STC SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

STC mobile operator offers a variety of STC Sim cards and Esim options that make for a great Bahrain travel experience. Let’s see what those options are?

I. Quick Facts about STC

STC (Saudi Telecom Company) is the largest telecommunications services provider in Bahrain. Here are some key facts about the company:

• Founded in 1998
• The full name is Saudi Telecom Company
• Provides fixed line, mobile telephony, Internet, and digital television services
• Has around 25 million mobile subscribers as of 2022
• Coverage reaches 99% of the Saudi population
• Has over 2,000 STC stores, dealers, and distributors across Bahrain

STC has the best mobile network coverage across Bahrain and offers fast 4G LTE speeds. This makes STC SIM cards a great option for tourists visiting Bahrain.

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

1. STC Network Coverage in Bahrain

With over 12,000 network sites, STC has the most extensive coverage in Bahrain. STC uses a mix of 3G, and 4G LTE technology to provide excellent voice and data coverage.

Coverage

• STC has the most extensive network of 12,000+ sites nationwide.

• Bahrain eSIM also provides nationwide coverage via major networks like STC.

Speeds

• STC showed average 4G speeds of 22.2Mbps downloads and, 7Mbps uploads.
• eSIM plans offer standard LTE speeds depending on location/congestion.

Outdoor/Indoor

• STC tested at 98.5% outdoor and 96.5% indoor 4G coverage.
• eSIM coverage is comparable relying on strong networks like STC.

2. STC Speed

• STC led other operators with an average 4G download speed of 22.2 Mbps – fast enough for HD video and content.
• Average 4G upload was also tops at 7 Mbps for quick file/photo sharing.
• Median 4G download speed was 15.4 Mbps indicating reliable fast speeds above that for most users.
• The lowest measured 4G latency of 38ms provided a swift browsing and gaming experience without lag.
• Even in busy outdoor hotspots, the average speed held strong at 18.8 Mbps.
• Indoor speeds remained zippy too at an average of 18.6 Mbps allowing for HD video calls at home.

III. STC Connectivity Options for Travelers to Bahrain

In summary, prepaid SIM cards have wider device compatibility and more plan choices while eSIM provides a quicker and more convenient activation process without needing a physical card.

IV. Best STC SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

In summary, the table provides a clear comparison of STC’s prepaid plans in Bahrain allowing customers to choose the plan that best suits their budget and usage requirements in terms of mobile data, calls, and messaging. The plans offer good value with increasing benefits for higher price tiers.

V. Does STC Support eSIM in Bahrain?

Yes, STC launched eSIM support in September 2022, becoming the first Bahrain carrier to do so.

The benefits of using eSIM with STC include the convenience of remote activation without swapping SIMs, and the flexibility to easily change plans or switch providers.

STC’s eSIM plans to provide the same calling, texting, and data options as its regular SIMs. But eSIMs offer greater convenience for iPhone users, letting them easily switch between plans or local providers as they travel.

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

Plan that may interest you

VI. Where Can You Buy an STC SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy STC SIM Cards in Bahrain

STC SIM cards can be purchased at STC stores, many retailers like Carrefour and Jarir Bookstore, and STC authorized dealers in airports and shopping centers.

Major airports like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have STC shops in arrival areas making it easy to get connected upon landing in Bahrain.

Tips

• Buy from any STC Store, and bring your ID, eSIMs are activate in store
• Check plans: prepaid or postpaid
• Prepaid plans don’t require docs but expire, postpaid has bills and better data
• Confirm device supports eSIM at the store
• Staff can help activate SIM/eSIM at the store

2. Where to Buy STC eSIM in Bahrain

To get STC eSIM, you need to download the STC prepaid app on your smartphone:

Android – Download the STC Prepaid app from Google Play

iPhone – Download the STC Prepaid app from the App Store

• Sign up and register using your passport information. Select and activate the eSIM plan through the app.
• No need to visit a physical store for eSIM making it quick and convenient to connect digitally.
• Consider using eSIM plans for Bahrain through bahrainesim.com which are designed to function seamlessly on the primary cellular networks in Bahrain.

VII How to Activate STC SIM/eSIM in Bahrain?

1. How to Use STC SIM Card in Bahrain

Follow these steps when you first insert your STC SIM cards:

• Insert SIM and power on the phone
• Select preferred language
• Accept Terms & Conditions
• Enter SIM PIN if prompted and press OK
• Call *100# to check prepaid balance
• Visit the STC Recharge portal to add a data pack

2. How to Activate STC eSIM

Here is the STC eSIM activation process:

• Install the STC Prepaid app from the app store
• Sign up for a new account by entering your passport details
• Verify email address or phone number
• Browse and select your preferred eSIM data plan
• Confirm order and enter payment details
• Scan the QR code shown on the app to download the eSIM profile
• Follow the onscreen instructions to activate the eSIM plan

Once activated, you can manage your STC eSIM plan through the app itself. Add more data, change plans, and top up your prepaid credit conveniently through the app.

VIII. STC Call & SMS Rates

STC prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs have simple pay-as-you-go domestic and international rates:

Notes 🤳

Local calls also deduct credit in 1-second increments, so they can use up your prepaid balance quickly. Consider using OTT apps like WhatsApp for cost-effective local and international calling and messaging during your trip.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for STC SIM/eSIM

STC provides several USSD codes to check your prepaid account status and activate services through the SIM directly:

• *100# – Check remaining balance
• *101# – Check data balance
• *140*4# – Check remaining validity
• *140# – Activate international roaming
• *125*16-digit number# – Transfer balance to another STC mobile
• *125# – Check balance transfer charges

Dial these codes directly on your phone dialer to instantly access account information and enable services like international roaming when traveling outside Bahrain with your STC SIM.

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

You can easily add more credit and data to your STC prepaid account using the recharge options below:

1. STC Recharge Cards

• Purchase physical recharge cards from STC stores and other retailers in denominations of 10 SAR to 300 SAR.
• Dial *144*RechargeCode# to activate.

2. STC Online Recharge

Use the STC website or mobile app to recharge and add data packs online using a credit/debit card.

3. Recharge Stores

• Visit STC-authorized recharge outlets showing the STC logo to top up your account. Provide a mobile number to recharge any amount.

4. Bank Transfer

• Transfer the amount through a bank or ATM to your prepaid mobile account linked to your SIM.
• Frequent small top-ups are recommended to control costs and avoid losing unused credit when your STC SIM expires after 180 days.

XI. Alternatives to STC

1. Other Main Local Mobile Operators

Other leading mobile operators in Bahrain include:

• Mobily – Second largest provider with good coverage
• Zain – third largest mobile network operator

Both offer prepaid SIM cards and recharge options similar to STC. However, STC has better population coverage and faster speeds making it the top choice for hassle-free connectivity.

2. Buying an eSIM from Bahrainesim.com

Travelers to Bahrain have an easier travel connectivity option by buying an eSIM plan from Bahrainesim.com

As the leading digital SIM provider in Bahrain, they provide affordable data packages on reliable networks without long-term contracts or deposits needed. Once a plan is purchased, an email will be sent promptly with a QR code for activation. From there, surfing the high-speed network is just a scan away on your device after downloading the QR code, eliminating the hassle of changing physical SIM cards. It’s truly a seamless process to have cellular access while on the go thanks to this fuss-free solution of simply ordering and scanning to connect.

XII. FAQs about STC

XIII. Conclusion

In summary, STC offers the best mobile network experience in Bahrain making their SIM cards and eSIMs an ideal choice for tourists. Excellent coverage, speedy 4G LTE service, and affordable prepaid options provide seamless connectivity when exploring Bahrain. STC prepaid SIM cards and eSIM profiles can be purchased conveniently across the country and provide great flexibility through online top-ups and data plan customization. Considering connectivity beforehand takes headaches out of your trip and lets you focus on creating memorable experiences.