | 365 days | v4 |
To activate an eeZee recharge validity extension, text the Activation Code to 999.
For example, if you want to extend your eeZee credit with an additional 60 days (3 KWD), you would text v3 to 999.
Zain Kuwait Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Zain offers several eeZee Bundles, which are its Internet Bundles, Special bundles, and Extra GB's. Every eeZee Bundle includes data and unlimited local SMS.
The following eeZee bundles are available:
- Internet Bundles (combo plans)
- Special Bundles (combo plans)
- Extra GB's (data-only add-ons)
- eeZee Flex (customizable combo plans)
Let's go through each option. Click on the links above to jump to the bundle of choice.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Internet Bundles
The eeZee Internet Bundles are data bundles that include unlimited local SMS. Higher-priced bundles include unlimited on-net calls or unlimited local calls. The eeZee Internet Bundles can be upgraded with additional benefits.
The following Internet Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Local SMS | Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 5 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days | R1 |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days | R2 |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days | R3 |
| 16 KWD | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited On-Net Calls | 30 days | R4 |
| 18 KWD | 200 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited Local Calls | 30 days | R5 |
Fair Use Policy limits: Unlimited Local SMS: 1000 SMS. Unlimited On-Net Calls: 43 200 minutes. Unlimited Local Calls: 43 200 minutes for Zain to Zain and 9000 Off-Net minutes.
To activate an eeZee Internet Bundle, text the Activation Code to 999.
For example, if you want the 8 KWD bundle (25 GB and unlimited local SMS), you would text R2 to 999.
Zain Kuwait Additional Benefits for eeZee Internet Bundles
You can upgrade your eeZee Internet Bundles with several types of minutes (on-net, off-net, and international minutes), unlimited streaming, and data roaming.
The prices for these additional benefits differ depending on the eeZee internet bundle you choose.
For example, unlimited local with the 5 KWD 5 GB plan would cost an additional 11 KWD. In contrast, this add-on price would only cost 8 KWD if you have the 8 KWD 25 GB plan.
Below are the additional benefits and prices for each eeZee Internet Bundle:
Below are the activation codes for each additional benefit:
- Unlimited Zain to Zain Calls (43 200 minutes): text o1 to 999
- Unlimited Local Calls (43 200/900 minutes): text o2 to 999
- Unlimited Streaming (100 GB): text o3 to 999
- Daily Unlimited Calls & Internet (1440/300 minutes & 25 GB: text o5 to 999
- Internet Roaming: text o6 to 999
- 25 International Minutes: text o8 to 999
- 500 Local Minutes: text o7 to 999
Zain Kuwait eeZee Special Bundles
The eeZee Special Bundles are data bundles with unlimited on-net minutes or local minutes, and international minutes.
The following eeZee Special Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Unlimited Streaming | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 KWD | 25 GB | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | R7 |
| 9.5 KWD | 5 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 25 international minutes | N/A | 30 days | R6 |
| 11.5 KWD | 25 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 25 international minutes | N/A | 30 days | R9 |
| 14 KWD | 50 GB | Unlimited | 500 local minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days | R8 |
| 19 KWD | 200 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 25 international minutes | Yes | 30 days | R10 |
Fair Use Policy limits: Unlimited On-Net Calls: 43 200 minutes. Unlimited Local Calls: 43 200 minutes for Zain to Zain and 9000 Off-Net minutes. Unlimited Streaming: 100 GB.
To activate an eeZee Special Bundle, text the Activation Code to 999.
For example, if you want the 9 KWD bundle (25 GB and unlimited on-net minutes), you would text R7 to 999.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Bundles Extra GB's Add-Ons
The Extra GB's add-ons are data top-ups for both the Internet Bundles and Special Bundles. They cannot be purchased as standalone data bundles.
The following add-ons are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 KWD | 1 GB | 30 days | o9 |
| 5 KWD | 30 GB | 30 days | o10 |
To activate a data add-on, text the Activation Code to 999.
For example, if you want an extra 30 GB (5 KWD), you would text o10 to 999.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi
eeZee Flexi allows you to customize your eeZee plan based on your preferences. Data, on-net minutes, local minutes, international, and unlimited social media can be added to your monthly Flexi plan. The minimum price for eeZee Flexi is 5 KWD.
Moreover, unused data and minutes roll over to the next month when auto-renewal is successful (enough credit has to be on your account to cover the auto-renewal PLUS 0.001 KWD).
All eeZee Flexi plans are valid for 30 days. An eeZee Flexi plan has to be set up on the Zain app.
The following options and prices are available:
Reminder: it is possible to, for example, get only data or minutes with eeZee Flexi. However, your eeZee Flexi plan has to cost at least 5 KWD.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi Internet Options
The following data options are available:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 5 GB |
| 5 KWD | 10 GB |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB |
| 15 KWD | 200 GB |
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi Zain to Zain Minutes Options
The following Zain to Zain (on-net) minutes options are available:
| Price | Zain to Zain Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | 100 on-net minutes |
| 2 KWD | 200 on-net minutes |
| 3 KWD | 500 on-net minutes |
| 4 KWD | Unlimited on-net minutes* |
* Unlimited Zain to Zain fair use limit is 43 200 minutes.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi Local Minutes Options
The following local minutes options are available:
| Price | Local Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | 50 local minutes |
| 2 KWD | 100 local minutes |
| 3 KWD | 200 local minutes |
| 4 KWD | 500 local minutes |
| 6 KWD | Unlimited local minutes* |
* Unlimited local minutes fair use limit is 9000 minutes.
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi International Minutes Options
The following international minutes options are available:
| Price | International Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | 10 international minutes |
| 3 KWD | 30 international minutes |
| 5 KWD | 60 international minutes |
| 8 KWD | 120 international minutes |
Zain Kuwait eeZee Flexi Additional Benefits Options
The additional benefits for eeZee Flexi are unlimited WhatsApp, unlimited Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat), and unlimited YouTube.
- Unlimited WhatsApp (1 TB): 2 KWD
- Unlimited Social Media (1 TB): 2 KWD
- Unlimited YouTube (1 TB): 2 KWD
Zain Kuwait APN Settings
- Name: Zain Kuwait
- APN: hspps
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 Bahrain
- Buying a SIM Card in Oman
- Buying a SIM Card in the United Arab Emirates
Jump back to the table of contents.
Ooredoo Kuwait
Ooredoo Kuwait, just Ooredoo, is the second and second-largest operator in Kuwait. Ooredoo itself is from Qatar and is, just like Zain, a known player in the Middle Eastern market.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
This is what you will learn about Ooredoo:
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
* eSIM Availability & Compatibility
* Extra Validity
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* ANA
* APN Settings
Jump to Zain Kuwait | Jump to STC Kuwait
Ooredoo Kuwait Coverage
Ooredoo has great coverage throughout Kuwait. Although Ooredoo's coverage is not as extensive as the one of Zain, the difference is minimal.
No official coverage map could be found on the Ooredoo website, so I used the Coverage Maps tool on the Speedtest app to check Ooredoo's coverage.
Below is the mobile coverage map of Ooredoo.
Getting an Ooredoo Kuwait Prepaid SIM Card & Price
You can purchase an Ooredoo SIM Card, called Xpress, for 5 KWD in Ooredoo stores or CO-OP (authorized resellers) – also as eSIMs. The starter pack comes with 5 KWD in credit valid for 30 days. A data-only SIM card, called Xpress Internet, is also available for purchase for 7 KWD. This starter pack comes with 30 GB for 30 days.
Ooredoo (Xpress) SIM cards are sold at Kuwait International Airport.
If you have forgotten your Ooredoo phone number, you can retrieve it by dialing *777#.
Ooredoo Kuwait eSIM Availability & Compatibility
Ooredoo prepaid SIM cards (both Xpress and Xpress Internet) are also available as eSIMs. If your device supports eSIM, you may use an Ooredoo eSIM as long as it is an Ooredoo supported device.
The following devices support Ooredoo eSIM:
- Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular
- Apple Watch Series 4 Cellular
- Apple Watch Series 5 Cellular
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
* Supported iPhones need to have iOS version 12.1 or later.
If you want to learn how eSIM technology in general works when traveling (so not specifically to Ooredoo), then this guide is for you.
Ooredoo has two excellent videos on how to activate your eSIM, which I will list below.
Recharging your Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Card
Ooredoo recharge cards can be purchased from 1.5 KWD to 25 KWD in Ooredoo stores and from many establishments throughout Kuwait. Online recharge is available too. There are more online reload denomination options compared to the choice in value for recharge cards.
The following reload values are available:
| Recharge | Reload Method | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 7 days |
| 2 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 10 days |
| 3 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 15 days |
| 4 KWD | Online | 15 days |
| 5 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | Online | 30 days |
| 7 KWD | Online | 30 days |
| 8 KWD | Online | 30 days |
| 9 KWD | Online | 30 days |
| 10 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 90 days |
| 12 KWD | Online | 90 days |
| 16 KWD | Online | 90 days |
| 20 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 180 days |
| 25 KWD | Reload Card & Online | 365 days |
To redeem your Ooredoo recharge card, dial *111*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *111*123456#.
Dial *555# to check your Ooredoo balance.
Ooredoo Kuwait Validity Extension
Ooredoo allows you to extend the validity of your airtime without having to buy another recharge voucher by using its extra validity feature.
The following extra validity options are available:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 15 days | V1 |
| 3 KWD | 60 days | V2 |
| 5 KWD | 120 days | V3 |
To get more validity, text the Activation Code to 500.
For example, if you want to extend your credit by 60 days (3 KWD), you would text V2 to 500.
Ooredoo Kuwait Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Ooredoo has the Minutes & Internet Bundles for its Xpress SIM cards, which are bundle combo bundles that come with data and minutes starting from 5 KWD a month. Those with the Xpress Internet SIM card can get the Xpress Internet Add-On.
Ooredoo Kuwait Minutes & Internet Bundles
The Minutes and Internet Bundles come with at least 5 GB of data, local minutes, and some plans include unlimited local Ooredoo to Ooredoo calls (Ooredoo Kuwait phone numbers).
The following Minutes & Internet Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 5 GB | N/A | 100 local minutes | 30 days | B2 |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB | N/A | 150 local minutes | 30 days | B3 |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 300 local minutes | 30 days | B4 |
| 16 KWD | 100 GB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 3000 local minutes | 30 days | B5 |
| 18 KWD | 200 GB | N/A | Unlimited local minutes | 30 days | B8 |
To activate a Minutes & Internet Bundle, text the Activation Code to 500.
For example, if you want the 5 KWD 5 GB and 100 local minutes plan, you would text B2 to 500.
Ooredoo Kuwait Internet Add-Ons (for Xpress)
The Internet Add-On is an add-on for those who have an active Minutes & Internet Bundle and require more data. For 3 KWD, you get 15 GB of data by texting “D” to “500”. These add-ons cannot be purchased as standalone data bundles.
Ooredoo Kuwait Internet Add-On (for Xpress Internet)
The Internet Add-On is the only data bundle available for the Xpress Internet SIM card (a data-only SIM card). The bundle costs 3 KWD and grants you 15 GB of data.
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA
ANA allows you to customize your Ooredoo based on your preferences. Data, minutes, and unlimited data for select apps can be chosen for your ANA plan, or you can select one of the pre-made ANA plans. The minimum price for a customized ANA plan is 6 KWD.
Existing Ooredoo Xpress customers can switch to ANA through the My Ooredoo App. New customers, or those who want to buy an ANA SIM card, can order an ANA SIM card online. The SIM card will be delivered to your place of stay within 48 hours.
When getting an Ooredoo SIM card with the intention of getting ANA for the first time, you can do so on the ANA page and set up your plan. Otherwise, you will have to adjust your ANA plan on the My Ooredoo app.
The following options are available:
Reminder: it is possible to, for example, get only data or minutes with ANA. However, your ANA plan has to cost at least 6 KWD.
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA Internet Options
The following data options are available:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 1 GB |
| 2 KWD | 15 GB |
| 3 KWD | 30 GB |
| 5 KWD | 50 GB |
| 9 KWD | 100 GB |
| 12.60 KWD | 250 GB |
| 18 KWD | 1 TB |
If you exhaust your data allowance before the plan is supposed to renew, you can still use the internet at throttled speeds (64 Kbps).
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA Local Minutes
The following local minutes options are available:
| Price | Local Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 50 local minutes |
| 2 KWD | 100 local minutes |
| 3 KWD | 300 local minutes |
| 4 KWD | 500 local minutes |
| 5 KWD | 1000 local minutes |
| 10 KWD | 43 200 local minutes |
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA International Minutes Options
The following international minutes options are available:
| Price | International Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 10 international minutes |
| 2.50 KWD | 20 international minutes |
| 4 KWD | 30 international minutes |
| 6 KWD | 50 international minutes |
| 10 KWD | 100 international minutes |
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA Extras/Add-Ons
The ANA extras are unlimited WhatsApp, unlimited Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat), and unlimited YouTube.
- Unlimited Instant Messaging (WhatsApp): 1 KWD
- Unlimited Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Twitter – No Data/Speed Caps): 1.5 KWD
- Unlimited YouTube (No Data/Speed Caps): 2 KWD
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA Plans
ANA Plans are pre-made plans for those with an ANA SIM card but do not want to customize a plan themselves.
The following ANA Plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | ANA Talkers | 30 GB | Unlimited (ANA to ANA) | 50 local minutes | 10 international minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Basic Plan Offer | 15 GB | Unlimited (ANA to ANA) | 500 local minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA All-In-One | 100 GB | Unlimited (Ooredoo) | 100 local minutes | 100 international minutes | 30 days |
Ooredoo Kuwait ANA Special Plans
The ANA Special Plans are pre-made plans that can be select upon ordering an ANA SIM card for those who do not want to customize a plan themselves.
The following ANA Special Plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 KWD | ANA Talker | 15 GB | Unlimited (ANA to ANA) | 500 local minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | Bundle XPAT | 30 GB | Unlimited (ANA to ANA) | 300 local minutes | 30 international minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Surfer | 50 GB | Unlimited (ANA to ANA) | 50 local minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA All-In-One | 100 GB | Unlimited (Ooredoo) | 100 local minutes | 100 international minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Flash 12 | 250 GB | N/A | 300 local minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 18 KWD | Special Bundle | 200 GB | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |
Ooredoo Kuwait APN Settings
In most cases, your phone will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings for your Ooredoo Kuwait SIM card. If that does not happen, text HELP ANDROID or HELP IPHONE to 121 to download the correct APN settings.
If the automatic methods do not work, then you have to enter the following details in your APN settings (only enter the field listed below – leave the others blank):
- Name: Ooredoo Kuwait
- APN: action.ooredoo.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the table of contents.
STC Kuwait (VIVA Kuwait)
STC Kuwait, just STC and formally known as VIVA (Kuwait), is the smallest player in Kuwait. STC managed to grow relatively quickly by having lower prices compared to its competitors. Now, their prices are only slightly lower than Zain's and Ooredoo's.
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
* Recharging Options & Methods
* Extra Validity
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Jump to Zain Kuwait | Jump to Ooredoo Kuwait
STC Kuwait Coverage
STC has extensive coverage throughout Kuwait. Although STC's coverage is not as substantial as the one of Zain, the difference is negligible.
STC has, like the two other operators, no coverage map on its website. Therefore, I used the Coverage Maps tool on the Speedtest app to check STC's coverage.
Below is the mobile coverage map of STC.
Getting an STC Kuwait Prepaid SIM Card & Price
You can buy an STC SIM card, called Allo, for 5 KWD in STC stores and from authorized dealers (STC dealers). An Allo starter pack includes 5 KWD in credit valid for 30 days. It is also possible to get an STC data-only SIM card, called Prepaid Internet SIM, for 7 KWD, which includes 30 GB for 30 days.
STC SIM cards are available for purchase at Kuwait International Airport.
Recharging your STC Kuwait SIM Card
STC Recharge Cards are sold in denominations starting from 1.5 KWD to 25 KWD, and they can be bought in many stores in Kuwait. Online recharge is available too.
The following STC Recharge Cards are available:
| Recharge | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1.5 KWD | 7 days |
| 2 KWD | 10 days |
| 3 KWD | 15 days |
| 5 KWD | 30 days |
| 10 KWD | 90 days |
| 20 KWD | 180 days |
| 25 KWD | 365 days |
To activate your STC Recharge Card, dial *500*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *500*123456#.
Dial *555# to check your STC balance.
STC Kuwait Validity Extension
STC offers the option to extend your recharge credit's validity without having to buy another recharge voucher by using their extra validity feature.
The following extra validity options are available:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 15 days | 61 |
| 4 KWD | 90 days | 62 |
| 7 KWD | 180 days | 63 |
| 13 KWD | 365 days | 64 |
To get more validity, text the Activation Code to 510.
For example, if you want to extend your credit by 90 days (4 KWD), you would text 62 to 510.
STC Kuwait Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
STC has one type of plan for the Allo prepaid line, which is its Allo plans. Those plans come in local and international variants. The local plans come with data and minutes for local use, while the international plans only include international minutes.
The following Allo plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | International | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8 international minutes | 7 days | 41 |
| 3 KWD | International | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 international minutes | 30 days | 42 |
| 5 KWD | International | N/A | N/A | N/A | 60 international minutes | 30 days | 43 |
| 5 KWD | Local | 5 GB | 100 on-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days | 12 |
| 8 KWD | Local | 25 GB | 150 on-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days | 13 |
| 12 KWD | Local | 50 GB | Unlimited | 300 local minutes | N/A | 30 days | 14 |
| 18 KWD | Local | 200 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited local minutes | N/A | 30 days | 15 |
Unlimited minutes fair use limits: 15 000 on-net minutes (STC to STC), and 3000 local minutes (to all Kuwaiti networks)
To buy an Allo Plan, text the Activation Code to 510.
For example, if you want the 5 KWD 5 GB plan, you would text 12 to 510.
You can check your plan balance by dialing *556#.
STC Kuwait Internet Booster
The Internet Booster is a 15 GB add-on for the Allo Local plans (5 KWD to 18 KWD plans). The Booster will expire when your Allo Local Plan expires. The Booster can be activated by texting 33 to 510.
STC Kuwait Prepaid Internet Booster
The Prepaid Internet Booster is a data package for the STC data-only Prepaid Internet SIM. The Prepaid Internet Booster costs 7 KWD and comes with 30 GB for 30 days by texting “95” to “510”. Multiple Prepaid Internet Boosters can be activated at the same time.
STC Kuwait APN Settings
- Name: VIVA Kuwait
- APN: VIVA
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
RELATED GUIDES:
- Buying a SIM Card in Qatar
- Buying a SIM Card in Iran
- Buying a SIM Card in Jordan
- Buying a SIM Card in Lebanon
- Buying a SIM Card in Egypt
Jump back to the table of contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Kuwait
Even though mobile data rates are, on average, cheap in Kuwait, you still have to pay quite some money to get a plan from the Kuwaiti operators. Still, getting a Kuwaiti SIM card will be the most affordable way to stay connected when in Kuwait.
But some travelers do not like getting local SIM cards for various reasons. Sometimes, your mobile operator offers attractive roaming rates for when you in Kuwait, or you may be able to roam for free.
Other ways to stay online in Kuwait exist besides getting a local SIM card, which I will briefly go over below.
International Roaming
Suppose you are from a GCC country (or have a SIM card from a GCC nation – Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). In that case, your operator will most likely offer amazing packages that include generous data allowances when traveling in Kuwait.
The same counts if you are from the Middle East (or have a Middle Eastern SIM card), the roaming rates for when in Kuwait will be much lower than traveling to other countries.
Be sure to check your roaming options to see whether roaming will make sense for you or not.
Even if you can roam for free or low rates when in Kuwait, there are some drawbacks with international roaming. The video below highlights a few reasons.
If you are traveling from anywhere else except for the Middle East, you may not want to roam and simply get a Kuwaiti SIM card instead. Standard roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, which is why international roaming has a bad name.
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.
Many international SIM cards are out there, and many of them are almost as expensive as international roaming (sometimes, even more costly when you do the calculations).
However, other international SIM cards do offer amazing options and rates for when in Kuwait (like Surfroam), or travel SIM cards include Kuwait as one of their destinations (like the travel SIM cards from SimOptions and SimCorner.
Kuwait is a bit lucky because international SIM card providers often include Kuwait in their lower-priced tiers.
You can read more about international SIM cards and travel SIM cards 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, because 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
If you do not pay for the product/service, you are the product. That is a phrase you have probably heard before. This may not really apply to free WIFI networks.
In some cases, you do have to hand over some personal data to use the WIFI service, like in malls and restaurants. In other cases, you can just connect and get online.
You will be able to find quite some free WIFI hotspots in Kuwait. As they are open and many devices are probably connected to those hotspots, your speeds can be slow.
Moreover, be aware of the not-so-strict-but-still-there internet censorship and surveillance in Kuwait (which applies to mobile data too when using a Kuwaiti SIM card). Besides that, you should make sure hackers do not steal your information, which is why you need to protect your internet traffic with a VPN to access blocked sites and to hide your traffic.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Kuwait
Getting a SIM card from Zain or Ooredoo would do you well when considering a Kuwaiti 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!