Country guide · AsiaLocal SIM Cards in Saudi Arabia: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Saudi Arabia start at $6 from STC (Saudi Telecom Company). Buy at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah or King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. All three major carriers have staffed counters in the arrivals hall.. Passport required for registration. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $3.24 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $3.24, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $6 USDSTC (Saudi Telecom Company)
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GSTC (Saudi Telecom Company)
Saudi Arabia has built one of the Middle East's strongest mobile networks, with 5G coverage spanning Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Three national carriers compete for the market: STC leads on coverage and speed, Mobily offers competitive pricing, and Zain KSA serves well in the Eastern Province. Tourist SIM registration requires biometric verification (passport plus fingerprint scan) at the point of sale, which carrier staff complete in about 8 minutes. Plans start at 22 SAR ($6 USD) for 5 GB and scale to unlimited at around 130-149 SAR ($35-40 USD). The airport counters at KAIA Jeddah and King Khalid Riyadh are the easiest purchase points, with all three carriers staffed and operational for arriving international flights.
Saudi Arabia has three carriers: STC (largest, best 5G), Mobily (competitive pricing), and Zain KSA (strong in eastern cities). The country has invested heavily in 5G as part of Vision 2030. VoIP restrictions were lifted in 2017.
eSIM for Saudi Arabia: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Local SIMs are cheaper for long stays. An eSIM saves the biometric registration step at the counter and works well for short visits under 2 weeks.
HelloRoam Saudi Arabia eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam scored 8.9/10 in our testing, roams on STC's 5G network in Saudi Arabia, and achieved 31/31 activation success. STC is the top-rated Saudi carrier for Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca routes.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $3.24 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 days | $18 |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 7 days | $27 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $3.24 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $18 | 10 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
| Holafly | $27 | Unlimited | 7 days | Instant | 8.4/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Saudi Arabia →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Saudi Arabia
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | Yes, passport |
| Price from | $3.24 USD | $6 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC (Saudi Telecom Company)Top pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 25 SAR / $7 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Mobily | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 23 SAR / $6 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Zain KSA | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 22 SAR / $6 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Saudi Arabia, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 25 SAR | 7 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
| Tourist 15GB | 15 GB | 49 SAR | 15 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Tourist 30GB | 30 GB | 89 SAR | 30 days | 100 min local | 100 SMS |
| Tourist Unlimited | Unlimited | 149 SAR | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: jawalnet.com.sa
Mobily
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 23 SAR | 7 days | 20 min local | 20 SMS |
| Visitor 15GB | 15 GB | 45 SAR | 15 days | 50 min local | 50 SMS |
| Visitor 30GB | 30 GB | 85 SAR | 30 days | 100 min local | 100 SMS |
| Visitor Unlimited | Unlimited | 139 SAR | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Zain KSA
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 22 SAR | 7 days | 20 min local | 20 SMS |
| Prepaid 20GB | 20 GB | 50 SAR | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 130 SAR | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Hajj Special 10GB | 10 GB | 39 SAR | 30 days | 50 min local | 50 SMS |
Where to buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia
The best place to buy is King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah or King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. All three major carriers have staffed counters in the arrivals hall.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Buying experience
At King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the STC, Mobily, and Zain counters are on Level 1 before you collect baggage. Staff are multilingual and experienced with tourists. Bring your passport. The whole process runs 8-12 minutes including the biometric scan. In Riyadh, carrier stores in Al Faisaliah Mall and Riyadh Park Mall have English-speaking staff and shorter queues than the airport.
Coverage & network in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Saudi Arabia
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Mobily
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Zain KSA
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 5/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Riyadh's downtown and the Diplomatic Quarter have STC 5G averaging 200-400 Mbps. Jeddah's Corniche and historic Al-Balad district are fully 4G/5G. Long desert highway stretches between cities have patchy 4G and occasional 3G. The high-speed Haramain railway between Jeddah and Mecca (non-Muslims cannot board toward Mecca) has continuous 4G trackside.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Saudi Arabia
Best for: Business travelers to Riyadh, Umrah pilgrims, Expo visitors, Long-stay expatriates.
Saudi Arabia offers faster speeds and broader 5G than neighboring UAE for tourist SIM prices, though UAE plans have slightly less rigid registration requirements. Qatar has similar quality infrastructure at higher price points.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Saudi Arabia SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Bring your passport
Registration is mandatory. The vendor scans your passport ID page and enters details into a government portal. Keep your passport accessible.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Saudi Arabia
Biometric registration (fingerprint + photo) is mandatory for all SIM activations. All three carriers handle this at the counter in under 10 minutes.
STC has the widest 5G footprint across Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Choose STC if you travel across multiple cities.
Non-Muslim visitors are not permitted in Mecca or Medina. Carriers still provide coverage there for permitted users.
Hajj and Umrah seasons (especially March-April and July) cause significant network congestion in the holy cities. Download offline maps before arrival.
KAIA in Jeddah has STC, Mobily, and Zain counters before baggage claim on Level 1 of Terminal 1.
Top up at any Jarir Bookstore, Al-Othaim Market, or via each carrier's app with a credit card.
VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime audio) work normally in Saudi Arabia since 2017 regulatory changes.
Ultrafast 5G is available in most shopping malls in Riyadh and Jeddah, including Mall of Arabia and Kingdom Centre.
Common mistakes to avoid
Attempting to buy a SIM online before arrival without a local Saudi ID number. Tourist SIMs require in-person biometric registration.
Expecting to share a hotspot without a plan that includes tethering. Some plans restrict tethering. Confirm at the counter.
Ignoring the Hajj SIM packages which offer better value during peak pilgrimage seasons even for non-religious travelers near Jeddah.
Buying from airport duty-free shops or resellers at inflated prices. Go directly to the carrier counter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my SIM card in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires biometric registration (fingerprint scan and photo) for all prepaid SIM purchases. This applies to tourists and residents alike. Carriers handle this at the point of sale with your passport.
Which carrier has the best coverage in Saudi Arabia?
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) has the most extensive coverage, including the best 5G network across Riyadh, Jeddah, and major cities. Mobily is a strong second choice with competitive 5G speeds.
Can I buy a SIM card at Riyadh or Jeddah airport?
Yes. All three major carriers (STC, Mobily, Zain) operate staffed counters in the international arrivals areas at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. Plans are available immediately.
Are WhatsApp and Skype calls allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia lifted the VoIP ban in 2017. WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime audio, and similar apps work normally on Saudi mobile networks.
How much does a tourist SIM card cost in Saudi Arabia?
Tourist SIM packages start at around 22-25 SAR ($6-7 USD) for 5 GB over 7 days. A 30-day unlimited plan costs roughly 130-149 SAR ($35-40 USD).
Is 5G available for tourists in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia has one of the world's highest 5G penetration rates. STC and Mobily both offer 5G coverage across central Riyadh, Jeddah's city center, and major shopping districts. A standard tourist SIM accesses 5G automatically if your phone supports it.
Can I use my SIM at the Grand Mosque in Mecca?
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina. Muslim visitors will find all three carriers maintain strong coverage inside the Grand Mosque and Masjid an-Nabawi areas, though congestion during peak prayer times slows speeds.
What is the best SIM for a business traveler visiting Riyadh?
STC's Tourist 30GB plan at 89 SAR ($24 USD) offers the best balance of data volume, speed, and coverage for a month-long business stay. The STC Business Center at KAIA terminal can expedite activation with an appointment.
Which eSIM is best for Saudi Arabia?
HelloRoam connects to Saudi Arabia's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $3.24 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
Local SIMs are cheaper for long stays. An eSIM saves the biometric registration step at the counter and works well for short visits under 2 weeks. A local SIM from STC (Saudi Telecom Company) starts at $6 and requires passport registration. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
- eSIM vs Local SIM: Which to Choose
- eSIM Setup Guide (iPhone and Android)
- SIM Registration Requirements
- eSIM Guide for Asia
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Saudi Arabia? These guides cover nearby destinations.
