Kuwait – known for its incredible cityscape, producing oil, andstarting for, 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 – 16.20 USD), 6 KWD (19.45 USD) all the way up to 85 KWD (Ooredoo 1 year SIM with data and minutes – 275.25 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: 26th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the 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.
So, which other SIM cards are available in Kuwait?
Kuwait has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Zain Kuwait
- Ooredoo Kuwait
- STC Kuwait (Formerly VIVA Kuwait)
This guide sticks to the mobile operators only (bolded above) to prevent information overload (at least, that is the aim – this guide is still in-depth!).
Anyone 18 or older living in or visiting Kuwait can buy a Kuwaiti SIM card with no restrictions.
But you do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations, which include showing your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Kuwaiti SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get a Kuwaiti SIM card in Zain, Ooredoo & STC stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Kuwait International Airport. Some Kuwaiti airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay for the following 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)
If you plan to buy a SIM card at an airport, the prices can be higher than those listed above – be aware of this.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date KWD (Kuwaiti Dinar) to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between KWD and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 KWD = 3.25 USD
- 10 KWD = 32.40 USD
- 100 KWD = 323.85 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Kuwait
(Travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular in recent years.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
This forced mobile operators to adopt eSIM technology faster than they had planned (for the benefit of anyone wishing to use eSIMs instead of swapping SIM cards).
At the moment, no Kuwaiti mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if the Kuwaiti mobile operators did have eSIMs and you wanted to purchase an eSIM, you would need to comply with Kuwait's SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for whatever reason. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for Kuwait.
My Kuwait eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide (even in Kuwait).
You can even get eSIMs covering Kuwait and other countries in the Middle East, allowing you to use one eSIM in multiple destinations with just one purchase.
Or you can even get a global eSIM, which can be used in at least 100 countries worldwide.
While the Kuwait eSIM buying guide goes much more in-depth about your options, I do want to introduce some quickly here:
- Airalo: Liberation Mobile (Kuwait only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Kuwait
- Holafly: Kuwait (unlimited data)
- Nomad: Kuwait, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
For information about these eSIMs, such as how much the eSIMs cost and how much data you get, check out the Kuwait eSIM buying guide.
Kuwaiti Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
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 & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Kuwait offers 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 at 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 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 100 GB | N/A | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 6 KWD | 250 GB | 250 minutes | 250 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.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Kuwait because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Zain.
Especially if you get a Middle East-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Kuwait in my Kuwait eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Liberation Mobile (Kuwait only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Kuwait – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Kuwait (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Kuwait, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Kuwait eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Zain for now.
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 three data-featured prepaid plans:
- eeZee Ready-Made Plans (combo)
- eeZee Flexi (customizable combo)
- Extra GB's (data add-ons)
I will list all the prices in KWD (Kuwaiti Dinar).
To convert KWD to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
eeZee Ready-Made Plans – Zain Kuwait
The eeZee Ready-Made Plans are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following eeZee Ready-Made Plans, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 999:
| Price | Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | 30 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 100 minutes | 30 days | 5 |
| 7 KWD | 60 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 250 minutes | 30 days | 7 |
| 9 KWD | 90 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 500 minutes | 30 days | 9 |
| 12 KWD | 150 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 1000 minutes | 30 days | 12 |
| 18 KWD | 250 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | “Unlimited”, 9000 minutes | 30 days | 18 |
| 21 KWD | Unlimited 1 | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | “Unlimited”, 9000 minutes | 30 days | 21 |
1 5G NR access
2 “Unlimited” (100 GB) streaming data for streaming apps (including but not limited to Dailymotion, Netflix & YouTube)
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 2.5 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 15 GB (2.5 KWD) to Unlimited (15 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 2.5 KWD | 15 GB |
| 4 KWD | 30 GB |
| 5.5 KWD | 60 GB |
| 6 KWD | 90 GB |
| 7 KWD | 150 GB |
| 11 KWD | 250 GB |
| 15 KWD | Unlimited |
eeZee Flexi (On-Net Minutes) – Zain Kuwait
The on-net minutes options for eeZee Flexi start from 100 minutes (0.5 KWD) to unlimited – 43 200 minutes (2 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | On-Net Minutes |
|---|---|
| 0.50 KWD | 100 minutes |
| 1 KWD | 250 minutes |
| 1.5 KWD | 500 minutes |
| 2 KWD | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes |
eeZee Flexi (Local Minutes) – Zain Kuwait
The local minutes options for eeZee Flexi start from 100 minutes (1 KWD) to unlimited – 9000 minutes (6 KWD).
Below are your options:
| Price | Local Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1 KWD | 100 minutes |
| 1.5 KWD | 250 minutes |
| 2 KWD | 500 minutes |
| 3 KWD | 1000 minutes |
| 6 KWD | “Unlimited”, 9000 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 1 KWD), WhatsApp (1 TB for 1 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 | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 15 GB | Z1 |
| 5 KWD | 50 GB | Z2 |
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.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Kuwait, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Ooredoo.
Especially if you get a Middle East eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Middle Eastern countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Kuwait eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Liberation Mobile (Kuwait only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Kuwait – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Kuwait (unlimited data) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Kuwait, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Kuwait eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Ooredoo.
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 two data-featured prepaid plans: ANA Plans (combo) & Digital 5G Plans (combo).
I will list all the prices in KWD (Kuwaiti Dinar).
To convert KWD to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
ANA Plans – Ooredoo Kuwait
The ANA Plans are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) 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 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 KWD | ANA All-In-One | 100 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes 1 | 30 days |
| 15 KWD | ANA Nomad | 650 GB | Unlimited | 600 minutes | 30 days |
| 19 KWD | ANA Newbie | 230 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 19 KWD | ANA Full Force | 1 TB 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 KD2 worth of international minutes
2 with 7GB roaming internet
Digital 5G Plans – Ooredoo Kuwait
The Digital 5G Plans are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Digital 5G Plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 KWD | ANA Newbie | 230 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 11 KWD | ANA Vibe | 400 GB | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 30 days |
| 15 KWD | ANA Nomad | 650 GB | Unlimited | 600 minutes | 30 days |
| 19 KWD | ANA Full Force | 1 TB 1 | Unlimited | 3000 minutes | 30 days |
1 for 1 GB Roaming/Day
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.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Kuwait, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from STC (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Middle Eastern destinations if you do not stay in just Kuwait or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Kuwait eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Liberation Mobile (Kuwait only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Kuwait – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Kuwait (these eSIMs have unlimited data) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Kuwait, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Kuwait eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with STC for now.
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 two data-featured prepaid plans: Go Plans (combo) & Internet Boosters (add-on).
I will list all the prices in KWD (Kuwaiti Dinar).
To convert KWD to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Go Plans – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The Go Plans are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.
Go Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 510:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 KWD | Go 5 | 30 GB | N/A | N/A | 100 minutes | 30 days | 50 |
| 6 KWD | Go 6 | 60 GB | N/A | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 30 days | 60 |
| 9 KWD | Go 9 | 100 GB | “Unlimited”, 100 GB | N/A | 500 minutes | 30 days | 90 |
| 15 KWD | Go 15 | 200 GB | “Unlimited”, 100 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 000 minutes | 2000 minutes | 30 days | 150 |
| 19 KWD | Go 19 | 500 GB | “Unlimited”, 100 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 30 days | 190 |
| 21 KWD | Go 21 | 1 TB | “Unlimited”, 100 GB | “Unlimited”, 43 000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 30 days | 210 |
1 Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & WhatsApp
Internet Booster – STC Kuwait (formerly VIVA Kuwait)
The Internet Booster are data add-ons for Go SIM cards. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.
Internet Boosters can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 510:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 KWD | 15 GB | 30 days | 33 |
| 5 KWD | 50 GB | 30 days | 32 |
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.
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:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
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).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
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 & 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 & 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
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving 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!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!