Using Vodafone India Sim In Bahrain: A Guide

If you're planning to travel to Bahrain and want to use your Indian Vodafone SIM card while you're there, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to activate international roaming on your Vodafone SIM before you leave India. This can be done through the Vodafone app or website, and it's recommended to do it in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. While some sources indicate that Vodafone India SIM cards work in Bahrain, allowing users to receive calls and SMS, others suggest contacting Vodafone customer support to confirm whether their SIM will work in the country. Additionally, it's worth noting that standard international roaming rates may apply, so it's advisable to purchase an international roaming pack to avoid high charges.

Confirm if your Vodafone India SIM works in Bahrain

To confirm if your Vodafone India SIM will work in Bahrain, it is recommended that you contact Vodafone directly, either by calling their customer support or by visiting a physical branch.

There are mixed reports on the matter. Some sources indicate that the SIM will work without any issues in Bahrain. One user reported in 2017 that their Vodafone India SIM worked in Bahrain. Another user in 2020 also confirmed that their Vodafone SIM worked in Bahrain, but they noted that they had to recharge it every month or so, and that they were charged 99 INR for international roaming activation if they used data or sent a message.

However, other sources indicate that there may be some unreliability with Vodafone Idea roaming in Bahrain. One user with two post-paid SIMs reported in 2023 that despite having international roaming activated, their SIMs stopped working in Bahrain, and customer support was unable to resolve the issue.

Therefore, while there is a chance that your Vodafone India SIM will work in Bahrain, it is important to contact Vodafone directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their services in that location.

Contact Vodafone customer support to check if your SIM is eligible for use in Bahrain

To check if your Vodafone SIM is eligible for use in Bahrain, you can contact Vodafone customer support. Here are some options for getting in touch:

Phone

You can reach Vodafone Hungary Customer Service by calling the following global number: 1270. If you are calling from outside Hungary, remember to include the country code. For English support, press 8 after dialling.

In-Person

You can also visit a Vodafone store in person. To find a store with English-speaking staff, check the Vodafone website or ask a customer support representative over the phone.

Email

If you are contacting from an email address registered with Vodafone, you can send your enquiry to [email protected]. Remember to include your mobile number in the subject line.

WhatsApp

Alternatively, you can contact Vodafone via WhatsApp on +91-79 6671 4000.

Post

You can write to Vodafone at the following addresses:

• Vodafone Idea Limited, RED DEN, NH – 37 Katahbari, Gorchuk, Guwahati, Assam-781035, India
• Vodafone Idea Limited, Plot No.173 sector 3 HS11DC Industrial Area, Karnala Haryana 132011, India

Online

You can also try checking the status of your enquiry online by visiting the Vodafone website.

Check if your SIM has international roaming enabled

To check if your Vodafone SIM has international roaming enabled, you can log in to your My Vodafone account. From the account settings, you should be able to see if international roaming is activated.

If you signed up for a Vodafone plan after 23 April 2014, $5 Roaming will be activated by default. Otherwise, you will need to opt in.

If you are on a Vodafone Infinite, Plus, or Vodafone Infinite Data Plan, you can use your included data with $5 Roaming, along with your call and text inclusions. Data capped at speeds of up to 1.5, 2, 10, or 25 Mbps is not accessible with $5 Roaming. If you use all of your included data, Vodafone will add 1GB of data for $5. If you use more than 30GB of hotspot data, you will be charged $5 for each additional 1GB.

If you are on an Ultra+ Plan, you can use unlimited mobile data on your phone.

$5 Roaming is available in over 100 countries, including Indonesia (including Bali), Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Myanmar (excluding data), and the Virgin Islands, U.S. The full list of countries may vary, so be sure to check the current list before you travel.

You can use $5 Roaming for up to 90 days per calendar year. If you have used up your 90-day allowance, you will be charged at the Pay As You Go Roaming rates.

Check if your phone is compatible with Bahrain's mobile networks

To check if your phone is compatible with Bahrain's mobile networks, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Bahrain operates on a GSM network, so if your phone uses GSM, it will likely work in Bahrain without any issues. However, even if your phone is GSM-compatible, you may still need to get it unlocked to use a Bahraini SIM card.

To verify compatibility, you can use online tools such as WillMyPhoneWork.net. This website allows you to select your specific mobile device (cellphone, smartphone, or tablet) and the desired mobile carrier network. It will then provide you with information on whether your device is compatible with the network carrier, partially compatible, or not compatible at all.

It's important to note that certain carriers have an "approved list" of devices, so even if your phone is technically compatible with the network frequencies, it might be blocked by the carrier. Additionally, some carriers restrict certain frequencies/bands to specific geographical regions.

Before purchasing a mobile phone plan in Bahrain, ensure you meet the prerequisites: you must be a registered resident of Bahrain, have a personal identification number (CPR), and a fixed address. Bahrain has a number registration law that requires you to register your phone and personal details with a service provider to safeguard public security.

Consider purchasing an international roaming pack to avoid high charges

If you're heading to Bahrain and want to use your Indian Vodafone SIM card, it's a good idea to consider purchasing an international roaming pack to avoid high charges. Vodafone-Idea (Vi) offers international roaming plans that can help you stay connected while abroad. Here are some benefits of getting an international roaming pack:

Avoid High Roaming Charges

Without an international roaming pack, you will be charged standard roaming rates, which can be very expensive. By purchasing a roaming pack, you can avoid bill shock and travel stress-free, knowing exactly what your charges will be.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

With a roaming pack, you can stay connected seamlessly without worrying about high bills. This is especially useful if you're planning to use data-heavy applications or make frequent calls during your trip.

Coverage for Your Trip Duration

Vodafone offers international roaming plans that cater to different travel durations. Whether you're a tourist, student, or NRI, you can find a plan that suits your needs. Their plans range from 1 day to 365 days, so you can stay connected for the duration of your trip.

Easy Activation and Deactivation

Activating an international roaming pack is simple and can be done through the Vi app or website. You can select your preferred pack based on your destination and travel duration. The pack will be enabled within 30 minutes of purchase, and you can also activate it after arriving in Bahrain. However, it is recommended to activate it before leaving India.

No Need for a Local SIM

With a Vodafone international roaming pack, you can use your Indian number in Bahrain without having to switch to a local SIM card. This means you can stay connected to your Indian contacts and services that require an Indian number, such as OTP verifications.

Variety of Plans

Vodafone offers a range of plans with different inclusions such as data, outgoing and incoming calls, and SMS. You can choose the plan that best suits your usage needs and budget. Some plans even offer unlimited data and calls, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.

In summary, purchasing an international roaming pack for your Indian Vodafone SIM card before travelling to Bahrain can provide you with peace of mind, convenience, and significant cost savings. By selecting a plan that suits your needs, you can stay connected with family and friends, use data services, and manage your travels efficiently without worrying about high roaming charges.

Frequently asked questions