Quick Answer
STC Sawa is Saudi Arabia’s most widely used prepaid mobile service in 2026. Sawa internet packages start from SAR 34.50 per month with Sawa Basic, which includes 1 GB data, 1 GB social media, and 100 minutes. The top unlimited option is Sawa Hero at SAR 414 per month with unlimited data, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls. The most popular package for expats is Sawa Like Plus at SAR 86.25 with 15 GB data, 15 GB social media, and 500 minutes. Users can activate any Sawa package by sending the package code via SMS to 900. STC also supports eSIM activation, allowing customers to use Sawa without a physical SIM card.
Quick Facts
- What is Sawa? STC’s prepaid mobile brand with no contract requirement
- Cheapest monthly plan: Sawa Basic at SAR 34.50 with 1 GB and 100 minutes
- Most popular plan: Sawa Like Plus at SAR 86.25 with 15 GB + 15 GB social + 500 minutes
- Best for expats calling home: Sawa Flex plans with international minutes included
- Unlimited plan: Sawa Hero at SAR 414 with unlimited data, social, and calls
- Daily unlimited add-on: SAR 23 by sending 2120 to 900
- eSIM available: Yes, through STC branches or the mySTC app
- New Sawa SIM price in 2026: SAR 34.50 including VAT
- Package activation: Send SMS code to 900, use mySTC app, or dial *188#
- Check balance or data: Send BAL to 900 or dial *166#
- Check offers: Send 8888 to 900 or dial *188#
- Customer care: Call 900 free from STC lines
- 5G ready: Yes, all Sawa plans support 5G where available
- All prices: Include 15% VAT
What Is STC Sawa?
Sawa is the prepaid mobile service brand of STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Saudi Arabia’s largest telecommunications provider. The name “Sawa” (سوا) means “together” in Arabic — a fitting brand for a service that keeps millions of residents, expatriates, pilgrims, and visitors connected every day.
Unlike STC’s postpaid Mofawtar plans (which require an Iqama, a monthly bill, and a contract), Sawa is entirely contract-free. You top up when you need to, activate the package that fits your current usage, and pay nothing in months where you are traveling or inactive. No commitment, no paperwork beyond initial SIM registration, and no surprise bills.
This flexibility has made Sawa the go-to choice for three very different user groups:
Long-term expat residents who want control over their monthly spending, the ability to change plans whenever their usage changes, and no lock-in to a single package tier.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who arrive in Saudi Arabia for 2 to 6 weeks and need a SIM that works on day one without bureaucratic complexity. The Sawa Visitor SIM is the standard recommendation for pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Egypt, and Indonesia.
New arrivals who are still figuring out their lifestyle needs and prefer to start prepaid before potentially switching to a postpaid Mofawtar plan once their usage patterns are clear.
In 2026, all Sawa plans run on STC’s 5G network (where coverage is available), covering Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, and all major Saudi cities with real-world download speeds of 100 to 400 Mbps.
STC Sawa vs Sawa Flex: Understanding the Two Types
Before diving into individual plans, it helps to understand the fundamental split in the Sawa lineup.
Sawa (standard plans): Data, social media data, and local Saudi call minutes. Everything is domestic. Local calls cover all Saudi networks (STC, Mobily, Zain, and others). No international calling is built in.
Sawa Flex plans: Data, social media data, and Flex Minutes, where a single minute allowance covers both local Saudi calls and international calls to a list of countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Nepal, Indonesia, and others. A Flex minute used to call Karachi is the same as a Flex minute used to call a Riyadh Mobily number.
The simple rule: If you only call people inside Saudi Arabia, choose a standard Sawa plan. If you regularly call family or friends abroad, choose a Sawa Flex plan.
Part 1: Sawa Standard Monthly Plans 2026
All plans are 28-day validity (Sawa Hero is 30 days). Activate by SMS to 900.
Sawa Basic — SAR 34.50
The entry-level monthly Sawa plan. Light on data but perfectly functional for messaging and occasional browsing.
- Data: 1 GB
- Social media: 1 GB (YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, JACO, Twitch)
- Local minutes: 100 minutes (any Saudi network)
- Activation: Send 7030 to 900
Who it suits: People using data primarily for WhatsApp messaging and light social media. Secondary SIM users. Anyone testing their usage before upgrading.
Sawa Like — SAR 57.50
A solid step up from Basic, doubling data and nearly tripling call minutes.
- Data: 8 GB
- Social media: 8 GB
- Local minutes: 300 minutes
- Activation: Send 7058 to 900
Who it suits: Light-to-moderate users who need more than the entry plan but are not heavy streamers.
Sawa Like Plus — SAR 86.25 (Most Popular)
The most consistently recommended Sawa plan for general residents. 30 GB total data (15 GB main + 15 GB social) and 500 call minutes covers the vast majority of typical monthly usage patterns.
- Data: 15 GB
- Social media: 15 GB
- Local minutes: 500 minutes
- Activation: Send 7175 to 900
Who it suits: The majority of residents. Students, office workers, and families where one plan covers browsing, streaming, and calling. The price-to-value ratio at SAR 86.25 is widely regarded as the strongest in the Sawa lineup for everyday use.
Sawa Plus — SAR 115
For users who need significantly more data than Like Plus but want to stay in the standard (non-Flex) category.
- Data: 30 GB
- Social media: 25 GB
- Local minutes: 1,000 minutes
- Activation: Send 7095 to 900
Sawa Star — SAR 230
The entry point for unlimited data on the standard Sawa plans. Unlimited internet, unlimited social, and unlimited STC on-net calls.
- Data: Unlimited
- Social media: Unlimited
- Local minutes: Unlimited (STC on-net) + standard off-net rates after included allowance
- Activation: Send 7230 to 900
Note: “Unlimited local calls” on Sawa Star refers to STC-to-STC calls. Calls to Mobily and Zain numbers beyond included allowances are charged at standard off-net rates. If you primarily call other networks, Sawa Star Plus or Sawa Hero are more appropriate.
Sawa Star Plus — SAR 276
Higher data tier with unlimited social and broader local calling.
- Data: 120 GB
- Social media: Unlimited
- Local minutes: 1,500 minutes (any network)
- Activation: Send 7276 to 900
Sawa Hero — SAR 414 (The Unlimited Everything Plan)
The premium unlimited prepaid plan. Unlimited data, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls to all Saudi networks (not just STC). 30-day validity.
- Data: Unlimited
- Social media: Unlimited
- Local calls: Unlimited (all Saudi networks)
- SMS: Unlimited
- Validity: 30 days
- Activation: Send 7360 to 900
- Deactivate auto-renewal: Send 07360 to 900
Sawa Hero is the only prepaid Sawa plan offering unlimited calls to all Saudi networks. No Fair Use Policy throttling. For mobile hotspot users, remote workers, and heavy streamers, Sawa Hero eliminates all usage anxiety entirely.
Part 2: Sawa Flex Plans 2026 (Data + International Calling)
Sawa Flex plans are built for expats who need both data and regular calls to their home countries. The Flex minute is a combined allowance — use it for local calls within Saudi Arabia or for international calls to covered countries.
Countries covered by Flex Minutes: Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Sudan, UAE, Yemen.
Social media in all Flex plans: YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, JACO, and Twitch.
Sawa Flex Basic — SAR 40.25
- Data: 1 GB + 1 GB social
- Flex Minutes: Free international minutes (select countries) + 100 off-net minutes
- Validity: 28 days
Sawa Flex 65 — SAR 74.75
- Data: 9 GB
- Social media: 6 GB
- Flex Minutes: 350 (local and international to 17 countries)
- Activation: Send 7066 to 900
Who it suits: Budget-conscious expats who call home regularly but do not need very high data.
Sawa Flex Pakistan — SAR 80.50
A country-specific plan for Pakistani expats.
- Data: 15 GB
- Social media: 20 GB
- Flex Minutes: 300 (Pakistan-focused + local)
Who it suits: Pakistani expats who want a straightforward, dedicated plan for Pakistan calls.
Sawa Flex India — SAR 115
Tailored for Indian expats with high calling needs.
- Data: 30 GB
- Social media: 20 GB
- Flex Minutes: 1,000 (India + local)
Sawa Flex 100 — SAR 115 (Best All-Round Flex Plan)
The most versatile plan in the Flex lineup. 61 GB total data (36 GB + 25 GB social) combined with 1,000 Flex minutes covering both local Saudi calls and international calls to 17+ countries.
- Data: 36 GB
- Social media: 25 GB
- Flex Minutes: 1,000 (local and international)
- Activation: Send 7095 to 900
Who it suits: Any expat who wants strong data alongside regular home-country calls. Sawa Flex 100 is consistently highlighted as the best Flex plan for general use because it does not force a choice between data and calling value.
Sawa Flex 150 — SAR 172.50
Heavy data users who also need broad international calling coverage.
- Data: 55 GB
- Social media: Unlimited
- Flex Minutes: 1,500
- Activation: Send 7150 to 900
Part 3: Daily and Weekly Sawa Plans
Daily Unlimited — SAR 23
Unlimited data for 24 hours. Send 2120 to 900.
The most practical emergency top-up option in Saudi Arabia: if your monthly Sawa plan runs out of data mid-month, SAR 23 gives unlimited data for the rest of that day. Also, the go-to for one-day visitors or pilgrims who only need connectivity for a single day.
Sawa Weekly — SAR 28.75
7-day plan for short-stay visitors.
- Data: 2 GB + 2 GB social
- Local minutes: 200 minutes
- Activation: Send 7025 to 900
Best for: Umrah pilgrims on short packages; travelers stopping in Saudi Arabia for less than two weeks who do not need a full monthly plan.
Part 4: STC Sawa on eSIM
One of the most significant developments for STC Sawa in 2026 is the expansion of eSIM support. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card programmed directly into your device, eliminating the need to insert a physical SIM card.
What is an STC Sawa eSIM?
An eSIM on STC Sawa works exactly like a physical Sawa SIM — you get the same plans, the same activation codes, the same 5G network access, and the same customer care. The difference is entirely in the form factor: no physical card is involved.
Which devices support STC Sawa eSIM?
- iPhone XS and later (XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series)
- iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini (from 2019 onward)
- Google Pixel 3 and later
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later (most models)
- Most flagship Android phones from 2020 onward
Check your specific device model’s eSIM compatibility before requesting activation.
How to activate STC Sawa eSIM in Saudi Arabia:
Option 1: At an STC branch (biometric required)
- Visit any STC store with your Iqama or passport
- Request eSIM activation
- Complete biometric verification (fingerprint or facial scan as required)
- Receive your eSIM QR code from the STC representative
- On your phone, go to Settings, then Mobile Data (or Cellular)
- Select Add eSIM or Add Data Plan
- Scan the QR code provided by STC
- Follow the prompts to activate
- Your eSIM is now active on STC’s network
Option 2: Via mySTC app (for existing STC customers converting physical SIM to eSIM)
- Open the mySTC app
- Navigate to SIM Management or eSIM
- Follow the in-app steps to convert your existing Sawa number to eSIM format
- Your existing number and active plan transfer to the eSIM
Benefits of eSIM for Sawa users:
- No physical SIM card to lose or damage
- Ideal for dual-SIM use: keep your home-country SIM and activate STC Sawa eSIM simultaneously on a dual-SIM/eSIM device
- Activate before landing in Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah pilgrims with compatible devices
- No waiting at a SIM store if converting from an existing STC number
Limitation: First-time eSIM activation for new customers still requires an in-person STC branch visit for biometric verification. This is a CITC regulatory requirement and applies to all operators in Saudi Arabia.
Part 5: Sawa Quicknet — Data-Only SIM Plans
For tablets, mobile hotspots (MyFi), routers, and users who need data without call minutes:
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price (SAR) | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quicknet Monthly | Unlimited | 30 days | 391.00 | *155*[recharge card]*[ID]# |
| Quicknet 3-Month | Unlimited | 90 days | 1,138.50 | Same |
| Quicknet 600 GB | 600 GB | 6 months | 1,035.00 | Same |
The 600 GB for 6 months at SAR 1,035 works out to approximately SAR 172/month in effective cost, making it the best-value long-term data-only option for heavy users.
Part 6: STC Visitor SIM Packages 2026
For Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and tourists — no Iqama required.
| Package | Data | Social | Minutes | Int’l Calls | Validity | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 35 | 5 GB | — | 60 min | Yes (select) | 2 weeks | 40.25 |
| Visitor 52 | 21 GB | — | 120 min | Yes | 2 weeks | 60.00 |
| Visitor 65 | 30 GB | — | 180 min | Yes | 3 weeks | 75.00 |
| Visitor 89 | 20 GB | Unlimited | 120 min | 40 countries | 28 days | 102.35 |
| Visitor 104 | 61 GB | — | 300 min | Yes | 4 weeks | 120.00 |
| Visitor 165 | 100 GB | — | 600 min | Yes | 4 weeks | 190.00 |
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims: Visitor 89 (SAR 102.35) is the most recommended plan for a full 4-week pilgrimage visit, providing unlimited social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), 20 GB data, 120 local minutes, and international calls to 40 countries.
How to Activate Sawa Internet Packages: All Methods
Every Sawa package can be activated through multiple channels:
SMS to 900 (fastest): Type the activation code and send to 900. Confirmation arrives within 30 seconds and data activates immediately. No internet required.
mySTC app: Download from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your STC credentials. Go to Packages, browse plans, and subscribe with a tap. The app also shows real-time usage, active package details, and expiry date.
USSD *188#: Dial from your STC phone and navigate the menu. Works without internet.
stc.com.sa: Log in to your account online and subscribe under the Packages section.
STC branch: Bring your Iqama or passport for in-person activation.
How to Check Sawa Internet Balance and Data
Knowing your balance and remaining data is straightforward on STC:
SMS method: Send BAL to 900. You receive an SMS showing remaining credit, active packages, and data balance.
USSD method: Dial *166# for a combined balance and data summary on screen.
mySTC app: The Dashboard shows all active plans, remaining data (main and social), call minutes, and expiry dates in real time. This is the most detailed view.
Check active packages: Dial *188# to see which Sawa packages are currently running on your number.
Check available offers: Send 8888 to 900 or check the Offers section in the mySTC app for personalized promotions and deals available on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section brings together the questions most commonly searched by people looking into STC Sawa packages, including the People Also Ask queries that appear on Google for this topic.
The cheapest monthly Sawa plan is Sawa Basic at SAR 34.50, giving you 1 GB data, 1 GB social media, and 100 local call minutes for 28 days. Activate by sending 7030 to 900. For a daily option, the cheapest is SAR 23 for unlimited data for one day (send 2120 to 900). For weekly, it is SAR 28.75 for the Sawa Weekly plan (send 7025 to 900).
For most expat residents who only call within Saudi Arabia, Sawa Like Plus at SAR 86.25 offers the best all-round value: 15 GB data, 15 GB social, and 500 local minutes for 28 days. For expats who regularly call home to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or other countries, Sawa Flex 100 at SAR 115 gives 61 GB total data and 1,000 Flex minutes covering both local and international calls to 17 countries.
Send the package activation code via SMS to 900. For example, send 7175 to 900 for Sawa Like Plus. The package activates within 30 seconds, and you receive a confirmation SMS. You can also activate via the mySTC app under Packages, by dialing *188# and navigating the menu, or through the STC website.
Yes. STC supports eSIM for Sawa prepaid customers. First-time activation requires an in-person STC branch visit with your Iqama or passport for biometric verification, after which you receive a QR code to scan into your device. Existing STC customers can convert from a physical SIM to eSIM through the mySTC app. All Sawa plans, activation codes, and features work identically on eSIM.
Sawa Hero at SAR 414 per 30 days is the unlimited Sawa plan, providing unlimited data, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls to all Saudi networks with no Fair Use Policy throttling. For the cheapest unlimited option, the Daily Unlimited plan costs SAR 23 for 24 hours of unlimited data (send 2120 to 900). For data-only unlimited, the Quicknet SIM costs SAR 391 per month.
Standard Sawa plans include data, social media data, and local Saudi call minutes for calls within the Kingdom only. Sawa Flex plans include data, social media data, and Flex Minutes that cover both local Saudi calls and international calls to 17+ countries (including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, and others) within the same combined minute allowance. Choose Sawa for domestic-only use; choose Sawa Flex if you regularly call family or friends outside Saudi Arabia.
Yes. STC’s Visitor SIM packages are designed for tourists, Hajj pilgrims, and Umrah visitors. They require only a passport and Saudi visa for registration — no Iqama needed. Visitor packages are available at STC stores in all Saudi airports and across the country. The most popular pilgrim option is Visitor 89 (SAR 102.35), giving 20 GB data, unlimited social media, and calls to 40 countries for 28 days.
Send BAL as an SMS to 900 for an instant summary of your balance and data. Dial *166# for a USSD display. The mySTC app provides the most detailed real-time view of your remaining data, active plan name, and expiry date on the Dashboard. To check currently active packages specifically, dial *188# or send SAWA to 900.
All Sawa plans with a social media data allowance cover: YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X (Twitter), JACO, and Twitch. Social media data is separate from your main data allowance. When your main data is used up, social apps continue running on the separate social allowance until that is also exhausted.
A new STC Sawa SIM costs SAR 34.50 in 2026, inclusive of 15% VAT. This is the same price as the Sawa Basic monthly plan. Available at all STC stores, airports, authorized resellers, and Carrefour, LuLu, Panda, and other supermarket chains.
When your main data allowance is exhausted, your social media data allowance (if remaining) continues to work for the apps listed above. Once both are exhausted, mobile internet stops until you activate a new package. You can immediately activate the Daily Unlimited option (SAR 23, send 2120 to 900) for 24 hours of unlimited data, or activate a new monthly package if you want to extend for the rest of your cycle.
People Also Search: Related STC Sawa Topics
Alongside the questions above, people regularly search for these related STC Sawa topics. Here are the answers in one place.
STC Sawa offers check code: The fastest way to see what offers are currently available on your Sawa number is to send 8888 to 900 or check the Offers section in the mySTC app. Offers are personalized to your usage history, so the promotions shown are specific to your account.
STC Sawa balance check code: Send BAL to 900 for balance and data, or dial *166# for a USSD display. The full mySTC app Dashboard shows a detailed breakdown.
How to recharge STC Sawa: Top up using the mySTC app (credit/debit card or STC Pay), SADAD via your bank’s app, any Saudi ATM through the SADAD section, physical recharge vouchers from any petrol station or supermarket, or at any STC branch. Vouchers range from SAR 17.39 to SAR 300.
STC Sawa Flex for Pakistan calling: Use Sawa Flex Pakistan (SAR 80.50, 300 Flex minutes, 15 GB data) for a Pakistan-specific plan, or Sawa Flex 100 (SAR 115, 1,000 Flex minutes to 17 countries, including Pakistan, 36 GB data) for a broader option that also covers other countries.
STC Sawa for Hajj 2026: Hajj 1447 AH falls with Arafat Day on 26 May 2026. For pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the STC Visitor SIM packages are the correct option. Visitor 89 (SAR 102.35, 28-day validity) is the most recommended plan for pilgrims needing a full month of connectivity. Purchase at Jeddah or Madinah airports on arrival.
STC 5G Sawa packages: All Sawa plans automatically run on 5G where coverage is available. There are no separate “5G plans” — 5G is included at no extra cost in every Sawa package for compatible devices in 5G coverage areas. STC has Saudi Arabia’s widest 5G network.
Cancel Sawa Hero auto-renewal: Send 07360 to 900. This cancels the automatic monthly renewal of Sawa Hero without terminating your current active cycle.
STC Sawa vs Mobily: Both STC Sawa and Mobily offer comparable entry prices (SAR 34.50 for both operators’ basic monthly plans). STC leads on network coverage (the widest 5G in Saudi Arabia), social media app coverage (includes Twitch), and Flex international calling options. Mobily leads on the unlimited plan price (SAR 395 for Mobily unlimited vs SAR 414 for Sawa Hero). For the widest national coverage, STC Sawa is the stronger choice.
mySTC app download: Search “mySTC” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The official app by Saudi Telecom Company is free and provides real-time usage tracking, package activation, balance top-up, and account management.
Sawa at a Glance: All Codes and Prices 2026
| Plan | Code to 900 | Price (SAR) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Unlimited | 2120 | 23.00 | Unlimited | 1 day |
| Sawa Weekly | 7025 | 28.75 | 2 GB + 2 GB social | 7 days |
| Sawa Basic | 7030 | 34.50 | 1 GB + 1 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Like | 7058 | 57.50 | 8 GB + 8 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Flex 65 | 7066 | 74.75 | 9 GB + 6 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Like Plus | 7175 | 86.25 | 15 GB + 15 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Flex Pakistan | Via app | 80.50 | 15 GB + 20 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Flex India | Via app | 115.00 | 30 GB + 20 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Flex 100 | 7095 | 115.00 | 36 GB + 25 GB social | 28 days |
| Sawa Flex 150 | 7150 | 172.50 | 55 GB + Unlimited social | 28 days |
| Sawa Star | 7230 | 230.00 | Unlimited + Unlimited social | 28 days |
| Sawa Star Plus | 7276 | 276.00 | 120 GB + Unlimited social | 28 days |
| Sawa Hero | 7360 | 414.00 | Unlimited + Unlimited social | 30 days |
| Quicknet Monthly | *155*[card]*[ID]# | 391.00 | Unlimited (data SIM) | 30 days |
| Quicknet 3-Month | Same | 1,138.50 | Unlimited (data SIM) | 90 days |
Related STC guides on Saudi Scoop:
- STC Prepaid Internet Packages 2026 for the Quicknet prepaid data SIM guide
- STC Mofawtar Postpaid Plans 2026 for monthly billing plans
- STC Roaming Packages 2026 for international travel
- Visitor SIM Card Packages Saudi Arabia 2026 for all operators’ visitor plans
DISCLAIMER: Package details, prices, activation codes, and features are subject to change by STC at any time. All prices include 15% VAT. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with STC. Always verify current plans at stc.com.sa or via the mySTC app. This blog post is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to ensure the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and well-sourced, we cannot guarantee its completeness or absolute accuracy.All images, videos, and logos featured on this page are the property of their respective owners. We make every effort to provide proper credit and references. If you are the rightful owner and would like your image, video, or logo removed, please contact us.
Aleena Tanveer is a dentist, author, and writer with a passion for both healthcare and storytelling. She combines her medical expertise with her love for writing to create informative, engaging content that educates and inspires readers.
