Are you considering a trip to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Umrah, or to explore its historical and natural attractions? If you are, you may be wondering if it's possible to obtain a local SIM card to stay connected while you're there.
Although you could enable roaming services from your current telecom service provider, purchasing a local SIM card might be a more cost-effective option, particularly if you anticipate using your phone frequently.
So, if you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, you may be wondering how to obtain a local SIM card to stay connected while you're there. In the following article, we'll explain how you can get a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.
Process for obtaining a SIM card in Saudi Arabia
There are various telecom providers in Saudi Arabia that offer packages specifically for tourists and visitors, and you can obtain a SIM card from any of these providers. You have the option to do this either at the airport upon arrival or at a later time during your trip by visiting one of the kiosks or stores of the telecom companies.
For instance, if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah and arrive at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, you'll find kiosks belonging to mobile service providers like STC, Zain, and Mobily as soon as you enter the arrival hall. Alternatively, you could also visit a shopping mall near your hotel to locate a kiosk or find a mobile shop in your neighborhood that is authorized to sell SIM cards.
Special SIM card packages for visitors are offered by the following telecommunications service providers in Saudi Arabia:
1. Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC): Sawa visitor line
If you're a visitor, whether you're on vacation, a business trip, Hajj, or Umrah, you can obtain the Sawa visitor SIM card by:
* You can head to any of the STC branches, kiosks, or authorized mobile shops located throughout the country..
* Additionally, you have the option of booking a number for the visitor line online by clicking on this link: https://www.stc.com.sa/content/stc/sa/en/personal/mobile/packages/sawa-ziyara.html.
* The STC website states that to activate your SIM card after arriving in Saudi Arabia, you must visit an STC sales office and provide your fingerprints.
Sawa visitor SIM Cost: Packages for visitors start from Saudi Riyal 35 or (AED 34.26).
2. Mobily: Visitors package
Obtaining a SIM card is easy; all you need to do is visit any of the Mobily branches, kiosks, or authorized mobile shops located throughout the country.
Mobily Visitors package Cost: packages starts from Saudi Riyal 30 (AED 29.37).
3. Zain
SIM card packages for visitors are available from Zain, starting at a cost of Saudi Riyal 34.5 (Dh33.77).
Other telecommunications providers in Saudi Arabia for tourists: Besides the aforementioned companies offering SIM card packages tailored to tourists, there are other telecommunication providers in Saudi Arabia, such as Virgin Mobile and Lebara, which offer prepaid SIM card options that you may want to consider as well.
How to select a SIM card plan in Saudi Arabia as a Visitor:
1. Saudi Arabia has several telecom providers, including STC, Mobily, Zain, Virgin Mobile, and Lebara. You can choose a provider and plan that suits your needs.
2. Many providers offer SIM card packages specifically designed for tourists and visitors. These packages often include data plans and calling minutes.
3. Prices for visitor SIM card packages start from around SAR 30 (approximately AED 29), but it's important to compare packages and prices to find the best deal for you.
4. When purchasing a SIM card, you can visit the provider's branches, kiosks, and authorized mobile shops.
5. To activate your SIM card, you may need to provide your fingerprints at a sales office.
6. Some plans may include flexible calling minutes or internet data packages, so consider what features are most important to you when choosing a plan.
7. Don't forget to check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Saudi Arabian networks before purchasing a SIM card.
8. It's recommended to check the various packages offered by the companies, even though their starting prices are around Dh30. This is because you may find a plan that costs more but offers better benefits such as flexible calling minutes or internet data package.
Documents required to get a SIM card in Saudi Arabia as a visitor:
As a visitor in Saudi Arabia, you would need to provide certain documents to buy a SIM card plan. Some of the common documents required are:
1. Passport copy
2. Visa number/border number
3.After selecting a plan, you will need to provide your fingerprints for biometric registration and make the payment to complete the process of purchasing a SIM card as a visitor in Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: Plan Your Entire Umrah Journey Online With Saudi Arabia's New Nusuk Platform