Ooredoo SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

Ooredoo is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Qatar, providing mobile, home internet, and business connectivity services. As Qatar gears up to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ooredoo’s network capacity, coverage, and reliability will play a key role in serving the connectivity needs of tourists and visitors flocking to the country.

This blog provides an in-depth look at Ooredoo SIM cards and eSIMs for travelers visiting Qatar, covering everything you need to know from network coverage and speeds to costs, activation, top-ups, and more. Read on for guidance on the best Ooredoo connectivity options to stay connected during your Qatar trip!

I. Quick Facts About Ooredoo

Ooredoo, originally known as Qtel, was founded in 1987 as the first telecommunications company in Qatar. It has since become a leading international communications company across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Some key facts about Ooredoo Qatar:

• Full Name: Ooredoo QSC
• Services: Mobile, home internet, business connectivity, IoT solutions
• Over 3.3 million mobile subscribers (2022 estimate)
• 97% population coverage with its advanced 4G+ network
• An extensive network of over 70 stores and 5,000 agents nationwide

II. Ooredoo coverage and speed in Qatar

Based on the latest report on Opensignal, Ooredoo has good coverage and speed in Qatar, especially for 5G and 4G networks.

1. Ooredoo Network Coverage in Qatar

• According to Opensignal’s Mobile Network Experience Report for Qatar, Ooredoo leads in both overall and 5G video streaming quality, offering users an enhanced viewing experience.

• Download Speeds: Users experience average download speeds of 63.8 Mbps. On 5G networks, average download speeds reach 422.1 Mbps.

• Upload Speeds: Average upload speeds are 12.7 Mbps. On 5G networks, average upload speeds are 23.1 Mbps.

• Availability: Users connected to 5G networks 33.6% of the time, indicating a significant presence of 5G coverage.

• Consistency: Ooredoo’s Excellent Consistent Quality score is 84.2%, reflecting a reliable and consistent mobile experience.

For travelers, Ooredoo’s consistent quality and extensive coverage make it a great option to stay connected, whether you’re exploring Doha’s cityscape, visiting cultural landmarks, or heading into the desert.

2. Ooredoo Speed

In addition to extensive coverage, Ooredoo offers blazing-fast mobile data speeds on its 4G+ and 5G networks.

• Ooredoo was the first to launch 5G in Qatar and the wider region, with users experiencing average download speeds of 900Mbps during testing phases. Its advanced 4G+ network also enables speeds averaging 114Mbps nationally, ensuring smooth streaming, rapid web browsing, and lag-free online gaming.

With Ooredoo SIM cards in Qatar, ultra-fast speeds allow you to make the most of your apps, mobile gaming, YouTube & Netflix streaming – without frustrating loading times or stuttering videos.

III. Ooredoo Connectivity Options for Travelers to Qatar

In summary, the prepaid Ooredoo SIM cards are most budget-friendly for longer stays but require visits to stores. E-SIM is convenient if your device supports it. Travel WiFi devices or day/week passes work if you don’t want to change SIM cards but cost more for short trips.

IV. Best Ooredoo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

When choosing Ooredoo SIM cards in Qatar, tourist SIMs represent the best value specifically catering to visitors and short stays. Options include:

Unlike regular prepaid plans, Ooredoo SIM cards offer fixed bundled data, calls, and text allowances. These allowances provide peace of mind, allowing you to stay connected for the duration of a short trip without needing to top up.

V. Does Ooredoo Support eSIM in Qatar?

Yes, Ooredoo launched eSIM support – making it the first Qatar telecom company to launch eSIM technology.

Using Ooredoo eSIM Qatar is extremely convenient for tourists and visitors. It enables activation before arrival and seamless connectivity on dual SIM devices.

Besides, if you’re looking for an alternative to using the Ooredoo network, esimqatar.com – the #1 Qatar eSIM provider also offers some very convenient eSIM options to consider.

Esimqatar.com has diverse plans for any traveling goals with affordable prices. Find the best options for your trip below:

Plan that may interest you

VI. Where Can You Buy an Ooredoo SIM card and eSIM?

Ooredoo SIM cards and eSIMs can both be purchased across Qatar, with multiple convenient options for tourists.

1. Where to Buy Ooredoo SIM in Qatar

As Qatar’s leading telecom company, Ooredoo SIM cards can be purchased easily from:

• Official Ooredoo stores: Located across Qatar offering dedicated tourist SIM sales Ooredoo self-service kiosks – Over 70 kiosks to instantly print your new SIM
• Petrol stations & supermarkets: Carrefour, Al Meera, and Woqod all sell Ooredoo SIMs
• Hamad International Airport: Available from vending machines and counters in Arrivals halls

2. Where to Buy Ooredoo eSIM in Qatar

Since eSIMs are digital, here’s where you can conveniently purchase an Ooredoo Qatar eSIM:

• Ooredoo app – Download the My Ooredoo Qatar app on iPhone/Android to buy directly
• Ooredoo website – Purchase conveniently at their official website.

The Ooredoo app or website allows secure login and payments to deliver the eSIM profile straight to your device. Alternatively, Ooredoo E-vouchers containing QR activation codes can be purchased at Ooredoo stores and kiosks.

VII. How to Activate Ooredoo SIM/eSIM in Qatar

Activating Ooredoo SIMs and eSIMs for use in Qatar only takes a few simple steps once purchased:

1. How to Use Ooredoo SIM Card in Qatar

You’ll receive an Ooredoo StarTER pack when buying your new SIM containing the SIM card and activation instructions. Here is the process to activate your Ooredoo SIM:

• Insert the Normal SIM into your unlocked phone
• Select your preferred language on the popup welcome screen
• Enter your 10-digit mobile number as prompted to activate
• Top-up your SIM via 100 loads or other Ooredoo top-up channels

2. How to Activate Ooredoo eSIM

As eSIMs are digital, here is how to activate an Ooredoo Qatar eSIM on iPhone or Android:

• Purchase Ooredoo eSIM via the app, website, or voucher code
• Scan the QR code or enter the activation code from SMS/email
• Accept activating the new plan on your Dual SIM device
• The eSIM will be remotely activated on your phone over-the-air

And that’s it! Your Ooredoo Qatar eSIM will be ready for use immediately after following these simple activation steps.

VIII. Ooredoo Call & SMS Rates

Ooredoo Qatar offers very reasonable call and SMS rates when using their SIM cards or eSIMs:

As an estimate, calling locally within Qatar costs around $8.10 for a 1-hour call. Messaging locally or internationally costs $0.27-0.40 per SMS.

So in summary, the table shows the rates for local and international calls and SMS on Ooredoo Qatar prepaid plans in USD. Local calls are quite expensive at $0.08/minute while messaging costs around $0.27 locally or in most countries. Calls to the USA/Canada are $0.60/minute.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Ooredoo SIM/eSIM

Ooredoo supports a range of USSD codes – special number combos entered directly into your phone dial pad. Here are some handy Ooredoo Qatar USSD codes worth knowing:

• **150 – Check the remaining balance
• **149 – Check data balance
• **124 – Activate roaming packs
• **122 – Ooredoo self-care menu

X. How to Top-up Ooredoo SIM/eSIM

With Ooredoo’s range of short-term tourist SIMs, bundled allowances should easily cover most visitor needs. But if needing to add extra credits, topping up is simple:

• Vouchers – Scan the voucher barcode in the Ooredoo App or My Account
• Kiosks – Instant printing of top-up vouchers across Qatar
• Ooredoo App – Secure online payments & top-ups to any number
• Credit/Debit card – Register card to instantly top-up via USSD or app

XI. Ooredoo Alternatives for Tourists

Besides Ooredoo SIM cards, other SIM card alternatives are available for tourists visiting Qatar. Here are some popular options:

• Vodafone SIM card/eSIM: Vodafone is a mobile operator in Qatar that offers diverse prepaid SIM card plans. Their SIM card be purchased online or at various channels, such as convenience stores, airport counters, or physical shops.
• A more convenient option is to buy an eSIM plan from esimqatar.com, which is Qatar’s leading eSIM provider. They offer affordable data packages on reliable networks without any contracts or deposits.

These providers can serve as alternatives if you need more specific roaming capabilities or have issues getting data service from certain carriers in certain regions of Qatar during your visit.

XII. FAQs about Ooredoo Qatar

XIII. Final Words

Getting an Ooredoo SIM card or eSIM is a smart first step after touching down in Qatar. With its leading connectivity speeds and coverage, Ooredoo provides the ideal network for reliably exploring this fascinating country.

So choose Ooredoo connectivity, and let Qatar’s rich culture and iconic landscapes load faster than ever! Have an incredible trip, and don’t hesitate to reach out to any Ooredoo store or touchpoint should you need assistance during your travels.