Batelco SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

Batelco is one of the biggest telecommunications companies in Bahrain which offers various Batelco SIM cards and eSIM options for tourists. Check out this post to find out which plan is the best for your Bahrain trip.

I. Quick Facts about Batelco

• Founded: 1981
• Full Name: Bahrain Telecommunications Company
• Services: Fixed line, mobile, broadband internet, digital TV
• Subscribers: Over 2 million
• Coverage: Extensive 4G LTE coverage in Bahrain
• Stores & Agents: Around 19 Batelco stores and over 200 authorized dealers in Bahrain

Batelco has excellent coverage and speeds in Bahrain making it a great option for travelers visiting the country.

II. Why Batelco When You’re Exploring Bahrain – Coverage and Speed

1. Batelco Network Coverage in Bahrain

Batelco has the most extensive network in Bahrain covering over 99% of populated areas. With over 1,000 4G+ base stations, Batelco’s 4G LTE network provides excellent coverage across the country’s islands. Even rural areas and smaller islands have 4G connectivity.

• Consistent 98% 4G coverage nationwide.
• Average 4G download speeds exceeded 30Mbps.
• Uploads around 15Mbps, suitable for multimedia sharing.
• Low latency ensured lag-free gaming and quick site loading.
• Coverage and performance remained strong even during busy peak hours.

In summary, Batelco provides the fast, reliable, and widespread 4G network coverage needed to explore all Bahrain has to offer without missing a beat!

2. Batelco Speed

Batelco’s 4G network delivers great speeds averaging 20-40 Mbps with peak speeds reaching up to 225 Mbps on supported devices. This allows HD video streaming, surfing social media, using maps & navigation apps, and uploading photos without any issues.

• The average 4G download speed topped out at a zippy 31.5Mbps.
• Uploads averaged a smooth 15.3Mbps for sharing content.
• Speeds remained fast nationally in populated/rural areas.
• During peaks, average downloads still hit 29.2Mbps.
• Batelco outperformed competitors across all speed testing.
• Early 5G saw rocket speeds of 231.5Mbps.

In a nutshell, with Batelco’s zippy 4G speeds you’ll have tons of fun online exploring everything Bahrain has to offer – uploading holiday pics and more without delay. Future-proof 5G will take it to new heights.

III. Batelco Connectivity Options for Travelers to Bahrain

In summary, the physical Batelco SIM Cards are more compatible but have a higher risk of loss, while eSIM provides seamless activation but has limitations in terms of device and purchase requirements. Travelers will need to evaluate their specific needs and devices.

IV. Best Batelco SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

This gives an overview of the different prepaid plans available in terms of price, validity period, data bundle, voice call minutes, and SMS bundle included. Plans range from affordable weekly options starting at BD1 to monthly packages up to BD30 with higher data, call, and SMS allowances.

V. Does Batelco Support eSIM in Bahrain?

Yes, Batelco does provide eSIM service in Bahrain. With an eSIM-compatible device like an iPhone 13 or Google Pixel, you can download and activate the Batelco eSIM profile digitally without needing a physical SIM.

Consider using an eSIM from bahrainesim.com – a top eSIM provider in Bahrain. Here’s what makes bahrainesim.com stand out:

Plan that may interest you

VI. Where Can You Buy Batelco SIM cards and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Batelco SIM in Bahrain?

You can easily find Batelco SIM cards at these places:

• Batelco Shops – Available at 19 Batelco stores located across Bahrain
• Bahrain Airport – Sold at the Arrivals section of Bahrain International Airport
• Carrefour Hypermarkets – Available at Customer Service desks
• Recharge Cards Shops – Sold at small recharge outlets as well

2. Where to Buy Batelco eSIM in Bahrain?

To get Batelco eSIM, you need to download the Batelco App:

Batelco App – Download the app on your phone. Register and log in to get eSIM activation done digitally.

Batelco eSIM gets activated within the app itself after selecting a pack and making payment by credit/debit card.

You can consider Bahrainesim.com which offers eSIM plans for Bahrain that are meant to work smoothly on the main cellular networks in the country. They provide cost-effective eSIM plans in daily, weekly, and monthly options, with flexible data amounts and lengths for any visitor’s purpose.

VII. How to Activate Batelco SIM cards/eSIM in Bahrain?

1. How to Use Batelco SIM Cards in Bahrain?

• Unpack the Hala Prepaid SIM and insert it into your unlocked phone
• Turn on mobile data and wait for the automatic configuration of APN settings
• Go to the Dialer app and make a call or send a text to activate the SIM
• You will get a confirmation message upon activation
• Visit a Batelco store if you face any issues with the activation

2. How to Activate Batelco eSIM?

Follow the steps below to activate Batelco Bahrain eSIM on your phone:

• Install the Batelco App from Google Play or the App Store
• Complete registration with email & password
• Login to the Batelco App and go to the eSIM section
• Choose your preferred Tourist eSIM pack and enter your passport details
• Make payment using a credit/debit card
• Scan the QR code shown on the app to download the eSIM profile
• Follow the activation process shown on the phone

VIII. Batelco Call & SMS Rates

Notes 🎈

• The rates are in USD as per the example provided previously
• The website does not explicitly state call and SMS rates, so the international call rate is based on the plan pricing provided but not an explicit per-minute rate
• Some rates may have changed since the website information and this is just based on the information available

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Batelco SIM cards/eSIM

Check below USSD codes on Batelco to check the balance, and activate offers:

• *124*4# – To check the remaining balance
• *124*1# – To check the data balance
• *124*6# – To check validity
• *124*5# – To activate a combo/data offer

X. How to Top-up Batelco SIM cards/eSIM

You can recharge your Batelco prepaid SIM through multiple convenient ways:

• Batelco Stores – Visit the nearest store and pay cash for top-up
• Batelco App – Recharge using a credit/debit card within the app
• Recharge Cards – Buy top-up vouchers from stores & enter code

Top-up automatically reflects in the account balance. The minimum top-up amount is BHD 1.

XI. Alternatives to Batelco

1. Other Main Local Mobile Operators

Some alternatives to Batelco you can consider in Bahrain are:

• VIVA – Second largest telecom after Batelco with good coverage
• Zain – Third major operator with a presence across Bahrain
• STC Bahrain – Also known as Infinity, owned by Saudi Telecom

But Batelco remains the best option with great network availability across Bahrain.

2. Getting an eSIM from Bahrainesim.com

An easier way for Bahrain travelers is to buy an eSIM plan from Bahrainesim.com

XII. FAQs about Batelco

XIII. Final Words

Batelco is the leading connectivity provider in Bahrain owing to its extensive high-speed 4G coverage. Tourists visiting Bahrain can easily get a Hala Prepaid Batelco SIM Card or eSIM for excellent mobile internet during their stay. With great value prepaid packs, affordable rates, and hassle-free activation, Batelco is the best option for seamless connectivity in Bahrain.