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Qatar: 2 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Qatar – known for its airline, airport & highrise buildings.

To many travelers, Qatar is only known because of (Doha) Hamad International Airport, which is Qatar Airways' hub.

But the country plans on attracting more tourists who do not use the airport solely for transit but also stay a few nights (as a stopover, for example) by placing itself on the world map by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

But should you actually visit Qatar? Yes, you should.

The Katara Cultural Village is just majestic, especially when the sun sets.

If you are into museums, visit the Museum or Islamic Art of the National Museum of Qatar.

Shopping in Villaggio Mall can be fun if you have money to burn.

And if you have the opportunity, visit Al Aaliya Island.

So even if you are just visiting Qatar because of the World Cup, there is no reason to be bored on the days your country is not playing 😏.

What I do not recommend doing is using your home SIM card in Qatar, also known as international roaming.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why I recommend local SIM cards, eSIMs, or travel eSIMs, which also applies to the country's mobile data rates.

Luckily for you, SIM cards are not too expensive in Qatar, and this also applies to mobile data rates in the country.

So, how much do SIM cards cost in Qatar?

You can get a Qatari SIM card for “free” from Ooredoo or 10 QAR (2.75 USD) from Vodafone in their stores. You need to top up at least 10 QAR with Ooredoo. It also has tourist SIM cards for 35 QAR (9.60 USD) and 150 QAR (41.20 USD). SIM cards are also sold at (Doha) Hamad International Airport (DOH).

These numbers are not bad at all! Especially if you know that costs were waaay higher a few years ago (they are borderline criminal).

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Qatar. Let's go.

Buying a SIM Card in Qatar Guide (logos of Ooredoo & Vodafone)

Original publication: 25th of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of June 2023.


Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Qatar?

Anyone 18 years old or older living in or visiting Qatar can buy a Qatari SIM card from the mobile network operators (Ooredoo and Vodafone) 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)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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 Qatar).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Qatar?

You can get a Qatar SIM card in Ooredoo and Vodafone stores. SIM cards are also sold at (Doha) Hamad International Airport (DOH).

You can expect to pay the following for Qatari SIM cards:

  • Ooredoo Qatar: “free”, but a plan purchase or minimum top-up of 10 QAR required
  • Vodafone Qatar: 10 QAR

The following Qatari mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:

  • Ooredoo Qatar: 35 QAR (Fan SIM – formerly Visitor SIM) & 150 QAR (Super Fan SIM)
  • Vodafone Qatar: 35 QAR (it has no real tourist SIM card (anymore) – this is the price for SIM cards at the airport)

For up-to-date QAR: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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
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Can You Use Your Phone in Qatar?

Qatar uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Qatar. 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 Qatar, 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.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

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 Qatar.

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 Qatar 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 Qatar (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Qatar

Qatar has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Ooredoo Qatar (قطر)
  • Vodafone Qatar (قطر)

The following frequencies are used in Qatar:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Qatar, 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.

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VoLTE & VoWiFi in Qatar

VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is available in Qatar, and it is offered by all mobile operators (Ooredoo and Vodafone). However, VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) is not available.

This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Qatar (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).

VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.

5G NR in Qatar

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Qatar since May 2018. It is available on the Ooredoo and Vodafone networks. 5G NR is also offered to prepaid customers.

Best SIM Card in Qatar

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Qatar, I recommend going with Ooredoo. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Vodafone is not bad at all. It is just that Ooredoo is (significantly) better.

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Best eSIM in Qatar

Ooredoo and Vodafone offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Ooredoo launched eSIMs back in November 2018, but it has quietly phased out at an unknown date.

With Apple slowly phasing out SIM cards for eSIMs (already a thing for the iPhone 14 series sold in the United States), I hope Ooredoo introduced eSIMs again shortly.

A week before the World Cup starterd, Ooredoo reintroduced eSIMs!

Note that the Qatari mobile operators require your identification (passport) for 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 Qatar.

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 eight best eSIMs for Qatar:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Qatar, 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 Qatar, you better check out my Qatar eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for Qatar Guide (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Simcorner, Ooredoo, Vodafone & Pearl Mobile)

SIM Card Registration in Qatar

SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Qatar. It will be done at the point of sale.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Internet Censorship in Qatar

There is internet censorship in Qatar. 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 Qatar… but it is still present.

That is why I recommend using a VPN to browse the web in peace.

I use both NordVPN and Surfshark (not at the same time – do not do that… you will not have a pleasant browsing experience 🗿).

NordVPN has the most servers of any VPN service out there, which I love.

Surfshark is insanely cheap for the price it charges while offering stellar service.

Depending on where I am, I will either use NordVPN or Surfshark.

Neither VPNs services have servers in Qatar (obviously), but connecting to nearby countries (like the United Arab Emirates for both NordVPN or Surfshark) will still result in fast browsing speeds.

With these links, you can get amazing discounts for NordVPN and Surfshark (they change frequently, but you can always get up to 81% off).

Stay safe, secure & private in Qatar!

(oh, by the way – VPNs are not illegal in Qatar, 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).

Qatar Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Qatar

Qatar is probably not the cheapest travel destination in the Middle East.

And the same can be said about mobile data rate sin the country.

The average price for 1 GB of data in Qatar is 25 QAR (6.87 USD), way above the Middle Eastern average of 3.65 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.

In fact, Qatar is the third-most expensive country for mobile data in the Middle East (or the most expensive if we ignore countries that are active warzones like Yemen (16.58 USD) and Syria (8.57 USD)).

One of the (many) reasons why mobile data rates are high in Qatar is because there is an established duopoly – Ooredoo and Vodafone have no incentive to drop prices because they do not have to.

While the prices for data-featured plans are high, will you also get fast speeds in Qatar?

Incredibly fast speeds – blazing-fast, you can say.

Qatar's median mobile download speed is around 114 Mbps – 3.5x more than the global median.

For reference, the global median is around 31 Mbps at the moment.

Currently, only Norway and the United Arab Emirates have faster median mobile download speeds than Qatar, 122.77 Mbps and 118.42 Mbps, respectively.

Yes… only two countries have faster speeds than Qatar, meaning Qatar has the third-fastest median download speeds worldwide – incredible!

Qatar's mobile download speeds have increased by 26.2% year on year.

Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Qatar.

That would be Ooredoo, with a median download speed of 133.15 Mbps. Followed by Vodafone (92.05 Mbps).

Fast mobile download speeds can be found in Umm Salal Muhammed and Al Khor, with median download speeds of more than 160 Mbps.

In Al Wakrah, Ar-Rayyan & Doha, median download speeds of more than 110 Mbps can be experienced.

Okay, those numbers were related to 4G/LTE. Who is winning the 5G NR race (for now)?

The mobile operator with the best 5G NR speeds is Ooredoo, with a median download speed of 443.37 Mbps. It is followed by Vodafone (425.88 Mbps).

So yes, Ooredoo is faster than Vodafone, but not significantly.

Anyway, so what about coverage? Which mobile operator has the best coverage?

Honestly, the four mobile operators have extensive coverage, but Vodafone has the upper hand for now.

So which mobile operator is winning the 5G NR race in terms of coverage?

Currently, in the places where 5G NR should be available, Ooredoo is winning the race (22.1%), ahead of Vodafone (14.2%).

So what about overall network performance by the Qatari mobile operators?

Ooredoo is the winner of the Qatar Mobile Experience Awards of April 2022.

But Vodafone was a joint winner in many categories too.

Basically, you cannot go wrong with Ooredoo.

With low SIM card prices, practically perfect nationwide coverage, literally blazing-fast mobile download speeds, and high mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Qatar.

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Currency in Qatar

200 Qatari Riyal Bank Note
© Qatar Central Bank (QCB)/مصرف قطر المركزي

Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal with the symbol QAR (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed in QR or ر.ق. For example, 25 QAR = 25 QR/ر.ق .

For reference, below are some exchange rates between QAR and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 QAR = 0.30 USD
  • 10 QAR = 2.75 USD
  • 100 QAR = 27.50 USD
  • 1000 QAR = 274.70 USD

For up-to-date QAR: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.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Qatari Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar, 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 Qatar has to offer to us.


Ooredoo Qatar (قطر)

Ooredoo Logo
© Ooredoo

Ooredoo Qatar (قطر), just Ooredoo, is the largest mobile operator in Qatar.

It is also the mobile operator with the best network performance.

Ooredoo, as a mobile operator, is also active in Algeria, Indonesia (as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison), Iraq (as Asiacell), Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Palestine & Tunisia.

Ooredoo uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: No

This is what you will learn about Ooredoo:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Ooredoo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Ooredoo Qatar

Ooredoo has the best coverage in Qatar.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Ooredoo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Ooredoo Qatar

You can get an Ooredoo SIM card, called Hala, for free, although a plan purchase or minimum top-up of 10 QAR, in Ooredoo stores. Ooredoo SIM cards are also sold at (Doha) Hamad International Airport.

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Ooredoo Fan SIM card – Ooredoo's tourist offering.

Ooredoo Qatar Fan SIM Tourist SIM Card
© Ooredoo Qatar

This SIM card used to be known as the Ooredoo Visitor SIM, but it has been rebranded and improved for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Ooredoo Qatar Visitor SIM
© Ooredoo Qatar

The following two Ooredoo Fan SIM cards:

PriceSIM CardCreditDataLocal MinutesInternational Minutes 2Validity
35 QARFan SIMN/A2 GB25 minutes15 minutes7 days 3
150 QARSuper Fan SIM30 QAR20 GB 1400 minutes75 minutes30 days

1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
2 to Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saba, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen & Zambia
3 SIM card is valid for 30 days

Ooredoo Qatar Fan SIM Cards

Insiders have informed me that unless you have a residence permit for Qatar, like migrant workers or students do, expect Ooredoo to only sell you Fan SIM tourist SIM cards instead of regular ones (the ones that are “free”).

Luckily, you can purchase regular Ooredoo plans when your initial plan expires, which extends the validity of your SIM card (to 150 days).

Dial *100# to access the Ooredoo menu.

  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Ooredoo has no eSIMs (anymore).

Ooredoo launched eSIMs back in November 2018, but it has quietly phased out at an unknown date.

Just before the World Cup starterd, Ooredoo reintroduced eSIMs (which are also available to prepaid customers)!

Note that the Qatari mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Qatar (Pearl Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 daysmost popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days , 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 days.

Qatar Pearl Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Or get the Qatar eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 20 GB/30 days).

Nomad Qatar eSIMs

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!

Promo: until the 31st of May, you can get 15% off plans with 10 GB of data or more (Asian eSIMs only). If you do not need that much data, you can still use code NOMADASIA for the discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.

Or get the Qatar eSIMs from Holafly (3 GB/7 days, 6 GB/15 days & 8 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Qatar (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

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 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers, to be used in Qatar 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).

Airalo Menalink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

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 Qatar eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Qatar (including ones not mentioned above).

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Ooredoo Qatar

Ooredoo top-up vouchers are sold in Ooredoo stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronic shops throughout Qatar.

The following (online) Ooredoo top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
10 QAR60 days
20 QAR90 days
30 QAR180 days
50 QAR180 days
60 QAR180 days
100 QAR180 days
200 QAR360 days
500 QAR365 days
Ooredoo Qatar Top-Ups

To top up your Ooredoo SIM card, dial *127*VoucherCode# or dial *100# and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *127*123456#.

Ooredoo Qatar Hala Top Up Cards
© Ooredoo Qatar

Dial *100# or *129# to check your Ooredoo balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Ooredoo Qatar app (Android/iOS).

Ooredoo Qatar App
© Ooredoo Qatar

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Ooredoo Qatar

Ooredoo has five data-featured prepaid plans:

Ooredoo plans can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app.

I will list all the prices in QAR.

To convert QAR to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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

Hala Smart Plans – Ooredoo Qatar

The Hala Smart plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Hala Smart can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity
5 QARN/A30 minutes5 days
15 QAR100 MB150 minutes10 days
Ooredoo Qatar Hala Smart Plan
Flexi Packs – Ooredoo Qatar

The Flexi Packs are combo bundles with a unit system (Flex Points) and data (without 5G NR access).

Below is an overview of how many Flex Points are used per action:

  • 1 local/international minute = 1 Flexi Point
  • 1 local/international SMS = 1 Flexi Point
  • 7 MB = 1 Flexi Point

Flexi Packs can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app:

PriceFlexi PointsDataBonus Data 1Validity
5 QAR30 points100 MBN/AUntil midnight
10 QAR70 points250 MBN/A3 days
20 QAR150 points550 MB (7 days)N/A7 days
30 QAR225 points750 MB (7 days)3 GB (30 days)14 days
60 QAR500 points2 GB (7 days)8 GB (30 days)30 days
100 QAR1000 points2.2 GB (7 days)16 GB (30 days)30 days
150 QAR2100 points2.2 GB (7 days)16 GB (30 days)30 days
200 QAR3100 points2.2 GB (7 days)30 GB (30 days)30 days

1 + Bonus local night data from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM for 30 days.

Ooredoo Qatar Flexi Plan
Hala Super Recharges – Ooredoo Qatar

The Hala Super Recharges are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Hala Super Recharges can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app:

PriceData Local MinutesBonus Data 1Validity
30 QAR3 GB 2120 minutes3 GB (30 days)30 days
60 QAR8 GB 3240 minutes8 GB (30 days)30 days
100 QAR16 GB 3360 minutes16 GB (30 days)30 days
200 QAR32 GB 41000 minutes30 GB (30 days)30 days
500 QAR300 GB 440 000 minutes30 GB (30 days)30 days

1 + bonus local night data from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM for 30 days
2
+unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance
3
+unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance
4
+unlimited data @ 1 Mbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (annoyingly slow!)

Ooredoo Qatar Hala Super Recharge Plan
Data Recharges – Ooredoo Qatar

The Data Recharges Plans are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).

Data Recharges can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app:

PricePlanDataBonus Data 3Validity
5 QARData Recharge 5300 MBN/AUntil midnight
10 QARData Recharge 10750 MBN/A3 days
20 QARData Recharge 2001.6 GBN/A7 days
20 QARDaily Data Pack 201 GBN/A1 day
20 QARWeekly Data Pack 20 1  GBN/A7 days
30 QARData Recharge 301 GB 13 GB (30 days)14 days
60 QARData Recharge 602.5 GB 28 GB (30 days)28 days
80 QARData Recharge 804 GB 28 GB (30 days)28 days
100 QARData Recharge 1007 GB 216 GB (30 days)28 days
125 QARUnlimited Data Pack 125 Unlimited”, 100 GBN/A7 days
150 QARData Recharge 15014 GB 216 GB (30 days)28 days
200 QARData Recharge 20020 GB 230 GB (30 days)42 days

1 +1 GB additional local data for 7 days.
2 +2 GB additional local data for 7 days.
3 +Bonus local night data from 22:00 – 4:00 for 30 days

Ooredoo Qatar Data Recharge Plan
Endless Data Recharges – Ooredoo Qatar

The Endless Data Recharges Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Endless Data Recharges can be activated on the Ooredoo Qatar app:

PriceData 1Bonus DataValidity
25 QAR“Unlimited”, 30 GB @ 3 Mbps 3 GB (2 days)2 days
250 QAR“Unlimited”, 300 GB @ 3 Mbps 30 GB (30 days) 230 days

1 + unlimited data @ 128 Mbps after exhausting your “normal” speed allowance (super slow – 3 Mbps is slow too!)
2 + bonus local night data from 22:00 – 4:00 for 30 days

Ooredoo Qatar Endless Data Recharge Plan

APN/Internet Settings – Ooredoo Qatar

  • Name: Ooredoo
  • APN: data

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Vodafone Qatar (قطر)

Vodafone Logo
© Vodafone

Vodafone Qatar (قطر), just Vodafone, is the other mobile operator in Qatar.

It entered the Qatari telecom market back in 2009 and has challenged Ooredoo Qatar, which was then still known as Qtel, ever since.

While Vodafone never overtook Ooredoo Qatar, it still has a market share of between 30% and 40%.

The Vodafone Group does not own Vodafone Qatar anymore.

It sold its Vodafone Qatar majority stake to Qatar Foundation in 2018.

Still, the Vodafone brand will stick for the time being.

Vodafone uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: No

This is what you will learn about Vodafone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Vodafone Qatar

Vodafone has extensive coverage throughout Qatar.

Below is Vodafone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Vodafone Qatar

You can get a Vodafone SIM card for 10 QAR in Vodafone stores. Vodafone SIM cards are also sold at (Doha) Hamad International Airport (DOH – for 35 QAR instead).

Vodafone Qatar SIM Card

Dial *100# to access the Vodafone menu.

  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is possible to get a Vodafone eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Qatari mobile operators require your identification (passport) for future eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Qatar (Pearl Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 daysmost popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days , 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 days.

Qatar Pearl Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Or get the Qatar eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 20 GB/30 days).

Nomad Qatar eSIMs

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!

Promo: until the 31st of May, you can get 15% off plans with 10 GB of data or more (Asian eSIMs only). If you do not need that much data, you can still use code NOMADASIA for the discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.

Or get the Qatar eSIMs from Holafly (3 GB/7 days, 6 GB/15 days & 8 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Qatar (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

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.

Menalink Middle East North Africa (MENA) eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers, to be used in Qatar 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).

Airalo Menalink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

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 Qatar eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Qatar (including ones not mentioned above).

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Qatar

Ooredoo top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronic shops throughout Qatar.

The following (online) Vodafone top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
10 QAR30 days
20 QAR60 days
30 QAR180 days
50 QAR180 days
60 QAR180 days
80 QAR180 days
100 QAR180 days
150 QAR180 days
200 QAR180 days
300 QAR365 days
500 QAR365 days
Vodafone Qatar Top-Ups

To top up your Vodafone SIM card, dial *127*VoucherCode# or dial *100# and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *127*123456#.

Dial *100# or *129# to check your Vodafone balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app (Android/iOS).

Vodafone Qatar My Vodafone (Qatar) App
© Ooredoo Qatar

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Qatar

Vodafone has four data-featured prepaid plans:

Vodafone plans can be activated on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app.

I will list all the prices in QAR.

To convert QAR to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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

Flex Plans – Vodafone Qatar

The Flex plans are combo bundles with a unit system (Flex Points) and data (with 5G NR access).

Below is an overview of how many Flex Points are used per action:

Flex can be activated on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app:

PriceCreditDataBonus DataValidity
10 QAR70 Flex260 MBN/A3 days
20 QAR150 Flex512 MB 1N/A7 days
30 QAR274 Flex750 MB (7 days) 23 GB (10PM to 4AM)14 days
50 QAR525 Flex1.8 GB (7 days) 23 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
60 QAR610 Flex2 GB (7 days) 38 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
80 QAR854 Flex2 GB (7 days) 38 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
100 QAR1220 Flex2.2 GB (7 days) 316 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
120 QAR1720 Flex2.2 GB (7 days) 416 GB (10PM to 4AM)
150 QAR2562 Flex2.2 GB (7 days) 416 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
200 QAR3782 Flex 52.2 GB (7 days) 530 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
300 QAR4575 Flex 5Unlimited 530 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days
500 QAR7625 Flex 6Unlimited 630 GB (10PM to 4AM)30 days

1 +unlimited data @ 64 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)/Flex points
2 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)/Flex points
3 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)/Flex points
4 +unlimited data @ 512 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)/Flex points
5 +unlimited data @ 2 Mbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (slow!)/Flex points
6 +unlimited data @ 15 Mbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance/Flex points

Vodafone Qatar Flex Plans
Combo+ Plans – Vodafone Qatar

The Combo+ plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.

Combo+ can be activated on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app:

PricePlanDataBonus DataLocal MinutesInternational Minutes 2Validity
20 QARCombo+ 201 GBN/A25 minutes15 minutes7 days
50 QARCombo+ 502.5 GB3 GB (10PM to 4AM)100 minutes25 minutes14 days
100 QARCombo+ 1005 GB 116 GB (10PM to 4AM)100 minutes70 minutes30 days
150 QARCombo+ 1508 GB 116 GB (10PM to 4AM)450 minutes100 minutes30 days
300 QARCombo+ 300“Unlimited”, 20 GB @ 2 Mbps30 GB (10PM to 4AM)Unlimited100 minutes30 days
450 QARCombo+ 450“Unlimited”, 200 GB @ 15 Mbps30 GB (10PM to 4AM)Unlimited100 minutes30 days
750 QARCombo+ 750“Unlimited”, 500 GB @ 15 Mbps30 GB (10PM to 4AM)Unlimited500 minutes30 days

1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
2 to Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saba, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen & Zambia

Vodafone Qatar Combo+ Plan
Combo Plans – Vodafone Qatar

The Combo plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.

Combo can be activated on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app:

PricePlanDataBonus DataLocal MinutesValidity
30 QARCombo 303 GB 13 GB (10PM to 4AM)120 minutes30 days
60 QARCombo 608 GB 28 GB (10PM to 4AM)240 minutes30 days
120 QARCombo 12019 GB 316 GB (10PM to 4AM)500 minutes30 days
150 QARCombo 15024 GB 316 GB (10PM to 4AM)750 minutes30 days

1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
2 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
3 +unlimited data @ 512 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)

Vodafone Qatar Combo Plan
Data Plans – Vodafone Qatar

The Data plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).

Data can be activated on the My Vodafone (Qatar) app:

PriceDataBonus DataValidity
10 QAR750 MBN/A3 days
20 QAR1.5 GB N/A7 days
30 QAR1 GB1 GB (7 days)14 days
50 QAR2 GB1.8 GB (7 days)28 days
60 QAR2.5 GB2 GB (7 days)28 days
80 QAR4 GB2 GB (7 days)28 days
100 QAR7 GB2 GB (7 days)28 days
125 QAR“Unlimited”, 100 GB @15 MbpsN/A7 days
150 QAR14 GB2 GB (7 days)28 days
200 QAR20 GB2 GB (7 days)42 days
250 QAR“Unlimited”, 300 GB @ 3 MbpsN/A30 days
Vodafone Qatar Data Plan

APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Qatar

  • Name: Vodafone Internet
  • APN: web.vodafone.com.qa

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.


The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Qatar

Getting a SIM card from Ooredoo would do you well when considering a Qatari 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:

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.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

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 cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile 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!