How to buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia: the 2025 travel guide

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East, with millions of tourists arriving each year. Whether you are visiting for religious pilgrimage, business, or leisure, staying connected with a reliable data plan is essential. This guide will help you understand how to buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia in 2025, which prepaid plans are best, and how eSIM options can make your travel experience smoother.

International roaming fees can be extremely expensive for travelers. Buying a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia or using an eSIM will save you from paying high charges for data, calls, and messages. With a local plan, you get better coverage and a much cheaper price per GB of data.

Many apps and services in Saudi Arabia work best with a local mobile number. For example, booking taxis, food delivery, or even using certain banking apps may require a Saudi Arabia mobile number. Having a SIM card with local data and calls ensures smooth access to these services.

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Saudi Arabia is often more affordable than using international packages from your home provider. Prepaid plans from STC, Mobily, or Zain offer competitive prices, with options ranging from a few days to monthly packages. These cards give you the best coverage and data packages tailored to tourists.

For tourists, prepaid SIM cards are the best option. They provide flexibility, with no long-term contracts or complicated registration processes. Prepaid plans include data, calls, and texts, and you can recharge easily.

Postpaid plans are typically for residents and require a local ID. Prepaid SIM cards, on the other hand, are easy to buy with just your passport and visa. Most operators offer prepaid data packages with a variety of price points, from low-cost plans to unlimited data options.

The easiest way to buy a SIM card is at the airport. STC, Mobily, and Zain have official kiosks at major airports like King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. While prices may be slightly higher, the convenience of immediate activation makes it worthwhile.

If you prefer to compare packages, you can visit official stores in Riyadh, Jeddah, or other cities. These stores often have staff who can assist you in English and help you choose the best prepaid SIM card for your travel needs.

Some travelers prefer buying an eSIM or physical SIM online before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Jetpac offer eSIM packages that can be activated instantly, allowing you to use data the moment you land.

Decide whether you want to purchase your SIM card at the airport, in an official store, or online. Airport kiosks are ideal if you want quick activation.

To buy a SIM card, you need to present your passport and visa. This registration process is mandatory and ensures your SIM is linked to your ID.

Once you purchase the card, the staff will help activate it. For eSIM, you will receive a QR code to scan, and your mobile plan will be live within minutes.

You can recharge your prepaid plan at convenience stores, supermarkets, or online using the provider’s app. Many plans include data, calls, and social media access.

STC is the most popular network provider and offers excellent coverage and speed. The STC SIM card price in Saudi Arabia varies based on the package, with options for 7 days, 14 days, or a month. Plans include generous data and unlimited calls within the country.

Mobily is a strong competitor with great data packages. Their prepaid plans are well-suited for tourists, offering affordable packages for 5 to 30 days.

Zain is known for competitive pricing and decent 4G/5G coverage. Their tourist packages are designed for international travelers looking for cost-effective options.

Virgin Mobile offers customizable plans where you can choose the amount of data, calls, and validity days.

Airalo provides eSIM packages that can be purchased online. You simply download the profile and enjoy immediate data access without visiting a store.

Holafly offers unlimited data eSIM packages that are perfect for short-term travelers who need a lot of data for social media or streaming.

Jetpac eSIMs provide flexible data packages with competitive pricing, especially for international tourists.

To activate an eSIM, purchase a package from a provider like Airalo or Holafly, scan the QR code on your iPhone or Android device, and follow the steps for activation.

🆘 Not sure how? Follow our step-by-step tutorial on how to activate an eSIM.

eSIMs are convenient because you don’t need to swap physical cards. They also let you use both your home number and a local plan simultaneously.

Not all devices support eSIMs. Check if your phone (e.g., iPhone XS or newer) is compatible before buying.

Check out our article on compatible devices.

While physical SIM cards may offer cheaper local rates, eSIMs are perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free setup and don’t need to visit a store.

STC has the widest network coverage and is known for fast 5G speeds in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

Mobily’s 4G and 5G networks cover most urban areas. It’s a reliable option for tourists.

Zain offers good coverage in major cities but may have weaker signals in remote desert areas.

5G is available in most large cities but not in every region. For rural travel, a 4G plan is usually sufficient.

STC is the largest telecom provider, offering comprehensive packages for tourists and residents.

Mobily is the second-largest operator, popular for its affordable prepaid plans.

Zain is a cost-effective choice with competitive data bundles for short-term visitors.

The STC SIM card price in Saudi Arabia starts around 30 SAR, with data packages ranging from 5 GB to unlimited data.

Mobily and Zain offer cheaper packages but may have slightly less coverage compared to STC.

Expect small fees for activation or number registration, typically included in the starter kit price.

If you only use WhatsApp, maps, and basic browsing, 5 GB should be enough for 7 days.

For moderate use, consider a package with at least 10–20 GB.

If you stream videos, join Zoom calls, or work remotely, unlimited or 50 GB plans are better.

Choose STC if you want the best network coverage, especially in remote areas.

Mobily and Zain are better for budget travelers who still want good data speeds.

STC and Mobily have better English-speaking support, which is helpful for tourists.

Some prepaid cards offer roaming across neighboring countries, but check the rates before activating.

Use offline maps and download apps in advance to save data.

If your phone supports dual SIM, keep your home SIM for calls and use a Saudi Arabia eSIM for data.

Buy your SIM card only from official stores or authorized resellers to avoid counterfeit cards.

STC numbers often start with 050 or 053.

Mobily numbers begin with 054 or 056.

Zain numbers typically start with 058 or 059.

Still wondering which plan is right for you? Don’t leave your connectivity to chance. At esimseeker.com, we help you find the best Saudi Arabia SIM card offers in just a few clicks. Compare STC, Mobily, Zain, and international eSIM plans with real-time prices and trusted reviews.

👉 Check all SIM and eSIM deals for Saudi Arabia here

If you’re new to eSIM technology, we’ve got you covered:
📱 Read our beginner’s guide: What is an eSIM and how does it work?
⚙️ Learn how to activate your eSIM step by step

Planning to visit other countries in the region?
🌍 Compare international eSIMs by destination here and stay connected wherever you travel next.

Need help choosing the right plan? Our expert tips and comparisons will guide you to make the smartest choice based on your trip length, budget, and data needs.