How to Get a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia – Step-by-Step Guide

Staying connected is almost as vital as carrying your Iqama in Saudi Arabia. From government apps such as Absher and Tawakkalna to ordering food on HungerStation, a local SIM card underpins everyday life. This in-depth guide (updated for 2025) explains exactly how to obtain a Saudi SIM card, which documents you need, the best providers, eSIM perks, hidden fees, and pro tips for tourists, Umrah pilgrims, students, and long-term expats alike.

📍 Why You Need a Local SIM in Saudi Arabia

  • Cost savings – local data and calls are far cheaper than roaming.
  • Access to official services – apps such as Absher, Sehhaty, and STC Pay send OTP (one-time-password) codes only to Saudi numbers.
  • Navigation & transport – ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) and Google Maps require live data.
  • Banking & payments – Mada, Apple Pay, and digital wallets are linked to your Saudi phone number.
  • Emergency alerts – Civil Defense SMS warnings for sandstorms, floods, or road closures reach local numbers first.

🏅 Major Mobile Providers in 2025

ProviderMarket ShareStrengthWeakness
STC≈ 55 %Best 5G coverage, fastest speedsPackages cost slightly more
Mobily≈ 25 %Data-heavy bundles, popular with gamersRural coverage weaker than STC
Zain≈ 15 %Competitive unlimited plansNetwork congestion in peak hours
MVNOs (Virgin Mobile, Lebara, Friendi)≈ 5 %Budget-friendly, short-term tourist SIMsLower data caps, limited 5G
Tip — STC, Mobily, and Zain all support 5G in the big cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah), but coverage drops in desert highways.

📝 Required Documents & Eligibility

  • Expat Resident / Iqama holder – Original Iqama, fingerprint scan (required by CITC), Saudi mobile-ready phone.
  • Tourist / Business visitor – Passport + visa (eVisa or stamped), local hotel address, fingerprint scan.
  • Hajj / Umrah pilgrim – Passport, pilgrimage visa, hotel or group accommodation details.
  • Saudi citizen – National ID (Absher verified) or Saudi ID card.
Fingerprinting: Saudi telecom law mandates biometric verification; you will place your forefinger on a small scanner during purchase.

🔢 Step-by-Step – Buying a SIM at a Provider Store

  1. Find an official store or kiosk.
    • King Khalid airport (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz airport (Jeddah), and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz airport (Madinah) all have STC/Mobily/Zain kiosks that operate 24/7.
    • Malls such as Riyadh Park, Red Sea Mall, and Al-Nakheel also host provider branches.
  2. Choose prepaid vs postpaid.
    • New arrivals almost always choose prepaid because it requires no Saudi bank account.
    • Postpaid plans need an established bank account or salary letter.
  3. Provide documents & fingerprint.
    • Staff will photocopy your passport/Iqama and perform fingerprint verification to link the SIM to your Absher profile.
  4. Select a package & pay.
    • Basic tourist SIMs start at SAR 34 (≈ USD 9), including 1 GB data + 30 mins calls.
    • Heavy-data bundles (100 GB) cost SAR 250–375.
    • Payment accepted via cash, Mada, or credit card.
  5. Insert SIM & activate.
    • You’ll receive an SMS confirming activation.
    • Dial *166# for Zain or *101# for STC to view balance.
  6. Absher approval (for expats).
    • Log into Absher → My Services > SIM Registration → approve the pending request within 24 hours to avoid automatic suspension.

🌐 eSIM – The 2025 Game-Changer

eSIM lets you activate a mobile plan without a physical SIM card. All four major networks now support it for iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S21 +, Google Pixel 7, and many dual-SIM smartwatches.

  • How to buy: Ask the staff for an eSIM QR code – they will print or email it.
  • Benefits: Keep your home-country SIM active, switch plans instantly, reduce plastic waste.
  • Downside: Not transferrable to another phone unless you visit the branch again.

📦 Popular Data Packages (Updated 2025)

STC Prepaid Sawa

  • Sawa Star 30 – SAR 30 → 2 GB + 100 mins (valid 4 weeks)
  • Sawa Share 90 – SAR 90 → 20 GB + 500 mins + 10 GB Social
  • Sawa Elite 180 – SAR 180 → Unlimited data (FUP : 100 GB @ 5G then 512 kbps) + unlimited calls

Mobily Prepaid

  • Mobily SAR 75 – 10 GB data + 300 mins
  • Mobily SAR 150 – 50 GB data + unlimited social + 1000 mins

Zain Prepaid Shabab

  • Shabab 59 – 9 GB + 9 GB social + 700 mins
  • Shabab 199 – Unlimited data, unlimited calls, free Zain WiFi hotspots

Virgin Mobile / Lebara Visitor SIMs

SAR 34–45: 1 GB to 3 GB data + free incoming calls, valid 30 days.

🚀 Extra Features & Hidden Fees

  • SIM Expiry: Prepaid SIMs go dormant if not recharged in 90 days – then permanently cancelled after 360 days.
  • Transfer of Ownership: You can transfer your SIM to another Iqama holder through each provider’s app.
  • Data Add-Ons: Buy social-only bundles (WhatsApp/Snap/TikTok) from SAR 9.
  • International Calling Packs: STC Saudia to India/Pakistan – SAR 10 for 40 mins.
  • Roaming: GCC roaming weekly pass – SAR 99 for 2 GB (STC).

🚨 SIM Registration Rules from CITC (2025)

  1. Maximum 2 data SIMs + 3 voice SIMs per person (Iqama).
  2. Selling or giving away a SIM registered under your Iqama is illegal and may result in SAR 5 000 fine.
  3. Sensors/IoT SIMs (for smart meters) must be labeled “Machine-to-Machine” and cannot be used in phones.
  4. All lost/stolen SIMs must be reported to the provider within 24 hours.

🧭 SIM Card for Hajj & Umrah Pilgrims

During Hajj and peak Umrah seasons, provider kiosks at Jeddah and Madinah airports offer special pilgrim SIM bundles (1 GB–5 GB) at subsidised rates. Make sure to:

  • Have your Hajj/Umrah visa ready.
  • Provide hotel or group accommodation address.
  • Activate before leaving the airport to ensure network connectivity in the holy sites.

💡 Pro Tips for Seamless Connectivity

  • Dual-SIM Phones: Keep your home-country SIM in slot 2; use Saudi SIM/eSIM in slot 1 for 5G speeds.
  • Top-Up Options: Recharge online via the bank app, provider app, STC Pay, or Mada card at grocery stores.
  • Signal Booster: Tall apartment? Use device settings to lock onto 4G LTE for stronger indoor reception.
  • Use Wi-Fi Calling: If your building has weak coverage, enable VoWiFi in phone settings when connected to fiber-Wi-Fi.
  • Monitor Data: Provider apps let you track usage; heavy YouTube/TikTok use can burn 5 GB in a day.

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How soon do I need to approve the SIM on Absher?

Within 24 hours. Otherwise the SIM will remain partially active (data only) and could be blocked.

Can I keep my Saudi SIM active while abroad?

Yes, but top-up at least once every 3 months. Otherwise, the SIM may expire.

Can tourists buy an eSIM online before arrival?

Some MVNOs (e.g., Virgin Mobile) allow pre-booking eSIMs, but biometric verification will still be completed on arrival.

What’s the emergency number in Saudi Arabia?

911 nationwide for police, fire, and ambulance.

🔗 Internal Links to Add

🏁 Final Thoughts

Getting a SIM card in Saudi Arabia is quick, affordable, and legally required for most services. From fingerprint registration to eSIM convenience, this step-by-step guide ensures you stay connected whether you’re performing Umrah, settling in Riyadh for work, or road-tripping across the Red Sea coast. Activate a local SIM, download essential Saudi apps, and enjoy seamless calls, fast 5G data, and smooth access to government services throughout your stay in the Kingdom.

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