Staying connected in Saudi Arabia is straightforward once you know which carrier to choose and where to buy. Whether you are navigating Riyadh’s sprawling highways, exploring the historic lanes of Jeddah, or travelling to remote heritage sites in AlUla, a local SIM card or eSIM will keep you online at a fraction of international roaming costs. This guide, part of our Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026, compares every major carrier, breaks down visitor plans and pricing, explains the registration process, and covers the growing eSIM market so you can get connected within minutes of landing.
Top Carriers: STC (stc), Zain, Mobily, Salam
Where to Buy: Airport arrival halls (open 24/7), carrier stores, supermarkets, malls
Visa Required: Yes — a valid tourist e-visa or other entry visa is required
Registration: Passport and border number required; staff register at point of sale
Best for Data: STC for widest coverage; Zain for best value per GB; Mobily for unlimited social media add-ons
eSIM Available: Yes — STC, Zain, and Mobily all issue eSIMs at airport kiosks and stores; international eSIM providers like Airalo also work on Saudi networks
Saudi Arabia’s Mobile Carriers: Who Are They?
Saudi Arabia has four mobile network operators, though three dominate the visitor market. Understanding each carrier’s strengths will help you pick the right SIM for your trip.
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
STC — branded simply as “stc” — is the Kingdom’s largest and oldest telecoms operator. According to Opensignal’s February 2025 network experience report, STC offers the widest 4G and 5G coverage in Saudi Arabia, with network availability 94% of the time. STC claims three out of four speed awards in independent testing, and average 5G download speeds exceed 400 Mbps in urban areas. If you are heading to remote areas — the desert highways around Tabuk, for example, or the mountain roads of Asir — STC is the safest choice for consistent signal.
Zain
Zain is Saudi Arabia’s value-oriented carrier. While its coverage footprint is slightly smaller (89% availability versus STC’s 94%), Zain offers competitive visitor packages that often deliver the most data per riyal. Zain’s 5G network averages 250-300 Mbps download speeds in major cities. For travellers staying primarily in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam and Al Khobar, Zain’s coverage is more than adequate.
Mobily
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) sits between the two, with 93% network availability. Mobily excels in video streaming and gaming metrics according to independent benchmarks, and its visitor plans often include unlimited social media data — a useful perk if you rely on WhatsApp messaging, Instagram, and Snapchat while travelling. Average 5G speeds range from 300-350 Mbps.
Salam
Salam Mobile is Saudi Arabia’s fourth operator, a 100% home-grown carrier that launched more recently. Salam offers visitor plans at slightly lower prices than the big three, though its retail presence at airports is more limited. It is a viable budget option if you find a Salam kiosk at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah or at Haramain high-speed rail stations.
Visitor SIM Plans Compared: STC vs Zain vs Mobily
All three major carriers offer dedicated visitor SIM plans designed for tourists, pilgrims, and short-term business travellers. These plans bundle data, local and international calling minutes, and sometimes unlimited social media access. Prices below include Saudi Arabia’s 15% VAT.
STC Sawa Visitor Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls (Flex) | Validity | Price (SAR) | Price (USD est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 35 | 5 GB | 1 hour | 14 days | 40.25 | ~$11 |
| Visitor 60 | 23 GB | 2 hours | 14 days | 70 | ~$19 |
| Visitor 73 | 25 GB | 3 hours | 21 days | 85 | ~$23 |
| Visitor 104 | 61 GB | 5 hours | 28 days | 120 | ~$32 |
| Visitor 130 | 74 GB | 6 hours | 28 days | 150 | ~$40 |
| Visitor 165 | 100 GB | 10 hours | 28 days | 190 | ~$51 |
STC’s “flex” minutes can be used for both local and international calls. The Visitor 60 plan (23 GB for 70 SAR) hits the sweet spot for most tourists spending one to two weeks in the Kingdom. All STC visitor plans are eSIM-ready.
Zain Visitor Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls | Validity | Price (SAR) | Price (USD est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 40 | 7 GB | 60 min | 14 days | 40 | ~$11 |
| Visitor 60 | 20 GB | 150 min | 14 days | 60 | ~$16 |
| Visitor 85 | 28 GB | 250 min + unlimited visitor-to-visitor | 21 days | 85 | ~$23 |
| Visitor 120 | 55 GB | 350 min + unlimited visitor-to-visitor | 28 days | 120 | ~$32 |
| Visitor 160 | 75 GB | 500 min + unlimited visitor-to-visitor | 28 days | 160 | ~$43 |
Zain’s Visitor 60 (20 GB for 60 SAR) is the best budget option for data-heavy users. The higher-tier plans include unlimited calls between Zain visitor SIM users — a useful feature if you are travelling with a group and everyone picks up a Zain SIM.
Mobily Visitor Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls | Validity | Price (SAR) | Price (USD est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitors 30 | 5 GB | 60 min | 14 days | 34.50 | ~$9 |
| Visitors 50 | 20 GB | 120 min | 14 days | 57.50 | ~$15 |
| Visitors 90 | 55 GB | 300 min | 30 days | 103.50 | ~$28 |
| Visitors 100 | 25 GB + unlimited social | 400 min | 14 days | 115 | ~$31 |
| Visitors 150 | 40 GB + unlimited social | 600 min | 30 days | 173 | ~$46 |
Mobily’s standout feature is unlimited social media data on the Visitors 100 and 150 plans. This covers WhatsApp messaging, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook without consuming your main data allowance. If social media is central to how you travel — sharing stories, staying in touch with family — Mobily’s packages are worth the slight premium.
Salam Visitor Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls | Validity | Price (SAR) | Price (USD est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 29 | 2 GB + 2 GB social | 50 min + 20 SMS | 14 days | 29.75 | ~$8 |
| Visitor 59 | 12 GB + 15 GB social | 60 min + 20 SMS | 14 days | 67.85 | ~$18 |
| Visitor 89 | 20 GB + unlimited social | 120 min + 50 SMS | 28 days | 102.35 | ~$27 |
Salam splits its data into regular data and social data allowances. The Visitor 89 plan offers solid value with unlimited social media and 20 GB of general data for 28 days.
Which carrier should you choose? For most tourists: STC if you prioritise coverage and plan to travel beyond major cities. Zain if you want the most data per riyal and will stay in urban areas. Mobily if unlimited social media data matters to you. All three have excellent 5G networks in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia
The easiest place to get a Saudi SIM card is at the airport immediately after clearing immigration. All four international airports serving tourists have carrier kiosks in or near the arrivals hall.
At the Airport
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh: STC, Zain, and Mobily kiosks are located in the arrivals hall of Terminals 1, 2, and 5. Open 24 hours.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah: All major carriers have counters in the new Terminal 1 arrivals area. This is the primary gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, so staff are experienced in serving international visitors. Open 24 hours.
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam: Carrier kiosks in the arrivals concourse. Open 24 hours.
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED), Madinah: STC and Zain kiosks available in the arrivals area.
- Carrier retail stores: STC, Zain, and Mobily operate branded stores in every major mall and commercial district. Look for them in Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre, Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall, or Dhahran Mall in the Eastern Province.
- Authorised resellers: Mobile phone shops in souks and commercial streets sell prepaid SIMs from all carriers.
- Supermarkets and convenience stores: Some Panda, Danube, and Carrefour locations stock prepaid SIM cards, though activation may require visiting a carrier store.
- Haramain high-speed rail stations: Kiosks at Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City stations.
- Your passport — the same one you used to enter Saudi Arabia.
- Your border number — a unique 10-digit identification code assigned to every foreign passport holder entering Saudi Arabia. Saudi immigration officials write this number on your visa sticker or entry stamp. If you cannot find it, the carrier staff can usually look it up using your passport details, or you can check it on the Absher portal (no account required for border number queries).
- A fingerprint scan — may be requested at the point of sale as part of identity verification.
- Choose your carrier and plan at the kiosk or store.
- Hand over your passport. Staff will scan it and enter your border number.
- A fingerprint scan may be taken.
- The SIM is registered to your identity through the national system.
- Staff insert the SIM into your phone (or provide a QR code for eSIM) and confirm data connectivity.
- You receive your new Saudi phone number, typically beginning with +966 5.
- Airalo: The most widely used travel eSIM provider. Saudi Arabia plans start at approximately $5.50 for 1 GB (7 days) and go up to $49 for 25 GB (45 days). Airalo’s “Saudi Connect” plans operate on Zain’s 5G network. An “unlimited” daily plan provides 3 GB per day at full speed, then throttles to 1 Mbps — effectively 30 GB over 10 days for $35. Note: Airalo eSIMs are data-only. You will not get a Saudi phone number and cannot make or receive calls or SMS.
- Holafly: Offers unlimited data plans for Saudi Arabia starting from around $19 for 5 days. Uses STC or Mobily networks. Data-only.
- Nomad: Competitive pricing with plans starting around $4 for 1 GB. Uses local Saudi networks.
- WhatsApp messaging: Works without restrictions. You can send texts, photos, voice notes, and documents freely.
- WhatsApp voice and video calls: In early 2026, many users reported that WhatsApp calling features became available after a years-long block. However, Saudi authorities have not issued an official statement confirming a permanent policy change, and access remains inconsistent across networks and devices. Do not count on WhatsApp calling working reliably.
- FaceTime: Audio calls may work on some networks; video calls are less reliable. Apple devices sold in Saudi Arabia historically had FaceTime disabled, but devices purchased abroad retain the feature.
- Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams: Generally work for business and personal calls.
- BOTIM: A government-approved VoIP app that functions reliably in Saudi Arabia for voice and video calls.
- Carrier apps: Download the MySTC, Zain KSA, or Mobily app. Top up using an international credit or debit card.
- Recharge codes: Dial 155# (STC), 141# (Zain), or *1400 (Mobily) to access recharge and add-on menus.
- Prepaid recharge cards: Available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations across Saudi Arabia in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 SAR.
- Online: Each carrier’s website allows online recharges with international payment cards.
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
- Riyadh Travel Guide — Everything you need to know about the capital
- Jeddah Travel Guide — Red Sea city, corniche, and culture
- AlUla Travel Guide — Hegra, Elephant Rock, and desert wonders
- Hajj 2026 Guide — Dates, registration, costs and what to expect
Airport kiosk staff will handle the entire activation process. Expect it to take 5-15 minutes. Late-night arrivals are not a problem — the kiosks remain staffed around the clock at the three main airports.
In the City
If you prefer to wait, SIM cards are also available at:
How to Register and Activate Your SIM
Saudi Arabia requires identity verification for all SIM card activations. This is a government regulation managed through the national Absher identity platform, but as a tourist, the process is straightforward — the carrier staff handle the technical side.
What You Need
The Activation Process
Tip: Make sure you have your Saudi visa documentation accessible. If you entered on an e-visa, having the confirmation email or PDF on your phone (accessible via airport Wi-Fi) speeds things up. The border number is the key piece of information — without it, activation may be delayed.
eSIM Options for Saudi Arabia
If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from the XS onward, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later), you have two routes: buy an eSIM from a Saudi carrier at the airport, or purchase an international eSIM before you leave home.
Local Carrier eSIMs
STC, Zain, and Mobily all issue eSIMs at staffed points of sale. The process is the same as a physical SIM — you need your passport and border number — but instead of receiving a plastic card, staff provide a QR code that you scan to download the eSIM profile. The same visitor plans listed above apply. You can also convert a physical visitor SIM to an eSIM later through the carrier’s app or at a service outlet.
International eSIM Providers
If you want connectivity the moment your plane touches down — without queuing at a kiosk — international eSIM providers let you purchase and install your eSIM before departure. Popular options include:
eSIM vs Physical SIM — which is better? If you need a local Saudi phone number (for making restaurant reservations, booking ride-hailing apps, or receiving OTP codes from Saudi services), get a physical SIM or a local carrier eSIM. If you only need mobile data for maps, messaging, and browsing, an international eSIM like Airalo is more convenient — you can install it before you fly and be online the moment you land.
Network Coverage Across Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in 5G infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. All three major carriers offer 5G in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, and Madinah. Here is how coverage compares for travellers moving between regions:
| Region / Route | STC | Zain | Mobily |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam (city centres) | 5G / Excellent | 5G / Excellent | 5G / Excellent |
| Makkah and Madinah | 5G / Excellent | 5G / Good | 5G / Good |
| AlUla and Tabuk region | 4G / Good | 4G / Moderate | 4G / Moderate |
| Asir highlands (Abha, Al Baha) | 4G / Good | 4G / Moderate | 4G / Good |
| Empty Quarter / desert highways | 4G / Patchy | Limited | Limited |
| Red Sea coast (NEOM, Amaala) | 4G / Moderate | 4G / Limited | 4G / Limited |
According to Opensignal data, STC users experience an average of 14 minutes of disconnection per day, compared with 20 minutes for Mobily and 22 minutes for Zain. In real-world terms, this difference is most noticeable on intercity drives or in remote heritage areas.
Coverage tip for AlUla visitors: If you are planning a trip to AlUla’s Hegra and Elephant Rock, STC provides the most reliable signal along the route from Madinah. Download offline Google Maps for the region before you leave a strong signal area.
VoIP and WhatsApp Calling in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has historically restricted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to protect licensed telecoms revenue. Here is the current situation for travellers:
Practical advice: Do not rely solely on WhatsApp or FaceTime for voice calls while in Saudi Arabia. Install BOTIM as a backup before you travel. If you need guaranteed voice calling capability, choose a local SIM plan with calling minutes rather than depending on VoIP services.
Top-Up and Recharge Options
All Saudi prepaid SIM plans can be recharged easily:
Practical Tips for Staying Connected
1. Bring an Unlocked Phone
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a Saudi SIM card. If your phone is locked to your home carrier, contact them before departure to request an unlock. Most carriers will do this for free if your contract is paid up.
2. Check Your Phone’s Band Compatibility
Saudi Arabia uses standard GSM/LTE bands. Most modern international phones are compatible. For 5G, Saudi networks operate on n41 (2.5 GHz) and n78 (3.5 GHz) bands. iPhones from the 12 series onward and recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices support these bands.
3. Save Your Border Number
Photograph or note down the border number from your visa sticker as soon as you clear immigration. This number is essential for SIM registration and may be needed for other services during your stay.
4. Consider Dual SIM
If your phone supports dual SIM (physical + eSIM, or dual eSIM), you can keep your home number active for receiving SMS verification codes while using a Saudi SIM for data and local calls. This is particularly useful for accessing banking apps and two-factor authentication.
5. Airport Wi-Fi as Backup
Saudi Arabia’s major airports offer free Wi-Fi in the arrivals and departures halls. You can use this to download carrier apps, check your border number on Absher, or communicate while waiting for your SIM to be activated.
6. Data for Hajj and Umrah
If you are visiting for Hajj 2026 or Umrah, expect heavy network congestion around the Holy Mosques during peak times. STC typically handles congestion best due to its infrastructure investment in Makkah and Madinah. Consider a plan with at least 25-50 GB if your pilgrimage lasts two weeks or more — navigation apps, live streaming, and constant communication consume data quickly.
7. Keep Track of Your Balance
Check your remaining data and credit by dialling: 166# (STC), 142# (Zain), or #1411 (Mobily). Set a calendar reminder to check balances a few days before your plan expires to avoid losing connectivity at an inconvenient time.
Money-saving tip: If you are staying longer than 14 days, the 28-day plans from any carrier offer significantly better value per GB than the two-week options. A Zain Visitor 120 (55 GB, 28 days, 120 SAR) costs just twice the Visitor 60 (20 GB, 14 days, 60 SAR) but delivers nearly three times the data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home SIM card in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if your home carrier has a roaming agreement with Saudi networks. However, international roaming rates are typically far more expensive than a local SIM. Even a single day of heavy data use while roaming can cost more than a full 28-day Saudi prepaid plan.
Do I need a Saudi phone number for ride-hailing apps?
Uber and Careem (the dominant ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia) can both work with international phone numbers, but having a Saudi number makes the process smoother. Some users report issues receiving OTP codes on international numbers.
Can I buy a SIM without a visa?
No. You must have a valid entry visa and the corresponding border number to register a SIM card in Saudi Arabia. Make sure your visa is in order before arrival.
What happens when my visitor plan expires?
Your SIM remains active for a grace period (typically 30-90 days depending on the carrier), during which you can recharge. If you do not recharge, the number is eventually deactivated and recycled.
Is there a separate SIM for the Haramain Train?
No. Your regular Saudi SIM works on the Haramain high-speed rail service between Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City. However, signal can be intermittent in some tunnel sections of the route.