Buying a Prepaid SIM Card in Oman Guide

Getting a SIM card in Oman is the most affordable way to stay connected when traveling in Oman. Luckily, it is easy to buy an Omani SIM card. However, there are five operators to choose from and more than 100 types of packages to go through.

Even though it may be a challenge to find the best Omani SIM card for you do to the massive number of packages, it will be worth the hassle because roaming with your provider in Oman has proven to be expensive.

Luckily for you, I have gone over everything the Omani operators have to offer so that you can make an informed decision on getting an Omani SIM card and suitable package.

In this article, I will inform you about everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Oman. Let's do this.

Note from July 11th: this guide is currently in the process of a major update. If the formatting seems off at some times, you notice spelling/grammar mistakes, or things seem to be missing, my apologies. All should be top-notch when the upgrade is done, which should be at the end of July.

Telecom Operators, Networks, and Frequencies in Oman

Oman has two mobile telecom operators:

• Omantel (Oman Mobile)
• Ooredoo Oman

Both operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks available to mobile users.

The following frequencies are used by the Omani operators:

• 2G: 900 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2300 MHz (Band 40)

In addition to the current two established Omani operators (Main Operators), there are three Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Oman using the networks of Omantel and Ooredoo Oman, which are:

• Friendi Mobile Oman (Ooredoo Oman MVNO)
• Renna Mobile (Omantel MVNO)
• RedBull Mobile Oman (Omantel MVNO)

There used to be another “MVNO” called Shababiah. It could not fully be classified as an MVNO, as it was a brand operated by Ooredoo Oman that was focused on the Omani youth. In 2020, Ooredoo Oman decided to transform the Shahabiah brand into its main prepaid offering. This means that Shababiah is the name of Ooredoo Oman's prepaid brand that is available to everyone and not solely the (Omani) youth.

MNO (Main Operator) vs. MVNO – Which One Should You Choose?

A question that often gets asked if whether you should go with a Mobile Network Operator (MNO, which I refer to as Main Operator, or an MVNO?

In general, MVNOs offer more data, minutes, and SMS for the same price or less compared to the Main Operators because they often do not have physical stores and do not have to employ staff to maintain the antennas. Instead, they use the equipment of the Main Operators.

In the case of Oman, the Omani MVNOs do have physical stores that you can visit but not many. Most of their servies are offered online their websites or their apps. The main operators have many stores throughout Oman where you can go to if you need help or advice, whereas the MVNOs mostly offer support online.

It depends on your needs and wants for a SIM card and data packages. In this article, I will go over everything what the Main Operators and MVNOs have to offer so that you can make an informed decision when buying a SIM card in Oman.

5G/NR in Oman

Both Omantel and Ooredoo Oman have established 5G/NR networks on 3500 MHz (n78). However, 5G/NR is only offered for residential broadband, not for mobile devices. Ali Al Hashmi, the Senior Manager of Network Design at Omantel, noted that “We are ready from the network perspective, but individual mobile phones are not. For example, if you go to some of the areas, you may find 5G appearing as a network, but you will not be able to pick it up from your mobile as it does not yet support this feature”, as quoted by CommsUpdate.

If you go to some of the areas, you may find 5G appearing as a network, but you will not be able to pick it up from your mobile as it does not yet support this feature

Ali Al Hashmi, the Senior Manager of Network Design at Omantel

Although such a statement has not been reported by Ooredoo Oman, 5G offerings can only be found under the Home tab on the Ooredoo Oman website menu and not under Mobile.

The Best Prepaid SIM Card in Oman

If you want to buy a SIM card in Oman, then Ooredoo is the best option. Although Ooredoo’s coverage is slightly worse than Omantel, they offer lower rates for their packages compared to Omantel.

ALSO: Want to get an excel sheet of the best SIM cards of over 230+ destinations around the world, updated monthly? Sign up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter and get the excel sheet for FREE!

SIM Card Registration Regulations in Oman

Like almost all countries in the Middle East, you have to register your passport details when buying a SIM card in Oman.

The State of the Telecom Market in Oman

In September 2019, the Vodafone Group announced that they are planning on entering the Omani telecommunications market in a strategic partnership with Oman Future Telecommunications (OFT). The entrance of a third operator should lead to more competition in Oman, and hopefully lower prices.

VoIP services are still somewhat blocked in Oman. Examples of VoIP apps are voice calling with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype.

I do not know exactly why, but VoIP calls were blocked so that people were forced to pay high rates for international calls. It was so bad that internet cafes were shut down for providing VoIP access.

Unless the service uses servers hosted in Oman, it is blocked. However, the policy has changed a few years ago. VoIP calls with Google Talk, Viber, and Yahoo are possible now.

During the 2020 pandamic, the Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) listed the ban on VoIP services temporarily.

If you do want to use other VoIP apps, like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp voice, you would need to use a VPN to circumvent the ban. I use NordVPN because I get high speeds with their servers. They have around 5500 servers in 59 countries. They do not have servers in Oman, because they would be subject to censorship, but the closest servers are in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and India. You can get up to 70% off your NordVPN subscription if you get yours today!

Currency in Oman

Oman uses the Omani Rial with the symbol OMR (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Oman are listed in OMR, RO, or Bz. For example, 25 OMR is RO 25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between OMR and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):

• 1 OMR = 2.60 USD
• 10 OMR = 25.95 USD
• 100 OMR = 239.60 USD

For up-to-date OMR:USD exchange rates, search OMR 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 HUNDREDS of Euros when using Transferwise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Transferwise account FREE!

Omani Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Omantel, Ooredoo Oman, FRIENDi Mobile Oman, Renna Mobile, and RedBull Mobile Oman, 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 Omani 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!

What that being said, let's see what the Omani operators have to offer to us.

Omantel (Oman Mobile)

Omantel, also known as Oman Mobile, is the market leader in Oman with a market share of more than 55%. They used to be a monopoly before Ooredoo decided to compete with them, and before all the MVNOs became a thing in Oman. Omantel has the best coverage throughout Oman.

How to get an Omantel SIM Card

Omantel has three types of SIM cards:

• Hayyak Prepaid (normal SIM card)
• Hayyak Data (data-only SIM card)
• Omantel Tourist Pack (tourist SIM card)

Be aware that Omantel has a booth as Muscat International Airport. However, they may not sell all types of SIM cards or all packages mentioned in this article.

Omantel Hayyak SIM Card Price and Availability

You can buy an Omantel SIM card, called Hayyak, for 2 OMR in Omantel stores and from authorized dealers. The Hayyak SIM card will come with 1.5 GB (valid for 10 days) and 1 OMR in credit. It is also possible to get a Hayyak eSIM. Refer to this page to see the supported devices.

An Omantel Hayyak SIM card has an initial validity of 180 days. If you do not recharge for 180 days, the SIM card will be deactivated. Recharges extend the validity of your SIM card for 180 days, regardless of the recharge.

Omantel Hayyak Data SIM Card Price and Availability

If you are seeking for a data-only SIM card, Omantel sells a Hayyak Data SIM card for 3 OMR that comes with 2 GB (valid for 15 days) in Omantel stores. Only Hayyak Data Only plans can be added to this SIM card.

Omantel Tourist SIM Card Price and Availability

You can also buy an Omantel Tourist Pack, which is Omantel's SIM card for tourists and travelers. They are sold in Omantel stores throughout Oman. The Oman Tourist Pack costs 5 OMR and gets you 2 GB, unlimited WhatsApp usage (if you are out of your data allowance), 50 minutes (local and international), and 50 SMS (local and international). The Tourist Pack benefits are valid for 10 days, but the SIM card itself will be active for 30 days.

The 72 included countries for international minutes and SMS for the Omantel Tourist Pack are:

If you want to resubscribe to the Tourist Pack, you can do so for another 5 OMR by dialing *314#. Text D to 90099 to check your Tourist Pack balance.

How to Top Up an Omantel SIM Card

Omantel recharge vouchers are sold in Omantel stores and many other types of stores like supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations, in denominations of 1 OMR, 3 OMR, 5 OMR, and 10 OMR. Each recharge extends the validity of your SIM card with 180 days.

It is also possible to recharge your Hayyak SIM card online (in denominations of 1 OMR, 2 OMR, 3 OMR, 5 OMR, 8 OMR, and 10 OMR), but it looks like this feature is limited for those with an Omani bank account.

To check your Hayyak balance, dial *100#.

Omantel Internet Offers, Packages & Plans

Omantel has two combo plans and one data only plan, which are:

• Hayyak Your Way (combo plan)
• Hayyak Mobile Internet Add-ons (data-only add-ons for Hayyak)
• New Hayyak Plans (combo plans)
• New Hayakk Mobile Internet Add-ons (data-only add-ons for New Hayyak)
• Unlimited social (social media plans)
• Hayyak Data only Plan (data-only plans for Hayyak Data)

Let's go through each of them. Click on the links above if you want to directly jump to a specific section.

Hayyak Your Way

Hayyak Your Way bundles are combo plans that come with data, calls, and SMS. Some plans come with social media data, which apply to WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. The plans that do not come with minutes come with a feature called favorite numbers. You can make unlimited calls to your favorite numbers, which have to be Omantel numbers.

The following Hayyak Your Way plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *280#:

Price	Data	Social Media Data	Minutes	Favorite Numbers	SMS	Validity
3 OMR	500 MB	N/A	50 minutes	N/A	50 SMS	30 days
5 OMR	1 GB	N/A	100 minutes	N/A	100 SMS	30 days
7 OMR	1 GB	1 GB	N/A	5	N/A	30 days
10 OMR	4 GB	2 GB	N/A	5	N/A	30 days
15 OMR	8 GB	4 GB	N/A	5	N/A	30 days

You can purchase 1 GB for 2 OMR for the 7 OMR, 10 OMR, and 15 OMR plans. You will get 500 MB for WhatsApp if you repurchase the 3 OMR plan and 1 GB if you repurchase the 5 OMR plan.

To add a favorite number, dial *285*1*PhoneNumber#. To remove a favorite number, dial *285*2*PhoneNumber#. To see your current list of favorite numbers, dial *258*0#. Be aware that changing favorite numbers will cost 0.2 OMR per change.

Hayyak Mobile Internet Add-ons

The Mobile Internet Add-ons are data-only bundles for Hayyak (not New Hayyak). The following Mobile Internet Add-ons are available:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation
0.2 OMR	50 MB	1 day	*241*1#
0.5 OMR	250 MB	1 day	*141*500#
0.5 OMR	50 MB	30 days	*141*50#
1 OMR	1 GB	1 day	*141*24#
2 OMR	300 MB	30 days	*141*300#
2 OMR	Unlimited *	1 day	*666*2*1*1#
2 OMR	2 GB	2 days	*141*20#
3 OMR	1 GB	30 days	*141*3#
3 OMR	2 GB	7 days	*141*7#
5 OMR	2 GB	30 days	*141*5#
7 OMR	3 GB	30 days	*141*70#
10 OMR	5 GB	30 days	*141*10#
15 OMR	10 GB	30 days	*141*15#
25 OMR	30 GB	30 days	*141*25#

New Hayyak Plans

Omantel also released the New Hayyak Plans, which are combo plans that come with data and minutes. They are sold in these variants and can be activated by dialing *666#:

Price	Data	Minutes	Validity
3 OMR	2 GB	50 minutes	7 days
3 OMR	1.5 GB	15 minutes	30 days
4 OMR	2 GB	50 minutes	30 days
6 OMR	4 GB	150 minutes	30 days
10 OMR	10 GB	250 minutes	30 days
15 OMR	18 GB	500 minutes	30 days

New Hayyak Mobile Internet Add-ons

The Mobile Internet Add-ons are data-only bundles for New Hayyak (not Hayyak). The following Mobile Internet Add-ons are available, which can be activated by dialing *666*2*1#:

Price	Data	Validity
0.2 OMR	100 MB	1 day
1 OMR	1 GB	1 day
2 OMR	Unlimited *	1 day
3 OMR	2 GB	7 days
25 OMR	30 GB	30 days

Unlimited Social

The Unlimited Social plans are unlimited data plans for specific social media apps. It looks like they are available for both Hayyak and New Hayyak. The plans are for specific social media apps. A fair-use limit of 10 GB applies to all Unlimited Social plans. Once you have reached 10 GB, your speeds will be throttled to 1 Mbps.

The following Unlimited Social plans are available, which can be activated on the Omantel app:

Price	App	Data	Validity
1.5 OMR	WhatsApp	Unlimited	7 days
1.5 OMR	Instagram	Unlimited	7 days
1.5 OMR	TikTok	Unlimited	7 days
1.5 OMR	Snapchat	Unlimited	7 days
1.5 OMR	Twitter	Unlimited	7 days
1.5 OMR	Facebook	Unlimited	7 days

It is also possible to purchase an Unlimited Social plan by dialing *666#. However, you will be charged 2 OMR instead of 1.5 OMR when activated on the Omantel app.

Hayyak Data Only Plans

The Hayyak Data Only Plan is are data-only bundles for the Hayyak Data SIM card. The following Hayyak Data Only plans are available:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation
3 OMR	3 GB	15 days	*343*3#
5 OMR	6 GB	30 days	*343*5#
10 OMR	14 GB	45 days	*343*10#

Omantel APN Settings

In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct Omantel APN settings automatically. Test 4G to receive the correct APN settings. If that does not work or if you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):

• Name: Oman Mobile
• APN: taif
• Username: taif
• Password: taif

RELATED GUIDES:

• Buying a SIM Card in the Middle East Guide (All Middle Eastern Countries)
• Buying a SIM Card in Qatar
• Buying a SIM Card in the United Arab Emirates
• Buying a SIM Card in Kuwait
• Buying a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia
• Buying a SIM Card in Bahrain

Ooredoo Oman

Ooredoo Oman, just Ooredoo, is the other main operator in Oman. They are smaller than Omantel, but their coverage still covers more than 95% of the population. However, Ooredoo's coverage is slightly worse than the one of Omantel, but Ooredoo is, on average, cheaper.

How to get an Ooredoo Oman SIM Card

Ooredoo has three types of SIM cards:

• New Shababiah (normal SIM card)
• Mousbak (old normal SIM card)
• Ooredoo Visitor Pack (tourist SIM card)

Click on links above to jump to the type of SIM card you are interested in. Be aware that Ooredoo has a booth as Muscat International Airport. However, they may not sell all types of SIM cards or all packages mentioned in this article.

Ooredoo New Shababiah

Shababiah used to be a separate Ooredoo brand aimed at the Omani youth. In 2020, Ooredoo decided to make Shababiah their main prepaid offering and called it New Shababiah.

Shababiah Smart SIM cards are sold for 2 OMR and come with either 1 GB for 10 days OR 2 OMR in credit for 30 days. You have the option to choose which benefits you want. You can buy Ooredoo's New Shababiah Smart SIM cards in Ooredoo stores and from certified dealers.

Ooredoo Mousbak

Ooredoo’s old prepaid SIM card is called Mousbak. They can still be bought, and it does not look like Ooredoo is planning on discontinuing this line anytime soon. You can buy a Mousbak SIM card for 2 OMR in Ooredoo stores. A Mousbak SIM card comes with 2 OMR in credit that is valid for 30 days.

Ooredoo Visitor Pack

Tourists and travelers can purchase an Ooredoo tourist SIM card, called Ooredoo Visitor Pack, in Ooredoo stores and especially at Muscat International Airport. Be aware that the salesperson at the airport may push you to buy an Ooredoo Visitor Pack instead of a regular SIM card.

The Ooredoo Visitor Pack comes in two variants:

Price	Data	Minutes (local & international)	Local SMS	Validity
5 OMR	4 GB	50 minutes	50 SMS	10 days
10 OMR	10 GB	50 minutes	50 SMS	15 days

Although the Visitor Pack benefits are valid for up to 15 days, the SIM card itself will be valid for 60 days. The SIM card can be extended for another 60 days by recharging it once it has expired.

You are allowed to purchase normal plans after the Visitor Pack has expired.

Dial *141*377# to check your Visitor Pack balance.

How to Top Up an Ooredoo Oman SIM Card

You can recharge your Ooredoo SIM card with recharge cards that are sold all over Oman in Ooredoo stores and many other types of stores, like grocery stores, corner stores, and gas stations.

You have three types of recharges:

• “Normal” Recharge
• More Credit
• More Internet

Do note that these recharge options are available as scratch cards and electronic vouchers. Electronic vouchers can be redeemed on the Ooredoo website or the Ooredoo app.

Ooredoo Recharge Cards

The standard recharge cards are sold all over Oman. They are sold in denominations of 1 OMR, 2 OMR, 4 OMR, and 8 OMR. To top-up, dial *115*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *115*123456#

Ooredoo More Credit Recharge Cards

The More Credit recharge method gives you bonus credit depending on how much you top-up. The bonus can be up to 25%. The total credit amount can be used to purchase an Ooredoo combo or data-only plan.

The following More Credit recharge options are available:

Recharge	Bonus Credit	Total Credit	Credit Validity
1 OMR	N/A	1 OMR	N/A
2 OMR	0.2 OMR (10%)	2.2 OMR	10 days
5 OMR	1 OMR (20%)	6 OMR	20 days
10 OMR	2.5 OMR (25%)	12.5 OMR	25 days

To top-up with More Credit, dial *115*2*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *115*2*123456#. Dial *102*2# to check your More Credit balance.

Ooredoo More Internet Recharge Cards

The More Internet recharge method gives you data instead of credit (to purchase a plan). The following More Internet options are available:

Recharge	Data	Validity
1 OMR	300 MB	10 days
2 OMR	1 GB	10 days
3 OMR	1.5 GB	30 days
5 OMR	3 GB	30 days
10 OMR	12 GB	30 days

You may have to dial *141# to activate the 4G superfast feature when recharging with Mote Internet.

To top-up with More Internet, dial *115*3*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *115*3*123456#. Dial *102*3# to check your More Credit balance.

Ooredoo Oman Mobile Internet Plans

Ooredoo has several types of combo and data-only plans. Some of these plans are specific to Shababiah or Mousbak (it will be clearly mentioned). The following plans are available:

• Shababiah Plans (combo plans for Shababiah)
• Shababiah Mix (customizable combo plans for Shabaiah)
• New Shababiah Internet Add-ons (data-only bundles for Shababiah)
• New Shababiah Digital Add-Ons (social media plans for Shababiah)
• Mousbak Plans (combo plans for Mousbak)
• Mousbak Data Bundles (data-only bundles for Mousbak)

Click on the links above to jump directly to the type of plan you are interested in. Be aware that some plans exclusive to Shababiah, while others are exclusive to Mousbak. It will be clearly mentioned for what SIM card the plans can be used for.

Shababiah Plans

The Shababiah plans are combo plans that come with data and minutes, only available to Shababiah SIM cards. One Shababiah plan (12 OMR) comes with unlimited social media (WhatsApp), Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Twitter), even if you have used your entire data allowance. However, the speeds for using those apps are reduced to 512 Kbps. All Shababiah apps can be activated on the Ooredoo Oman App:

Price	Data	Unlimited Social Media	Validity
3 OMR	1.5 GB	No	30 days
5 OMR	3 GB	No	30 days
7 OMR	5 GB	No	30 days
10 OMR	10 GB	No	30 days
12 OMR	14 GB	Yes	30 days
15 OMR	20 GB	No	30 days

You have the option to purchase a Shababiah plan as a one-time purchase or recurring purchase when buying a plan on the Ooredoo Oman app.

Shababiah Mix

The Shababiah Mix plan allows you to make your own Shababiah plan, customized to your data and calling needs, only available to Shababiah SIM cards. You can choose the number of minutes you want and the amount of data for a whole month. The local voice bundle starts from 40 minutes (1 OMR) to 1000 minutes (11 OMR), and the open data bundle starts from 1 GB (3 GB) to 100 GB (85 OMR).

These are your options that can be mixed:

Do note that you are allowed to only buy data or only mintues with the Shababiah Mix plan. You are not required to have both data and minutes.

Shahabiah Mix plans can be set up on the Ooredoo Oman App. Before finalizing the order, you get the choice to make this a recurring plan or a one-off plan.

New Shababiah Internet Add-Ons

The New Shababiah Internet Add-ons can be used as an add-on to another active Shababiah plan or as a standalone data-only plan, only available to Shababiah SIM cards. You have these 4 options:

Price	Data	Validity
1 OMR	1 GB	1 day
3 OMR	1.5 GB	30 days
5 OMR	3 GB	30 days
10 OMR	12 GB	30 days

Shababiah Internet Add-ons can be purchased on the Ooredoo Oman app. You get the choice to make this a recurring plan or not (one-off purchase).

New Shababiah Digital Add-Ons

The New Shababiah Digital Add-ons are packs that are valid for specific social apps, only available to Shababiah SIM cards. The following options New Shababiah Digital Add-ons are available:

Price	Data	Apps	Streaming Restrictions	Validity
0.2 OMR	Unlimited	Apple Music, Gaana & Saavn	N/A	1 day
0.5 OMR	Unlimited	YouTube & Vuclip	SD quality (480P)	1 day
3 OMR	3 GB	WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat & Instagram	N/A	30 days

Mousbak Plans

The Mousbak plans are combo plans that come with data, minutes, and SMS, only available to Mousbak SIM cards. Minutes and SMS fall under one quota. For example, if “35 minutes/SMS” is mentioned, you could use 30 minutes and 5 SMS, or whatever combination you can think of, as long as you do not go over 35.

There are three Mousbak plans, but only two of them feature data:

Price	Data	Minutes/SMS	Validity	Activation
2 OMR	50 MB	75 minutes/SMS	7 days	*141*202#
3 OMR	100 MB	125 minutes/SMS	7 days	*141*203#

Mousbak plans auto-renew. Replace the first 2 after the second * with an 8 to cancel auto-renewal. For example, if the activation code is *141*202#, you would dial *141*802# to cancel auto-renewal.

Dial *141*332# to check your Mousbak plan balance.

Mousbak Data Bundles

The Mousbak Data Bundles are data-only bundles, only available to Mousbak SIM cards. The following Mousbak data bundles can be added:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation	Balace Check
0.5 OMR	50 MB (WhatsApp only)	7 days	*141*4*50#	*141*4*9#
1 OMR	1 GB	1 day	141*4*24#	*141*4*9#
2 OMR	2 GB	2 days	*141*4*48#	*141*4*9#
3 OMR	1 GB	30 days	*555*22#	*555*22*0#
5 OMR	3 GB	7 days	*141*4*7#	*141*4*9#
5 OMR	2 GB	30 days	*555*23#	*555*23*0#
10 OMR	6 GB	30 days	*555*26#	*555*26*0#
24 OMR	10 GB	30 days	*555*24#	555*24*0#
49 OMR	30 GB	30 days	*555*30#	*555*30*0#

All these plans auto-renew. Add *0 before the last digit and # to cancel auto-renew. For example, if the activation code is *141*4*24#, you would dial *141*4*24*0#.

Ooredoo Oman APN Settings

In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct Ooredoo Oman APN settings automatically. Text all to 1501 to receive the APN settings. If that does not work or you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):

• Name: Ooredoo
• APN: Ooredoo
• Username: test
• Password: test

FRIENDi Mobile Oman

FRIENDi Mobile Oman, just FRIENDi Mobile, is an MVNO using the Ooredoo network. They are the largest MVNO and the third-largest operator in Oman. Because FRIENDi Mobile use the Ooredoo network, their coverage is good, but not as soon as MVNOs using the Omantel network.

How to get a FRIENDi Mobile Oman SIM Card

You can get a FRIENDi Mobile SIM card, called Super SIM, for free in FRIENDi Shops, Muscat International Airport, certain supermarkets and hyper markets, and a few other vendors.

The Super SIM card often comes with starter benefits, but these benefits change every few months.

How to Top Up a FRIENDi Mobile Oman SIM Card

FRIENDi Mobile reload cards are sold in denominations of 0.5 OMR, 1 OMR, 3 OMR, 5 OMR, and 10 OMR in FRIENDI mobile stores, various supermarkets, and convenience stores. It is also possible to recharge online, although it is unclear whether the website accepts international debit or credit cards.

You can check your FRIENDI Mobile balance by dialing *201#. Dial *250# to check your data balance.

FRIENDi Mobile Internet Offers, Packages & Plans

FRIENDi Mobile offers several one combo plan and two data-only plans, which are:

• Freedom Mix Plans (combo plans with no expiry)
• Freedom Data Plans (data-only plans with no expiry)
• Saver Mix Plans (combo plans)
• Saver Data Plans (24-hour data-only plans)

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Freedom Mix Plans

The Freedom Mix plans are data-only plans that come with anytime data and night-time data. The nighttime data allowance applies from 23:00-6:00 (11 PM-6 AM). The best part of Freedom Mix plans is that their allowances do not expire, as long as your SIM card is active. This means that you could use your allowance within a day or a year (or even longer).

The following 4 Freedom Mix Plans are available:

Price	Data	Nighttime Data	Validity	Activation
2 OMR	500 MB	500 MB	Unlimited	*340*1#
3 OMR	750 MB	1000 MB	Unlimited	*340*2#
3.5 OMR	1 GB	1 GB	Unlimited	*340*3#
5 OMR	1500 MB	2000 MB	Unlimited	*340*4#

The Freedom Data Plans are set to auto-renew when you are out of data. You can change the auto-renew settings by dialing *130*1#.

Dial *220# to check your Freedom Mix Plan data balance.

Freedom Data Plans

The Freedom Data plans are data-only plans with no expiry, as long as your SIM card is active. The following Freedom Data Plans are available:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation
0.5 OMR	100 MB	Unlimited	*320*1#
1 OMR	250 MB	Unlimited	*320*2#
2 OMR	1 GB	Unlimited	*320*8#
3 OMR	1.5 GB	Unlimited	*320*3#
3.5 OMR	2 GB	Unlimited	*320*5#
4 OMR	2.5 GB	Unlimited	*320*10#
5 OMR	3.5 GB	Unlimited	*320*4#
8 OMR	5 GB	Unlimited	*320*11#
10 OMR	8 GB	Unlimited	*320*12#

The Freedom Data Plans are set to auto-renew when you are out of data. You can change the auto-renew settings by dialing *130*1#.

Dial *250# to check your Freedom Data Plan data balance.

Saver Plans

The Saver Plans are combo plans that come minutes and SMS. Unlike the Freedom Plans, Saver Plans do expire. The following Saver Plans are available:

Price	Data	Minutes	Validity	Activation
3 OMR	3 GB	N/A	7 days	*350*2#
5 OMR	3 GB	50 minutes	30 days	*601*5#
7 OMR	5 GB	150 minutes	30 days	*601*7#
10 OMR	10 GB	200 minutes	30 days	*601*10#
12 OMR	14 GB	300 minutes	30 days	*601*12#
16 OMR	20 GB	500 minutes	30 days	*601*16#

Dial *250# to check your Saver Plan data balance.

Saver Data Plans

The Saver Data Plans are data-only plans that are valid for 24 hours. The following two Saver Data Plans are available:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation
1 OMR	1 GB	24 hours	*320*7#
2 OMR	Unlimited	24 hours	*601*70#

Dial *250# to check your Saver Data Plan Plan data balance.

FRIEDI Mobile Oman APN Settings

In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct FRIENDi Mobile Oman APN settings automatically. If you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):

• Name: FRIENDi
• APN: net

RELATED GUIDES:

• Buying a SIM Card in Jordan
• Buying a SIM Card in Lebanon
• Buying a SIM Card in Israel
• Buying a SIM Card in Iran
• Buying a SIM Card in Egypt

Renna mobile

Renna mobile is the mobile brand of Renna, a supermarket chain in Oman. Renna Mobile is an MVNO using the Omantel network. This means that you will get better coverage than if you are to use an Ooredoo MVNO.

How to get an Renna Mobile SIM Card

You can get a Renna Mobile SIM card, called Renna SIM, for 2 OMR in Renna stores and from various vendors. The SIM card comes with 1 GB for 30 days.

How to Top Up a Renna Mobile SIM Card

Renna Mobile vouchers are sold in denominations of 0.5 OMR, 1 OMR, 3 OMR, 5 OMR, and 7 OMR in Renna stores and many other stores. It is also possible to recharge online with an Omani debit or credit card from 0.5 OMR to 50 OMR. Finally, you can get vouchers from Electronic Voucher Distribution (EVD), which are sold in denominations from 0.5 OMR to 20 OMR.

Renna Mobile Internet Offers, Packages & Plans

Renna Mobile has two types of data-only bundles, which are:

• Combo Plans (combo bundles)
• Data bundles (data-only bundles)
• Day – Night Data Bundles (data-only bundles with nighttime allowance)

Click on the links above to jump to the package you are interested in.

Combo Plans

The Combo plans are plans that come with data and minutes. The following Combo Plans are available:

Price	Data	Minutes	Also for International Use?	Validity	Activation
3.5 OMR	1 GB	25 minutes	Yes, for Bangladesh, India & Pakistan	30 days	*181*1875#
10 OMR	2 GB	200 minutes	No	30 days	*181*1730#

Data Bundles

The Data Bundles are standard data-only bundles. The following Data Bundles are available:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation
0.3 OMR	100 MB	3 Days	*181*001#
0.5 OMR	200 MB	3 Days	*181*001#
1 OMR	1 GB	1 Day	*181*111#
1 OMR	350 MB	7 Days	*181*001#
2 OMR	750 MB	14 Days	*181*2000#
3 OMR	1.5 GB	30 Days	*181*3005#
3.5 OMR	2 GB	30 Days	*181*3505#
4 OMR	2.5 GB	30 Days	*181*4005#
5 OMR	3.5 GB	30 Days	*181*5005#
8 OMR	6 GB	30 Days	*181*8005#
10 OMR	10 GB	30 Days	*181*10005#
15 OMR	18 GB	30 Days	*181*15005#
20	25 GB	30 Days	*181*20005#

Dial *181*52# to check your Data Bundle allowance.

Day – Night Data Bundles

The Day – Night Data Bundles are data-only bundles that come with a dedicated nighttime allowance. Nighttime data allowance is used between 23:00-5:59 (11 PM-5:59 AM). The following Day – Night Data bundles are available:

Price	Data	Night Data	Validity	Activation
2 OMR	1 GB	700 MB	30 days	*181*2002#
3 OMR	1.75 GB	1000 MB	30 days	*181*3002#
8 OMR	7 GB	4 GB	30 days	*181*8002#

Dial *181*52# to check your Day – Night Data allowance.

Renna Mobile APN Settings

In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct Renna Mobile APN settings automatically. If you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):

• Name: Renna Internet
• APN: renna-internet

RedBull Mobile Oman

RedBull Mobile Oman, just RedBull Mobile, is the latest MVNO in Oman, which started in 2019. It is focused on the Omani youth, but everyone can buy their SIM cards. It used the Omantel network.

How to get a RedBull Mobile Oman SIM Card

You can get a RedBull Mobile SIM card for free in any RedBull Mobile store and from many other vendors.

How to Top Up a RedBull Mobile Oman SIM Card

Topping up your RedBull Mobile SIM card can be done with a voucher card that has to be redeemed online. Or you can use the e-recharge feature that accepts international debit and credit cards. Recharges are sold in denominations of 0.5 OMR to 10 OMR.

Dial *600# to check your RedBull Mobile balance.

RedBull Mobile Internet Offers, Plans & Packages

RedBull Mobile has combo plans that come with data, unlimited WhatsApp, unlimited on-net calls, and SMS. The following plans are available, which can be activated on the RedBull Mobile App:

Price	Data	Unlimited WhatsApp	Local Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
2 OMR	1 GB	Yes	N/A	Unlimited	7 days
4 OMR	2 GB	Yes	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
6 OMR	4 GB	Yes	150 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
10 OMR	14 GB	Yes	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
15 OMR	24 GB	Yes	N/A	Unlimited	30 days

Data-Add Ons

The Data-Add ons are data add-ons to active RedBull Mobile plans. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans. The following Data-Add Ons are available, which can be activated on the RedBull Mobile app:

Price	Data	Validity
0.5 OMR	250 MB	Until active plan expires
1 OMR	600 MB	Until active plan expires
1 OMR	1 GB	1 day (auto-renews)
1.5 OMR	1 GB	Until active plan expires

Social Data Add-Ons

The Social Data Add-Ons are add-ons for Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and WhatsApp combined or one of these social media apps separately. The prices are the same regardless for the bunle you choose. The following Social Data Add-Ons are available, which can be activated on the RedBull Mobile App:

Price	Data	Apps	Validity
0.5 OMR	250 MB	Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp combined OR individually	Until active plan expires
1 OMR	600 MB	Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp combined OR individually	Until active plan expires
1.5 OMR	1 GB	Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp combined OR individually	Until active plan expires

RELATED GUIDES:

• Buying a SIM Card in Afghanistan
• Buying a SIM Card in Sudan
• Buying a SIM Card in Pakistan
• Buying a SIM Card in India
• Buying a SIM Card in Bangladesh

Other Ways to Get Online When Traveling in Oman

Getting in Oman SIM card is the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling in Oman. However, there are other ways to get on the internet in Oman, such as to:

• Get an international SIM card or Travel SIM Card for Oman
• Use a mobile hotspot in Oman
• Roam with your provider in Oman
• Use WIFI connections in Oman

International SIM Cards & Travel SIM Cards for Oman

International SIM cards and travel SIM cards can be a convenient way to stay connected when traveling around multiple countries. Many countries require those buying local prepaid SIM cards to go through a registration procedure, like in Oman. This can be time-consuming and bothersome.

Moreover, you will have to deal with multiple numbers and SIM cards when traveling, which makes it hard for friends and family to stay in touch with you when not using messaging apps.

However, international SIM cards can be expensive because they may charge unfavorable rates. Below are some reputable international SIM card companies and travel SIM card resellers with reasonable prices, which are SimCorner and Surfroam.

SimCorner

SimCorner sells short-term travel SIM cards and also local SIM cards of the destination you are going to, which are not short-term.

For Oman, they have one SIM card, simply called SimCorner Oman Travel SIM Card. The Oman Travel SIM Card comes with 6 GB that is valid for 15 days for 45 AUD (31 USD), which will be delivered to your home!

Use coupon code AFL-DWRW to get a discount for your next SimCorner order!

Surfroam

Surfroam is an international SIM card that can be used in over 200 destinations around the world. I bring my Surfroam SIM card with me whenever I travel because I cannot always rely on airport WIFI, or it may not be able to buy a local prepaid SIM card within a timely manner (for example, the SIM cards at the airport are overpriced and I need to travel for a while to reach my final destination).

Surfroam data rates start from as little as €0.01/MB (or €10.24/GB) in over 200 destinations. However, you will pay €0.03/MB (or 30.72/GB) in Oman, which is a bit expensive. Even then, there are many destinations where you will pay only €0.01/MB, which is sometimes cheaper than the rates local operators charge you!

Mobile Hotspots to Rent for Oman

Mobile hotspots are battery-powered wireless router that allows you to connect your phone, laptop, or tablet without needing multiple SIM cards for those devices to be connected to the internet. They are compact and lightweight, so that you take them along with you whenever you need internet access on the go.

There are many mobile hotspots that you can buy or rent. I recommend mobile hotspots for those traveling in large groups. There is one mobile hotspot company I would recommend for Oman, which is Skyroam.

Internet access with Skyroam starts at $8.99 a day in Oman. You can get a discount if you rent a router through Skyroam by using coupon code PHONETRAVELWIZ. Besides Oman, Skyroam covers more than 130 destinations around the world, and they also sell global plans so that you can use the hotspot in multiple countries without buying separate plans.

Roaming with Your Provider in Oman

Although getting an Omani SIM card will be the most affordable way to stay connected, some travelers prefer to roam while in Oman. Below are some international roaming plans from other GCC countries and a few other countries. Not all operators are mentioned below. Only those with reasonable prices will be listed. Check out my roaming guides to learn about the roaming options of your operator.

Roaming with American Operators

• T-Mobile: Those with a Magenta plan can roam for free in Oman with Simple Global with no data restrictions. However, speeds will be extremely slow at 128 Kbps. All other plans will be charged 15 USD/GB.

Roaming with Bahraini Operators

• Batelco: With the GCC Roaming Bolt-Ons, you can get 1 GB for 5 BHD (1 day), 7 GB for 10 BHD (7 days), and 8 GB for 25 BHD (30 days)
  
• STC Bahrain: They have GCC Roaming Add-Ons for 10 BHD (3 days) and 20 BHD (7 days). You can unlimited data in GCC countries, unlimited calls from GCC to GCC countries, and free incoming calls. During the holiday/traveling season, the 15-day variant is available, which is costs 15 BHD.
  
• Zain Bahrain: With the GCC Data Add-Ons, you get 1 GB for 3 days or 5 GB for 7 days for 10 BHD and 15 BHD, respectively. Both Add-Ons come with 200 minutes.

Roaming with British Operators

• Vodafone UK: You can use your data allowance for 6 GBP per day. For example, if you have a 20 GB data plan, you could use your 20 GB in Oman for an additional 6 GBP/day.

Roaming with Emirati Operators

• Du: They offer six data-roaming add-ons for Oman: 500 MB for 35 AED (24 hours), 5 GB for 3 days (3 days), 15 GB for 199 AED (15 days), 2.5 GB for 200 AED (7 days), 7 GB for 500 AED (60 days), and 20 GB for 1000 AED (60 days)
  
• Etisalat UAE: With the Roam like Home for Freedom Plans, you can use your domestic allowance while traveling abroad in 120 countries (Oman included). Rates start from 100 AED/week to 650 AED/month. Some of these plans allow you to only use your data allowance when abroad, while others also allow you to use your minutes and SMS.

Roaming with Kuwaiti Operators

• Ooredoo Kuwait: With the Ooredoo Passport, you can get unlimited roaming data for 3 KWD (1 day), 15 KWD (7 days), or 30 KWD (30 days). An undisclosed fair-use policy applies, which will your speeds be throttled to 256 Kbps. Prepaid Customers can get the Prepaid Data Add-On for 6 KWD with 3 GB roaming data for 7 days.
  
• STC Kuwait: They offer unlimited data roaming plans for 7 KWD (7 days), 12 KWD (10 days), and 20 KWD (30 days). Do note that there is a daily high-speed cap of 1 GB, after which your speeds will be throttled to 256 Kbps for the remainder of the day.

Roaming with Saudi Operators

• Mobily: They offer Roaming Calls & Internet Bundles that come with unlimited data and calls for 199 SAR (3 days), 349 SAR (7 days), and 549 SAR (30 days).
  
• STC Saudi Arabia: The Roaming Package offers unlimited minutes and data in GCC countries for 200 SAR (3 days) and 300 SAR (7 days). In addition to unlimited data, you can make unlimited calls back to Saudi Arabia, to other GCC countries, and receive unlimited calls while roaming.
  
• Zain Saudi Arabia. There are two roaming add-ons: The Data and Voice Bundle and the Data Bundle. The Data and Voice Bundles come with 2 GB and 50 minutes for 149 SAR (3 days), 7 GB and 120 minutes for 299 SAR (7 days), and 10 GB and 200 minutes for 499 SAR (30 days). All these bundles come with free incoming calls. If you only want data, you can get 2 GB for 99 SAR (3 days), 7 GB for 199 SAR (7 days), and 10 GB for 299 SAR (30 days).

Roaming with Singaporean Operators

• StarHub: With DataTravel Global, you can roam in Oman. You can get 2 GB for 40 SGD or 3 GB for 50 SGD. Both plans are valid for 30 days.

Roaming with Qatari Operators

• Ooredoo Oman: The Weekly Passport that costs 100 QAR comes with 1 GB and 100 minutes – it can be used in Oman.
  
• Vodafone Qatar: With the Passport Pack, which costs 100 QAR/week, you can get 1 GB, 100 minutes of roaming calls, and unlimited inflight roaming. The Passport Pack works in Oman.

Free WIFI Hotspots in Oman

This does not require a lot of explanation, but using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to connect to the internet because you do not have to pay anything. However, free WIFI hotspots can be unsecure and unreliable.

You can find many WIFI hotspots in Oman. However, public WIFI hotspots are unsecure. They are a prime target for hackers to steal your data and use it for illicit purposes.

That is why I use, and would recommend you to start using, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you connect to a public hotspot. What a VPN does is creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the hotspot so that your data will stay private. I use both NordVPN and Surfshark, and you can get up to 70% off when you get a NordVPN subscription. Surfshark has many cool deals to all the, which you should check out too!

The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Oman

Getting a SIM card from Ooredoo (great coverage and cheaper Omantel) would do you well when considering an Omani SIM card. Make sure to consider the MVNOs too!

Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Middle Eastern Countries

Going to other countries in the Middle East? Check out my Middle East card buying guide, covering other Middle Eastern nations, such as:

Otherwise, I have many guides covering countries all over the world. Get my SIM card recommendation sheet by signing up for my newsletter!

What is next?

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money 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!

Book Your Flight for Oman

It is time to book your flight. Find cheap flights with AirWander so that you can add free or cheap stopovers in destinations you have not considered yet before going to Oman.

Book Your Accommodation for Oman

I am a huge fan of Airbnb because it allows me to live with a local or get a local place for myself. Staying in someone’s house or apartment feels much different than being in a ho(s)tel, especially in Oman. At least, that is how I see it. Moreover, Airbnb can often be much cheaper than staying in an Omani hotel.

Get Your Travel Insurance for Oman

You will regret not having travel insurance once you actually need it and “forgot” to get it. Nowadays, travel insurance is cheap and comprehensive unlike back in the days. World Nomads is by far the best travel insurance for adventurous travelers like yourself. You can even get insured WHILE already traveling in Oman, which is not something many insurance companies allow you to do.

Get a Travel Debit Card

Travel Cheques are outdated. Paying with your credit card or debit card can be expensive because of all the exchange commissions banks charge you. TransferWise allows you to convert your main currency to Omani Rial for a small fee (up to 8 times less than with your bank!) Getting a Transferwise Borderless account is FREE, so you will get an instant return on your investment.

Enjoy your trip!