Bahrain's Sim Card Market: How Many Operators?

If you're travelling to Bahrain, it's worth buying a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. There are three mobile network providers in Bahrain: Zain, Batelco and STC. All of them sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists with monthly plans.

You can buy a SIM card at the airport, in the bigger malls, or at phone shops. You'll need to bring your passport, and you'll have to give your fingerprint.

Here's a rough overview of prices:

- Zain: 8 BD ($21 USD) for 24 GB and 200 minutes; 10.5 BD ($28 USD) for 100 GB data only

- Batelco: 7 BD ($18.5 USD) for 8 GB data and 500 minutes; 10.5 BD ($28 USD) for 100 GB data only

- STC: 7.5 BD ($20 USD) for 22.5 GB and 200 minutes; 10.5 BD ($28 USD) for 100 GB data only

Where to buy a SIM card in Bahrain

The most convenient place to get a local SIM card in Bahrain is at the new international airport on arrival. As soon as you walk into the arrival hall, you will see the mobile internet provider shops on your right. The stores are open 24 hours, and you can pay by credit card.

If you miss the opportunity to buy a SIM card at the airport, you can find the stores of the three main mobile internet providers (Zain, Batelco, and STC) in the bigger shopping malls across Bahrain. You can also buy credit in any random phone store.

How much data do you get with a prepaid SIM card in Bahrain?

Bahrain has three mobile network providers: Batelco, Zain, and STC. You can buy a prepaid SIM card from any of these providers at their retail stores, kiosks in major cities, the airport, or online. The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Bahrain typically ranges from BHD 2 to BHD 7. Here is a breakdown of how much data you can get with a prepaid SIM card from each provider:

Batelco

Batelco offers a range of prepaid plans, including data-only and combo plans with data and voice minutes. Their data-only plans include:

• 3 GB data for 7 days: BHD 4
• 10 GB data for 30 days: BHD 7
• 10 GB data for 30 days: BHD 10.5

Their combo plans include:

• 1 GB data and 100 domestic minutes for 7 days: BHD 3
• 6 GB data and 500 domestic minutes for 30 days: BHD 6
• 8 GB data, 500 domestic minutes, and 35 GB social media for 30 days: BHD 7
• 12 GB data, 800 domestic minutes, and 35 GB social media for 30 days: BHD 10.5

Zain

Zain offers both prepaid voice and data plans, as well as data-only plans. Their prepaid voice and data plans include:

• 1.25 GB data and 100 domestic minutes for 7 days: BHD 1.5
• 7 GB data and 500 domestic minutes for 30 days: BHD 6

Their data-only plans include:

• 3 GB data for 7 days: BHD 4
• 10 GB data for 30 days: BHD 7
• 20 GB data for 30 days: BHD 10

STC

STC offers prepaid SIM card plans with data, voice, and text options. Their plans include:

• 1.25 GB data and 125 domestic minutes for 7 days: BHD 4
• 8 GB data and 500 domestic minutes for 30 days: BHD 7
• 10 GB data for 30 days: BHD 10.5
• 22.5 GB data and 200 domestic minutes for 30 days: BHD 7.5

ESIMs

While eSIMs are not widely available in Bahrain, you can purchase them online from providers like Airalo, SimOptions, and Nomad. These eSIMs offer data packages ranging from 1 GB to 5 GB, valid for 7 to 30 days.

How much does a prepaid SIM card in Bahrain cost?

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Bahrain varies depending on the provider and the plan chosen. Typically, SIM cards range in price from BHD 2 to BHD 7.

Batelco

Batelco offers a range of prepaid plans, including data, voice, and text options. Their prepaid SIM card, called SimSim, is available for BHD 4 in their stores. They also offer a data-only SIM card, called Batelco Prepaid Monthly Internet, for BHD 7.35.

Zain

Zain provides various prepaid plans with flexible data bundles and competitive rates. Their prepaid voice and data SIM card, called eeZee, is available for BHD 6.30. They also offer a data-only SIM card, called Zain Prepaid Mobile Broadband, for BHD 7.35.

STC Bahrain

STC Bahrain offers a variety of prepaid SIM card plans, including data, voice, and text options. Their SIM card is available for BHD 6.30 in STC stores. They also provide a data-only SIM card, called Prepaid Broadband Internet, for BHD 10.50.

OneSimCard

OneSimCard offers an international SIM card solution for Bahrain, providing low-cost prepaid cell phone service and international roaming in over 200 countries. While they do not specify the cost of their SIM card, they advertise outgoing calls for $0.59 per minute and mobile data service from 5c/MB, with daily, weekly, and monthly data packages available.

ESIMs

While eSIM technology may not be widely available in Bahrain, it is an option for those who prefer the convenience of ordering online and having a connection as soon as they arrive in the country. eSIMs for Bahrain can be purchased through various providers, with prices ranging from $6 USD for 1 GB of data for 7 days to $39.90 USD for 6 GB of data for 15 days.

Tourist SIM Cards

Tourist SIM cards are available for purchase at Bahrain International Airport, as well as mobile network stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets across the country. These SIM cards typically include data, minutes, and SMS, with prices ranging from BHD 4 to BHD 10.5.

It's important to note that local SIM cards allow users to take advantage of local rates, which are usually much lower than international roaming rates. Additionally, Bahrain is known for its expensive travel costs, so opting for a local SIM card can be a great way to save money.

What are the best SIM card deals in Bahrain?

Bahrain has three mobile network providers: Batelco, Zain, and STC Bahrain (formerly VIVA Bahrain). All three operators offer 4G/LTE coverage and SIM cards can be purchased from their stores, with some also available at Bahrain International Airport.

Batelco

Batelco is the largest mobile operator in Bahrain and offers the following prepaid SIM card deals:

• 8 GB data + 500 minutes for 7 BD ($18.5 USD)
• 12 GB + 800 minutes for 10.5 BD ($28 USD)
• 10 GB data-only for 7.35 BD ($20 USD)
• 100 GB data-only for 10.5 BD ($28 USD)
• 10 GB data + 35 GB social media + 80 minutes + free international minutes for 8 BD ($21.2 USD)

Zain

Zain is the smallest mobile operator in Bahrain and offers the following two prepaid SIM card packages:

• 24 GB + 200 minutes for 8 BD ($21 USD)
• 100 GB data-only for 10.5 BD ($28 USD)

STC Bahrain

STC Bahrain is the second-largest mobile operator in Bahrain and has the strongest 4G/5G network coverage. They offer the following two prepaid SIM card packages:

• 22.5 GB + 200 minutes for 7.5 BD ($20 USD)
• 100 GB data-only for 10.5 BD ($28 USD)

ESIMs

All three providers offer eSIMs for tourists, but they charge an extra fee for activation. eSIMs can also be purchased online from providers such as Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. These are often more expensive than local prepaid SIM cards but offer the convenience of being ready to use as soon as you arrive in Bahrain.

How to activate a SIM card in Bahrain

Bahrain has three mobile network providers: Zain, Batelco, and STC. All three operators provide 4G/LTE and 5G coverage across the country.

Buying a SIM Card

You can buy a SIM card from any of the three providers in their stores, at the airport, or in bigger malls. The cards are free if you purchase a monthly package, which includes data, minutes, and SMS.

Registration

To buy a SIM card in Bahrain, you need to bring your passport. The provider will take a copy or photo of your passport, and your SIM card will be registered to your passport number. You will also need to provide your fingerprint.

Activation

Prepaid SIM cards are instantly activated and work automatically once you put them in your phone.

Topping Up

You can top up your SIM card by buying vouchers from the provider's stores or other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores. You can also top up online or using eTop-Up.

Example Plans and Costs

Zain

• 8 BD ($21 USD) = 24 GB + 200 minutes
• 10.5 BD ($28 USD) = 100 GB data only

Batelco

• 7 BD ($18.5 USD) = 8 GB data + 500 minutes
• 10.5 BD ($28 USD) = 12 GB + 800 minutes
• 7.35 BD ($20 USD) = 10 GB data only
• 10.5 BD ($28 USD) = 100 GB data only
• 8 BD ($21.2 USD) = 10 GB data + 35 GB social media + 80 minutes + free international minutes

STC

• 7.5 BD ($20 USD) = 22.5 GB + 200 minutes
• 10.5 BD ($28 USD) = 100 GB data only

Frequently asked questions