Stay online in Qatar from the moment you land at Hamad International, whether Doha is your destination or a stopover on a longer journey. The plans for Qatar are global eSIMs that also cover the UAE, Saudi Arabia and well over a hundred other countries. Install one before you fly and keep your usual number for calls and texts.
Qatar eSIM
Qatar eSIM plans
Every plan is data only, priced in US dollars, with no contract and nothing to return.
Our picks
Three plans we would buy ourselves, by the trip you are taking. Every plan we sell is listed below.
Short trip
10.5 GB
1.5 GB a day
7 days
A week or so away: maps, messages, rides and the odd video call.
Part of the Global (75 countries) bundle
$13.99
Buy this planLong trip
22.5 GB
1.5 GB a day
15 days
Two weeks or more, with room for photos, streaming and work email.
Part of the Global (75 countries) bundle
$22.99
Buy this plan
Also covered by Global (170 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (170 countries)
Also covered by Global (75 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (75 countries)
No eSIM, no charge. If your payment goes through and we cannot issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. Refund policy
Real people. A person answers every day, 07:00 to 23:00 Paris time, within 2 hours. How we look after you
Safe checkout. Secure payment by Stripe. Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Local networks. See which ones it uses in Qatar
Which plan fits a Qatar trip
Qatar is covered by our global plans rather than a Qatar-only plan. One install works in Qatar and in every other country on the plan's list, which suits the many trips that pass through Doha on the way somewhere else. The plan cards above show what is available:
- A one-day plan covers a layover at Hamad or a single day in Doha.
- Daily data suits a stay of a week or two with steady use every day.
- Fixed data gives one allowance for a long trip across several countries.
Your allowance is shared across every country on the list, so check the list and the allowance on the plan cards before you buy. See fixed, daily or unlimited for how each type behaves.
Coverage across Qatar
Coverage is strong across Doha, including West Bay, the Corniche, Msheireb and Lusail, in the malls and on the Doha Metro, and along the main roads to Al Wakrah and Al Khor. It thins out in the desert to the south, towards the Inland Sea and on long drives across the peninsula, so download offline maps before a desert trip.
A stopover at Hamad
Hamad International has free Wi-Fi in the terminal, but a one-day plan keeps you online on the way into the city on a long layover tour, and on the Metro, which runs from the airport into Doha.
App calls: check before you rely on them
Messaging in WhatsApp and similar apps works. The rules on voice and video calls over internet apps have changed over time in the Gulf, so check the current situation before you count on app calls, and keep your usual SIM for an important call.
Arriving at the airport
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. When you land at Hamad, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only and keep it off on your usual SIM. You can then book a taxi or ride-hailing car, check the Metro or message your hotel from the arrivals hall.
How much data do you need?
A typical visitor using maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos uses around 1 GB a day. Video calls and streaming use much more. Compare the cost with your own carrier in travel eSIM vs international roaming, and see eSIM for Dubai and the UAE if your trip continues there.
Networks in Qatar
Qatar has two mobile networks: Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. Both cover Doha and the main roads well. A travel eSIM connects to one of them as a roaming partner, which is why data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. The partner network can differ from plan to plan, so check the plan details, or ask us at support@esimlounge.com before you buy.
How to install your eSIM
Install it at home before you fly, then switch it on when you land.
Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Most phones from the last few years do.
Scan the QR code
Scan the code from your email while you still have Wi-Fi at home. It takes about two minutes.
Switch on when you land
Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts if you like.
Qatar eSIM questions
Is there a Qatar-only plan?
Not at the moment. Qatar is covered by the global plans, which also work in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the other countries on their lists.
Is there a plan for a layover in Doha?
Yes. The one-day global plan suits a layover at Hamad or a single day in Doha. Check the plan cards above for what is on sale.
Will one eSIM cover Qatar and the UAE?
Yes. The global plans cover both, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, with one install. Your allowance is shared across every country on the list.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, and the eSIM carries your mobile data. Keep data roaming off on your usual SIM to avoid roaming fees.
When does the plan start counting days?
On most plans the days start when the eSIM first connects to a network in a covered country, not when you install it. The plan details say how yours works.