Getting a SIM card in Saudi Arabia is easy. Visitors can buy prepaid or tourist SIMs from STC, Mobily, or Zain at airports, malls, or online. Registration is done using a passport (for tourists) or an Iqama (for residents). All providers support 5G, and eSIM is available on compatible devices. If you need your National Address for registration, check our Saudi postal code guide.
Quick Facts
- 📱 Main Providers: STC, Mobily, Zain
- 🌍 Coverage: 5G in all major Saudi cities
- 🛂 ID Needed: Passport for tourists, Iqama for residents
- 💳 Cost: SIM cards from SAR 30–50; data packs from SAR 20
- 💡 eSIM: Available for supported smartphones
- 🏷 Visitor SIMs: Easy to buy at airports, malls, or online
Types of SIM Cards in Saudi Arabia
- Prepaid SIMs: Flexible, popular with tourists and short-term visitors.
- Postpaid Contracts: Better value for residents and expats needing large bundles.
- Visitor SIMs: Special Hajj & Umrah packs available at airports.
- eSIMs: Digital option for iPhone, Samsung, and compatible Android devices.
| Provider | Strengths | Best For | Sample Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| STC | Widest coverage, fastest 5G, reliable nationwide | Business travelers, heavy data users | Visitor SIM ~SAR 50 (5GB, 200 min), Mofawtar plans from SAR 70/month |
| Mobily | Affordable bundles, strong prepaid offers, Hajj & Umrah packs | Families, budget-conscious users | Visitor SIM ~SAR 40 (3GB, 100 min), unlimited data plans from SAR 400/month |
| Zain | Cheapest starter packs, frequent promos, improving 5G | Short-term stays, tourists, hotspot usage | Visitor SIM ~SAR 30 (2GB, 50 min), 5G plans from SAR 199/month |
Provider Highlights (Snippet Box)
STC – Best nationwide coverage, fast 5G, premium service.
Mobily – Great prepaid value and strong tourist packages.
Zain – Budget-friendly starter packs with growing 5G reach.
FAQ
A. You can buy a SIM at airports, malls, or official stores of STC, Mobily, or Zain. Residents need an Iqama, while tourists can register with their passports. Activation is usually instant after biometric verification.
A. Yes. STC, Mobily, and Zain allow online SIM ordering via their apps or websites. Delivery requires a valid address and ID verification.
A. Some providers offer free SIM cards during promotions, especially for Hajj and Umrah visitors. These are available at airport kiosks in Jeddah and Madinah.
A. Prepaid SIMs from STC, Mobily, and Zain include data bundles from 1GB up to unlimited, with validity ranging from 1 day to 1 month. They are ideal for visitors and short-term stays.
A. STC provides the widest coverage and premium plans, Mobily offers strong prepaid value, and Zain has budget-friendly data packages. All three providers support 5G in major cities.
A. Basic SIM cards cost around SAR 30–50. Visitor SIM bundles are usually SAR 50–100, depending on the included data and minutes. Prices vary by provider and plan type.
Conclusion
Buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia is quick, affordable, and reliable. Whether you choose STC for nationwide service, Mobily for family value, or Zain for budget-friendly options, you’ll enjoy fast 5G and easy online top-ups. Visitors, expats, and residents all have flexible choices to stay connected in the kingdom.
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Mehwish is a writer at Saudi Scoop, a professional digital marketer, and an SEO expert. With a passion for crafting impactful content, she combines marketing expertise with storytelling to engage audiences and drive results.
