Quick Facts
- Best overall coverage: STC (Sawa Visitor) — widest 5G network
- Cheapest entry plan: Zain Visitor 40 — SAR 40 for 7 GB + 60 min (2 weeks)
- Best data value: Mobily Visitors 90 — SAR 103.50 for 55 GB + 300 min (30 days)
- Best long-stay plan: Mobily 4-week plans — up to 100 GB + unlimited social
- eSIM available? Yes — STC, Mobily, Zain, plus Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad
- Hajj/Umrah bundles: Zain from SAR 51.75 + Mobily pilgrim packages
- 4th operator: Salam Mobile — budget-friendly plans from SAR 29.75
- ID required: Passport + biometric fingerprint for visitors
- WhatsApp calls: Working on most local networks and eSIMs in early 2026
- All prices: Include 15% VAT unless stated otherwise
Getting a local SIM card is one of the first things to do after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Riyadh and AlUla, a pilgrim performing Umrah or Hajj, or a business traveler in town for a few weeks, a visitor SIM gives you reliable mobile data and local calling at a fraction of the cost of international roaming.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia has three national mobile operators, STC, Mobily, and Zain, plus a growing fourth operator, Salam Mobile, all of which offer dedicated visitor packages. On top of that, eSIM options from international providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer a passport-free alternative for travelers who want to be connected before the plane lands.
This guide covers every visitor SIM option available in Saudi Arabia in 2026: updated package prices, a head-to-head operator comparison, Hajj and Umrah-specific bundles, eSIM options, and a step-by-step guide to buying and activating your SIM.
The 4 Mobile Operators in Saudi Arabia: Who’s Who in 2026
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
Saudi Arabia’s largest operator with over 20.9 million subscribers and the most extensive 5G coverage in the Kingdom, with more than 15,000 5G cell sites. STC’s 4G network covers 98% of the population and reaches remote areas, including desert highways, mountain routes, and rural villages where other operators have limited coverage. If you’re traveling to AlUla, the Empty Quarter, Aseer mountains, or any off-the-beaten-path destination, STC is the safest choice. Visitor packages are branded under the Sawa name.
Mobily (Etisalat KSA)
Saudi Arabia’s second-largest operator, with strong urban coverage in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. Mobily consistently offers the best data value per SAR among visitor packages, and its 90-day validity option is unique in the market, ideal for longer stays. Also, the most popular choice for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
Zain KSA
The third major operator, popular for its lowest entry-level price (SAR 40) and its Flex minutes system, which covers international calls to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and 15+ other countries at no extra per-minute charge. Zain also runs dedicated Hajj and Umrah bundles optimized for short-stay pilgrims.
Salam Mobile (4th Operator — New in Market)
A newer entrant offering competitive budget packages. Salam visitor plans include social media data as a separate bundle, starting from as little as SAR 29.75 the lowest entry price in the 2026 market. Coverage is still expanding; best suited for urban areas.
STC Sawa Visitor Packages 2026
STC’s Sawa Visitor SIM is the most popular choice among tourists due to its nationwide coverage. Plans use Flex minutes, a flexible calling allowance usable for both local Saudi calls and international calls to selected countries.
| Plan | Data | Flex Minutes | Validity | Price (SAR incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawa Visitor 35 | 5 GB | 1 hour | 2 Weeks | 40.25 |
| Sawa Visitor 60 | 23 GB | 2 hours | 2 Weeks | 70 |
| Sawa Visitor 73 | 25 GB | 3 hours | 3 Weeks | 85 |
| Sawa Visitor 100 | 55 GB | 5 hours | 4 Weeks | 115 |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 130 | 74 GB | 6 hours | 4 Weeks | 150 |
| Sawa Visitor 165 | 100 GB | 10 hours | 4 Weeks | 190 |
| Sawa Visitor Gamers 120 | 60 GB | 3 hours | 4 Weeks | 138 |
New in 2026: The Sawa Visitor 165 (100 GB + 10 hours Flex, SAR 190) is a new high-data tier, and the Gamers 120 pack targets visitors who need gaming and streaming data. All STC Visitor SIMs are eSIM-compatible and activate via the mySTC app. The Visitor SIM is valid for 30 days from purchase.
Activate: Visit any STC store. SMS activation codes are available at the point of purchase.
Best for: Travelers going outside major cities; pilgrims wanting maximum coverage in the Haram area; anyone heading to remote destinations.
Mobily Visitor Packages 2026
Mobily’s visitor packages consistently offer the best value per GB in the Saudi market, especially in the mid and high tiers. In 2026, Mobily restructured its visitor lineup to offer 4-week plans with more data at competitive prices.
| Plan | Data | Social Media | Minutes (Local & Intl) | Validity | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitors 30 | 5 GB | — | 60 min | 14 Days | 34.5 |
| Visitors 50 | 20 GB | — | 120 min | 14 Days | 57.50 |
| Visitors 75 | 5 GB | 5 GB | 600 min | 4 Weeks | 75 |
| Visitors 90 | 55 GB | — | 300 min | 30 Days | 103.50 |
| Visitors 110 | 10 GB | 15 GB | 1,500 min | 4 Weeks | 110 |
| Visitors 150 | 20 GB | Unlimited | 3,000 min | 4 Weeks | 150 |
| Visitors 180 | 50 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited calls | 4 Weeks | 180 |
| Visitors 220 | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited calls | 4 Weeks | 220 |
Key insight: Mobily’s Visitors 90 (55 GB, 300 min, 30 days at SAR 103.50) is the standout value plan in the 2026 Saudi visitor SIM market, roughly SAR 1.88/GB. The Visitors 180 and Visitors 220 plans include unlimited calls, making them ideal for business travelers or longer pilgrim stays.
Recharge: Dial *1400*[recharge card number]# or via the Mobily app. VAT is pre-applied on recharge amounts.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers; longer stays (14–30 days); pilgrims who primarily stay in Makkah and Madinah; anyone needing maximum data per riyal.
Zain Visitor Packages 2026
Zain’s visitor packages use the Flex minutes system, the same as Zain’s regular Flex prepaid plans, which cover international calls to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Kuwait, Egypt, and 15+ more countries. This makes Zain particularly popular among South and Southeast Asian pilgrims and expat family members visiting from abroad.
| Plan | Data | Flex Minutes | Visitor-to-Visitor Calls | Validity | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 40 | 7 GB | 60 min | Unlimited | 2 Weeks | 40 |
| Visitor 60 | 20 GB | 150 min | Unlimited | 2 Weeks | 60 |
| Visitor 85 | 28 GB | 250 min | Unlimited | 3 Weeks | 85 |
| Visitor 120 | 55 GB | 350 min | Unlimited | 4 Weeks | 120 |
| Visitor 160 | 75 GB | 500 min | Unlimited | 4 Weeks | 160 |
Note on pricing: Zain Visitor prices exclude 15% VAT, which is collected at recharge. Final prices are slightly higher. The Visitor 40 at SAR 40 (pre-VAT) is the lowest entry-level visitor plan among the three main operators in 2026. “Visitor-to-Visitor calls” means unlimited calls between Zain Visitor SIM holders, useful for tour groups or families all on Zain.
Activate: SMS the activation code to 959 or use the Zain app. Available at Zain stores and airport kiosks.
Best for: Pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt; Flex minutes cover home calls; South Asian expat family visitors; travelers seeking the lowest upfront cost.
Salam Mobile Visitor Packages 2026
Salam is Saudi Arabia’s fourth telecom operator, offering visitor packages with separate social media data bundles at some of the lowest prices in the market.
| Plan | Data | Social Media | Minutes | SMS | Validity | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 29 | 2 GB | 2 GB social | 50 min | 20 | 14 Days | 29.75 |
| Visitor 59 | 12 GB | 15 GB social | 60 min | 20 | 14 Days | 67.85 |
| Visitor 89 | 20 GB | Unlimited social | 120 min | 50 | 28 Days | 102.35 |
Salam’s plans are best suited for urban travel in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the major cities. Coverage outside major urban centers is still expanding. The Visitor 29, priced at SAR 29.75, is the cheapest visitor SIM plan available in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Zain Hajj & Umrah Bundles 2026
Zain offers dedicated bundles specifically designed for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, with short-term validity and bonus data on next recharge:
| Plan | Data | International Calls | Zain-to-Zain Calls | Price (SAR) | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hajj & Umrah Hard 45 | 1 GB | SAR 20 credit | Unlimited (7 days) | 51.75 | 2 GB bonus + unlimited calls on next recharge |
| Hajj & Umrah Hard 70 | 2 GB | SAR 20 credit | Unlimited (7 days) | 80.50 | 6 GB bonus + unlimited calls on next recharge |
These packages are designed for the week-long Hajj period or short Umrah stays. The unlimited Zain-to-Zain calls for 7 days help pilgrim groups stay coordinated. Mobily also offers seasonal pilgrimage packages. Check mobily.com.sa during the Hajj and Ramadan seasons for current offers.
Side-by-Side Operator Comparison 2026
| Factor | STC | Mobily | Zain | Salam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G coverage | ★★★★★ Best | ★★★★ Strong urban | ★★★ Good urban | ★★ Expanding |
| Rural coverage | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Cheapest plan | SAR 40.25 (5 GB) | SAR 34.50 (5 GB) | SAR 40 (7 GB) | SAR 29.75 (2 GB) |
| Best value plan | Visitor 165 (100 GB, SAR 190) | Visitors 90 (55 GB, SAR 103.50) | Visitor 120 (55 GB, SAR 120) | Visitor 89 (20 GB, SAR 102.35) |
| Max validity | 4 Weeks | 30 Days | 4 Weeks | 28 Days |
| International calls | Flex minutes | Included in minutes | Flex (15+ countries) | Included in minutes |
| eSIM available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Limited |
| Hajj/Umrah bundles | Seasonal | ✅ Pilgrim packages | ✅ Hard bundles | — |
| Best for | Remote travel, all-round | Best data value, longer stay | South Asian pilgrims, cheapest entry | Budget city travel |
eSIM Options for Saudi Arabia in 2026 — Physical SIM vs eSIM
A major development in 2026: WhatsApp voice and video calls are now reported to be working on most local networks and travel eSIMs across Saudi Arabia, ending years of inconsistent VoIP restrictions. This makes eSIMs more viable than ever for visitors.
Local Operator eSIMs (Physical Activation Required)
All three main operators, STC, Mobily, and Zain, offer eSIM. However, local operator eSIMs still require in-store registration with a passport and a biometric fingerprint, even if you set it up digitally. You can initiate the process via the mySTC app or stc.com.sa, but final activation requires a visit to an STC branch.
In 2026, Absher expanded its support for digital SIM and eSIM activation for international pilgrims, cutting some of the paperwork at the counter. Check if your nationality is supported via the Absher app before arrival.
International eSIM Providers (No Passport Registration Needed)
These eSIMs run on local networks (typically Zain’s 5G) but are activated via QR code before departure, no queues, no biometric registration:
| Provider | Network | Entry Price | Plans | Data Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Zain 5G | ~$5 USD (1 GB / 7 days) | Multiple tiers | Data only |
| Holafly | — | ~$3.35/day | 1–90 day unlimited | Unlimited data only |
| Nomad | Zain 5G | ~$5 USD | Up to 50 GB | Data only |
| BitJoy | Top-tier local | Multiple | Fixed + Unlimited | Data only |
Key limitation: International eSIMs are generally data-only, with no local Saudi phone number, SMS, or Saudi call minutes. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who need to receive SMS updates on Nusuk permits or call hotel reception, a local physical SIM is still recommended.
How to Buy a Visitor SIM in Saudi Arabia 2026
Here are the steps to buy a visitor SIM in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
- Step 1 — Choose Your Operator
Use the comparison table above. Quick guide:
Best coverage everywhere → STC
Best data value for 2–4 weeks → Mobily
Calling Pakistan / India / Bangladesh → Zain
Budget city travel → Salam - Step 2 — Buy Your SIM
At the airport (fastest option): All major airports, King Khalid International (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah), King Fahd International (Dammam), Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz (Madinah), have STC, Mobily, and Zain kiosks in the arrivals hall. Expect 15–30 minutes for registration during busy arrival periods.
At telecom stores: Branches in every major city and shopping mall. More plan options available than at airport kiosks, and staff can assist with eSIM setup.
Online (eSIM only): International eSIM providers can be purchased and activated before departure. Physical SIMs from local operators require in-person registration. - Step 3 — Register Your SIM
Saudi law mandates identity verification for all mobile subscriptions under CITC regulations. You will need:
Original passport (not a photocopy)
Biometric fingerprint scan (taken at the counter)
Your border entry number (assigned at immigration on arrival), some operators require this
No Iqama is needed for visitor SIMs. Tourists use only a passport and a border number. - Step 4 — Activate Your Package
STC: Visit the STC store or activate via the mySTC app after registration
Mobily: Activate at store or via Mobily app; recharge with *1400*[voucher number]#
Zain: SMS the activation code to 959 or use the Zain app
Salam: Activate at the Salam store or via the Salam app
⚠️ Avoid street vendors. Unofficial SIMs may already be registered in someone else’s name, creating legal liability and potentially resulting in service termination without notice. Only buy from official operator stores, airport kiosks, or licensed retailers.
Visitor SIM for Hajj & Umrah Pilgrims — Special Considerations
Connectivity in Makkah and Madinah during Hajj is among the most challenging mobile environments worldwide. Millions of simultaneous users compress local cell capacity, especially on the plains of Arafat, at Jamarat in Mina, and inside the Masjid al-Haram during peak prayer times.
Recommendations for pilgrims in 2026:
- Buy your SIM before arriving at the Makkah airport kiosks in Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED) are less congested than Makkah city stores
- STC has the best coverage inside the Haram. The operator has invested heavily in indoor coverage infrastructure at both mosques
- Zain’s Hajj bundles are specifically designed for pilgrim usage patterns. 7-day unlimited Zain-to-Zain calls help group coordination
- Download Nusuk permits offline before entering high-congestion zones. The app works with cached data for permit display
- Consider activating a travel eSIM as backup alongside your physical SIM. If one network is congested, the other may have capacity
- Top up before Hajj days, shops near the Haram may be crowded or closed during core Hajj rituals (8–10 Dhul Hijjah)
Hajj 2026 dates: Day of Arafat Tuesday, May 26 | Eid al-Adha Wednesday, May 27. If you are arriving for Hajj or Umrah, the new 1448 AH Umrah season opens on June 1, 2026. See our Umrah Season 1448 AH Calendar guide for full dates.
Per-GB Cost Comparison 2026
Understanding the cost per GB helps identify real value across plans:
| Plan | Provider | Total GB | Price (SAR) | Cost per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawa Visitor 35 | STC | 5 GB | 40.25 | SAR 8.05/GB |
| Visitor 40 | Zain | 7 GB | 40 | SAR 5.71/GB |
| Visitors 30 | Mobily | 5 GB | 34.5 | SAR 6.90/GB |
| Visitor 85 | Zain | 28 GB | 85 | SAR 3.04/GB |
| Visitors 90 | Mobily | 55 GB | 103.50 | SAR 1.88/GB |
| Visitor 120 | Zain | 55 GB | 120 | SAR 2.18/GB |
| Visitors 180 | Mobily | 50 GB | 180 | SAR 3.60/GB |
| Sawa Visitor 165 | STC | 100 GB | 190 | SAR 1.90/GB |
The larger the plan, the lower the per-GB cost. Mobily’s Visitors 90 and STC’s Sawa Visitor 165 offer the best SAR/GB value in 2026. If you use significant data (navigation, streaming, Nusuk app, video calls), buying a larger plan upfront is more economical than topping up a smaller one.
Where to Buy a SIM — By City
| City | Airport | Main Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) | Riyadh Park Mall, Al Nakheel Mall, Granada Center |
| Jeddah | King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) | Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Haramain area stores |
| Makkah | — (no airport) | Al-Zahra St., near Haram gates, malls |
| Madinah | Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) | Near Masjid al-Nabawi, Anwar Al-Madinah Mall |
| Dammam | King Fahd International Airport (DMM) | Al-Rashid Mall, Dhahran Mall |
| Tabuk | Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport | Tabuk city center stores |
Frequently Asked Questions
A. STC’s Sawa Visitor SIM offers the widest coverage, including 5G in major cities and reliable 4G in rural areas, making it the safest all-round choice. For the best data value, Mobily’s Visitors 90 (55 GB, 30 days, SAR 103.50) is unmatched. For the lowest upfront cost, Zain Visitor 40 (7 GB, SAR 40) is the market’s cheapest full-feature visitor plan.
A. Yes. STC, Mobily, and Zain all operate kiosks in the arrivals halls at the airports of Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Madinah (MED). Bring your original passport. Expect 15–30 minutes for biometric registration during busy arrival windows.
A. No. Tourists and visitors use their passports and the border number assigned by immigration. No Iqama is required for visitor SIM packages.
A. Yes. STC, Mobily, and Zain all offer eSIM, but local operator eSIMs require in-store registration. For a fully remote option, international providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell data-only eSIMs that require no in-person registration. These are activated before departure via QR code.
A. WhatsApp voice and video calls are now reported to be working on most local networks and travel eSIMs across Saudi Arabia as of early 2026, after years of inconsistent VoIP availability. Some inconsistency between carriers and locations may still occur. Messaging is the safest fallback if voice calls drop.
A. STC has the best Haram coverage infrastructure; Zain offers dedicated Hajj/Umrah bundles with 7-day unlimited Zain-to-Zain calls for group coordination; Mobily has strong coverage in Makkah and Madinah. For most pilgrims, any of the three works well; the key is to buy and activate before entering Makkah to avoid congested city stores.
A. Your original passport and a biometric fingerprint scan (taken at the store counter). Most operators also require your border entry number, which is assigned at immigration on arrival. Keep your passport and immigration documents accessible.
A. Salam Mobile’s Visitor 29 (2 GB + 2 GB social, 14 days) at SAR 29.75 is the cheapest plan. Among the three major operators, Mobily Visitors 30 (5 GB, 14 days) at SAR 34.50 is the cheapest, followed by Zain Visitor 40 (7 GB, 14 days) at SAR 40.
A. STC is generally considered the strongest inside the Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi due to extensive indoor antenna infrastructure. All three operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) have strong coverage in the holy city centers, but STC edges ahead in dense crowd conditions.
A. All operators have recharge via physical vouchers (available at petrol stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores), via the operator app, or via *USSD codes. Mobily: *1400*[voucher number]#. STC: via mySTC app or STC website. Zain: via Zain app or *959#.
Conclusion: Which Visitor SIM Should You Choose in 2026?
The right choice depends entirely on your trip profile:
- Short stay (up to 2 weeks), wide travel: STC Sawa Visitor 73 (25 GB, 3 hours Flex, 3 weeks, SAR 85) best coverage anywhere in the Kingdom
- Budget, city-only, under 2 weeks: Zain Visitor 40 (7 GB, 60 min, SAR 40), the cheapest full-feature plan
- Best data value, 2–4 week stay: Mobily Visitors 90 (55 GB, 300 min, 30 days, SAR 103.50) unbeatable per-GB cost
- Calling Pakistan / India / Bangladesh / Egypt: Zain Visitor 85 or 120 Flex minutes covers these countries
- Hajj or Umrah pilgrim: STC Sawa Visitor 100 or Zain Hajj Hard 70 coverage + pilgrim-specific features
- No registration hassle, data only: Airalo or Holafly eSIM activate at home, no passport queue
For extended stays beyond your visitor SIM’s validity, consider the Zain KSA Prepaid & Postpaid Packages 2026 guide or our How to Buy a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia 2026 step-by-step walkthrough. For extended stays, consider the STC Quicknet Postpaid Plans to enjoy monthly data packages with auto-renewal.
DISCLAIMER: Package details, prices, and availability are subject to change by operators. All prices include 15% VAT unless stated otherwise. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with STC, Mobily, Zain, or Salam Mobile. Always verify current packages at the operator’s official website before purchasing.
Rosa Gardens is a writer at Saudi Scoop, dedicated to delivering insightful and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Rosa covers various topics that inform and inspire readers.
