Are you planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for tourism, visit visa, or Umrah / Hajj?
One of the essential things you need to consider is how to stay connected during your stay.
While roaming services are an option, they can be expensive, especially if you’re a heavy phone user.
The most cost-effective solution is to get a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia, which allows you to make calls, send messages, and stay connected to the internet at a much lower cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various options and procedures for buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia.
Well, when it comes to buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia, there are multiple options available for tourists, visit visa holders, and Umrah / Hajj visa holders.
You can choose to purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or visit the kiosks and stores of the telecom providers in the country.
The top three telecom operators in Saudi Arabia are Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain.
They offer special SIM card packages for visitors, ensuring you have a variety of options to choose from.
I have compiled a list of Top Mobile Sim Card Provider in Saudi Arabia, you can also choose one of them.
Also, I’ll provide overview of top 3 telecom providers for tourists, umrah / hajj or visit visa holders.
So, let’s find out the most convenient ways to buy your sim card today.
Buying a SIM Card at the Airport
If you are arriving in Saudi Arabia by air, one of the most convenient ways to buy a SIM card is at the airport.
As soon as you enter the arrival hall, you will find kiosks of mobile service providers such as STC, Zain, and Mobily.
These kiosks offer SIM cards specifically designed for visitors, making the process quick and easy.
Simply provide your passport and visa details, and they will issue a SIM card for you.
Buying a SIM Card at Kiosks & Stores
If you prefer not to buy a SIM card at the airport, you can visit one of the telecom providers’ kiosks or authorized mobile shops in Saudi Arabia.
These kiosks and stores are usually located in shopping malls or near popular tourist destinations.
You can easily find them by using online maps, asking for directions or thru your preferred Sim card provider’s website.
When visiting a kiosk or store, make sure to bring your passport and visa details for the registration process.
The staff will assist you in choosing the right SIM card package and activating it on your device.
Top 3 Telecom Providers for Visitors
In Saudi Arabia, there are several telecom providers, but the most popular ones for visitors and tourists are STC, Mobily, and Zain, as I have mentioned above.
These companies offer SIM card packages specifically tailored to the needs of travellers.
Let’s take a closer look at the offerings of each provider:
Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC)
STC offers the Sawa visitor line, which is available to tourists, business travellers, Hajj, and Umrah pilgrims.
The packages for visitors start from Saudi Riyal 35 (Dh34.26).
To buy a SIM card, you can visit any of the STC branches, kiosks, or authorized mobile shops in the country.
Additionally, you have the option to book a number for the visitor line online.
Mobily
Mobily offers a “Visitors” package for tourists and pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, with packages starting from Saudi Riyal 30 (Dh29.37).
To get a SIM card, you can visit any of the Mobily branches, kiosks, or authorized mobile shops in the Kingdom.
The process is straightforward, and the staff will guide you through the registration and activation process.
Zain
Zain also provides SIM card packages for visitors, starting from Saudi Riyal 34.5 (Dh33.77).
You can purchase a Zain SIM card at their branches, kiosks, or authorized mobile shops in Saudi Arabia.
They offer a variety of packages to cater to different calling and data needs, ensuring you find the most suitable plan for your stay.
Selecting the Right Plan
When purchasing a SIM card in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Each telecom provider offers different packages, including various combinations of calling minutes, data allowances, and validity periods.
Take the time to compare the available plans and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
Some factors to consider include:
Calling minutes
If you expect to make a lot of local or international calls, look for a package that offers a generous allowance of calling minutes.
Data allowance
If you rely heavily on internet connectivity for browsing, social media, or navigation, prioritize plans with higher data allowances.
Validity period
Consider the duration of your stay and choose a plan that aligns with your intended usage period.
It’s worth noting that some plans have shorter validity periods but offer more benefits, while others have longer validity periods with fewer benefits.
Documentation Requirements
To purchase a SIM card in Saudi Arabia, you will need to provide certain documents for registration purposes.
The standard documentation requirements include
Passport
You should carry your original passport with you when buying a SIM card.
The staff will verify your identity and make a copy of your passport for registration purposes.
Visa details
Whether you are on a visit visa, Umrah visa, or any other type of visa, you will need to provide the relevant visa details during the registration process.
Fingerprints
In Saudi Arabia, the registration process for SIM cards often involves providing your fingerprints for biometric verification.
This is a standard procedure to ensure the authenticity of the registration.
SIM Card Prices in Saudi Arabia
The prices of SIM cards in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the telecom provider and the package you choose.
Typically, the starting prices for visitor SIM cards range from Saudi Riyal 30 to 35 (Dh29.37 to 34.26).
However, it’s important to note that these prices may change over time, so it’s recommended to check the latest prices when making your purchase.
Network Coverage in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has excellent network coverage, especially in major cities, popular tourist destinations, and religious sites like Makkah and Madinah.
The telecom providers, including STC, Mobily, and Zain, have extensive coverage across the country.
Whether you are in urban areas or venturing into remote locations, you can expect reliable network connectivity for calls, messages, and internet access.
After buying Sim Card, Consider these:
Plan activation
Once you have purchased a SIM card, follow the activation instructions provided by the telecom provider.
This may involve dialling a specific code or sending an SMS to activate your plan.
Topping up
To add credit or extend the validity of your plan, you can top up your SIM card at various locations, such as convenience stores, supermarkets, or online platforms.
Look for the top-up options provided by your telecom provider.
Customer service
If you encounter any issues or need assistance with your SIM card, reach out to the customer service of the respective telecom provider.
They will be able to help you troubleshoot any problems or answer your queries.
Conclusion
Let me conclude this article with the key-points we have discussed above:
Getting a SIM card in Saudi Arabia as a tourist, visit visa holder, or Umrah / Hajj visa holder is a straightforward process.
You have the option to purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or visit the kiosks and stores of the telecom providers.
STC, Mobily, and Zain offer special packages for visitors, ensuring you have a range of options to choose from.
Consider your specific needs, compare the available plans, and select the one that best suits your requirements.
With a local SIM card, you can stay connected, make calls, and access the internet at affordable rates throughout your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is subject to change. Please check with the respective telecom providers for the latest package details and prices.
By the way, Welcome to Saudi Arabia!