Which eSIM providers are there in Oman? The three local operators, Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone Oman, all offer eSIM, and Apple lists all three for eSIM on iPhone. They suit you if you live in Oman or want an Omani number. If you're visiting and only need data, a travel eSIM you install before you fly is simpler. This guide compares them and shows how to set each one up.
A travel eSIM is bought online, installed on Wi-Fi at home and connects when you land in Muscat. It has no phone number, so you keep your home number for calls and texts.
Data-only plans for Oman, from short stopovers to longer trips · See all Oman eSIMs · All destinations
eSIM providers in Oman at a glance
Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone includes three operators for Oman: Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone. Omantel is also listed for eSIM Quick Transfer. All three are listed for other activation methods and for prepaid plans for international travelers. Here are your options:
- Omantel: eSIM for its Baqati postpaid and Hayyak prepaid plans, plus a Tourist eSIM Pack on its prepaid page.
- Ooredoo Oman: eSIM on smartphones, tablets and wearables, plus Tourist plans for visitors.
- Vodafone Oman: eSIM for its customers, plus Visitor plans.
- Travel eSIM: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, ready before you leave.
The local options can give you an Omani number and local minutes. The travel eSIM gives you data and nothing else. Which one fits depends on whether you need local calls.
Omantel eSIM
According to Omantel's eSIM page, eSIM is available for all Baqati postpaid and Hayyak prepaid plans. You can set it up in the Omantel app on iOS or at an Omantel outlet, where you get a QR code. For the app you submit a copy of your ID, passport or residence card and a personal photo. Omantel says a prepaid eSIM is charged as the Hayyak starter kit only. On iPhone with iOS 16 or later you can also use Quick Transfer under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Omantel Tourist eSIM Pack
Omantel's prepaid page lists a Tourist eSIM Pack. When we checked, it described unlimited local data, 1 GB of free local data for one day from activation, international SMS and a 30-day validity. It is for local use only, so roaming isn't included. To subscribe you can visit an Omantel outlet or partner with a valid passport, dial *455# or use the Omantel app. The page didn't state a price, so check it before you buy.
Ooredoo Oman eSIM
Ooredoo's eSIM guide says the service works on smartphones, tablets and wearables, and that you can request activation online, in the Ooredoo app or in a store. You then scan the QR code in your phone's cellular settings. The page doesn't mention ID requirements or visitors, so ask Ooredoo if you're unsure.
Ooredoo Tourist plans
Ooredoo's Tourist Pack page lists three plans when we checked:
- Tourist 5: 8 GB, 50 local minutes, 50 international minutes, 50 SMS, 10 days.
- Tourist 10: 18 GB, 100 local minutes, 100 international minutes, 100 SMS, 15 days.
- Tourist 20: unlimited data and local minutes, 200 international minutes, 200 SMS, 20 days.
The page says you can get a Tourist SIM at stores in airports and across the country, and that you need your original passport. The free allowances are for local use only. The page doesn't mention eSIM for these plans, so ask Ooredoo whether you can get one as an eSIM. Prices and allowances change, so check the page first.
Vodafone Oman eSIM
Vodafone Oman has an eSIM page for its customers. It lists compatible phones, including recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Oppo and Huawei models, and has separate steps for new and existing customers. To order a SIM you use the My Vodafone app, as its Get a SIM page explains.
For visitors, Vodafone lists three Visitor plans with 8 GB, 20 GB and unlimited local data, valid for 7 or 14 days. The pages we checked don't say whether visitors can get these as an eSIM or what ID you need, so confirm with Vodafone before you rely on it.
Oman travel eSIM: data without a local SIM
When your trip is short, you may not want to visit a store or show your passport at the airport. A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. Here is what the SimOptions Oman plans include, according to their plan details:
- Data only: no phone number, calls or SMS. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls.
- Speed: 4G and 5G, where the network has it.
- Activation: it activates automatically when you reach Oman.
- Top-ups: available, and the eSIM stays valid for 1 year if you don't use it.
How much data do you need?
The Oman plans range from 1 GB for 3 days to 60 GB for 90 days. As a rough guide:
- A few days in Muscat: 1 GB to 5 GB for maps, messages and ride apps.
- About a week or two: 10 GB to 20 GB, especially with a rental car and GPS.
- A month or longer: 50 GB for 30 days, or 60 GB for 90 days.
Want to compare more? See our guide to the best eSIMs for Oman. Visiting the region? Our Middle East eSIMs and guides to the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain cover the neighbours.
How to set up your Oman travel eSIM
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. See our guide to checking eSIM compatibility and the list of eSIM supported devices.
- Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM. On iPhone, Apple's steps are in Set up an eSIM on iPhone.
- Label the line "Oman" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
- When you land in Muscat, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.
Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?
An Omantel, Ooredoo or Vodafone eSIM fits if
- You live in Oman or stay for several months.
- You need an Omani number for local calls or services.
- You don't mind showing your ID or passport.
A travel eSIM fits if
- You're on a short trip and want data the moment you land.
- You want to sort it out at home, with no airport queue.
- You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.
Check your own operator's roaming prices too. See our guide to roaming settings for an eSIM.
FAQs
Which eSIM should I get for Oman?
If you only need data, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. If you need an Omani number or local minutes, look at Omantel, Ooredoo or Vodafone Oman.
Is eSIM available in Oman?
Yes. Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone Oman all offer eSIM, and Apple lists all three for eSIM on iPhone. You can also use a data-only travel eSIM from SimOptions.
Does Omantel offer eSIM for tourists?
Omantel lists a Tourist eSIM Pack on its prepaid page, with unlimited local data and a 30-day validity when we checked. Its eSIM page itself only names Baqati and Hayyak plans, so confirm the details with Omantel.
Does Ooredoo Oman have an eSIM for tourists?
Ooredoo offers eSIM and sells Tourist plans, but the Tourist Pack page doesn't mention eSIM. Ask Ooredoo if you want a visitor plan as an eSIM.
What are the mobile operators in Oman?
The main ones are Omantel, Ooredoo Oman and Vodafone Oman. All three have eSIM pages and visitor or tourist plans.
Can I use an Oman eSIM on an iPhone?
Yes, if your iPhone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Apple lists Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone in Oman. Add the eSIM under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Do I get an Omani phone number with a travel eSIM?
No. The SimOptions Oman plans are data only. For an Omani number, get an eSIM or SIM from a local operator.
Can I install an Oman eSIM before I fly?
Yes. Install the QR code on Wi-Fi at home. A SimOptions travel eSIM then activates automatically when you reach Oman.
