Kuwait boasts one of the most advanced mobile networks in the Middle East, offering fast 4G LTE and expanding 5G coverage nationwide. Whether you are visiting Kuwait for tourism, business, or short-term work, buying a prepaid SIM card is the most affordable and reliable way to stay connected.
This guide covers SIM prices, network frequencies, data plans, unlimited internet options, biometric registration, and eSIM alternatives—everything you need to know before buying a prepaid SIM card in Kuwait.
Basic Information About Prepaid SIM Cards in Kuwait
SIM Type: Physical SIM & eSIM
Network Technology: 3G / 4G LTE / 5G
Registration: Mandatory biometric verification
Validity: From 7 days to 30+ days
Average Data Speed: 40–150 Mbps (4G), 300+ Mbps (5G)
Best For: Tourists, expats, business travelers
Major telecom operators in Kuwait:
Zain
Ooredoo
STC
Friendi Mobile (MVNO)
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available throughout Kuwait and are easy to purchase for foreigners.
Available nationwide
Tourist-friendly activation process
eSIM options supported by main operators
Recharge cards are easily available online and offline
Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in Kuwait
You can buy prepaid SIM cards from:
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Official operator stores (Zain, Ooredoo, STC, Friendi)
Shopping malls & telecom outlets
Authorized kiosks
Online via operator apps (eSIM)
💡 Airport SIMs are convenient but slightly more expensive than city stores.
Mobile Network Frequencies in Kuwait
Operator
3G Bands
4G LTE Bands
5G Bands
Zain
2100 MHz
B1, B3, B7, B20
n78
Ooredoo
2100 MHz
B1, B3, B7
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STC
2100 MHz
B3, B7, B20
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Friendi
2100 MHz
B3, B7
—
✔️ Most unlocked international smartphones are fully compatible.
Coverage & Speed Comparison
Operator
Coverage
Avg 4G Speed
5G Availability
Zain
Excellent
60–150 Mbps
Yes
Ooredoo
Excellent
50–140 Mbps
Yes
STC
Very Good
45–130 Mbps
Yes
Friendi
Good
30–90 Mbps
No
At a Glance Comparison
Feature
Zain
Ooredoo
STC
Friendi
Tourist SIM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Unlimited Data
Yes
Yes
Yes
Limited
5G Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
eSIM
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Budget Friendly
Medium
Medium
Medium
High
Biometric User Registration in Kuwait
Biometric registration is mandatory by law.
Required documents:
Original passport
Kuwait visa (tourist or residency)
Fingerprint scan
Facial photo
⏱️ Activation usually completes within 5–15 minutes.
Device Registration in Kuwait
IMEI registration is automatic
Unregistered or blacklisted devices may lose network access
Dual-SIM phones require registration for both IMEIs
SIM Card Prices in Kuwait (Approx.)
Operator
SIM Price
Zain
3–5 KWD
Ooredoo
3–5 KWD
STC
3–6 KWD
Friendi
2–4 KWD
(Some SIMs include bonus data or minutes.)
Top-Up Methods in Kuwait
Scratch recharge cards
Operator mobile apps
Online banking
ATM top-ups
Retail stores
Zain Kuwait Prepaid SIM Details
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
Data
Validity
Price
5 GB
7 days
3 KWD
10 GB
30 days
5 KWD
20 GB
30 days
8 KWD
Zain Unlimited Data Plans
Plan
Speed
Validity
Price
Unlimited 4G
Capped
7 days
5 KWD
Unlimited 5G
Full
30 days
12 KWD
Feature Packages Zain
Package
Benefit
Price
Voice Plus
300 mins
3 KWD
International
Discount calls
5 KWD
Zain Social Media Offers
App
Data
Validity
WhatsApp
Unlimited
30 days
Instagram
10 GB
30 days
TikTok
10 GB
30 days
Zain Data-Only SIM
Tablets
Mobile routers
Smart devices
Ooredoo Kuwait Prepaid SIM Details
Data Add-Ons
Data
Validity
Price
6 GB
7 days
3 KWD
15 GB
30 days
6 KWD
30 GB
30 days
9 KWD
Ooredoo Unlimited Internet Plans
Plan
Speed
Validity
Price
Unlimited 4G
Fair usage
7 days
5 KWD
Unlimited 5G
High speed
30 days
11 KWD
Ooredoo Feature Packages
Package
Benefit
Flexi Minutes
Local calls
Roaming Booster
Travel use
Social Media PackagesOoredoo
App
Data
Snapchat
Unlimited
Instagram
Unlimited
Facebook
Unlimited
Ooredoo Data-Only SIM
Popular for home routers
Affordable monthly data plans
STC Kuwait Prepaid SIM Details
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
Data
Validity
Price
5 GB
7 days
3 KWD
20 GB
30 days
7 KWD
STC Unlimited Internet Plans
Plan
Speed
Validity
Price
Unlimited 4G
Capped
7 days
5 KWD
Unlimited 5G
Full speed
30 days
12 KWD
STC Feature Packages
Feature
Details
International Saver
Cheap calls
Gaming Pack
Low latency
Social Media Offers STC
App
Data
WhatsApp
Unlimited
YouTube
15 GB
STC Data-Only SIM
Ideal for MiFi & laptops
Friendi Mobile (Budget Option)
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
Data
Validity
Price
3 GB
7 days
2 KWD
10 GB
30 days
5 KWD
Friendi Unlimited Plans
Plan
Validity
Price
Unlimited Lite
7 days
4 KWD
Friendi Feature Packages
Feature
Benefit
International Calls
Cheap
Student Packs
Budget
Social Media Offers
App
Data
WhatsApp
Unlimited
Friendi Data-Only SIM
Best for low-budget users
How to Check the Remaining Balance
USSD codes
Operator mobile apps
SMS alerts
Customer service hotline
Tourist SIM Cards in Kuwait
Tourist SIMs include:
High data allowance
Short validity
Easy biometric activation
Airport availability
Digital eSIM Providers for Kuwait
Airalo
Nomad
Holafly
Global Yo
✔️ Ideal for travelers who don’t want physical SIMs.
Prepaid SIM cards in Kuwait are affordable, fast, and easy to activate, making them an ideal choice for tourists and expatriates. Zain and Ooredoo offer the best overall coverage and 5G speeds, STC balances performance and value, while Friendi is perfect for budget travelers. For short stays, tourist SIMs and eSIMs provide maximum convenience.
If you want reliable internet, strong coverage, and flexible plans, Kuwait’s prepaid SIM market has excellent options for every traveler.
