Best eSIM providers and plans for Qatar in 2024
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Planning a trip to Qatar? eSIM technology is at full tilt in Qatar, so there are ample options for travelers visiting the Middle Eastern country. Staying connected is easier than ever today.
Unlike regular plastic SIM cards, eSIMs are embedded in your phone. They can help you seamlessly switch network operators or manage multiple numbers. For travelers, an eSIM means instant connectivity anywhere without dealing with fiddly SIM cards.
Together with the Cybernews research team, I have conducted research and tests to find the top eSIM services available in Qatar. In this guide, I'll share my findings on the best Qatar eSIMs and highlight the pros and cons of each provider.
I will give an unbiased overview so you know which eSIM to choose for your journey to Qatar. I'll look at factors like coverage, prices, and unique features that each provider offers. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this guide will make staying connected within Qatar much easier.
Top 5 eSIMs For Qatar - shortlist
- Saily - best overall eSIM for Qatar in 2024
- Airalo - flexible eSIM for Qatar
- Jetpac - budget-friendly eSIM provider for travellers visiting Qatar
- Nomad - best Qatar eSIM for high-speed internet
- aloSIM - best Qatar eSIM for calling and texting
What to consider before buying an eSIM for Qatar?
With so many options, it can be a pain to decide on the right eSIM provider to use in Qatar. Don't sweat it, though. The Cybernews research team and I did our due diligence to help you. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM for Qatar:
Network coverage: You need an eSIM provider with excellent coverage throughout Qatar, particularly in the areas you intend to visit. Some providers have better reach in certain areas, so it's good to do your homework.
Compatibility: Ensure your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. Not all phones support eSIMs, so it is best to double-check the specs for your device before buying an eSIM plan.
Pricing and data allowance: eSIM plans offer various amounts of data at different prices. Consider how much data you’ll need for browsing, streaming, and running apps. You need to select a plan that offers enough data but doesn't stretch your budget. Comparing a few plans can help you find the best deal.
Customer support: Good customer support is essential while traveling. If something goes wrong, reliable customer support could make all the difference. Look for eSIM providers that offer support through a reliable channel, such as phone or live chat.
Additional features: Consider any additional features the eSIM provider offers. Look for easy activation and the ability to top up or switch plans as needed. Some providers provide extras like virtual phone numbers or other rewards, which can be useful, especially for travelers.
The best eSIMs for Qatar travel – my detailed list
You'll find a comprehensive study of the five best eSIMs for Qatar below.
1. Saily - best overall eSIM for Qatar in 2024
| Supported Networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 150+ countries |
| Starting price: | $4.49 for 1GB |
I found Saily eSIM very affordable. It offers flexible plans and is straightforward to set up and use.
Plan options: Saily has 5 prepaid plans for Qatar. The data allowance for these plans ranges from 1GB to 20GB, and they’re valid for 7 days to 30 days. Saily’s Middle East and North Africa plans also cover Qatar. None of these plans includes support for phone calls or texts.
Qatar plans pricing: Saily’s local plans for Qatar start at $4.49 for a 1GB, 7-day plan. It charges $9.99 for a 3GB, 30-day plan, $14.99 for a 5GB, 30-day plan, $26.99 for a 10GB, 30-day plan, and $43.99 for a 20GB, 30-day plan.
Network coverage: Saily is available in over 150 countries. It doesn’t specify which local carriers it partners with in the country but says it connects users to "Qatar’s best network."
Activation process: After purchase, Saily will guide you through the activation process via its app. This eSIM doesn’t require eKYC or ID verification. You can pay for Saily eSIM via Apple Pay, credit or debit card, Google Pay, or PayPal.
Customer support: Saily provides customer support via 24/7 live chat and email. Many customers say the support team is responsive.
Extra features: Saily was developed by NordVPN, a digital security company. It keeps your connection secure and your details private.
2. Airalo - flexible eSIM for Qatar
| Supported Networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ countries |
| Starting price: | $5.00 for 1GB |
Airalo has a user-friendly app and offers affordable plans for Qatar. It also has some good perks.
Plan options: Airalo has 6 plans for Qatar. These plans offer 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Like Saily, Airalo’s Middle East and North Africa regional plans cover Qatar. It also has global plans that you can use in the country. None of Airalo’s plans support phone calls or texts, except its Discover+ global plans.
Qatar plans pricing: Airalo’s Qatar plans start at $5.00 for a 1GB, 7-day plan. You can also pay $9 for a 2GB, 15-day plan, $12 for a 3GB, 30-day plan, $17.50 for a 5GB, 30-day plan, $30 for a 10GB, 30-day plan, and $49 for a 20GB, 30-day plan.
Network coverage: Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries. It works with Vodafone in Qatar and supports LTE connectivity in the country.
Activation process: You can activate an Airalo eSIM via the app. Simply download the Airalo app, choose a plan, install the eSIM profile, and activate it once you arrive in Qatar. You can easily top up via the app. Airalo doesn’t have any identity verification requirements for its Qatar eSIM. This eSIM provider accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay (via mobile app), and Airmoney in-app currency.
Customer support: Airalo provides customer support via 24/7 live chat and email. It also has an active blog.
Advanced features: You get rewards for every purchase via Airalo's Loyalty Program.
3. Jetpac - budget-friendly eSIM provider for travelers visiting Qatar
| Supported Networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 100+ countries |
| Starting price: | $1.00 for 1GB |
I love that Jetpac has several plans for travelers visiting Qatar. Plus, it has an exclusive offer for new users: you only need to pay $1.00 for a 1GB plan valid for 4 days!
Plan options: Jetpac doesn’t have local eSIM plans for Qatar. However, you can purchase its regional plans for the Middle East and Africa, which cover the country. Jetpac has 8 plans to choose from. These plans offer 1GB to 40GB and are valid for 4 days to 30 days. Jetpac is a data-only eSIM service.
Qatar plans pricing: As indicated above, the cheapest Jetpac plan for Qatar costs $1.00 and gives you 1GB for 4 days. You can also pay $12.00 for a 3GB, 7-day plan, $20.00 for a 5GB, 30-day plan, $35.00 for a 10GB, 30-day plan, $55.00 for a 15GB, 30-day plan, $70.00 for a 20GB, 30-day plan, $79.00 for a 30GB, 30-day plan, or $116.00 for a 40GB, 30-day plan.
Network coverage: Jetpac has coverage in 100+ countries. It works with Vodafone in Qatar to provide 4G/LTE connectivity.
Activation process: After purchasing a plan, you can install and activate your Jetpac eSIM by scanning the QR code. Remember to turn on data roaming before your trip. The eSIM will activate automatically within 30 minutes of your arrival in Qatar. This eSIM doesn’t require identity verification. Jetpac accepts payments via credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Customer support: Jetpac provides 24/7 customer support via email and in-app live chat. Many users report fast response times.
Advanced features: Jetpac offers SmartDelay Lounge Access if your flight is delayed by 60+ minutes. It also gives users travel perks like insurance, concierge services, discounts on tourist spots, and spa services.
4. Nomad - best Qatar eSIM for high-speed internet
| Supported Networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 170+ countries |
| Starting price: | $5.00 for 1GB |
Nomad is one of the few eSIM providers that supports 5G connectivity in Qatar, so it’s an excellent choice if you want high-speed internet while in the Middle Eastern country.
Plan options: Nomad has 5 eSIM plans for Qatar. These plans offer 1GB to 10GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Nomad’s Middle East regional plans don’t cover Qatar; however, its global plans do. This eSIM provider doesn’t support calls or texts on any of its plans.
Qatar plans pricing: Nomad’s pricing for Qatar starts at $5.00 for a 1GB, 7-day plan. You could also pay $10.00 for a 1GB, 7-day plan (5G), $17.00 for a 3GB, 30-day plan, $23.00 for a 5GB, 30-day plan, and $37 for a 10GB, 30-day plan.
Network coverage: Nomad covers over 170 countries. In Qatar, it works with Vodafone and Ooredoo to provide 4G and 5G connectivity.
Activation process: You can purchase a plan via the Nomad eSIM website or app. Then, scan a QR code to install the eSIM profile and activate it before your trip. This eSIM provider accepts payment via cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Nomad points.
Customer support: Nomad has a responsive customer support team. However, you can only reach them by submitting a support ticket via its website or app. Nomad also has a help centre and blog with travel guides.
Advanced features: Each purchase or referral gives you points in Nomad’s loyalty program. And you can redeem these points when making a purchase.
5. aloSIM - best Qatar eSIM for calling and texting
| Supported Networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 170+ countries |
| Starting price: | $5 for 1GB |
In my opinion, aloSIM is the best eSIM to get if you want to make calls and send SMS messages while in Qatar. It gives you an international phone number with every plan.
Plan options: aloSIM has 6 plans for Qatar. These plans offer 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. This eSIM provider doesn’t have any regional plans covering Qatar.
Qatar plans pricing: aloSIM’s Qatar plans start at $5.00 for a 1GB, 7-day plan. You can also pay $9 for a 2GB, 15-day plan, $12 for a 3GB, 30-day plan, $17.50 for a 5GB, 30-day plan, $30.00 for a 10GB, 30-day plan, or $49.00 for a 20GB, 30-day plan.
Network coverage: aloSIM has coverage in over 170 countries. It works with Vodafone to provide LTE and 5G connectivity in Qatar.
Activation process: You can purchase an eSIM plan via the aloSIM website or app. You can install and activate the eSIM via QR code or the aloSIM app. This eSIM provider accepts payments via credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and aloCASH credits.
Customer support: aloSIM provides customer support 24/7 via in-app live chat or email. Many users have reported getting quick responses from its customer service team.
Advanced features: aloSIM has a rewards program, dubbed aloCASH, where users get credit that they can redeem to purchase plans. aloSIM also gives each user a free phone number and $1 credit. However, you need to download a different app, called Hushed, to make calls and send SMS.
Comparison of the best eSIM providers for Qatar
The table below shows the top Qatar eSIMs side-by-side to help you compare them easily:
| Brand | Plan duration | Data sharing | Unlimited data | Calls | GB per plan | Support | Price |
| Saily | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat and email | $4.49 to $43.99 |
| Airalo | 7, 15, and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes (only on Discover+ global plans) | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat and email | $5.00 to $49.00 |
| Jetpac | 4, 7, and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB | In-app live chat and email | $1.00 to $116.00 |
| Nomad | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB | $5.00 to $37.00 | |
| aloSIM | 7, 15, and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat and email | $5.00 to $49.00 |
Pros and cons of using eSIMs in Qatar
It's important to outline some of the pros and cons of using eSIMs in Qatar. This will help you decide if it's a good decision to use an eSIM. While eSIMs are superior to physical SIM cards, there are some cons that you should know about.
How to activate an eSIM on an iPhone in Qatar?
I've done the research on what you need to do to activate an eSIM on an iPhone in Qatar.
- Check compatibility: Ensure your iPhone supports eSIMs (iPhone XS, XR, 11 or later work with eSIMs) and is not carrier-locked.
- Choose a provider: Select an eSIM provider from the list above.
- Purchase plan: You can buy a plan online from your eSIM provider's website or app.
- Required documentation: Sometimes, providers might require eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification.
- Activate your eSIM: To activate your eSIM, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. With some eSIM providers, you just need to click “activate” on their apps to set up your eSIM.
- Configure settings: Set your eSIM as the default line for data. Then, turn on data roaming to use your eSIM when you arrive at your destination.
Note: Ensure you turn off roaming on your other SIMs so you’re not charged.
Have a Samsung smartphone? Check out our Samsung eSIM setup guide.
My final verdict on the best eSIMs for Qatar
Classic SIM cards are a thing of the past, and eSIMs make changing carriers no more difficult than scanning a simple QR code or downloading an app.
eSIMs don't stop at convenience; they are also flexible. Need to change providers? No worries. Want to maintain multiple lines without carrying around many phones? eSIMs have got your back. Don’t want to worry about losing or damaging your physical SIM card? eSIMs are the way to go.
If you're visiting Qatar or looking for a more flexible mobile solution, I strongly recommend you get an eSIM. It simplifies connectivity, enhances security, and offers unparalleled convenience. Out of all the eSIMs I tested, I love Saily the most, as it has affordable prices and flexible plans and was created by a renowned cybersecurity company.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews
Best eSIM providers and plans for Dubai in 2024
eSIM vs physical SIM: What's the difference?
Best eSIM providers and plans in Thailand 2024
Best eSIM providers in Asia: Find the best eSIM for Asia travels
FAQ
Does Airalo work in Qatar?
Yes, Airalo works in Qatar. This eSIM provider has local, regional, and global plans covering Qatar. It offers both short-term and long-term plans for visitors and residents of the Middle Eastern country.
Can I get an eSIM for Qatar?
Yes, you can get an eSIM for Qatar. All of the providers above offer various eSIM plans tailored for Qatar. You can purchase a plan for Qatar from the website or app of your preferred eSIM provider.
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