Kuwait – known for its incredible cityscape, producing oil, and, perhaps the most fun one, camel racing.
The country also has fun beaches.
But what else can you do in Kuwait?
You can enjoy an incredible view from the Kuwait Towers.
If you are not into heights, perhaps a stroll through the Al Shaheed Park will be enjoyable.
Or you can visit plenty of museums and cultural centers, including the Kuwait National Museum or Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center.
Honestly, there is no reason to be bored in Kuwait, I would say.
Do note that Kuwait is not the cheapest travel destination out there.
So any way to save some cash is always a good idea.
One way to save money is by getting a Kuwait SIM card instead of roaming internationally. Roaming can be expensive.
However, local SIM cards allow you to enjoy local rates, which are almost always lower than international roaming rates.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Kuwait?
Kuwaiti SIM cards are available from 5 KWD (Ooredoo & Zain – 16.35 USD), 6 KWD (19.60 USD) all the way up to 85 KWD (Ooredoo 1 year SIM with data and minutes – 277.55 USD) in their stores. Starter SIM cards often include credit, data & minutes. SIM cards are also sold at Kuwait International Airport.
Okay, those are not the cheapest SIM card prices out there (in fact, they are above average).
At least these starter SIM cards include benefits.
But, what if I told you that the average cost of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD in Kuwait?
Shocking, right!? Especially because you have to hand over some serious cash for starter kits.
But that is because the Kuwaiti mobile operators are GENEROUS with their data allowances.
More than one mobile operator offers a plan with 1 TB – that is 1024 GB!
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Kuwait. Let’s do this.
Original publication: 25th of December 2019. Last updated: 30th of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Kuwait?
Anyone 18 years old or older living in or visiting Kuwait can buy a Kuwaiti SIM card from the mobile network operators (Zain, Ooredoo & STC) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Kuwait).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Kuwait?
You can get a Kuwaiti SIM card in Zain, Ooredoo & STC stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Kuwait International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Kuwaiti SIM cards:
- Zain Kuwait: 6 KWD
- Ooredoo Kuwait: 5 KWD (regular), 7 KWD (regular & data-only), 55 KWD (data-only) & 85 KWD (regular)
- STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait): 5 KWD (regular) & 7 KWD (data-only)
For up-to-date KWD:your currency (let's say INR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Kuwait?
Kuwait uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Kuwait. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Kuwait, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Kuwait.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Kuwait or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Kuwait (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Kuwait
Kuwait has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Zain Kuwait
- Ooredoo Kuwait
- STC Kuwait (Formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The following frequencies are used in Kuwait:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Kuwait, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
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 Kuwait
Commercial 5G NR has been available in Kuwait since June 2019. It is available on the Zain Kuwait, Ooredoo Kuwait & STC Kuwait (VIVA Kuwait) networks. However, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
Best SIM Card in Kuwait
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Kuwait, I recommend going with Zain or Ooredoo. Zain is, overall, the best mobile operator in the country. Ooredoo has the fastest speeds.
Best eSIM in Kuwait
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Kuwait yet.
Note that the Kuwaiti mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Kuwait.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the six best eSIMs for Kuwait:
- Airalo Kuwait Liberation Mobile eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (top pick)
- Airalo Menalink eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 3 GB
- Airalo Discover Global eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (top pick) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review too!
- Holafly Kuwait eSIM with one 6 GB option
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Kuwait, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Kuwait, you better check out my Kuwait eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
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.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Internet Censorship in Kuwait
There is internet censorship in Kuwait. The government censors various things, such as LGBTQ content, pornography, political criticism & escort services.
However, unlike other countries in the region, internet censorship is not as strong in Kuwait.
That is why I would recommend using a VPN to browse the web in peace. I use both NordVPN and Surfshark.
NordVPN has the most servers of any VPN service out there, which I love.
Surfshark is insanely cheap for the price they charge.
Depending on where I am, I will either use NordVPN or Surfshark.
Neither VPNs have servers in Kuwait (obviously), which makes sense, but connecting to nearby countries will still result in fast browsing speeds.
You can get amazing discounts for both NordVPN and Surfshark when using these links. Stay safe, secure, and private in Kuwait!
(oh, by the way – VPNs are not illegal in Kuwait, but the authorities may not like it. But what are they going to do? You will be private anyway 😉 just do not do anything silly like insulting government officials… and especially not the royal family).
Kuwait Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
The telecom market in Kuwait has changed a bit between the previous update of this guide, October 2020, to the current version, October 2021.
Yes, I update my guides about once a year – sometimes, even more often ;)
Something that has barely changed is the mobile data rates in the country.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Kuwait is 0.81 USD, far below the Middle Eastern average of 3.94 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Kuwait is one of the three countries in the Middle East where the average cost of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD.
Moreover, it is also one of the 53 countries globally where the same applies.
But before you get too excited, the prices for the plans and packages are… quite high.
Nevertheless, you do get A LOT of data with most plans – data allowances are generous in Kuwait.
That is something that has not changed in the country.
One thing that has changed significantly is the average mobile download speed in Kuwait.
Previously, the average mobile download speed was 56 Mbps, which placed Kuwait in the top 15 countries with the fastest mobile speeds.
Now, with a more widespread rollout of 5G NR around the world, global speeds have gone up – also in Kuwait.
But by how much? By a lot – 2.5x to be exact.
Kuwait's average mobile download speed is around 141 Mbps, placing the nation in the top 10 fastest countries.
Currently, only the United Arab Emirates (196 Mbps) and Saudi Arabia (150 Mbps) have faster mobile download speeds in the Middle East.
Even then, Kuwait is doing well because there are only 14 countries worldwide with faster average mobile download speed over 100 Mbps (although Oman (98 Mbps), Sweden (97 Mbps) & the United States (96 Mbps) may join the club soon too).
But, you may not fully enjoy these fast speeds because 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
Hopefully, that will change soon. But how soon? I cannot tell.
Earlier, I mentioned that Ooredoo Kuwait is the fastest. But how much?
In the latest Kuwait Speedtest Awards (Q1-Q2 2021), Ooredoo Kuwait has a mean download speed of 108.08 Mbps, followed by Zain Kuwait (106.11 Mbps) and STC Kuwait (93.32 Mbps).
Those are all impressive numbers!
The fastest mobile download speed can be found in Sabah Al Salem (134 Mbps), Followed by Jabriya (131 Mbps) and Jahra (118 Mbps).
Overall, speed is not something to worry about in Kuwait ;)
With reasonably priced SIM cards, close to perfect nationwide coverage, blazing-fast mobile speeds, and (indirect) insanely low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Kuwait.
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 = 3.30 USD
- 10 KWD = 32.65 USD
- 100 KWD = 326.55 USD
For up-to-date KWD:your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Kuwaiti Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Zain Kuwait, Ooredoo Kuwait & STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Kuwait to offer to us.
Zain Kuwait
Zain Kuwait, just Zain, is the largest mobile operator in Kuwait.
It is also the second-fastest mobile operator in the country, just behind Ooredoo Kuwait.
Zain, as a company, is active in Africa (Sudan & South Sudan) & the Middle East.
Zain uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid
This is what you will learn about Zain:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Zain SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Zain Kuwait
Zain has the best coverage in Kuwait.
4G/LTE reception can be found basically anywhere in the country.
However, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
Below is Zain's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Zain Kuwait
You can buy a Zain SIM card, called eeZee Prepaid, starting for 6 KWD in Zain stores. The data-only SIM card, called Prepaid Data Internet, costs 7 KWD. SIM cards are also sold at Kuwait International Airport.
The following two starter packs are available:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 KWD | 100 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | 200 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 30 days |
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Zain has no eSIMs.
Note that the Kuwaiti mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Kuwait (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Kuwait (Liberation Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.
You have two options:
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you also get Kuwait eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.
The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Kuwait and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
Sometimes, it can be more convenient and cheaper to get the Menalink eSIM than the local Airalo eSIM because Menalink offers more data (instead of you having to purchase multiple 1 GB/7 days top-ups to stay connected).
With the Menalink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in the Middle East and North Africa!
TIP: check out my Best Kuwait eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bahrain.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Zain Kuwait
Zain top-up vouchers are sold in Zain stores and Smart Branches or many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1.50 KWD | 7 days |
| 3 KWD | 15 days |
| 5 KWD | 30 days |
| 10 KWD | 90 days |
| 20 KWD | 180 days |
| 25 KWD | 365 days |
To top up your Zain SIM card, dial *141*VoucherCode# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *141*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *142# to check your Zain balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Zain KW app (Android/iOS).
Extra Validity – Zain Kuwait
It is possible to extend the validity of your SIM card and credit without having to top-up extra with the Extra Validity feature.
The following Extra Validity options are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 999:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 15 days | v1 |
| 3 KWD | 60 days | v2 |
| 5 KWD | 120 days | v3 |
| 13 KWD | 365 days | v4 |
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Zain Kuwait
Zain has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Special Bundles (combo)
- Internet Bundles (combo – yes, really)
- eeZee Flexi (customizable combo)
- Extra GB's (data add-ons)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Special Bundles – Zain Kuwait
The Special Bundles are combo plans with data and minutes.
Special Bundles can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 999:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 KWD | 25 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days | R7 |
| 9.50 KWD | 5 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | 25 minutes | 30 days | R6 |
| 11.50 KWD | 25 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | 25 minutes | 30 days | R9 |
| 14 KWD | 50 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 500 minutes | N/A | 30 days | R8 |
| 19 KWD | 200 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | “Unlimited”, 9000 minutes minutes | 25 minutes | 30 days | R10 |
1 +”Unlimited” (100 GB) streaming data for streaming apps (including but not limited to Dailymotion, Netflix & YouTube)
Internet Bundles – Zain Kuwait
The Internet Bundles are, unlike the name suggests, combo plans with data and minutes.
The following Internet Bundles, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 999:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 5 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | R1 |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | R2 |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | R3 |
| 16 KWD | 100 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | R4 |
| 18 KWD | 200 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | “Unlimited”, 9000 minutes minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | R5 |
You can also add additional benefits to your Internet Bundles.
Do note that the price and availability of additional bundles differ per Internet Bundle.
eeZee Flexi – Zain Kuwait
eeZee Flexi is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data and how many (international) minutes you want.
Additionally, additional benefits can be added in the form of unlimited social media, WhatsApp & YouTube data.
Each eeZee Flexi plan needs to cost at least 5 KWD. However, no other minimum requirements are imposed.
You can select:
Be aware that an eeZee Flexi plan can only be set up on the Zain KW app (recommended) or online.
eeZee Flexi Data – Zain Kuwait
The data options for eeZee Flexi start from 5 GB (3 KWD) to 200 GB (15 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 5 GB |
| 5 KWD | 10 GB |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB |
| 15 KWD | 200 GB |
eeZee Flexi (On-Net Minutes) – Zain Kuwait
The on-net minutes options for eeZee Flexi start from 100 minutes (1.5 KWD) to unlimited – 43 200 minutes (4 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | On-Net Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.50 KWD | 100 minutes |
| 2 KWD | 200 minutes |
| 3 KWD | 500 minutes |
| 4 KWD | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes |
eeZee Flexi (Local Minutes) – Zain Kuwait
The local minutes options for eeZee Flexi start from 50 minutes (1.5 KWD) to unlimited – 9000 minutes (6 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Local Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.50 KWD | 50 minutes |
| 2 KWD | 100 minutes |
| 3 KWD | 200 minutes |
| 4 KWD | 500 minutes |
| 6 KWD | “Unlimited”, 9000 minutes minutes |
eeZee Flexi (International Minutes) – Zain Kuwait
The international minutes options for eeZee Flexi start from 10 minutes (1.5 KWD) to unlimited – 120 minutes (8 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | International Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1.50 KWD | 10 minutes |
| 3 KWD | 30 minutes |
| 5 KWD | 60 minutes |
| 8 KWD | 120 minutes |
eeZee Flexi (Additional Benefits) – Zain Kuwait
The additional benefits for eeZee Flexi include unlimited data for Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Twitter – 1 TB for 2 KWD), WhatsApp (1 TB for 2 KWD) & YouTube (2 KWD for 1 TB).
Extra GB's – Zain Kuwait
The Extra GB's are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Extra GB's are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 999:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 KWD | 1 GB | 30 days | o9 |
| 5 KWD | 30 GB | 30 days | o10 |
APN/Internet Settings – Zain Kuwait
- Name: Zain Kuwait
- APN: hsapps
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Ooredoo Kuwait
Ooredoo Kuwait, just Ooredoo, is the second-largest mobile operator in Kuwait.
It is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Ooredoo, as a company, is active in Northern Africa, Southeast Asia & the Middle East.
Ooredoo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)
This is what you will learn about STC:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Ooredoo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Ooredoo Kuwait
Ooredoo has extensive coverage throughout Ooredoo.
4G/LTE reception can be found basically anywhere in the country.
However, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
Below is Ooredoo’s coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Ooredoo Kuwait
You can buy an Ooredoo SIM card, called Xpress or Xpress Internet, starting from 5 KWD to 85 KWD in Ooredoo stores and kiosks. SIM cards are also sold at Kuwait International Airport.
The following SIM cards are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | SIM Card Type | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 5 KWD | N/A | N/A | Regular | 30 days |
| 7 KWD | 7 KWD | N/A | N/A | Regular | 20 days |
| 7 KWD | N/A | 24 GB | N/A | Data-Only | 30 days |
| 55 KWD | N/A | 100 GB/month (1200 GB) | N/A | Data-Only | 12 months |
| 85 KWD | N/A | 25 GB/month (300 GB) | 150 minutes/month (1800 minutes) | Regular | 12 months |
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get an Ooredoo eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Kuwaiti mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Kuwait without personal detail capturing, you can get the Kuwait (Liberation Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.
You have two options:
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you also get Kuwait eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.
The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Kuwait and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
Sometimes, it can be more convenient and cheaper to get the Menalink eSIM than the local Airalo eSIM because Menalink offers more data (instead of you having to purchase multiple 1 GB/7 days top-ups to stay connected).
With the Menalink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in the Middle East and North Africa!
TIP: check out my Best Kuwait eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bahrain.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
You can also join Ooredoo ANA, a premium brand (as per Ooredoo itself), to get access to exclusive plans, including one that allow you to create your own plan (select data, unlimited data for select apps & (international) minutes).
While you can order an Ooredoo ANA SIM card online, the fastest way to switch to ANA is by getting a regular SIM card and moving it over to ANA on the My Ooredoo Kuwait app.
Transferring from Ooredoo to ANA is free.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Ooredoo Kuwait
Ooredoo top-up vouchers are sold in Ooredoo stores and kiosks or many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
| Recharge | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1.50 KWD | 7 days |
| 2 KWD | 10 days |
| 3 KWD | 15 days |
| 4 KWD * | 15 days |
| 5 KWD | 30 days |
| 6 KWD * | 30 days |
| 7 KWD * | 30 days |
| 8 KWD * | 30 days |
| 9 KWD * | 30 days |
| 10 KWD | 90 days |
| 12 KWD * | 90 days |
| 16 KWD * | 90 days |
| 20 KWD | 180 days |
| 25 KWD | 365 days |
* online only
To top up your Ooredoo SIM card, dial *111*VoucherCode# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *111*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *555# to check your Ooredoo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Ooredoo Kuwait app (Android/iOS).
Extra Validity – Ooredoo Kuwait
It is possible to extend the validity of your SIM card and credit without having to top-up extra with the Extra Validity feature.
The following Extra Validity options are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 500:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 10 days | v1 |
| 3 KWD | 30 days | v2 |
| 5 KWD | 60 days | v3 |
| 12 KWD | 180 days | v4 |
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Ooredoo Kuwait
Ooredoo has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Xpress Bundles (combo)
- ANA Plans (combo for ANA SIM card)
- Customizable ANA Plans (customizable combo for ANA SIM card)
- Xpress Ass-Ons (data add-ons)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Xpress Bundles – Ooredoo Kuwait
The Xpress Bundles are combo plans with data and minutes.
Xpress Bundles can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 500:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 KWD | 6 GB | N/A | 100 minutes | 30 days | B2 |
| 9 KWD | 30 GB | N/A | 150 minutes | 30 days | B3 |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 30 days | B4 |
| 16 KWD | 100 GB | Unlimited | 3000 minutes | 30 days | B5 |
| 18 KWD | 200 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | B8 |
ANA Plans – Ooredoo Kuwait
The ANA Plans are combo plans with data and minutes exclusively for Ooredoo ANA.
ANA Plans can be activated on the My Ooredoo Kuwait app:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | ANA Basic Plan Offer | 30 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 10 minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Talkers | 15 GB | Unlimited | 500 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Surfers | 50 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA All-In-One | 100 GB | Unlimited 1 | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | ANA Cyber Offer | 200 GB | Unlimited 1 | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 30 days |
1 also to Ooredoo Kuwait numbers
Customizable ANA Plans – Ooredoo Kuwait
The Customizable ANA plans are, as the name implies, customizable plans that allows you to set how much data and how many (international) minutes you want.
Additionally, Extras can be added in the form of unlimited social media, WhatsApp & YouTube data.
Each Customizable ANA Plan needs to cost at least 6 KWD. However, no other minimum requirements are imposed.
You can select:
Be aware that an eeZee Flexi plan can only be set up on the My Ooredoo Kuwait app (recommended) or online.
Customizable ANA (Data) – Ooredoo Kuwait
The data options for Customizable ANA start from 5 GB (1 KWD) to 1 TB (20 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 5 GB |
| 2 KWD | 15 GB |
| 3 KWD | 30 GB |
| 5 KWD | 50 GB |
| 9 KWD | 100 GB |
| 14 KWD | 250 GB |
| 20 KWD | 1 TB |
Customizable ANA (Local Minutes) – Ooredoo Kuwait
The on-net minutes options for Customizable ANA start from 50 minutes (1 KWD) to unlimited minutes (10 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Local Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 50 minutes |
| 2 KWD | 100 minutes |
| 3 KWD | 300 minutes |
| 4 KWD | 500 minutes |
| 5 KWD | 1000 minutes |
| 10 KWD | Unlimited |
Customizable ANA (International Minutes) – Ooredoo Kuwait
The international minutes options for Customizable ANA start from 10 minutes (1 KWD) to 100 minutes (10 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | International Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 10 minutes |
| 2.50 KWD | 20 minutes |
| 4 KWD | 30 minutes |
| 6 KWD | 50 minutes |
| 10 KWD | 100 minutes |
Customizable ANA (Extras) – Ooredoo Kuwait
The Extras for Customizable ANA include unlimited data for Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Twitter for 1.5 KWD), WhatsApp (1 KWD) & YouTube (2 KWD).
Xpress Add-Ons – Ooredoo Kuwait
The Xpress Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Xpress Add-Ons are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 KWD 1 | 1 GB | 24 hours | 250 |
| 3 KWD 2 | 15 GB | 30 days | App only |
1 auto-renews
2 also for Xpress Internet SIM card
APN/Internet Settings – Ooredoo Kuwait
Most phones will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings when inserting a SIM card – the same counts for Ooredoo Kuwait SIM cards.
If that does not automatically happen, you can text HELP ANDROID or HELP IPHONE to 121 to download the APN settings.
If that does not work, you will have to add the settings manually by filling in these fields:
- Name: Ooredoo Kuwait
- APN: action.ooredoo.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
STC Kuwait, just STC and formerly known as VIVA Kuwait, is the smallest mobile operator in Kuwait.
It is also the newest entrant to the Kuwaiti telecom market.
Its small market share may change in the future because the mobile operator is going all-in 5G NR, having the best 5G NR availability in the country and worldwide (together with T-Mobile USA).
Unfortunately, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
STC stands for Saudi Telecom Company and is, of course, from Saudi Arabia.
The mobile operator was known as VIVA Kuwait until late December 2019.
However, that brand name is still ingrained in many, even after two years after rebranding.
STC uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid
This is what you will learn about STC:
* Coverage
* How to Get an STC SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
STC has extensive coverage throughout Kuwait.
4G/LTE reception can be found basically anywhere in the country.
However, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet).
But it currently has the best 5G NR availability in the world, together with T-Mobile USA, even winning the OpenSignal 5G Global Winner Award.
Below is STC’s coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
You can buy an STC SIM card, called Allo, for 5 KWD with 5 KWD credit for 30 days in STC stores (1/2/3/4/5/6). The data-only SIM card, called Prepaid Internet SIM, costs 7 KWD with 30 GB for 30 days. SIM cards are also sold at Kuwait International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
STC has no eSIMs.
Note that the Kuwaiti mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Kuwait (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Kuwait (Liberation Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.
You have two options:
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Kuwait/Liberation Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you also get Kuwait eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.
The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Kuwait and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
Sometimes, it can be more convenient and cheaper to get the Menalink eSIM than the local Airalo eSIM because Menalink offers more data (instead of you having to purchase multiple 1 GB/7 days top-ups to stay connected).
With the Menalink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in the Middle East and North Africa!
TIP: check out my Best Kuwait eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bahrain.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
STC top-up vouchers are sold in STC stores (1/2/3/4/5/6) and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 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 top up your STC SIM card, dial *500*VoucherCode# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *500*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *555# to check your STC balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the mystc KW app (Android/iOS).
Get Validity (Extra Validity) – Zain Kuwait
It is possible to extend the validity of your SIM card and credit without having to top-up extra with the Get Validity feature.
The following Get Validity options are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 510:
| Price | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 15 days | 61 |
| 4 KWD | 3 months | 62 |
| 7 KWD | 6 months | 63 |
| 13 KWD | 12 months | 64 |
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
STC has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Allo Local Plans (combo)
- Internet Boosters (add-on)
- Extra GB Booster (data add-on for data-only SIM card)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Allo Local Plans – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The Allo Local Plans are combo plans with data and minutes.
Allo Local Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 510:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 5 GB | 100 minutes | N/A | 30 days | 12 |
| 8 KWD | 25 GB | 150 minutes | N/A | 30 days | 13 |
| 12 KWD | 50 GB | “Unlimited”, 15 000 minutes | 300 minutes | 30 days | 14 |
| 18 KWD | 200 GB | “Unlimited”, 15 000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 30 days | 15 |
Internet Booster – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The Internet Booster is a 15 GB data add-on for Allo SIM cards. It costs 3 KWD and can be activated by texting 33 to 510. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 15 GB | 30 days | 33 |
Extra GB Booster – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The Extra GB Booster is a 15 GB data add-on for the data-only cards. It is also the only plan available for this SIM card.
The Extra GB Booster costs 3 KWD and can be activated by texting 93 to 510. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 15 GB | 30 days | 93 |
APN/Internet Settings – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
- Name: STC Kuwait
- APN: VIVA
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
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:
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Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
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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 & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
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In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & 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
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