Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Getting a local SIM card is vital while traveling to Kuwait. This option helps you browse the Internet via a laptop or make a mobile phone call with your friends in your hometown and gives you a chance to use a mobile phone without very expensive roaming charges. Kuwait’s biggest cell phone provider is Ooredoo and has a good reach all over Kuwait. This guide will take you through how easy to grab an Ooredoo Kuwait SIM card upon arrival and be set.

I. Quick Facts about Ooredoo

Ooredoo Kuwait, previously known as Wataniya Telecom, is part of Ooredoo Group. They officially opened for business in December 1999.

• Formerly known as Wataniya Telecom (1999-2014)
• Founded: December 1999
• Services: Mobile, broadband internet, and corporate managed services
• Ownership: Ooredoo group
• Customer service: +965 6630 0121

Ooredoo is an international company that connects communities across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. In 2015, they reported $8.8 billion in revenue after serving over 117 million customers by the end of December.

II. Kuwait Ooredoo Coverage and Speed

As the second largest mobile operator in Kuwait by subscribers, Ooredoo aims to offer reliable connectivity nationwide. The following details Ooredoo’s network reach and data speeds across Kuwait.

1. Ooredoo Coverage in Kuwait

Here is an analysis of Ooredoo’s coverage in Kuwait based on the Opensignal report:

• Availability: Ooredoo had an Availability score of 97.8%, which puts it in second place behind Zain. Availability represents the percentage of time users spend connected to 3G or better services on the network. This shows that Ooredoo users had near-ubiquitous coverage across Kuwait.
• 5G Availability: Ooredoo jointly won this metric with a score of 42.7%, along with STC. This means Ooredoo users were able to access 5G services around 42.7% of the time. While 5G coverage was more limited than 4G, this still shows significant 5G availability nationwide on the Ooredoo network.

Overall, the Opensignal data shows that Ooredoo has near-ubiquitous 4G coverage across Kuwait, with average speeds and quality sufficient to support most users’ needs. It also has rolled out 5G to around 42.7% of the country. Ooredoo’s network performance provides excellent coverage for Kuwaiti users.

2. Ooredoo Kuwait Speed

Here is an analysis of Ooredoo’s speeds based on the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Kuwait in August 2023:

• Ooredoo won the Download Speed Experience award outright with a score of 50.6 Mbps. This was an increase of 3.9 Mbps compared to the previous report, allowing Ooredoo to break out of the statistical tie it was in with Zain.
• Ooredoo also retained the sole award for Upload Speed Experience, scoring 14.9 Mbps. However, its lead over second-place Zain decreased as Ooredoo users observed a decline of 1.2 Mbps in average overall upload speeds.
• In 5G download speeds, Ooredoo came in second place with an average speed of 294.2 Mbps. While a strong score, it was dethroned as the sole winner by Zain, whose average increased to 328.9 Mbps. Ooredoo’s 5G download speed declined by 61.9 Mbps compared to the previous report.
• Ooredoo remained the outright winner of 5G Upload Speed with an average of 30 Mbps, though its score declined by 3.6 Mbps since the last report.
• For overall Video Experience, Games Experience, and Voice App Experience, Ooredoo shared the winners’ podium with other operators due to no statistically significant differences in scores.

In summary, while Ooredoo posted strong speeds across several categories, it saw declines that cost it first place in some metrics compared to gains by competitors like Zain. Ooredoo will aim to boost speeds further to reclaim leadership in the next report.

III. Ooredoo Connectivity Options for Travelers to Kuwait

Ooredoo offers travelers to Kuwait two main connectivity options: prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs.

The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a SIM card immediately upon arrival in Kuwait, a prepaid SIM card is the way to go. If you prefer a more convenient option and have an eSIM-compatible phone, then an eSIM is a good choice.

IV. Best Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Ooredoo offers a variety of SIM cards for tourists, each with its features and benefits. Here are some of the best Ooredoo Kuwait SIM cards for tourists and their costs:

All tourist SIMs include unlimited calls to Ooredoo numbers in Kuwait. Data bundles can be renewed. They provide affordable and suitable connectivity options for travelers with different data needs and trip duration in Kuwait.

V. Does Ooredoo Support eSIM?

Yes, Ooredoo does support eSIM in several countries, including Kuwait. They offer both new eSIM purchases and conversion of existing physical SIMs to eSIM. You can find details and purchase eSIMs in-store in Kuwait.

VI. Where Can You Buy an Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Card and eSIM?

Whether you need a physical SIM or digital eSIM, Ooredoo Kuwait has options to get you connected during your visit. Here are some of the places you can buy an Ooredoo SIM or eSIM.

1. Where to Buy Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Cards

You can purchase Ooredoo Kuwait SIM cards at several locations throughout the country:

• Upon Arrival – Travelers can purchase a SIM card upon arrival at the airport CTA post located after baggage claim.

• Ooredoo Stores – The official Ooredoo stores offer a full range of SIM cards and plans. Find the Ooredoo store near you. Ooredoo stores provide service and assistance directly from the network provider.

• Other Authorized Retail Stores – Major supermarkets and telecom retailers like Mobileland, iZone, etc. sell Ooredoo SIM cards with help from store representatives.

2 Where to Buy Kuwait Ooredoo eSIM

Unlike traditional SIM cards, Ooredoo eSIMs cannot be purchased online. Instead, you can acquire them through the following methods:

• Directly from Ooredoo stores: You can visit an official Ooredoo store or kiosk in Kuwait and purchase an eSIM activation kit directly. The store associates can help you activate it on your device.
• Through kuwaitesim.com: You can purchase an eSIM activation kit online from kuwaitesim.com.

Keep in mind only certain high-end smartphones support eSIM activation. Activating it also requires your IMEI and other device details. Do check official pricing and validity periods for eSIM plans before buying.

Stay connected in Kuwait with an eSIM from kuwaitesim.com. Buy data packages now and get instant delivery of your eSIM QR code.

VII. How to Activate Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Card/eSIM

Getting a new mobile phone service with Ooredoo Kuwait is simple. To start enjoying your new connectivity, just follow these steps to activate your SIM card or eSIM:

1. How to Use Ooredoo Kuwait SIM card

Activating your Ooredoo SIM card is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device.
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card.
3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Ooredoo Kuwait SIM card will be pre-activated.
4. Set up APN settings if you can’t use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate Ooredoo eSIM

Getting started with an Ooredoo eSIM for Kuwait is quite easy. Here are the steps:

1. Install the eSIM.
2. Activate the eSIM.
3. Set up the eSIM.
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

VIII. Kuwait Ooredoo Call & SMS rates

Ooredoo offers competitive call and SMS rates for both local and international usage. Here are some of the standard rates for calls and SMS with Ooredoo:

Kuwait Ooredoo Call & SMS rates

It is important to note that these rates may vary depending on the country you are calling or texting. It is always recommended to check the latest rates before making any calls or sending SMS.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Card/eSIM

USSD codes are quick and easy ways to access various services offered by Ooredoo. Here are some of the useful USSD codes for Ooredoo SIM cards and eSIMs:

These USSD codes allow easy access to account information and services without needing the Ooredoo app for physical SIM cards and eSIMs in Kuwait.

X. How to Top-up Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Card/eSIM

To top-up your Ooredoo SIM card or eSIM, you can either purchase a recharge voucher from any Ooredoo store or use their online top-up service. Here’s how you can top-up your Ooredoo SIM card or eSIM:

1. Purchase a recharge voucher from an Ooredoo store.
2. Dial 111# and press the call button.
3. Your account will be topped up with the amount mentioned on the voucher.

Alternatively, you can also use the Ooredoo app or website to top-up your account using your credit or debit card.

XI. FAQs about Ooredoo Kuwait SIM Cards

XII. Final Words

Ooredoo is a reliable and convenient option for tourists visiting Kuwait. With its wide coverage, high-speed internet, and various connectivity options, it offers everything a traveler needs to stay connected while exploring the country. We hope this blog post has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about using Ooredoo Kuwait SIM cards and eSIMs during your travels in Kuwait. Happy traveling!