Getting A Sim Card In Bahrain: A Quick Guide

If you're travelling to Bahrain, it's a good idea to get a local SIM card to save money on roaming charges. You can buy a Bahraini SIM card from Batelco, STC & Zain stores, as well as from outlets at Bahrain International Airport. You can expect to pay between 4 BHD and 10.50 BHD for a SIM card, depending on the provider and your requirements. To register for a SIM card, you'll need to show your passport and provide your fingerprints.

Where to buy a sim card in Bahrain

Bahrain has three mobile operators offering prepaid services to travellers: STC Bahrain, Zain, and Batelco. You can buy a SIM card from these providers at their stores, at Bahrain International Airport, or at bigger malls.

STC Bahrain

STC Bahrain (formerly VIVA Bahrain) is the second-largest mobile operator in Bahrain. You can buy an STC SIM starting from 7 BHD in STC stores. The data-only SIM card, called Prepaid Broadband Internet, is sold for 10.50 BHD. SIM cards are also available at Bahrain International Airport.

Zain

Zain is the smallest mobile operator in Bahrain. You can buy a Zain SIM card, called eeZee Prepaid, starting from 6.30 BHD in Zain stores. The data-only SIM card, called Zain Prepaid Mobile Broadband, is available from 7.35 BHD. Zain SIM cards are also sold at Bahrain International Airport.

Batelco

Batelco is the largest and oldest mobile operator in Bahrain. You can buy a Batelco SIM, called SimSim, starting from 4 BHD in Batelco stores. The data-only SIM card, called Batelco Prepaid Monthly Internet, is sold from 7.35 BHD. Batelco SIM cards are also available at Bahrain International Airport.

Buying a SIM card at the airport

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 accept credit card payments.

Sim card costs

The cost of a Bahraini SIM card depends on the provider and the package you choose. The three main mobile network providers in Bahrain are Zain, Batelco, and STC (formerly Viva). All three providers offer prepaid SIM cards with data packages valid for one month. Here are the costs for each provider:

• Zain: Zain offers two prepaid SIM card packages, both valid for one month. Their first package costs 8 BD (approximately $21 USD) and includes 24 GB of data and 200 minutes. Their second package costs 10.5 BD (around $28 USD) and includes 100 GB of data only.
• Batelco: Batelco offers five prepaid SIM card deals, two data-only, and three data and calling packages, all valid for one month. Their cheapest package costs 7 BD (about $18.5 USD) and includes 8 GB of data and 500 minutes. Their most expensive package costs 10.5 BD (around $28 USD) and includes 100 GB of data only.
• STC: STC offers two prepaid SIM card packages, both valid for one month. Their first package costs 7.5 BD (around $20 USD) and includes 22.5 GB of data and 200 minutes. Their second package costs 10.5 BD (about $28 USD) and includes 100 GB of data only.

It is worth noting that all three providers charge an extra fee for eSIMs. Zain and STC charge 3.125 BD (around $8.3 USD) for eSIMs, while Batelco charges 8 BD (approximately $21.2 USD).

Sim card activation

To activate your SIM card in Bahrain, you will need to register your personal details with your service provider. This includes showing your passport and giving your fingerprints. You will also need an unlocked phone to use a Bahraini SIM card.

Once you have purchased a SIM card, you can insert it into your phone and follow the activation instructions provided by your chosen provider. For example, if you purchase a Batelco SIM card, you can activate it by dialling *660#. If you buy an STC SIM card, you can activate it by dialling *222*45#.

Some SIM cards may also require you to top up your credit before they can be activated. Top-up vouchers can be purchased from the provider's stores and other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores. You can then add credit to your SIM card by dialling a code, which will be provided by your provider.

It is also possible to purchase a SIM card online before you arrive in Bahrain. This option may be more convenient if you want to be connected as soon as you land at the airport.

Passport requirements

When buying a SIM card in Bahrain, you will need to show your passport. This is a standard procedure and ensures that the government can verify the identity of the SIM card owner. You will also need to give your fingerprints.

You can buy a SIM card at the airport, the mall, or phone shops. The most convenient place to get a local SIM card in Bahrain is at the new international airport on arrival. The stores are open 24 hours and you can pay by credit card.

If you miss the opportunity to buy a SIM card at Bahrain International Airport, you can check the bigger malls and locate the nearest mobile phone store through Google Maps.

Using an e-sim

If you don't want to swap physical sim cards, you can either look into an e-sim for Bahrain or get yourself a portable WiFi device.

The easiest way to stay connected when travelling to Bahrain is with an e-sim. You can order an e-sim for Bahrain online, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you will have a Bahrain e-sim installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Bahrain, it will automatically connect you to an available network and you will have data on your phone as soon as the plane lands.

The mobile internet providers in Bahrain also provide e-sims for tourists, but they charge an extra fee for an e-sim and you can only get them on arrival in their stores. STC and Zain both charge 3.125 BD ($8.30) and Batelco charges 8 BD ($21.20) extra just for activating a Bahrain e-sim instead of a physical prepaid sim card.

Therefore, when looking for an e-sim for Bahrain, it is recommended to order an e-sim for travelling in Bahrain online.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim for Bahrain.

Check out the following Bahrain e-sim plans that you can order directly online:

• 1 GB for 7 days = $6
• 2 GB for 15 days = $9
• 3 GB for 30 days = $12.50
• 5 GB for 30 days = $18

The Airalo e-sims from Saar Mobile operate on the 4G/LTE network of STC in Bahrain. STC is the best mobile data network in Bahrain.

SimOptions is another e-sim provider that is trusted and used multiple times by Traveltomtom. They sell international e-sims that are valid in up to 141 countries, including Bahrain.

• 6 GB data for 8 days = $19.90
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90
• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90

Nomad is another e-sim provider that is used a lot by Traveltomtom. Sometimes they have amazing e-sim deals, but the ones from Bahrain are more expensive compared to SimOptions and Airalo.

• 1 GB for 7 days = $12
• 3 GB for 30 days = $30
• 5 GB for 30 days = $45

If your phone is not e-sim compatible, you can also still order a physical sim card for Bahrain and get one delivered to your home address before your trip.

It is also possible to get a Batelco e-sim for 3.15 BHD.

You should consider getting a travel e-sim for Bahrain because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a sim card from Batelco.

Especially if you get a Middle East-wide e-sim or a global e-sim.

How to get an e-sim with stc

Get your e-sim in under a minute with the My stc BH app. No delivery, no fingerprint activation—just quick and secure AI-based face recognition.

• Select a plan, pass identity verification, then instantly install and activate your e-sim.
• Get your e-sim at your convenience. No need to arrange for a store visit or schedule a delivery.
• Enjoy wide exclusive rewards & benefits when using the My stc BH app in City Centre, The Avenues malls, and many other places.

How to get an e-sim in just a few steps:

• Download the My stc BH App from the App Store or Google Play to access the online shop.
• Select any postpaid or prepaid plan.
• Tap on the "Instant e-sim" option to proceed.
• Pass face recognition to complete your order.
• Tap on install e-sim to start the installation.

How to install and activate an e-sim

• Install e-sim directly or download and scan a QR code to your device.
• Get e-sim order confirmation.
• Receive your e-sim instant activation and QR code via order receipt and email.
• Complete your e-sim setup.
• Make sure that you're connected to Bahrain's network and keep the app open while the e-sim activation is in progress.
• Add your cellular plan.
• A cellular plan is ready to be added to your device; you can add it by tapping the button "Add Cellular Plan".
• Create your Cellular Plan Labels.
• You can create your preferred label for your cellular plan and tap continue.
• Choosing a default line.
• Select your "Primary line" for calls & text messages and tap continue.
• Select your "Primary line" for iMessage and Facetime and tap continue.
• Select your stc e-sim for Cellular/Mobile Data and keep "Allow Cellular Data Switching" off and complete the process.
• Your e-sim is successfully activated.

Troubleshooting guide for e-sim

• I do not have a connection despite installing and activating my e-sim. Toggle the airplane mode on and off. This quick troubleshooting step often helps restore proper functionality.
• I am outside Bahrain and unable to use the e-sim after installing and activating it. Installing and activating your e-sim can be done from anywhere. However, voice and data services from stc will be enabled automatically only once you are in Bahrain.
• I've lost my e-sim QR code. You can access all purchased e-sims from the My stc BH app. Download it and follow these steps to get your QR code.
• I want to track and view my e-sim order details. You can track your e-sim orders using the My stc BH app.

Frequently asked questions