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Whether you are visiting or have just moved to work in the Qatar, it is advisable to purchase a SIM card from a local carrier as overseas roaming charges from your home provider can potentially be very high.

Two options present themselves:

• Purchasing the prepaid SIM card known as the HALA Pay as you talk
• Purchasing the monthly fixed Mobile line known as the Shahry pay monthly.

I-HALA Pay As You Talk

How to get a HALA Pay As You Talk?

Visit a Qtel Shop or partner retailer and ask for a Hala line. Make sure to bring a copy of your ID (for local residents) or passport (for visitors), as those are needed to fill in your application. Hala customers need to be above 18 years of age.

Recharging your SIM Card:

There are 2 ways of recharging your SIM card: either with a Top-up card and e-voucher or direct top-up.

• Top-up cards and e-Voucher: Top-up cards and e-Vouchers are two ways to provide you with printed details with your secret number that lets you add call credit to your Hala service.
  How does it work? You purchase your voucher in whichever format, locate the secret number, and dial: *127 *secret number# from the Hala line that you wish to recharge. You will instantly receive a confirmation of your new credit amount and validity period.
  Recharge cards are available through Qtel shops and partner retailers throughout Qatar. E-Vouchers are available at selected dealer shops and all Qtel Self Service Machines.
  Each time you top-up with call credit, Hala allows you to accumulate credit validity up to a maximum of 360 days.
  When the validity period ends, you will enter a reconnection period where you will be able to only receive calls and SMS for the first 30 days. You also get an additional extended reconnection period of 90 days during which you can retain your number. However during this period you will not be able to send or receive calls until you top-up your call credit.
  
• Direct top-up:Qtel Self Service Machines allow you to directly top up your Hala with any amount between QR10 and QR500. No need for any secret number on printed vouchers.
  How does it work? You key-in the required Hala number you want to recharge, choose any amount between QR10 and QR500 to be recharged and pay by cash or a bank card. After the transaction is finished, you'll receive a confirmation SMS to the number you recharged.
  Qtel Self Service Machines are available at Qtel shops and many other locations throughout Qatar.
  

II-Shahry - Pay Monthly Mobile Service

In order to become a Shahry customer, you can visit any Qtel Shop located around the country. For local as well as overseas residents, do not forget that you must be over 18 years old. Do not forget to bring along a copy of your national ID, passport or your residence permit. The minimum contract liability is for 3 months.

Once subscribed, you will be provided with a SIM card to make local and international calls and international Roaming is already activated for you.