How to Manage SIM Cards on Your Iqama: Check, Cancel, and "Ghost" Numbers

There is a silent risk that every expat in Saudi Arabia faces, often without knowing it.

It’s called "SIM Card Cloning" or "Ghost Numbers."

This happens when a shopkeeper or unauthorized agent registers extra SIM cards under your Iqama without your knowledge. You might buy one SIM for yourself, but in the government system, you secretly own five.

The Danger: If those other numbers are used for illegal activities, harassment, or unpaid bills, the police come knocking on your door, because the number is linked to your ID.

But connectivity is also about quality. Which carrier is best in 2025? Is Red Bull Mobile actually good? How do you switch from STC to Mobily without losing your number?

This guide is your complete handbook for mobile life in the Kingdom—from buying your first SIM to protecting your digital identity.

Chapter 1: The Big Three vs. The New Players (Who to Choose?)

In 2025, the Saudi telecom market is more competitive than ever. You have the "Big Three" (MNOs) and the "Virtual Operators" (MVNOs). Here is the honest breakdown of who you should choose.

1. STC (Saudi Telecom Company) – The "King of Coverage"

Best For: People who travel to remote areas, drive in the desert, or need absolute reliability.
Pros: It works everywhere. Even in the middle of the Empty Quarter desert, you might get a signal.
Cons: It is usually the most expensive. Their customer service queues can be long.
Verdict: If you work in a remote site or travel often, get STC. Don't risk it with others.

2. Mobily – The "Speed & Value" Balance

Best For: City dwellers (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) and gamers.
Pros: Excellent 5G speeds in cities. Often cheaper than STC. Good "Social Media" data packages.
Cons: Coverage drops off faster than STC once you leave the main highways.
Verdict: The best all-rounder for most expats living in cities.

3. Zain KSA – The "Data Heavy" Choice

Best For: Streaming addicts and 5G Home Internet.
Pros: Massive data allowances for low prices. They were the first to push 5G aggressively.
Cons: Indoor coverage can sometimes be weak in older buildings (thick walls).
Verdict: Great for a second "Data SIM" or if you live near a Zain tower.

4. The MVNOs (The Cheap Options)

These companies rent towers from the Big Three but sell cheaper plans.

Virgin Mobile / Friendi: Uses Mobily/STC towers. Very popular for cheap international calling rates.
Jawwy (by STC): A digital-first brand. You manage everything in the app. Great for sharing data between family members.
Red Bull Mobile / Salam Mobile: The newcomers. They offer aggressive discounts to get new customers. Worth a look if you want to save money.

Chapter 2: The Legal Limit (The "2 SIM" Rule)

Before you go shopping, you need to know the government rules enforced by the CST (Communications, Space & Technology Commission).

To prevent black market trading, there is a limit on how many voice SIMs an expat can hold:

Prepaid SIMs (Sawa/Hala/Yakara): Maximum 2 per Iqama.
Postpaid SIMs (Bill): Maximum 5 per Iqama.
Data SIMs (Internet only): Usually up to 10.

Why this matters: If you already have 2 prepaid SIMs (even if one is lost in a drawer), the system will block you from buying a new one. You must cancel the old one first.

Chapter 3: How to Check Your "Ghost" Numbers (Argami)

This is the most important section of this guide. You must check if strangers are using SIMs under your name.

Method A: The Official "Argami" Portal (Recommended)

This government portal shows every SIM registered to your ID across all companies.

Go to the CST Arqami Portal (Search "CITC My Numbers" on Google).
Click "Start Service".
Enter your Iqama Number and Date of Birth.
Enter your current mobile number (to receive the OTP).
The Result: It will display a table like this:
- STC: 1
- Mobily: 0
- Zain: 3
- Red Flag: If you see "Zain (3)" but you only have one Zain SIM in your pocket, you have 2 ghost numbers.

Method B: The SMS Shortcodes (Quick Check)

If you don't have internet, send a blank SMS (or the specific code) to these numbers to check individual carriers:

STC: Send 9988 to 900
Mobily: Send empty SMS to 616166
Zain: Send empty SMS to 700123
Virgin Mobile: Send empty SMS to 309985
Lebara: Send ID to 1755

Chapter 4: How to Cancel Unwanted SIMs

If you find a number you don't recognize, cancel it immediately. Do not wait.

Step 1: The "App" Method (Easiest)

In 2025, most carriers allow in-app cancellation.

STC: Open mySTC > Manage > Properties > Select Number > "Cancel Number".
Mobily: Open Mobily App > My Lines > Select Number > "Deactivate".
Jawwy: Support > Chat > Request Termination.

Step 2: The "Store" Method (If App Fails)

If you can't log in to the app (because you don't have the SIM to get the OTP), you must visit the store.

Go to: The main branch (not a small kiosk).
Bring: Your Original Iqama.
Say: "There is a fraudulent number under my ID. I want to terminate it and file a complaint."
Get Proof: Ask for a "Cancellation Request Number."

Step 3: The "Nuclear Option" (CST Complaint)

If the store refuses to help (which happens), you can complain to the government regulator.

Go to the CST Website or download the CST App.
Log in with Nafath (National SSO).
Choose "Submit a Complaint".
Select the Service Provider and choose "Cancelling Number" as the reason.
The Result: The government usually forces the telecom company to resolve the issue within 5 business days.

Chapter 5: Switching Carriers (Mobile Number Portability)

Did you know you can switch from STC to Mobily (or vice versa) and keep your same phone number? This is called MNP.

The Rules:

Postpaid: You must pay your final bill first.
Prepaid: You lose any remaining credit balance when you switch.
Lock-in: If you took a "free iPhone" contract, you cannot switch until the contract ends (or you pay the penalty).

The Process:

Walk into the store of the New carrier (e.g., if you want to move to Zain, go to a Zain store).
Tell them: "I want to port my number from STC."
They will give you a new SIM card.
Within an hour, you will get an SMS on your old SIM asking to confirm. Reply "Yes."
Your old signal will die. Put in the new SIM. Done!

Chapter 6: The Rise of eSIMs

In 2025, physical SIM cards are becoming rare. Most iPhones and Androids now support eSIM.

The Benefit: You can have multiple numbers on one phone (e.g., your Home Country number + Saudi number).
How to get it: You can buy an eSIM online via the mySTC or Mobily app.
Activation: You usually need to verify your identity via the Nafath app or fingerprint at a kiosk.
Warning: If you change phones, you cannot just "swap" the eSIM. You usually have to visit the store or pay a fee (50 SAR) to issue a new QR code.

Chapter 7: Leaving Saudi Arabia? (Final Exit)

If you are leaving the Kingdom permanently, do not just throw your SIM in the bin.

The Risk: Phone numbers are recycled. After 3-6 months of inactivity, the company gives your number to someone else.
The Nightmare: If your Absher, Bank Account, or WhatsApp is still linked to that number, the new owner might get your OTPs.

The Correct Exit Strategy:

Unlink: Change your phone number in Absher and your Bank before you leave.
WhatsApp: Change your WhatsApp number to your home country number.
Cancel: Visit the airport branch on your day of departure and request a "Final Termination." Get a printed receipt.

FAQ: Common Questions

Q: Can I get a SIM card with just a passport? A: Only if you are a visitor/tourist. You get a "Visitor SIM" valid for 90 days. Once you get your Iqama, you must visit the store to "upgrade" it to a permanent Resident SIM, or it will be disconnected.

Q: Why is my internet so slow in my apartment? A: Saudi buildings use thick concrete and rebar, which kills 5G signals.

The Fix: Buy a "5G Router" and place it exactly next to the window. Or, switch to Fiber Optic (FTTH) if your building supports it (check the metal plate on your building's wall).

Q: I lost my SIM card. How do I get it back? A: Go to the store or use the "Self Service Machines" found in malls.

Cost: Replacement SIM usually costs 25–30 SAR.
Requirement: You must provide your fingerprint again.

Final Verdict

Managing your mobile life in Saudi Arabia is easy if you stay organized.

My final advice: Download the CST App today and check your "Argami" status. It takes 2 minutes, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that nobody is running a scam using your identity.🔗 Related Blog Posts

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🧭 Final Thoughts

In today’s digital age, protecting your identity is more important than ever—especially when it comes to something as sensitive as your Iqama-linked SIM cards. Canceling unused or unauthorized SIMs is quick, easy, and essential to staying safe and compliant with Saudi regulations.

Whether you're tidying up old accounts or preventing fraud, now’s the perfect time to visit your provider and clear any SIMs you’re not using.