Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Vodafone is one of the most popular mobile networks in Oman, known for its wide 4G coverage and competitive rates. This guide provides tourists visiting Oman with everything they need to know about Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM, call rates, internet packages, and more.

I. Quick facts about Vodafone

Vodafone Oman started operations in 2005 as a subsidiary of the Vodafone Group. It quickly established itself as the second-largest mobile operator in Oman.

Some key facts about Vodafone Oman:

• Over 4.3 million subscribers as of early 2023
• Covers over 98% population with 2G and over 94% with 4G
• Known for its premium Vodafone Red plans with lots of data
• Uses advanced Ericsson and Huawei infrastructure
• Market share: 23%
• Owned by Omani pension funds and Vodafone Group

Vodafone Oman competes with Ooredoo and Omantel in the mobile market. Its competitive pricing and quality network makes it a great option for tourists too.

II. Oman Vodafone Coverage and Speed

Vodafone offers 2G across Oman and has been expanding its 4G network extensively over the last years.

1. Vodafone Coverage in Oman

• Omantel offers extensive coverage across Oman, including both urban and rural areas.
• The network coverage provided by Omantel is reliable and consistent, ensuring a stable connection for users.
• Omantel’s coverage extends to major cities, towns, and remote areas within the country.
• The network infrastructure of Omantel includes strategically placed cell towers to provide a strong signal and coverage even in less populated or remote locations.

2. Vodafone speed

• According to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report from July 2023, Vodafone has the fastest overall experience in Oman.
• Vodafone users in Oman experience the fastest average download speeds of 46.8Mbps and upload speeds of 12.8Mbps, measured across all generations of mobile network technology.
• Vodafone has a lead of around 12.3Mbps over the second-place operators, Omantel and Ooredoo, for download speed experience.
• Vodafone users in Oman have the best overall experience when streaming video and playing multiplayer mobile games, winning the Video Experience and Games Experience awards.
• Omantel is the top performer for 5G video experience, while Vodafone wins on consistency, securing the Excellent Consistent Quality and Core Consistent Quality awards.

III. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers

Tourists visiting Oman have several main options to use Vodafone’s network:

It allows activation of Vodafone service digitally on eSIM capable mobiles. An eSIM Vodafone plan may appeal to you for its convenience but has limited validity or data allowance.

We’ll look at Vodafone eSIM details later. But both options work for tourists. Pick as per your requirement and phone capability.

IV. Best Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Let’s look at the best Vodafone SIM card options for visitors to Oman, their costs, validity, and what’s included:

V. Does Vodafone Oman support eSIM?

Yes, Vodafone launched eSIM support in Oman in 2022 for select mobile plans only. eSIM with Vodafone Oman provides you with the flexibility and convenience of managing multiple numbers on one device.

So whether you’re a frequent traveler, a business professional, or simply someone who likes to keep their personal and work lives separate, Vodafone Oman’s eSIM support can make your mobile experience even more seamless.

Sure, you can experiment with a different carrier’s eSIM. For instance, you could check out esimoman.com’s eSIM, which operates on Omantel’s network, giving you the flexibility to access various plans.

VI. Where Can You Buy a Vodafone SIM Card and eSIM?

For travelers looking to purchase an SFR SIM card Oman or eSIM for connectivity in Oman, there are a few main options for where to buy:

1. Where to buy Vodafone SIM for Oman

It is quick and easy to purchase a tourist Vodafone SIM card in Oman. Here are some options to grab one:

• Airport – Vodafone stores at Muscat and Salalah airport arrivals area sell SIMs
• Malls – Major malls have Vodafone shops and resellers that stock them
• Hotels – Many hotels offer SIM card top-up and sales services
• Recharge Cards – Vodafone SIMs also sold at Carrefour, Lulu and other major retailers.

For Vodafone eSIM, you need to download their My Vodafone app and create an account. Availability seems limited currently to residents applying visiting expat documents for activation.

But hopefully more eSIM functionality and ease of signup comes soon for visiting tourists too. For now, stick to the standard SIM cards readily available.

2. Where to buy Vodafone Oman eSIM

You’ll need to activate eSIM through the Vodafone app by scanning a QR code. Here’s how to get it:

• Vodafone Stores: Visit one of the Vodafone Stores located throughout Oman. 
• Vodafone Website: Check the Vodafone Oman website for information on purchasing eSIMs online. 
• Vodafone Customer Service: Contact Vodafone Oman’s customer service team via phone or email. 

VII. How to Activate Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM

Here is a quick step-by-step overview of how to activate your Vodafone SIM cards and eSIM when in Oman:

1. How to use Physical Vodafone SIM

• Get SIM pack from nearest store or airport shop. Provide passport photocopy and fill KYC form
• Insert SIM in phone. Select Vodafone network manually from settings if needed.
• You’ll get a welcome SMS with SIM number shortly. Enjoy local calls/texts.
• Go to Settings > Mobile Data to enable data. Browse internet, use maps etc.
• Optionally, purchase a Vodafone data add-on or tourist SIM plan from My Vodafone app or dialing *222#

2. How to activate Vodafone eSIM 

• If device supports, download Vodafone My App on phone
• Create profile with passport/visa details and proof of address
• Browse & book suitable Vodafone postpaid
• Enter confirmation code sent. This activates Vodafone plan over the air.
• May take 15-30 minutes, after which Vodafone shows in network list
• Select Vodafone network and start using data/calling packs

That’s the basics! Top-up or renew plans through the app when they near expiry during your trip.

VIII. Oman Vodafone Call & SMS Rates

Here are the standard local prepaid rates for calls and SMS using a Vodafone Oman SIM card or plans:

It’s always a good idea to check with Vodafone Oman directly or refer to their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on call and SMS rates.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM

Vodafone offers various self-care services you can access using USSD codes. Dial these service codes directly from your Vodafone SIM without any app or internet required:

• Check Main Balance – Dial *222#
• Add Daily Social Media Pack – Dial *222*4*1# (500 MB for 24 hours)
• Buy Weekly 2 GB Pack – Dial *222*302*1# (2 GB over 7 days)
• Check Remaining Data – Dial *222*2#

So by using various *222# combinations you can check balance, add data/social media packs, get plan expiry details directly without an app or going online.

Handy when you have a basic SIM activated and want to monitor usage.

X. How to Top-up Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM

As you use up either talk time or data, you’ll need to add more credit to keep Vodafone SIM working.

Here are easiest ways to recharge/top-up your Vodafone prepaid SIM:

• My Vodafone App – Instantly recharge through registered payment methods
• Online Banking – Net banking also lets you directly top-up a Vodafone number
• Vodafone Stores/Outlets – Visit nearest store or reseller shop for instant top-up
• Recharge Cards – Buy and redeem recharge voucher cards from multiples stores

For tourists, the most convenient routes are using Vodafone’s app or buying top-up cards from nearest supermarkets, malls or retail outlets.

Even hotels offer recharge services at their front desks in many cases. Top-up amounts start from 2 OMR.

XI. Alternatives to Oman Vodafone

While Vodafone is a great choice for tourists visiting Oman thanks to wide coverage, 4G speeds and competitive plans, you do have a couple other options too for connectivity:

• Ooredoo Oman: Ooredoo is the second biggest provider in Oman after Omantel. It also sells tourist SIM cards at arrival airports and has stores across Oman.
• Omantel: Omantel is the pioneer and largest telecommunications provider in Oman. They offer a comprehensive range of mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, and mobile data.
• esimoman.com – We offer eSIM data plans that keep you connected in Oman without the hassle of swapping out your physical SIM card.

Oman eSIM 7-Day Plan lets you use up to 3GB of data per day for 7 days. Prices start from just $4.60/day: 

Get 14 days of unlimited high-speed data to use as much as you want while traveling across Oman. Stay seamlessly connected for only $3.20/day: 

XII. FAQs about Vodafone in Oman

Here are some common questions visitors may have about using Vodafone network in Oman:

XIII. Final Words

We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of all key aspects to using Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM during your Oman visit – network coverage, SIM purchase, recharging, plans and rates.

Their wide high-speed coverage, tourist-friendly prepaid deals, and easy availability at airports/malls make Vodafone our recommended pick for smooth connectivity.

Just ensure your phone is unlocked and activates the Vodafone SIM correctly on arrival. Get a Red plan or data packs to minimize any bill shocks. And recharge online/offline when running low during the trip.

With a working Vodafone SIM, you can then freely use maps, social media, messaging and other phone services without worrying about global roaming bills. Have a great trip!