Choosing an eSIM in Bahrain
Let’s take a look at your options for an eSIM in Bahrain
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands teeming with beautiful architecture, rich in history, diverse in culture, and full of natural beauty. The kingdom of Bahrain is a multi-ethnic society and a highly popular tourist destination in the Middle East – it is famous for its impressive mosques, burial mounds, and traditional markets. Not only does Bahrain boast impressive history, culture and strategic development, it is also home to reportedly over 50% expatriates from all over the world. Much like Dubai, this makes Bahrain a realm of multiculturalism!
Traveling to Bahrain? Stay connected by purchasing an eSIM online!
eSIMs are easy to activate on your device, without the need for physically interacting with SIM cards. They also allow you to use a physical SIM at the same time – namely, your local line. Travel eSIMs are especially useful as you can acquire them digitally right before you travel, thus eliminating the need for individual SIMs or phones for your travel destination. You can also easily switch phones by registering your new device with your cellular network provider!
How do eSIMs work?
The way an eSIM works is that when you purchase one from a mobile network provider, you are sent a QR code via email, which you can scan and use to install a connection onto your phone. In other words, it is simply the virtual form of a SIM card, which you can easily install on your phone! You do not need to actually go to a mobile communications store and physically purchase a SIM card. In fact, in the wake of the pandemic, this contact-free method of acquiring an eSIM in Bahrain is highly attractive to potential travellers!
Why purchase an eSIM in Bahrain?
For starters, it is a great way to stay connected to your destination country. In this case, purchasing an eSIM in Bahrain will allow you to maintain connection to communication services while you are abroad during your travels. If you were to use roaming data, you could be charged high fees. Secondly, they are very easy to acquire and you do not need to physically interact with any mobile service provider of an eSIM in Bahrain, keeping your travels as streamlined as possible!
Local Carriers
Batelco
Batelco (Bahrain Telecommunication Company BSC) is the main national provider and the only landline/ADSL provider in the country. While it provides the second-best coverage in the country, it is the most expensive.
Their default and overuse rate is 0.70 BHD per MB.
Check out their prices and coverage here:
While operating on this provider, in order to check your data volume, simply type *888*1*1#.
This carrier supports the use of an eSIM in Bahrain.
Zain
Zain – based in Kuwait – is the second largest carrier in Bahrain and provides decent coverage and similar prices as Batelco. All their prepaid data plans operate on 4G/LTE as well. Zain began operating in Bahrain on August 14th 2003 as MTC-Vodafone. Since then, it has introduced 4.5G LTE services to the country. Zain’s network covers 100% of the Bahraini population.
In order to activate 4G/LTE, dial *943#!
Check out their local prices and coverage here.
When you reach your data quota, your speed will be throttled to 256 kbps. Check out their site for more USSD codes that could guide you throughout your stay in Bahrain.
This carrier supports the use of an eSIM in Bahrain.
STC
STC – formerly known as Viva – is the 3rd largest and newest carrier, originating in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Telecom Company is the leading provider of telecommunications services in Saudi Arabia and is among the largest operators in Bahrain. The company provides both mobile and fixed telephone services, as well as Internet and other data services, to residential and business customers. It holds the reputation of having the best network (LTE-Advanced/4G+) and lowest rates in Bahrain. In December 2019, it was rebranded from Viva to STC and provided a new logo.
Their default and overuse rate is 10 fils per 100 KB. They sell these monthly data packages to top-up. Check out their prices and coverage here.
This carrier supports the use of an eSIM in Bahrain.
eSIM2Fly Roaming SIM
So how does a roaming eSIM compare with local eSIMs?
Local SIMs are charging about $2.60 per GB. The price per GB on SIM2Fly is $3.10 per GB on the first package and then $2.50 for add-on packages. This makes the eSIM2Fly roaming SIM competitive with the local eSIMs in price per GB, and another great option for an eSIM in Bahrain!
