How to buy a Qatar SIM card for tourists in 2026
A Qatar SIM card costs between QR 50 (~$13.75 USD) and QR 150 (~$41.20 USD). Explore Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar plans and other options like an eSIM
Tourists can buy a Qatar SIM card from Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar, both of which offer prepaid plans valid for up to 30 days.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get a Qatar SIM card, including pricing, where to buy it, and options like the Holafly eSIM if you want to buy it before traveling.
Where can tourists buy a Qatar SIM card?
Tourists can get a Qatar SIM card upon arriving in the country. Currently, none of the available options offer to purchase their plans online.
Instead, you can get your SIM card for Qatar in:
- Hamad International Airport: Both Ooredoo and Vodafone have several kiosks across the terminals, located after baggage claim.
- Retail stores: In Doha and major malls, it’s easy to find official resellers to buy a Qatar SIM card for tourists.
- Get an eSIM instead: If you want to stay connected from the moment you arrive, buy an eSIM, activate it before traveling, and enjoy unlimited data.
How to purchase a Qatar SIM card
To buy a SIM card in Qatar, the process is pretty strict due to local regulations.
If you want to buy at the airport or in a retail store, you’re required to show your original passport and have an unlocked phone. Digital passport copies aren’t accepted.
If you want to buy before you travel, get an eSIM for Qatar. You can activate it before traveling, and you only need an eSIM-compatible phone with unlocked bands to use it.
Best SIM cards for Qatar
If your plan is to use a local SIM card, you need to know available plans, pricing, and what’s included on each.
Let’s dive into what each operator offers.
Ooredoo Qatar
Ooredoo is the leading mobile operator in Qatar, offering wide, strong 4G/5G even in rural and desert areas.
There are tourist-tailored packages ranging from 7 to 30 days, available for purchase at Hamad Airport and retail stores.
Here’s what the Ooredoo SIM card for Qatar offers:
| Plan | Validity | Minutes | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor SIM Go | 7 days | 25 minutes for local calls | 6 GB | QR 75 (~$20.55 USD) |
| Visitor SIM Plus | 14 days | 100 minutes for local calls, 25 minutes for international calls | 10 GB | QR 100 (~$27.47USD) |
| Visitor SIM Pro | 30 days | 400 minutes for local calls, 75 minutes for international calls | 25 GB | QR 150 (~$41.20 USD) |
Vodafone Qatar
Vodafone Qatar is a great alternative that’s rapidly expanding, offering great 4G/5G coverage in Doha and other major cities.
Similar to Ooredoo, Vodafone offers tourist-tailored packages, all available for 28 days.
Here’s what each plan includes and its cost:
| Plan | Validity | Minutes | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combo+50 | 28 days | 200 minutes for local calls, 10 minutes for international calls, | 5 GB | QR 50 (~$13.75 USD) |
| Combo+65 | 28 days | 240 minutes for local calls, 20 minutes for international calls | 8 GB, unlimited data at 256kbps | QR 100 (~$17.83 USD) |
| Combo+75 | 28 days | 300 minutes for local calls, 20 minutes for international calls | 10 GB, unlimited data at 256kbps | QR 75 (~$20.60 USD) |
| Combo+100 | 28 days | 400 minutes for local calls, 20 minutes for international calls | 16 GB, unlimited data at 256kbps | QR 100 (~$27.43 USD) |
Stay connected in Qatar with an unlimited data eSIM from Holafly
If you want to avoid all the hassle of getting a SIM card for Qatar upon arrival, you can get an eSIM before traveling.
With the Holafly eSIM for Qatar, you get unlimited data, customizable plans, up to 1 GB of daily hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and 5G data speeds.
Plus, you can use apps like WhatsApp without limitations, and you won’t need to use a VPN, the Holafly eSIM does all the work for you.
What’s more, Holafly always has your back with Always On; a perk included with every Holafly eSIM that provides 1 GB of monthly backup data at no extra cost. Just keep your eSIM installed to enjoy instant internet access for emergencies, like calling an Uber or booking a last-minute flight.
Frequently asked questions about Qatar SIM cards
Ooredoo is the best SIM card for tourists in Qatar. Their plans offer better benefits than Vodafone Qatar’s, but the final decision is up to travelers.
Yes. Tourists can buy a SIM card at the Doha Airport with either Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar.
A tourist SIM card for Qatar ranges from QR 50 (~$13.75 USD) to QR 150 (~$41.20 USD).
Yes. Registering a SIM card in Qatar is mandatory, even for tourists.