eSIM and SIM Card in Saudi Arabia: STC, Mobily, Zain Guide

An eSIM or a SIM card in Saudi Arabia is the easiest way to have data from the moment you land, and the choice is simple: one of the three local operators, an international eSIM app or the roaming plan of your home operator. This guide explains the options and what the authorities and operators publish about activating a SIM as a visitor.

ZiyaraGo is an independent information service. We checked the operators’ pages and the regulator’s announcements on 16 October 2026. Plans and prices change often, so confirm the current offer with the operator before you buy.

The three local operators

Saudi Arabia has three main mobile operators: STC, Mobily and Zain. Each sells visitor plans, so you do not need a long-term contract. Visitor plans are usually prepaid, have a fixed validity and a data allowance, and are topped up in the operator’s app or by recharge.

The stc visitor line and the Mobily visitor page list the current visitor packages. Mobily lists visitor packages for 14 or 30 days, and customers recharge through the number 1400, with support on 1100. Check the page for the latest prices.

eSIM and activation through Absher

In May 2025 the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), together with the Ministry of Interior and licensed operators, announced that international pilgrims could request an eSIM through an operator’s app and have it verified and activated digitally by a biometric check in the Absher app, so that they are connected on arrival without visiting an operator branch.

In the same month, Zain KSA described a service of its Yaqoot brand that lets visitors for tourism, Hajj or Umrah get a SIM or eSIM through the app and verify their identity through Absher without visiting a store. These services started in 2025 for pilgrims and visitors, so ask your operator whether remote activation is available for your trip.

What your phone needs

For an eSIM, your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked from your home operator. Check this in your phone’s settings before you fly. If your phone is not compatible, a physical SIM from a counter or an operator store is the alternative.

Keep your passport and your visa details with you when you buy a SIM. Mobile numbers are registered to an identity, so the operator will ask you to verify yourself.

Local SIM, international eSIM or roaming?

A local SIM or eSIM from STC, Mobily or Zain usually gives the best value for a week or more, and you get a Saudi number for local services. International eSIM apps also sell data plans for Saudi Arabia, which you can install before you travel, and many of them give data only. Roaming on your home operator is the simplest option for a short trip, but the rates can be high, so ask your operator for the price per day or per megabyte before you go.

If you rely on maps and ride-hailing apps, data is more useful than minutes, so choose a plan with enough data for your length of stay.

Practical tips

Install the eSIM before you fly if your operator allows it, and turn on data roaming only for that eSIM. Keep your home SIM active for bank messages if you need them. Check your plan’s validity dates, and note that data allowances and prices vary by package.

Networks can be busy in crowded places at peak times, so download maps and tickets in advance.

How we chose

We built this guide from the regulator’s announcement of 21 May 2025, the Zain KSA announcement of 11 May 2025 and the operators’ visitor pages, checked on 16 October 2026, and rewrote it in our own words. Plans and prices change often, so check the operator’s page for the current offer.

Tips

• Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before you fly.
• Compare a local plan, an international eSIM and your home roaming price.
• Have your passport and visa details ready when you verify your identity.
• Choose a plan with enough data for maps and ride-hailing.
• Download maps and tickets before you go to crowded places.

Questions and answers