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Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Using a Saudi Arabia SIM card is one of the most popular ways to get data, calls, and texts in the country. Follow along to learn about the best local SIM plans, their pricing, and features.

If none of them feel like the right fit by the end, consider Holafly, a leading international eSIM provider offering reliable internet access and unlimited data in Saudi Arabia.

Where can I buy a Saudi Arabia SIM card?

The public WiFi network in Saudi Arabia might be lacking, but staying connected isn’t hard. Both local prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options are widely available. Here’s how you can get your Saudi SIM card from local and international mobile network operators:

  • Before you travel: You can order your SIM card online through international retailers like Amazon and have it delivered to your home. Some local mobile operators also allow you to order the SIM online and pick it up at the airport once you arrive.
  • After you land: Arrived for Umrah without getting a SIM in advance? You’ll find shops by local providers, such as Mobily, Zain, and STC, at the airport as well as dedicated shops throughout the country.
  • Get an eSIM instead: Instead of wasting your time in Saudi Arabia on physical SIM cards, you can buy an eSIM online, activate it within minutes, and enjoy seamless connectivity almost instantly. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and internet for the purchase and activation.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for Saudi Arabia cost?

The prices for Saudi Arabia SIM cards vary significantly depending on the validity period and how much data you need. You can get an affordable plan as cheap as $10 for 14 days, or spend over $270 for a plan that includes a generous data allowance for 180 days. 

Requirements for buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia

When buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia as a tourist, you’ll be asked to present a valid ID and tourist visa. Registering your SIM card is required by law, and you may be asked to provide biometric data, such as your fingerprints, for the registration process. It’s also worth knowing that you can only get up to two prepaid SIM cards in Saudi Arabia.

What is the best Saudi Arabia SIM card?

If you’re looking for reliable network coverage in Saudi Arabia, the safe bet is to go with one of the biggest cell service providers in the country or get a Saudi Arabia eSIM that connects you to the same local networks. 

To help you make your pick, let’s take a closer look at the best SIM card options and compare plans offered by local providers.

Mobily

Mobily is the second-biggest provider in Saudi Arabia and has a vast variety of prepaid packages available. All in all, there are 22 different prepaid data plans to choose from, 11 of which are data-only, and the other 11 also include a local phone number and phone call minutes.

The data packages for data-only plans range from 10 GB to unlimited data. The prices for these plans range from around $30.50 to $277.25, and the validity periods range from 30 to 180 days. 

For call-inclusive prepaid plans, prices range from $13.30 to $96.00, with validity from 7 to 28 days. Data allowances range from 5 GB to unlimited data, and you can get anywhere from 500 to unlimited minutes of local calls.

Zain Saudi

Zain is another well-known operator in Saudi Arabia offering prepaid plans for visitors. The list of options isn’t as extensive as with Mobily, but it covers the needs of most users.

PlanData allowanceValidityPrice
Visitor 406 GB2 weeks40 SAR (~$10.70)
Visitor 6015 GB2 weeks60 SAR (~$16.00)
Visitor 8525 GB3 weeks85 SAR (~$22.70)
Visitor 12040 GB4 weeks120 SAR (~$32.00)
Visitor 16060 GB4 weeks160 SAR (~$42.70)

On top of data, each plan also includes minutes for phone calls, with Visitor 85, 120, and 160 plans including unlimited call minutes within visitor packages.

STC

STC, or Saudi Telecom Company, is the first company to provide mobile services in Saudi Arabia and is still the biggest provider in the country. Much like Zain, STC also has prepaid plans dedicated solely to international visitors, called Sawa.

PlanData allowanceValidityPrice
Visitor 355 GB14 days40.25 SAR (~$10.75)
Visitor 6020 GB14 days70 SAR (~$18.70)
Visitor 7325 GB21 days85 SAR (~$22.70)
Visitor 10455 GB28 days120 SAR (~$32.00)
Visitor 13070 GB28 days150 SAR (~$40.00)
Visitor 165100 GB28 days190 SAR (~$60.65)

All plans also include local and international calls, with allowances ranging from 60 to 360 minutes. The countries that you can call also differ depending on the plan.

Holafly’s eSIM for Saudi Arabia: Unlimited data with no hassle

Don’t want to constantly worry about your data usage throughout your stay in Saudi Arabia? Holafly’s eSIM for Saudi Arabia allows you to avoid international roaming charges and enjoy extensive coverage without the need to fiddle around with plastic SIM cards. 

Simply get your eSIM plan online, scan your QR code to activate it when you land, and get instant connectivity. Choose any number of days in the range of 1 to 90, with prices ranging from $3.35 to $7.90 per day depending on the duration of your plan.

All Holafly eSIMs include unlimited data, hotspot sharing, and 24/7 customer support. And while they don’t offer call minutes, you can use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia to make calls via the internet. 

Traveling the world for a while or planning an extended stay in Saudi Arabia? Holafly offers a monthly eSIM subscription with Holafly Plans. Get coverage in 170+ destinations with a single eSIM, use it for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts needed.

Looking to visit other countries in the region? Check out our articles for local SIM cards in the Middle East:

Rokas Aniulis

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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