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 very expensive for travelers. Getting a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia or using an eSIM helps you avoid high costs for data, calls, and messages. With a this plan, you benefit from better coverage and a lower 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 one. Having a SIM card with data and calls ensures smooth access to these services.

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Saudi Arabia is often more affordable than using an international plan from your home provider. Prepaid options come at competitive prices, with choices ranging from a few days to monthly packages. These cards provide good coverage and data offers 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 offers 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 with a variety of price points, from low-cost deals to unlimited data options.

The easiest way to buy a SIM card is at the airport. Providers have official kiosks at major hubs 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 offers, 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 deals 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 offer will be live within minutes.

You can recharge your prepaid plan at convenience stores, supermarkets, or online using the provider’s app. Many deals ezinclude 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.

This is a strong competitor. Their prepaid options are well-suited for tourists, offering affordable packages for 5 to 30 days.

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

Virgin Mobile offers customizable options 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.

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.

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.

👉 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