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O2 Travel International Roaming Review: Countries, Speeds & Fair Usage

On O2, you can use your mobile phone abroad at no extra cost in up to 75 destinations, depending on your price plan.

The countries in which you’re able to use the O2 Travel offer depends on the price plan you have. On O2’s Pay As You Go plans, you’ll have access to international roaming at no extra cost in 43 European destinations. This increases to 48 destinations on Pay Monthly plans, and to 75 destinations on Pay Monthly Plus (and on regular Pay Monthly plans if you’re living in a Virgin Media household ).

In this article, we’ll review the O2 Travel offer including the countries where you’re able to use it and how much it will cost. We’ll also look at data speeds when abroad, the fair usage policy on O2 Travel and alternative roaming offers from other networks. Finally, we’ll look at how you can keep your current phone number if you’re moving to O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer.

• 1.1 O2 Europe Zone Countries
• 1.2 O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries
• 1.3 O2 Travel Countries
• 2 Roaming Speeds
• 3.1 Within Europe
• 3.2 Outside Europe
• 4 Keeping Your Phone Number
• 5 More Information

What is O2 Travel?

On most O2 price plans, it’s possible to use your mobile phone abroad when travelling to other countries. The destinations that are included within the O2 Travel offer depend on the type of price plan you have:

For customers with an O2 mobile broadband plan , the O2 Travel offer isn’t currently available. This is because international roaming is not available on O2’s mobile broadband service.

O2 Europe Zone Countries

The following destinations are part of O2’s European roaming zone (locations marked with a † are only available on Pay Monthly plans) :

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man†
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland†
• Vatican City

† If you’re an O2 Pay As You Go customer, inclusive roaming is not available in 5 European destinations (Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland). Instead, you’ll need to pay £1.99/day for up to 100MB of data in these countries.

Within Europe, you’re able to use your inclusive minutes and texts to contact any other number within O2’s Europe Zone. Your usage of European roaming is subject to the fair usage policy described here : the most important being that it should only be used “for periodic travel, like holidays or short breaks”. If you use your mobile phone abroad for 63 days or more in any four-month period, O2 reserves the right to apply a regulated surcharge to your usage (currently 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £3.50/GB).

You’ll be able to use up to 25GB data per month when abroad (or less if your normal UK data allowance is less than 25GB).

On O2’s Pay As You Go plans including Big Bundles , roaming is not included in Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland. In these places, you can pay £1.99/day for 100MB of data.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries

Within O2’s Travel Inclusive Zone countries, you’ll get unlimited minutes, texts and data when abroad in the following destinations:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

There’s traffic management applied when you’re abroad, so your download speeds could be slowed down, depending on your usage.

O2 Travel Countries

You can use the £6 per day O2 Travel offer in all of the following destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica*
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador*
• Madagascar*
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Zealand*
• Saint Lucia
• South Africa
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States*

* This country is also part of the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone offer. If your tariff includes this offer, you won’t need to pay the £4.99/day charge.

To opt-in to the O2 Travel offer, text TRAVEL to 23336. It can take up to 24 hours for O2 Travel to be enabled on your account so it’s best to opt-in before departing on your trip. To opt-out of the offer and to pay O2’s standard international roaming rates instead, text NOTRAVEL to 23336.

The £6 per day O2 Travel offer isn’t available to customers on O2 Pay As You Go .

Roaming Speeds

According to their terms and conditions , there’s now a download speed limit of 2Mbps when you’re travelling abroad in other countries. This has applied from June 2022.

The 2Mbps speed limit should be enough for most day-to-day use such as browsing the web, sending messages and using social media. It’s also enough for things like maps and for listening to music. If you’re streaming online video, it should be possible to stream in standard-definition. However, it won’t be possible to stream in HD quality.

Fair Usage Policy

O2 has a fair usage policy for their O2 Travel international roaming service. The fair usage policy depends on whether you’re travelling to another European country or to a country outside of Europe.

Within Europe

According to O2’s terms and conditions , a surcharge may be applied for your usage if you spend more 63 days abroad in Europe over a rolling 4-month period. If you exceed the 63-day limit, O2 should give you the opportunity to demonstrate prevailing use in the UK. They should also give you two weeks notice before a surcharge is applied at a rate of 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £4.50/GB of data.

Outside Europe

• The download speeds available for file transfer, online gaming, peer-to-peer downloads and network backup services is restricted. According to O2, these services “may not work with O2 Travel”.
• Audio and video streaming optimisation are in use. This may reduce the quality of your streaming content when abroad.
• The use of tethering and personal hotspot is not permitted in O2 Travel countries. This means you’re unable to share your data connection with other devices.
• When using O2 Travel outside Europe, your SIM card can only be used inside a smartphone.

Keeping Your Phone Number

If you’re joining O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer, it’s a straightforward process to keep your current phone number .

To do so, ask your current mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code . You can get this through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075.

Once you’ve received the PAC Code from your old network, order your new mobile phone or SIM card from the O2 website. When it arrives, you can provide the PAC Code to O2 by submitting it through this online form . Your phone number transfer will then be scheduled by O2, normally for the next working day.

For a step-by-step guide on moving your phone number to O2 , please select your current mobile network from the drop down menu below:

Select your current mobile network:

Your current mobile network... BT Mobile EE giffgaff O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone 1pMobile ASDA Mobile Honest Mobile iD Mobile Lebara Mobile Lycamobile Orange Plusnet Mobile Smarty Superdrug Mobile Talk Home Talkmobile TalkTalk Mobile Tesco Mobile T-Mobile Vectone Mobile VOXI

   More Options

More Information

For more information about O2 Travel, please see O2’s official website .

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O2 roaming explained for international & EU countries

You can roam and use O2 within most countries around the world.

You can use your regular allowance for free within 48 European countries, with a data fair usage policy of 25GB per month.

With selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans, you also get the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, which allows you to use unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 27 international destinations outside the EU.

Alternatively, all O2 mobile customers can get the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 per day, which gives you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 63 international destinations outside the EU.

What's the best O2 SIM for roaming?

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You can use your allowance for free within the EU with all O2 SIMs .

You can find the cheapest O2 SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. O2 SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

With O2 Europe Zone, you can continue to roam for free and use your allowance within the EU.

O2 Europe Zone is included with all plans at no additional cost.

O2 are one of the few networks which will not introduce charges for roaming within the EU after Brexit .

In accordance with the fair usage policy, if your regular allowance is greater than 25GB, you cannot exceed 25GB per month when roaming in the EU.

If you go over your regular allowance, or you exceed the fair usage policy of 25GB per month, you will be charged £3.50 for each additional GB you use when roaming in the EU.

You must also be considered a permanent UK resident. You cannot roam within qualifying European countries for excessive or consecutive periods at a time.

You can use your allowance for free within 48 European destinations:

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

With the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you will get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts within 27 international countries.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is included at no additional cost with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It is not included with any 30 day SIM only plans or pay as you go plans.

If your plan doesn't include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, you can choose it as your O2 Extra with the following plans:

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, excessive usage may see your data speeds temporarily restricted.

The following 27 international countries are covered by the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

If you’re not eligible for the free O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you cannot pay for it. However, you can purchase the similar O2 Travel Bolt On, which covers 63 international destinations for £6 per day. See below for more information.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available for £6 per day, and covers 63 international destinations.

Similar to the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 or by enabling it via your O2 account.

The £6 daily fee will automatically be charged when you use mobile data, make a call or send a text message. Using Wi-Fi or receiving calls and texts will not trigger the charge.

The moment the charge is triggered, you'll have access for 24 hours, until the trigger resets. There are no limits on the amount of consecutive days you can trigger the Bolt On.

It is important to note you must enable the O2 Travel Bolt On before you use data, make a call or send a text. If you don't enable the Bolt On, you won't be charged the £6 daily fee - instead, you will be charged at a standard roaming rate, which can be expensive.

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

The O2 Travel Bolt On works in the following 63 destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is free with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It works in 27 international countries. You cannot buy the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On if you are not eligible for free, however you can choose it as an O2 Extra with select tariffs.

On the other hand, the O2 Travel Bolt On is available to all pay monthly customers for £6 per day and works in 63 international destinations.

Both Bolt Ons give you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, the O2 Travel Bolt On comes with a 2Mbps speed limit.

If you’re using your allowance for free within O2’s Europe Zone, you cannot exceed 25GB data per month if your regular allowance is greater than this amount. If you go over this limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your allowance resets during the next month.

In addition, you cannot roam within the O2 Europe Zone for more than 63 days within a 4 month period - the offer is not intended for extended holidays. If O2 thinks you are abusing the free EU roaming policy, you will be given a 2 week notice, before a surcharge is applied:

The surcharge will be dropped when you return and stay in the UK for a reasonable time.

For the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, there is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use, however O2 states they may implement a temporary speed limit if your usage is deemed excessive. The O2 Travel Bolt On does not have a fair usage policy, however there is a permanent 2Mbps speed limit in place at all times.

If you exceed your data allowance or go over the 25GB limit when roaming for free in the Europe Zone, you will be charged £3.50 per GB, until your plan resets during the next month.

If you don't have an roaming Bolt On when travelling outside of Europe, or you're not in an eligible country, you will charged at a standard out of plan rate.

The out of plan rate is typically expensive, and varies between countries. For full charges, see O2 roaming rates

The following shows the O2 out of plan rates within a few international destinations.

No, 5G is only available within the UK with O2 . The maximum signal you can get when roaming with O2 is 4G.

Yes, all O2 customers can use their regular allowance for free with O2 Europe Zone, covering 48 European destinations.

Before roaming with O2 , you must enable roaming in your phone’s settings.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

If you're roaming in the EU and go over your data allowance or the 25GB limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your plan resets at the next month.

Yes, you can tether to as many devices as you like when roaming with O2 . Any regular data limitations that apply when roaming will also apply when tethering while roaming.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available with all pay monthly plans for £6 per day. You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 . Alternatively, you can purchase the Bolt On through your O2 account.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is available for free on selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only contracts and Volt plans. You may also choose it for free as an O2 Extra, with eligible plans.

Both Bolt Ons come with unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, they each cover different destinations.

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O2 international roaming FAQ

Staying connected while travelling abroad can be tricky and often costly. However, O2 has one of the most extensive international roaming policies of the UK's major networks – helping them to make the most of their mobile services while overseas.

EU roaming without charges

One of the standout features of O2's international roaming policy is its commitment to providing EU roaming without additional charges. Currently, O2 is the only major network operator that has continued to offer EU roaming without fees for data, calls, and texts up to 25GB. This means customers can use their mobile phones just like they would in the UK when travelling to any of the 48 destinations within O2's Europe Zone.

Those 48 destinations are:

Canary Islands

Czech Republic

French Guiana

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Saint Barthelemy

Saint Martin

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Vatican City

O2 Fair Usage Limit

To ensure international roaming remains fair for all users, O2 has implemented a Fair Usage Limit (FUP). This limit is designed to prevent continuous and excessive use of services outside the UK in its Europe Zone. 

Customers can use O2's services for periodic travel, such as holidays or short breaks. However, if you use O2’s services outside the UK in the Europe Zone for 63 or more days within any four-month period – and cannot demonstrate significant use or presence in the UK – charges may apply after two weeks. The charges for Pay Monthly customers include £3.50/GB for data, 3.3p/minute for calls, and 1p/text.

Roaming limits for O2 tariffs

The roaming limits differ based on the customer's monthly data allowance:

Tariffs with more than 25GB of monthly data: Customers with a UK monthly data allowance exceeding 25GB will have a roaming limit of 25GB within the Europe Zone. Once the limit is reached, customers can still use data, but they will be charged £3.50 per additional gigabyte until they return to the UK, use up their UK data allowance, or reach their next bill cycle.

Tariffs with 25GB or less of monthly data: These tariffs are not subject to the 25GB roaming limit within the Europe Zone. However, customers who exhaust their UK data allowance while roaming abroad will need to purchase a data Bolt On to continue using data. 

What's included and not included

O2's international roaming policy includes making calls and sending texts within the Europe Zone (excluding the UK), receiving calls and texts in the Europe Zone, and using your monthly data allowance while in the Europe Zone. 

However, it does not include making calls or sending texts from the UK to countries outside of the UK, making calls or sending texts to premium rate numbers, directory service numbers, and some non-geographic numbers. 

Additionally, mobile broadband tariffs are only valid for use within the UK, and mobile data usage while on a cruise ship is subject to separate charges.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and O2 Travel Bolt On

For travellers seeking even more extensive coverage and flexibility, O2 offers a couple of options:

1. O2 Travel Inclusive Zone

If you have a O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, you're in luck. This feature provides you with unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming privileges in 27 destinations worldwide. Among the covered locations are popular destinations like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring that you stay connected without worry during your international adventures. The full list of destinations included in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone can be found here.  

2. O2 Travel Bolt On

If O2 Travel Inclusive Zone isn't part of your current plan you can still enjoy communication while abroad by adding the O2 Travel Bolt On to your account. For £6 per day Bolt On grants you unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming access in 63 destinations worldwide. To explore the full list of destinations covered by the O2 Travel Bolt On, follow this link .

3. Virgin Media O2’s Volt

If you have a Virgin Media broadband connection and an O2 mobile contract, you can access the Inclusive Zone at no extra cost in all Plus Plans and Volt bundles which allows you unlimited data, texts and calls in 27 international destinations as well as in Europe. 

In the event that you're not eligible for O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and haven't opted for the O2 Travel Bolt On, or you find yourself roaming in a destination not encompassed by these services, O2's standard roaming rates will apply.

Read more...

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What are mobile roaming and data roaming charges? - Uswitch

Using your phone while travelling overseas can result in some pretty serious charges if you're not careful. Here's what you need to know about mobile roaming and data roaming charges.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Where is the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone? Phone provider’s data policy explained

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We’ve all been there – the plane lands, you whip out your phone and then feel a moment of panic over whether to turn on data roaming.

Let alone agonising over how much it will cost to call home.

Depending on your contract, and your network, using your phone on holiday can be just the same as at home – or very pricey.

It’s all got so much more complicated since Brexit , as some companies reintroduced roaming charges .

The trick is to get clued up and sorted before you go, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Because when you’re hitting the beach for some much-needed R&R , fretting about your phone bill will just pile on the stress.

So if you’re on the O2 network, what’s included – and what isn’t?

Here’s what you need to know.

Is O2 free in Europe?

In its Europe Zone, O2 contracts work as they do in the UK – so you’ll get the same number of minutes, texts and the same data allowance (up to a limit of 25GB). You can use this for up to 63 days in any four-month period – more than this will trigger a ‘fair usage’ text and after that you could be charged £3.50 per GB for data, 3.3p per minute for calls and 1p per text.

If your data allowance is more than 25GB in the UK, it will be capped at that level in Europe – you can use more, but you’ll have to pay for it.

The Europe Zone also applies to pay-as-you-go – data will come out of your allowance or be charged as it would in the UK.

Note that a handful of Europe Zone destinations on pay-as-you-go are slightly different: in Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland, you can buy a travel bolt-on £1.99 for 100MB of data, texts are 1p and calls within these countries or back to the UK for 4p a minute.

Countries in the O2 Europe roaming zone are:

• Canary Islands
• Cyprus* (excluding Northern Cyprus)
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City  

What’s the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone?

The ‘Travel Inclusive Zone’ is a list of 27 countries outside of the Europe Zone.

Countries in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone are:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

Who can get the Travel Inclusive zone?

It’s offered as a bolt-on on certain O2 Selected Plus Plans (including pay monthly and 12 and 24-month sim-only) to cover unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in these areas (with no cap on the data).

It’s not available on 30-day sim-only tariffs or on pay-as-you-go.

What about outside the Travel Inclusive zone?

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If you’re travelling outside of the Europe Zone and do not have the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, then if you’re on pay monthly you can buy the the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 a day which gives unlimited minutes, texts and data in selected destinations.

O2 has a dedicated page where you can check to see if the country you’re visiting is covered. You can add the bolt-on by texting TRAVELON to 21300.

For pay as you go, it’s not offered, so you’ll be charged international roaming rates outside of the Europe Zone.

You can check international roaming rates on O2’s dedicated page – in the US, for example, data is a whopping £7.20 per MB on pay-as-you-go, and calls cost £2 a minute to make and receive.

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Hospitality

The O2 partners with Qatar Airways for The NinetyThird

3 minute read   

Images: The O2 / Luke Dyson

The O2 has launched a new, VIP members club, with Qatar Airways coming on board to back a venture which aims to elevate the premium hospitality experience at London’s live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination.

After plans were first revealed in April, when the project was then titled ‘The Residence’ , The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways has been officially unveiled today (Wednesday) with Qatar’s national carrier taking on naming rights as part of a multi-year deal. The partnership intends to enable Qatar Airways to merge its hospitality with The O2’s evolving premium offering.

Qatar Airways will have unique branding opportunities within the space and across the venue’s out-of-home and digital networks. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will also have exclusive access to tickets for events at The O2 within The NinetyThird through Privilege Club Collection – a newly launched platform, offering members the opportunity to bid from a selection of curated experiences.

With uninterrupted views from every seat of its 300-capacity space, The NinetyThird will also be home to the Walkway – a first-of-its-kind retractable viewing platform, 70ft above the arena floor, accessible only to members within the space.

Matt Botten, senior director of premium seating at The O2, said: “It’s been our biggest investment in premium to date at The O2, and the attention to detail within the space is second to none – it really does reimagine what premium hospitality in a UK arena can offer.”

Set over 1,150 square metres, The NinetyThird is home to the arena’s first high-end, 50-seat, on-site restaurant and several premium bar areas which are all exclusive to members. In addition to the main bar area, members can also visit The Golden Circle, a private, floating bar housed within the space, and Bar 1800 – an intimate cocktail bar serving a range of signature cocktails developed exclusively for the space and inspired by iconic moments in The O2’s history.

The design of the new members club also draws inspiration from the venue’s rich music heritage, with over 50 references to artists, performances, and iconic moments at The O2 arena.

Regarding the new identity of the premium space, Botten added: “The O2 has become synonymous with hosting some of the most iconic artist residencies over the last 16 years – from Prince and Elton John, to most recently six nights of Madonna.

“Up to this point, we’ve had an impressive 92 residencies at The O2, and it felt fitting to honour this new premium space as our 93rd, given that the design of the space has been so heavily influenced by our musical heritage.

“The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways is the ultimate space to entertain and be entertained, and we can’t wait to welcome members to enjoy the space for a packed year of world-class events at The O2.”

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Privacy Overview

Buying a Sim Card for Qatar in 2024

Are you planning your trip to Qatar and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Don’t get stuck with high roaming costs when traveling to Qatar and definitely don’t trust slow overseas data roaming packages from your provider at home, especially during this big event.

In this guide you find everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card for Qatar. Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival, up to date prices as per January 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Qatar, the best e-sim cards for Qatar, buying a sim card at Doha International Airport, my recommendations and even info about international sim cards for Qatar.

The first thing I do when I get to a new country is buying a local prepaid sim card. It is mostly the cheapest way to stay connected and get big data packages. However, sometimes it is easier to simply get an e-sim card online. More about that later.

For the last 10 years I am a full time nomadic world traveler trying to visit every country in the world (150+ countries now) and therefore on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 prepaid sim card guides from all over the world: Dubai , Abu Dhabi ,  Turkey , USA , Mexico , Spain , France , Germany , Europe , United Kingdom , Brazil , Argentina , Saudi Arabia and cities like New York , London , Istanbul , Hong Kong , Paris , Singapore , Australia , Philippines , Brazil  and many more.

Next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends buying an Ooredoo sim card at Doha International Airport on arrival. Ooredoo has the strongest 4G/5G network in Qatar and the fastest data speed and they have a good prepaid sim card deal for tourists.

Ooredoo was the Official Global Connectivity Services Provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They did an amazing job keeping everyone connected during the event and even in stadiums with so many people together in one place I could still upload on super fast 5G speed. Thumbs up for Ooredoo.

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E-sim cards are also recommended. You can buy an e-sim card for Qatar via Airalo , SimOptions and Nomad . With an e-sim card you arrive prepared and are online as soon as the plane lands. More info below.

Buying a prepaid sim card in Qatar on arrival is easy but if you want to arrive prepared in Qatar then I advice you to buy a travel sim card with data for Qatar. Check out my comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024  and pick the one that suits your trip the best.

These pre-activated global sim cards will be shipped to your home address before your trip. 

Best e-sim cards for Qatar

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Qatar in 2024 is an e-sim card. Arrange everything online within just a couple minutes: right here, right now! No more swapping sim cards or buying a physical sim card from a store, an e-sim card makes it possible.

You order an e-sim card for Qatar on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Qatar e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Qatar it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Qatar.

Airalo is a trusted e-sim provider that Traveltomtom has used in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card deals for Qatar in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $9 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $17.50 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here for more info or to directly order a Qatar e-sim card via Airalo .

The above Qatar e-sim cards are from Pearl Mobile, a third party MVNO that operates on the 4G/LTE network of Vodafone.

SimOptions is another trusted e-sim provider and they sell international e-sim cards valid in up to 141 countries, including Qatar:

• 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 8 days = $19.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for Qatar via SimOptions .

• 3 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $37 USD

Click here for more info or to directly order a Qatar e-sim card via Nomad .

Why buying a sim card for Qatar

Traveltomtom recommends staying connected while traveling to Qatar and getting either a local prepaid sim card, international sim card or an e-sim card for Qatar. Read below why…

Is there free public WiFi in Qatar?

Qatar is very advanced when it comes to free WiFi. There is free WiFi in every shopping mall, hotel, restaurant, etc. But in fan zones, stadiums or other public gatherings? With so many people trying to connect at the same time to a public WiFi network, the data connection could be very slow, not stable or not working at all. Also keep in mind that surfing the internet on public WiFi is through an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN in these situations is recommended for security reasons.

Overseas roaming plans

I am sure your provider from home offers you to use your own sim card in Qatar by activating a data roaming package for a set fee per day. Often they promise you even unlimited internet per day, but did you read the fine-print? Unlimited internet at which speed? There is a very extensive 5G network in Qatar, but with a data roaming package from your home provider you won’t be able to connect to 5G in Qatar.

In fact you are a visitor on someone’s network, meaning you will be last in line! Data speed for data roaming packages on your own prepaid sim card from home will be significantly lower than local prepaid sim cards or e-sim cards.

Be aware that without being connected to the internet traveling in Qatar gets much more complicated. You need a data connection to order a taxi through an app, to get directions or look up things, use a translator app, check the live scores or what about emergencies, check the payments with your phone, etc. Reasons enough to make sure you stay connected when visiting Qatar.

Mobile Internet Operators in Qatar

Qatar is a very small country and there are just 2 mobile internet providers in Qatar: Ooredoo and Vodafone. Both of them have an extensive 4G/5G network and offer prepaid sim cards for tourists. Both providers also offer e-sim cards for tourists that you can buy on arrival at for example the airport.

Where to buy a prepaid sim card in Qatar

Buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Qatar gives you a little more value for money than international or e-sim cards for Qatar. So here is where you can get a sim card with data when you decide to buy one in Qatar.

Doha International Airport - DOH

Thee best place to buy a tourist sim card for Qatar is on arrival at Doha Airport. There are multiple opportunities to get your Qatar sim card in the arrival hall.

You will find a Vodafone store all the way on the left side when you walk into the arrival hall from baggage claim.

The Ooredoo store is on your right hand side when walking into the arrival hall from the baggage claim.

Doha Airport is the most convenient and fastest place to buy a Qatar prepaid sim card. If you walk into the arrival hall you will already see staff walking around guiding you if you want to buy a sim card.

Here are the prices and prepaid sim card plans they offer for tourists at Doha Airport.

As you can see there is a wide array of prepaid sim cards for tourists available and prices are cheaper than e-sim cards and international sim cards for Qatar.

There is also a vending machine with self service for those who don't want to queue up at one of the stores.

you can’t miss the two stores of the mobile internet operators in Qatar. On your left hand side you will see an Ooredoo store and a Vodafone store. Buying a sim card for Qatar on arrival at Doha International Airport is easy.

Official retail store of Vodafone and Ooredoo

If you are looking for the cheapest prepaid sim cards for Qatar then buy your Qatar sim card in the city and not at Doha Airport. You will save a couple dollars, but not much.

In any bigger shopping mall you will find stores of Ooredoo and Vodafone who will be able to sell tourist sim cards for Qatar and in general the official retail stores provide very good service. 

If you were not able to buy a prepaid sim card for Qatar at Doha International Airport and wondering where is the nearest store of Vodafone or Ooredoo then simply use Google Maps to locate the one nearest to your hotel.

Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a prepaid sim card for Qatar at a random phone store. I am sure there will be people selling Qatar sim cards in phone shop that might work fine. However, there is a risk as these phone stores don’t have the ability to officially register your sim card with your passport. 

Registration process

You can only buy a prepaid sim card in Qatar with an official form of identification. For tourists that means a passport. A copy of your passport will be taken in the store and your new Qatar sim card and phone number will be registered on your name and linked to your passport number.

Tourists can only register 1 prepaid sim card per passport in Qatar! If this is something you would like to avoid for some reason then look into ordering an e-sim card for Qatar. Traveltomtom recommends using Airalo , Nomad or SimOptions . You don't need an ID registration for activating an e-sim card for Qatar.

Internet censorship in Qatar

Keep in mind that Qatar is a conservative Muslim country and there might be a couple thing different than in your own country. According to Wikipedia Qatar filters pornography, political criticism of Gulf countries, gay and lesbian content, sexual health resources, dating and escort services, and privacy and circumvention tools.

But good news for those that like to use dating apps: Tinder works like normal and is a popular app to use in Qatar.

Prices prepaid sim cards in Qatar in 2024

Let's compare the prepaid sim card packages of Vodafone and Ooredoo in order to find the best sim card for Qatar. All info and prices below are updated in January 2024 and 10 QAR = $2.75 USD and $1 USD = 3.64 QAR.

A Vodafone prepaid sim card costs 10 QAR and then you have to top up with one of the following available packages:

• 3 GB data + 120 minutes = 30 QAR
• 4 GB data + 200 minutes = 50 QAR
• 8 GB data + 240 minutes = 60 QAR - $16 USD
• 16 GB data + 360 minutes = 100 QAR - $27.5 USD
• 24 GB data + 750 minutes = 150 QAR

Vodafone offers physical prepaid sim cards as well as e-sim cards for tourists. For more information check out the Vodafone Qatar website .

A sim card of Ooredoo is free and tourists visiting the World Cup football can choose from the following two Fan Sim Card deals:

• 2 GB data + 25 minutes for 7 days = 35 QAR
• 20 GB data + 400 minutes for 30 days = 150 QAR

Ooredoo offers physical prepaid sim cards as well as e-sim cards for tourists. For more info check the Ooredoo Qatar website .

Best 4G/5G network in Qatar in 2024

If you are visiting Qatar then you want to make sure to stay connected to the fastest data network available. Both Vodafone and Ooredoo have extensive mobile networks across the country.

Is there 5G in Qatar?

Yes, there is 5G in Qatar. Both Ooreedoo and Vodafone cover most of the popular tourist destinations, cities and bigger towns with an excellent 5G signal.

Let’s compare the Qatar 4G/5G network coverage maps to find out which provider has the best 4G/5G network coverage in Qatar in 2024.

Vodafone 4G/5G network coverage map

Ooredoo 4G/5G network coverage map

From the above 4G/5G coverage maps for Qatar we can clearly see that the Ooredoo network is a little stronger and more extensive than the Vodafone network, which makes it a simple conclusion that Ooredoo has the best 4G/5G network in Qatar in 2024.

However, the Vodafone network also reaches all the best places to visit in Qatar.

Best sim card for Qatar in 2024

After comparing the best prepaid sim cards in Qatar and the e-sim cards available on the internet Traveltomtom came to the following conclusion.

International and e-Sim cards for Qatar are very easy to order online and the most convenient way to get connected when traveling to Qatar. However, they give you much less data for the same price and are data-only. SimOptions has the best e-sim card deal for Qatar with an e-sim for $17.90 with 6 GB data . Which is less than $3 USD per Gigabyte.

If you are looking for the cheapest prepaid sim card deal in Qatar then buy a Vodafone sim card on arrival in Qatar. Vodafone prepaid sim cards for tourists are cheaper than Ooredoo. However, Ooredoo has the best 4G/5G network in Qatar and faster data speed.

They also were the official sponsor and service provider for the World Cup Football in Qatar 2022 and during that event I had excellent experiences with an Ooredoo sim card.

Ooredoo is the best prepaid sim card in Qatar in 2024, but a Vodafone sim card is definitely not a bad substitute and a great prepaid sim card for tourists as well.

Order a prepaid sim card for Qatar online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible and buying a sim card on arrival in Qatar sounds like too much hassle then look into the following.

Arrive prepared in Qatar with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Qatar, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

These international sim cards with data coverage in Qatar are pre-activated. It is plug and play!

Check out the following international prepaid sim card deal from SimOptions:

• 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD 

Click here to order an international sim card for Qatar via SimOptions .

Last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can order an e-sim card for Qatar on the internet and get yourself all set up and connected for traveling to Qatar within just a couple minutes. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Qatar via  Airalo , Nomad or SimOptions .

How to get from Doha Airport to the city

There are busses and metros that connect the city with Doha International Airport, but my preferred way of getting to the city is a taxi. You can easily order an Uber or a Careem taxi through the app and you will be surprised how affordable it is. For about $15 USD you get from Doha International Airport to the city center.

I hope all the above tips for getting connected in Qatar were helpful for your upcoming trip. Let me know if you have any more questions and I am more than happy to help you out!

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Qatar!

Some links in this article about the best sim cards for visiting Qatar are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

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First look at The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways at The O2 when redeeming Avios for events

• 25 January 2024

Qatar Airways Privilege Club recently launched the new Privilege Club Collection platform, available to all its members. This will give Privilege Club members access to unique events and experiences.

The Privilege Club Collection platform will allow members to bid for exclusive experiences, including access to VIP tickets at The O2 arena for concerts featuring artists such as Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Liam Gallagher and The Jonas Brothers, as well as VIP and pitch-side tickets to Paris Saint-Germain matches, signed jerseys and more.

For the O2, you get a couple of extras included with the tickets. This includes access to the Walkway, premium entry lanes, the NinetyThird space and access to the American Express Lounge.

The Walkway is the O2’s latest VIP experience where you get to stand 70ft above the crowds. During the show the walkway retracts so it doesn’t block the view. You also have to put your mobile in a plastic pouch for safety reasons when on the platform.

You can see all the latest events available to buy with Avios on this Qatar Airways page. 

At the moment, the following concerts are available for redemption at the O2:

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow Party at The O2 – 18 February
• John Mayer – 18 March

Coming soon

• Liam Gallagher: Definitely Maybe – 10-11 June
• Jonas Brothers – 12 June

I am currently on my way to Thailand via Oslo with Qatar Airways, so I sent my partner Geoff to have a look at the new Premium Club Qatar Airways suite at the O2 and see Depeche Mode. This was the first event you could redeem Avios for, although the official launch was yesterday.

The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has taken on the naming rights for the new premium members club at The O 2 , which launches today, in a multi-year deal brokered by AEG Global Partnerships. The new VIP members club will now be known as The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways.

Customers of Qatar Airways will also have exclusive access to tickets for events within the new members club through the airline’s Privilege Club Collection.

The first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the suite. It is absolutely huge, much bigger than the others. It is situated at the far end of the hall on the upper level. So, if you are a super fan who wants to get up close, this may not be the best option.

However, if you want a truly luxurious experience away from the crowds and a unique chance to try the Walkway, then this is for you. 

It has a full range of facilities, including bars and a restaurant. The feel is very much of modern opulence and luxury, which you may not expect at a large concert venue. 

There are plenty of comfortable seating areas to enjoy a drink before or during the show. 

There are several bars to grab a drink, and there is a comprehensive list of wines, spirits and cocktails, including a mocktail as well.

Prices are on par with a hotel bar in London. 

Here is the list:

This bar reminds me of Qatar’s onboard A380 bar:

There is also a long bar as well which gives you an idea of the scale of the place.

And a second round bar where you can sit at the bar. I love the wall of bottles as well. 

With so many seating areas, I don’t suppose it would ever feel very crowded, which is good. Directly outside the suite is a seating area the same as the rest of the 02 for when you want to enjoy the show. 

If you want to have a meal, there is also a full restaurant which looks impressive with its marble tables and dark blue booths. 

As you can see by the decor, the whole suite has a music theme from the pictures to the cocktail names. There are lots of different artworks inspired by historic moments in music from engraved setlists from superstar residencies with the likes of Elton John, to a homage to the venue’s ‘21 Club’ and Prince’s iconic 21-night residency at the venue in 2007.

The menu is pretty simple, but most people will find something to their taste, given the range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

For more information on Premium at The O2, or to enquire about a membership with The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways, visit the website here .

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Travelling to Qatar? Our Qatar eSIM Plans Have You Covered

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Qatar Airways is designing new premium cabins, including an evolved Q-Suite '2.0,' business, and first class on the upcoming Boeing 777X

• Qatar Airways is evolving its high-dollar business and first class cabins.
• A "QSuite 2.0" will be unveiled in July, and a new first class will be deployed on the Boeing 777X.
• The plan to add first class reverses a decision previously made by Qatar's former CEO.

Qatar Airways' new top executive has revealed more information about the future of the airline's most premium cabins as it continues to try to one-up the competition.

In an interview with CNBC on Friday, CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer said a new business class design, dubbed the "QSuite 2.0," will be unveiled this summer at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

The new product is a follow-up to Qatar's already award-winning QSuite model , which was first launched in 2017 and described by Al Meer as the "benchmark" for airline business class.

"We've been waiting to see if any of our competitors will be able to raise this benchmark even higher," he told CNBC, claiming nobody has yet to do. "So, we've decided to take this by ourselves."

He explained the company has made "multiple modifications and upgrades to the existing QSuite," which it plans to install on its future fleet.

Related stories

Qatar's current QSuite, which is only installed on certain A350 and Boeing 777 planes, includes luxuries like a privacy door and the option to convert some seats into double beds or four-person sitting areas.

Qatar reverses decision not to install first class on its future Boeing 777X planes

Also on deck is a new first-class cabin, which Al Meer told CNBC would be featured on Qatar's upcoming Boeing 777X jets .

The plane is still going through the certification process (and is already behind schedule) , but Al Meer said Qatar expects to receive its first 777X by the end of 2025.

The airline has ordered 74 of the widebody twin-engine aircraft.

"I know we have been always pushing away the concept of having a first-class cabin on board our aircraft," Al Meer told CNBC, referring to former CEO Akbar al Baker's prior decision to ditch frst class to focus on the QSuite.

"I've decided the last few months that we have to introduce [a] first class cabin," Al Meer continued. "Especially when we have to exit the [Airbus] A380."

The A380 is the only aircraft in the company's fleet that features a first class, but the new 777X offering will take its place once Qatar eventually retires the mammoth quad-jet.

The economics of operating a long-haul first class are tricky, though. For example, American Airlines has opted to eliminate international first class in favor of a new "flagship" business class because people "aren't buying [first]."

However, the first-class cabin — which Al Meer described to CNBC as a "very high demand" product — is still a popular option on many major Middle Eastern and Asian carriers like Emirates , Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.

Al Meer expressed confidence in Qatar's ability to create a competitive product and lure in high-dollar customers, telling CNBC that "nobody can develop first-class cabin better than us."

He noted, however, that the cabin would not be offered on all aircraft and would be strategically deployed only on specific routes.

"We will know how many aircraft we need with the first class cabin to make sure that we utilize it to the best that we can," Al Meer said, assuring customers it will offer the "same value" in terms of cost as the A380 first class.

Moreover, he explained Qatar is taking advantage of its combined knowledge of commercial flying and private flying to develop the new first-class seat — the latter expertise is thanks to its private jet arm known as Qatar Executive.

"We are 70-80% ready," he told CNBC. "We are only finalizing colors and small touches, but hopefully, we will be able to announce very soon."

Watch: The true cost of the Qatar 2022 World Cup

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