WhatsApp calling is banned in Qatar, so you’ll need a VPN to access it. Not all VPNs work reliably in the country though, as many get blocked. In this guide I’ll recommend the top 3 VPNs for using WhatsApp calling in Qatar.
Why WhatsApp Calling is Blocked in Qatar
The Qatar government blocks WhatsApp calling for a couple of reasons:
- To protect the revenues of local telecom companies like Ooredoo and Vodafone. WhatsApp calls allow free international calls, which competes with these providers’ services.
- For national security purposes. The government wants to be able to monitor communications within the country.
Unfortunately this means you can’t directly use WhatsApp for voice and video calls while in Qatar. But a VPN encrypts your internet activity, hiding the fact you’re using WhatsApp calling from your ISP and the authorities.
3 Best VPNs for WhatsApp Calling in Qatar
The key to using WhatsApp calls in Qatar is choosing a VPN that reliably works in the country. I recommend these top 3 options:
1. ExpressVPN – The best VPN for Qatar
ExpressVPN is my top choice for bypassing blocks on WhatsApp calling in Qatar. It has fast and consistent speeds, works on all devices, and has obfuscated servers that successfully evade VPN blocks.
Some key features of ExpressVPN include:
- Lightning fast speeds – Important for smooth WhatsApp call quality.
- MediaStreamer DNS trick – Unblocks WhatsApp calling on any device.
- Stealth Servers – Allows the VPN to avoid deep packet inspection that blocks VPN traffic.
- Large server network – Has 160+ VPN server locations including nearby in the UAE.
ExpressVPN has custom apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers and more. It also offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
2. NordVPN – Great budget choice
NordVPN is a cheaper VPN that also reliably works in Qatar. It has fast speeds and a huge server network of over 5,200 worldwide servers.
Key features of NordVPN include:
- Obfuscated Servers – Allows the VPN to evade VPN blocks.
- CyberSec filtering – Blocks ads, malware and phishing sites.
- 6 simultaneous connections – Connect all your devices.
- Apps for all platforms – Including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android & Linux.
One downside is NordVPN doesn’t have servers in the Middle East. But you can connect to Europe or Asia for stable speeds.
3. Surfshark – Most affordable VPN
Finally, Surfshark is the cheapest option that still works well in Qatar. It offers good speeds and a private DNS on its servers that unblocks WhatsApp calling.
Some positives about Surfshark are:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections – Connect all your gadgets.
- RAM-only servers – Prevents leaks of your IP or DNS requests.
- Camouflage Mode – Hides the fact you’re using a VPN.
- Apps for all major platforms.
The main drawback is Surfshark has under 1,000 servers, so speeds could be slower at peak times. But overall it’s a great low-cost choice.
How to Set Up a VPN for WhatsApp Calling in Qatar
Using a VPN for WhatsApp calling in Qatar only takes a couple of minutes to set up:
- Choose ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark and create an account.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Run the app and log into your account.
- Connect to a VPN server location.
- Once connected, open WhatsApp and start a call like normal.
I’d recommend connecting to a VPN server in a nearby country like the UAE. This will provide the best connection speeds.
The VPN will encrypt all your internet activity, including WhatsApp calls. Your ISP or the government will only see encrypted data, so won’t know you’re making WhatsApp calls.
Are VPNs Legal in Qatar?
VPNs are currently legal to use in Qatar. There’s no law that outright bans VPNs, and thousands of residents use them daily.
However, the government does attempt to block many VPN services. Using a VPN to access banned apps and websites is also illegal.
So while using a VPN itself is not illegal, you could get in trouble if caught bypassing blocks on apps like WhatsApp calling. Be discreet when using a VPN and don’t mention it to others.
Other Ways to Call with WhatsApp in Qatar
If VPNs stop working in Qatar, there are a couple other options to make WhatsApp calls:
1. WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp messages and calls through any web browser. Qatar does not block WhatsApp web calling.
To use it:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap Menu > WhatsApp Web.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on web.whatsapp.com.
- Your WhatsApp will now be mirrored to the browser.
- Make calls directly in the browser like normal.
2. Use a Foreign SIM Card
Another option is to get a prepaid SIM card from another country where WhatsApp calling isn’t blocked. Some options are SIMs from the UAE, Kuwait or Oman.
You can then insert the foreign SIM to make WhatsApp calls whenever needed. Just remember to disable roaming to avoid huge bills.
Free Alternatives to WhatsApp
If WhatsApp calling stays blocked in Qatar, here are some free alternatives for making voice and video calls internationally:
Facebook Messenger
- Also owned by Facebook.
- Seamlessly syncs with your Facebook contacts.
- Works great for 1-on-1 or group calls.
FaceTime
- Video and audio calls built into Apple devices.
- Only works between Apple products like iPhones and Macs.
- Call quality is very reliable.
Google Hangouts
- Free video conferencing from Google.
- Works across iOS and Android.
- Syncs with your Google account contacts.
The best part is these apps work in Qatar without a VPN, as voice/video calls aren’t blocked like on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp calling is blocked in Qatar but can be accessed using a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it has fast speeds and servers that avoid VPN blocks.
NordVPN and Surfshark also reliably work in Qatar. WhatsApp Web and foreign SIM cards are other options for bypassing the WhatsApp calling ban.
Make sure to use a reputable VPN and be discreet about accessing banned apps and sites in Qatar.