Are you thinking of traveling to Bahrain soon and looking for the best travel eSIM?
Many eSIM providers are available nowadays, but not all are equal or good.
Some offer unlimited data, while others include a phone number for local, regional, or global use.
Some have blazing-fast speeds, while others have extended validity.
Whatever you need, there will be an eSIM for your liking.
In the case of Bahrain, I recommend one of these eSIM providers, which I have tested in numerous countries on multiple continents:
- Airalo
- Alosim
- Holafly
- Nomad
What do they offer?
| eSIM | Packages | Prices | Data | Phone Number? | 5G NR? | Discount Code(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 4 | 5 USD – 18 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | No | No | MAY10 (10%) & MAY15 (15%) 2 |
| Alosim | 4 | 6.50 USD – 24.50 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | Yes (CA/US number) 1 | Yes | PTW (5%) |
| Holafly | 6 | 29 USD – 79 USD | 2.5 GB for 5 days – 15 GB for 30 days | No | No | PHONETRAVELWIZ (5%) |
| Nomad | 3 | 12 USD – 45 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | No | Yes | ADU123 (3 USD) 3 |
1 Alosim allows you to pick a Canadian (CA) or American (US) phone number through its sister app Hushed, giving you credits worth 30 minutes (within Bahrain or from Bahrain to anywhere else) or 50 texts (same conditions as calling)
2 if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM, use code APR15 for 15% off. You can still get 10% off using code APR10 if you are an existing customer. Note each code has a redemption limit of 3000 (while the codes of Alosim and Holafly have no redemption limit)
3 if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM, use code ADU123 for 3 USD off. On Tuesdays, use NOMADTUE for 10% off on plans of 10 GB or higher
What about eSIMs global eSIMs exist? Of course!
| eSIM | Global eSIMs? | Countries | Phone Number? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Yes (Discover(+)) | 120+ | Yes (Discover+ only) |
| Alosim | No | N/A | N/A |
| Holafly | No | N/A | N/A |
| Nomad | Yes (Global 109/136) | 109 & 136 | No |
The discount codes I highlighted earlier can also be redeemed for any regional or global eSIM.
Now that we have an overview of our options let's go through each and find out about their benefits.
But if you already have an eSIM provider in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad.
Original publication: 11th of October 2022. Last updated: 1st of May 2024.
Table of Contents
Airalo Bahrain eSIMs
Airalo has two kinds of eSIMs that can be used in Bahrain: Saar Mobile and Discover(+).
Below is a quick overview:
| eSIM | Coverage | Packages | Prices | Data | 5G NR in Bahrain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saar Mobile | Bahrain only | 5 USD – 18 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | No | |
| Discover(+) | Bahrain & 120+ countries globally | 12 (6 for Discover & 6 for Discover+) | 9/15 USD – 69/89 USD 1 | 1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days (1 year) | Yes |
1 9 USD and 69 USD apply to the Discover eSIM. Discover+ eSIM costs between 15 USD and 89 USD
Remember to use code MAY15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM before OR code MAY10 for 10% off if you are an existing Airalo user (valid until the 31st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).
If you already have an eSIM variant in mind, click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Saar Mobile and Discover(+).
Airalo was the first eSIM store launched in 2019.
It is also the largest eSIM provider, covering more than 200 countries and territories.
The first eSIM I ever tested was one from Airalo (in the Netherlands).
This is why I have tested Airalo eSIMs in more countries than other providers.
Airalo gives each country's eSIM a unique name that is often related to said nation.
Airalo Saar Mobile (Bahrain) eSIM
Airalo's Bahrain eSIM is called Saar Mobile.
As highlighted in the table earlier, there are four Bahrain Saar Mobile eSIM variants:
- Bahrain/Saar Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bahrain/Saar Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 9 USD
- Bahrain/Saar Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bahrain/Saar Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
With the Airalo Saar Mobile eSIM, you can use the STC Bahrain network.
In my Bahrain SIM card buying guide, I tell you more about which Bahraini mobile operator is/are the best in coverage or speed so you can manually select the network that would suit your needs.
Airalo Discover(+) eSIM
Lastly, we have the Airalo's global Discover and Discover+ eSIMs.
These eSIMs can be used in Bahrain and 120+ other countries on each continent.
Previously, Airalo's Discover Global eSIM was kind of… meh.
I have had a decent experience with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.
The new Discover(+) eSIMs have a maximum validity of 365 days (instead of 180) and can use 5G NR in most destinations.
Moreover, the + variant gives you an Austrian (+43) phone number.
As a result, the Discover+ eSIM can be up to 20 USD more expensive than the Discover eSIM, but the benefits are worth it, in my opinion (I have the + variant installed on my phone).
These Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs are available:
- Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
- Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
- Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
- Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
- Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
- Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
- Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
- Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
- Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
The Discover(+) eSIM can use the Zain Bahrain network (with 5G NR access).
For an entire list of countries where the eSIM can be used, you should check out my ongoing Airalo Discover+ eSIM review.
Although the map below may be helpful if you know your world map well.
In every country I visit where I test country-specific Airalo eSIMs, I also try out its Discover+ eSIM (if it can be used there).
So you better check it out now and then to see if I wrote about the country/countries you plan to visit and read about the eSIM's performance in said country, as it is not always perfect.
Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Japan) still refer to Discover Global and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.
Airalo eSIMs for Bahrain Summarized
To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Airalo eSIM covered in this section:
- Saar Mobile:
- can be used in Bahrain only
- is priced between 5 USD and 18 USD
- has four variants (1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days)
- has no 5G NR access
- has no phone number
- Discover:
- can be used in Bahrain and 120+ countries worldwide
- is priced between 9 USD and 69 USD
- has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days)
- has 5G NR access on all supported networks in Bahrain (and in many other countries)
- has no phone number
- Discover+:
- can be used in Bahrain and 120+ countries worldwide
- is priced between 15 USD and 89 USD
- has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days)
- has 5G NR access on all supported networks in Bahrain (and in many other countries)
- includes an Austrian phone number
- offers up 200 international minutes and 200 international SMS (to any country worldwide, including those the eSIM cannot be used in)
Alosim Bahrain eSIM
Airalo has only one eSIM that can be used in Bahrain: Bahrain.
Below is a quick overview:
| eSIM | Coverage | Packages | Prices | Data | 5G NR in Bahrain? | Phone Number? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | Bahrain only | 4 | 6.50 USD – 24.50 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | Yes | Yes |
Remember that you can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).
Alosim is backed by AffinityClick, which is known for the Hushed app.
That app with the tagline “Temporary & Second Phone Number App for Wifi, Data Calling & Texting” has over 8 million downloads.
It took a while, but AffinityClick finally bundled its product, which is a big deal.
Why? With any Alosim eSIM purchase, you will get a Hushed redemption code, giving you up to 30 international minutes or 50 international SMS.
You get a free +1 (American or Canadian) phone number from one of the more than 300 supported area codes.
While it would be fantastic to get an Bahraini phone number instead, it is impossible to get one for the time being due to local regulations.
Either way, Alosim is the only eSIM provider that gives you a phone number for each eSIM purchase.
And it has eSIMs for over 170 countries, including Bahrain.
Alosim Bahrain eSIM
For Bahrain, you have the following four choices:
- Bahrain 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6.50 USD
- Bahrain 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 12 USD
- Bahrain 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 16.50 USD
- Bahrain 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24.50 USD
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
Alosim's Bahrain eSIM gives you access to the Zain Bahrain (5G) network.
For more information on how Bahraini mobile operator perform, check out my Bahrain SIM card buying guide, where I discuss the performance of each SIM card (in terms of coverage and speed).
Alosim eSIMs for Bahrain Summarized
To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Alosim eSIM covered in this section:
- Bahrain:
- is priced between 6.50 USD and 24.50 USD
- has four variants (1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days)
- has 5G NR access
- includes a free +1 (American or Canadian) phone number through Hushed
- allows for up to 30 international calls and/or 30 international SMS (within Bahrain or from Bahrain to any other country)
Holafly Bahrain eSIM
Holafly has only one eSIM that can be used in Bahrain: Bahrain.
Below is a quick overview:
| eSIM | Coverage | Packages | Prices | Data | 5G NR in Bahrain? | Phone Number? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | Bahrain only | 6 | 29 USD – 79 USD | 2.5 GB for 5 days – 15 GB for 30 days | No | No |
Remember that you can use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off any Holafly purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).
Holafly made a name for itself by introducing unlimited data plans in June 2022, which was uncommon back then.
Now, it has eSIMs for more than 160 countries.
And more than 100 of them have unlimited data plans.
Holafly Bahrain eSIM
For Bahrain, you have the following six choices:
- Bahrain 2.5 GB eSIM for 5 days, costing 29 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bahrain 3.5 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bahrain 5 GB eSIM for 10 days, costing 44 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bahrain 7.5 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD
- Bahrain 10 GB eSIM for 20 days, costing 59 USD
- Bahrain 15 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 79 USD
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
Be aware that as of mid-2023, Holafly eSIMs with unlimited data plans (excluding European ones) are speed-restricted to 18 Mbps (the speeds are even slower in some countries).
While 18 Mbps is not exactly a snail's speed, much faster speeds are available for lower prices with other eSIM providers mentioned in this guide.
However, none of them have unlimited data plans for Bahrain.
Anyway, with this eSIM, you can use the Zain Bahrain network.
Holafly eSIMs for Bahrain Summarized
To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Holafly eSIM covered in this section:
- Bahrain:
- is priced between 29 USD and 79 USD
- has six variants (2.5 GB for 5 days – 15 GB for 30 days)
- has no 5G NR access
- has no phone number
Nomad Bahrain eSIMs
Nomad has two kinds of eSIMs that can be used in Bahrain: Bahrain and Global.
Below is a quick overview:
| eSIM | Coverage | Packages | Prices | Data | 5G NR in Bahrain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | Bahrain only | 3 | 12 USD – 45 USD | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | Yes 2 |
| Global | Bahrain & 108/135 other countries | 6 (3 for 109 countries & 3 for 136 countries) | 25/19 USD – 45/57 USD 1 | 1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days | Yes 3 |
1 25 USD and 45 USD apply to the 109 Countries Plan. 136 Countries Plan eSIMs costs between 19 USD and 57 USD
2 5G NR access for most eSIM options (except for 1 GB for 7 days (6 USD variant))
3 5G NR access is available for the 136 Countries Plan eSIMs only
Nomad is an eSIM provider covering over 160 countries.
It also has the strongest presence in Asia in terms of number of packages for country-specific countries and (sub-)regional eSIMs.
And very generous data plans are available (up to 50 GB).
Unlike many eSIM providers that refer to Asia as several East- and Southeast Asian countries, Nomad has eSIMs covering those regions + Oceania and South Asia.
Nomad Bahrain eSIM
For Bahrain, you have these three choices:
- Bahrain 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (eSIM Go), costing 12 USD
- Bahrain 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 30 USD
- Bahrain 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 45 USD
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
If an eSIM is powered by JoyTelecom, you can use 5G NR or some or all supported Bahraini mobile networks. If the eSIM is powered by Global1SIM, Nomad Black (Tele2 Sweden), Singtel, or Truphone (rebranded to 1Global) instead, you will be restricted to 4G/LTE.
Because these providers are different, you can access different Bahraini mobile networks depending on who powers them.
The best way to find out is by pressing See Details on the Nomad Bahrain eSIM product page.
My Bahrain SIM card buying guide will inform you which network is/are the best regarding coverage and speed.
Nomad Global eSIM
At last, we have the Nomad Global eSIM.
Depending on your chosen variant, the eSIM can be used in 109 or 136 countries.
Truphone (rebranded to 1Global) powers the 109 Countries Plan, giving you up to 4G/LTE access.
Meanwhile, the 136 Countries Plan is powered by eSIM Go, giving you 5G NR access in about half of the supported countries.
Each plan has three eSIMs: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days.
Below is a price list of all the Nomad Global eSIMs:
- Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (109 Countries), costing 25 USD
- Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (136 Countries), costing 19 USD
- Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries), costing 40 USD
- Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (136 Countries), costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries), costing 45 USD
- Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (136 Countries), costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 1st of May.
Because I have no ongoing review for this eSIM (its short validity makes it challenging to be a proper global eSIM), you can use the Nomad Global product page or the map below to find all supported countries.
Nomad eSIMs for Bahrain Summarized
To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Nomad eSIM covered in this section:
- Bahrain:
- is priced between 12 USD and 45 USD
- has three variants (1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days)
- has 5G NR access
- has no phone number
- Global:
- can be used in Bahrain and 108/135 other countries globally
- 109 Countries Plan (powered by Truephone/1Global)
- 136 Countries Plan (powered by eSIM Go)
- is priced between 19 USD and 57 USD
- 109 Countries Plan: 25 USD – 45 USD
- 136 Countries Plan: 19 USD – 57 USD
- has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days)
- 109 Countries Plan: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days
- 136 Countries Plan: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days
- has 5G NR access in Bahrain (and numerous other countries)
- 109 Countries Plan: no 5G NR access
- 136 Countries Plan: 5G NR access in Bahrain (and numerous other countries)
- has no phone number
- can be used in Bahrain and 108/135 other countries globally
Overview of the Best eSIMs for Bahrain
That was a lot of info we went over, so let's try to summarize everything.
Bahrain-only eSIMs:
- Cheapest 3 GB Bahrain eSIM: Airalo (12.50 USD)
- Cheapest 5 GB Bahrain eSIM: Airalo (18 USD)
- Cheapest 10 GB Bahrain eSIM: Holafly (59 USD)
- Provider with unlimited data plans for Bahrain: N/A
- Bahrain eSIM with the longest validity: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad (30 days)
- Bahrain eSIM with 5G NR: Alosim & Nomad
- Bahrain eSIM with phone numbers: Alosim (American/Canadian)
Asia/APAC eSIMs covering Bahrain:
- Cheapest 3 GB Asia/APAC eSIM: N/A
- Cheapest 5 GB Asia/APAC eSIM: N/A
- Cheapest 10 GB Asia/APAC eSIM: N/A
- Provider with unlimited data plans for Bahrain and Asia: N/A
- Asia/APAC eSIM with the longest validity: N/A
- Asia/APAC eSIM with 5G NR in Bahrain: N/A
- Asia/APAC eSIM with phone numbers: N/A
Regarding global eSIMs, Airalo's Discover(+) eSIM is cheaper, has more generous data allowances & longer validity than Nomad's Global eSIM (and includes a phone number for the + variant).
However, Nomad's eSIM has better coverage (135+ instead of 120+ countries).
Do not forget to use one of these discount codes for extra savings:
- Airalo: MAY15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. If you have, use MAY10 for 10% off (each code can be used 3000 times among all Airalo customers, so better redeem it quickly!
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD (or your currency's equivalent) if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM
Enjoy Bahrain (and neighboring countries)!