How to Get a SIM Card in Qatar

Nowadays, having a cellular phone is part of life. Phones help us to connect with everyone. We also use phones to conduct various transactions online.

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If you are planning to bring your phone to Qatar, you will need a local SIM. But you need to remember that getting a SIM is different in Qatar than in the Philippines.

local or international call

Know the Rules in Getting a SIM

Your mobile phone is a part of your life. If you will bring it to Qatar, you will need to get a new SIM. The one you are using in the Philippines will not work. but before you purchase a new SIM in Qatar, you need to know the rules about it.

This YouTube video from Pinay OFW Vlogger explains how you can get a SIM in Qatar. Here is some important information from the video:

  • You can purchase SIM cards in supermarkets.
  • You need to present your Qatar ID (QID) to buy.
  • You cannot use your SIM card to send fraudulent messages because the government can identify who owns the number through the QID.
  • The SIM card costs around QR 15.
  • You can purchase recharge cards to reload your wi-fi and other bills.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences that the OFW shared on the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

Prepaid vs Mobile Phone Contract?

Expatica.com explains the pros and cons of your preferred mobile plan. Most of the phones in Qatar use prepaid plans. Why is this so?

Using a prepaid phone is cheaper. It is also more flexible. For instance, you can buy credits for either data, text, or calls. You can choose which service you want to use more often, and buy the credit for it. Most importantly, most phone owners prefer the prepaid plan if they are staying in Qatar temporarily.

On the other hand, it would be more beneficial to get a post-paid contract if you will be in Qatar for a long time. You can get more features in the plan. You can also avail of international calling and roaming.

Mobile Phone Providers in Qatar

Ooredoo and Vodafone are the mobile phone providers in Qatar. These companies offer various features for the subscriber’s needs. They offer mobile phone plans with a liability period of one year and three months.

Ooredoo has prepaid and post-paid plans. The prepaid SIM card is called Hala. You can buy Flexi Packs to get credit to call or data. The Hala card costs between QR 60 – 200.

Ooredoo also offers Visitor SIM. This card is valid for 7 days only. If you want to avail of this, you will have to fill out an application form on the Ooredoo website. You can get the SIM card at the airport upon arrival.

For the post-paid plans, Ooredoo offers Qatarna and Shahy. Qatarna plan costs QR 380 – 850. It is applicable for expats since it contains 100 international call minutes.  Meanwhile, Shahy plans cost QR 110 – 220. It has various inclusions.

Vodafone has both prepaid and post-paid plans as well. The prepaid SIM cards cost between QR 35-500 and have several options.

The post-paid plans of Vodafone are Unlimited 5G and FLEX. Subscribers can get unlimited local data or international roaming.

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