Saudi Arabia: 6 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Saudi Arabia – the origin of Islam, known for the Arabian horses, and, of course, known for being an oil-producing nation.

While the country received many visitors for Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimages), it was basically closed off for tourism until 2019.

That is when the Kingdom (finally) introduced tourist visas, opening up the country for tourism.

The country is not known for being the cheapest travel destination in the region. But it is also not the most expensive one.

Moreover, the cost of mobile data is low for the region too.

So, how much do Saudi SIM cards cost?

You can get a Saudi SIM card for 30 SAR (8 USD) in the official stores of the mobile operators (STC – also for Jawwy, Mobily, Zain, Lebara & Virgin Mobile). Hajj and Umrah SIM cards start from 34.50 SAR (9.20 USD) – the same applies to visitor SIM cards. Airports sell SIM cards too.

These prices may not seem that cheap when you take them at face value.

But you will be surprised how inexpensive mobile data is in this country – and how generous the data allowances are!

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Saudi Arabia. Let’s do this.

Original publication: 16th of December 2019. Last updated: 21st of November 2022.

Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?

Anyone 18 years old or older living in or visiting Saudi Arabia can buy a Saudi SIM card from the mobile network operators (STC KSA, Mobily & Zain KSA) or the MVNOs (Jawwy, Lebara Mobile KSA & Virgin Mobile KSA) with some restrictions.

The main restriction is that you can only have up to two active SIM cards in your name as a tourist in Saudi Arabia.

For most travelers, this restriction is not an issue at all.

For others, like those who review SIM cards for a living (a bunch of weirdos, am I right), it can be an issue.

Besides that restriction, you are free to use Saudi SIM cards.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Saudi Arabia).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?

You can get a Saudi SIM card in STC (also for Jawwy), Mobily, Zain, Lebara & Virgin Mobile stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at select international airports, including Jeddah-King Abdulaziz International Airport.

You can buy a SIM card in the following international airports:

• Dammam – King Fahd International Airport (مطار الملك فهد الدولي)
• Jeddah – King Abdulaziz International Airport (مطار الملك عبدالعزيز الدولي/)
• Medina – Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (مطار الأمير محمد بن عبد العزيز الدولي)
• Riyadh – King Khalid International Airport (مطار الملك خالد الدولي)

You can expect to pay the following for Saudi SIM cards:

• STC KSA: 34.50 SAR
• Mobily: 34.50 SAR
• Zain KSA: 34.50 SAR
• Lebara Mobile KSA: 34.50 SAR
• Jawwy: 34.50 SAR
• Virgin Mobile: free, but plan purchase required (starting from 30 SAR)

The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists and Hajj/Umrah visitors:

• STC KSA: 34.50 SAR (Sawa Ziyara – tourist)
• Mobily: 30 SAR, 50 SAR & 99 SAR (Hajj/Umrah)
• Zain KSA: 63.25 SAR, 113.95 SAR, 228.85 SAR & 458.85 SAR (Visitor SIM) & 34.50 SAR (Hajj/Umrah)

For up-to-date SAR:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Can You Use Your Phone in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Saudi Arabia. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in Saudi Arabia, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Saudi Arabia.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Saudi Arabia or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Saudi Arabia (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has three Main Operators, one sub-brand & two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs):

• STC KSA
• Mobily
• Zain KSA
• Jawwy (STC KSA sub-brand)
• Lebara Mobile KSA (Mobily MVNO)
• Virgin Mobile KSA (STC KSA MVNO)

The sub-brands Yaqoot (by Zain KSA) and V Mobile (by Lebara Mobile KSA) will not be covered in this guide because you need an Absher Account, a Saudi government services app. Short-term travelers will not get access to this app.

The following frequencies are used in Saudi Arabia:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12), 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40), & 2600 MHz (Band 38)
• 5G NR: 2500 MHz (n41) & 3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Saudi Arabia, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

A Note about FRIENDi Mobile KSA

FRIENDi Mobile KSA, which started as an MVNO in 2014, got integrated with Virgin Mobile KSA in 2020.

Virgin Mobile now offers Friendi packages in addition to its regular plans and offers.

It should be noted that the Virgin Group and Friendi Group have had a strategic partnership since 2012 when they signed a deal to merge regional operators.

5G NR in Saudi Arabia

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Saudi Arabia since October 2019. It is available on the STC KSA, Mobily & Zain KSA networks. 5G NR is also offered to prepaid customers, including Jawwy & Virgin Mobile KSA users. Lebara Mobile KSA users cannot use 5G NR (yet).

Best SIM Card in Saudi Arabia

Best eSIM in Saudi Arabia

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Saudi Arabia yet.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo.

You have two options:

1. Saudi Arabia/Salaam 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Saudi Arabia/Salaam 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

For an in-depth analysis of the Saudi Arabia Salaam eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Saudi Arabia eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide.

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

For an in-depth analysis of the Nomad Saudi Arabia eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide.

• Check out my Nomad reviews

With these eSIMs, you can skip Saudi Arabia's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Saudi Arabia!

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Saudi Arabia and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Best International/Travel SIM Card for Saudi Arabia

If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Saudi Arabia, I recommend going with SimCorner's International Travel SIM card. You get 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Saudi Arabia and 100+ countries, including neighboring Jordan, Qatar & the United Arab Emirates.

You can use the Simcorner International Travel SIM card in the following countries:

Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!

SIM Card Registration in Saudi Arabia

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Saudi Arabia. This will be done at the point of sale.

As of 2016, biometrics (fingerprints) will also be taken as part of the SIM card registration process.

Be aware that all foreigners, including tourists, travelers, and non-Saudi residents (such as expats) and migrant workers, are restricted to two active prepaid SIM cards across all Saudi operators.

If you are a Saudi citizen, however, you can have up to ten active prepaid SIM cards.

Saudi-Expatriates has an excellent article on checking how many SIM cards are registered on your Iqama (for Saudi citizens and residents – irrelevant for travelers).

VAT in Saudi Arabia

As of 2018, the Saudi government introduced a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15% applicable to most goods and services in Saudi Arabia.

In July 2020, the VAT rate was increased to 15%.

The 15% VAT will be charged upon recharging.

This means that you will not be taxed 15% when purchasing a plan or package (like in the United Arab Emirates).

Unless you purchase a plan directly from your credit or debit card without reloading first. Then you will be charged the VAT when buying your plan.

Previously, I added an extra column with the price with VAT.

However, based on reader feedback, this column has been removed due to it being complicated.

And because, in most cases, the VAT is already charged when you topped up your SIM card.

But if you want to calculate the price with VAT yourself, take a calculator and enter the price + 15% to get the answer.

If your calculator does not have the % sign for calculations, then multiply the price by 1.15 – meaning 15% (for example: 100 * 1.15 = 115 SAR).

Internet Censorship in Saudi Arabia

There is internet censorship in Saudi Arabia. The government censors various things, such as LGBTQ content, pornography, political criticism, and escort services.

Just like many other countries in the region, internet censorship is strong in Saudi Arabia.

That is why I would recommend using a VPN to browse the web in peace. I use both NordVPN and Surfshark.

NordVPN has the most servers of any VPN service out there, which I love.

Surfshark is insanely cheap for the price they charge.

Depending on where I am, I will either use NordVPN or Surfshark.

Neither VPNs have servers in Saudi Arabia (obviously), which makes sense, but connecting to nearby countries will still result in fast browsing speeds.

You can get amazing discounts for both NordVPN and Surfshark when using these links. Stay safe, secure, and private in Saudi Arabia!

(oh, by the way – VPNs are not illegal in Saudi Arabia, but the authorities may not like it. But what are they going to do? You will be private anyway ;) just do not do anything silly like insulting government officials…)

Saudi Arabia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Currency in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal with the symbol SAR (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed in ر.س or ﷼. For example, 25 AED = 25 ر.س/﷼.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between SAR and USD (US Dollars):

• 1 SAR = 0.25 USD
• 10 SAR = 2.65 USD
• 100 SAR = 26.65 USD
• 1000 SAR = 266.45 USD
• 10 000 SAR = 2664.55 USD

For up-to-date CAD:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Saudi Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through STC KSA, Mobily, Zain KSA, Jawwy, Lebara KSA & Virgin Mobile KSA, and go through:

• Background information
• Mobile coverage
• SIM card types, prices, and availability
• Recharge/top-up information
• Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)

With that being said, let’s see what Saudi Arabia to offer to us.

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STC KSA

STC KSA, just STC, is the largest mobile operator in Saudi Arabia.

STC stands for Saudi Telecom Company.

And if you wonder why I refer to it as Saudi Telecom Company (STC) – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), STC is also active in Bahrain and Kuwait. I do not want you to get confused ;)

It is also the best mobile operator in all aspects in Saudi Arabia.

The company is primarily state-owned (70%), so who says state-owned enterprises cannot be the best? ;)

STC uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz – to be phased out in 2022
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2300 MHz (Band 40)
• 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about STC:

* Coverage
* How to Get an STC SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – STC KSA

STC has the best coverage in Saudi Arabia.

It even won the Saudi Arabia Best Mobile Coverage 2021 Award by Speedtest.

4G/LTE can be found almost anywhere (in populated areas – do not expect much in deserts).

Below is STC's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see STC KSA‘s official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – STC KSA

You can buy an STC SIM card, called Sawa 25, for 30 SAR (34.50 SAR with VAT) in STC stores. Its data-only SIM card, called Quicknet Prepaid, is sold for 30 SAR (24.50 SAR with VAT) as well. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Damman, Jeddah, Medina & Riyadh airports.

It is also possible to get an STC eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card. Upgrading from a standard SIM card to an eSIM will cost you 28.75 SAR.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Sawa Ziyara SIM card – STC's tourist SIM card.

For 34.50 SAR (vat inclusive), you get 20 SAR credit, 60 minutes to other Sawa Ziyara numbers, and 600 local minutes.

Sawa Ziyara SIM cards are valid for 120 days. However, your number will be kept for 30 days.

I am not sure what you will be doing with that SIM card for the remaining 90 days, though.

Sawa Ziyara SIM cards can be pre-booked online.

However, your credit will expire after 90 days.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – STC KSA

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – STC KSA

STC has five data-featured plans:

• Sawa Internet (combo – yes, really)
• Sawa Ziyara Packages (combo for Sawa Ziyara SIM card)
• Sawa Data Keys (data)
• Quicknet Prepaid (data for Quicknet Prepaid data SIM card)
• Level Up (data add-on for games)

All STC plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 900.

Some STC plans are eligible for 5G NR.

Many plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text 7009 to 900.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Sawa Internet – STC KSA

The Sawa Internet plans are, unlike the name suggests, combo bundles with data and minutes.

Sawa Internet plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 900:

Price	Plan	Data	Social media Data 1	5G Access?	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	Validity	Activation Code
10 SAR	Sawa 10	200 MB	N/A	No	200 minutes 2	N/A	1 day	8111
15 SAR	Sawa 15	1 GB	N/A	No	400 minutes	N/A	1 day	7015
30 SAR	Sawa 30	1 GB	1 GB	No	200 minutes	N/A	28 days	7030
30 SAR	Sawa 30 International	1 GB	1 GB	No	N/A	30 minutes 3	28 days	8115
35 SAR	Sawa 30 Plus International	1 GB	1 GB	No	50 minutes 3	N/A	28 days	8116
35 SAR	Sawa 30 Plus	1 GB	1 GB	Yes	100 minutes 4	N/A	28 days	7135
65 SAR	Sawa Like	5 GB	10 GB	No	500 minutes	N/A	28 days	7065
75 SAR	Sawa Like Plus	10 GB	10 GB	Yes	500 minutes 4	N/A	28 days	7175
90 SAR	Sawa Flex	N/A	10 GB	Yes	N/A	200 minutes 5	28 days	App only
100 SAR	Sawa Flex Plus	N/A	25 GB	Yes	N/A	250 minutes 5	28 days	App only
110 SAR	Sawa Share	25 GB	25 GB	No	Unlimited	N/A	28 days	7110
115 SAR	Sawa Share Plus	25 GB	25 GB	Yes	Unlimited	1000 minutes	28 days	7115
160 SAR	Sawa Post	50 GB	Unlimited	No	Unlimited	N/A	28 days	7160
170 SAR	Sawa Post Plus	60 GB	Unlimited	Yes	Unlimited	1500 minutes	28 days	7170
220 SAR	Sawa Star	100 GB	Unlimited	No	Unlimited	N/A	28 days	7220
240 SAR	Sawa Star Plus	100 GB	Unlimited	Yes	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	7240

¹ Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
² +200 local SMS
³ also to 8 undisclosed countries
⁴ also for off-net use
⁵ also for on-net use and to 21 undisclosed countries

Sawa Ziyara Packages (Tourist) – STC KSA

The Sawa Ziyara Packages are combo plans with data, STC WIFI & minutes exclusively for the Sawa Ziyara (tourist) SIM card.

Sawa Ziyara Packages can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 900:

Price	Plan	Data	STC WIFI Data	Local Minutes	International Call Credit	Validity	Activation Code
40 SAR	Sawa Ziyara 40	3 GB	3 GB	20 minutes	5 SAR	28 days	6705
70 SAR	Sawa Ziyara 70	6 GB	6 GB	45 minutes	10 SAR	28 days	6706

Sawa Data Keys – STC KSA

The Sawa Data Keys are data-only plans.

Sawa Data Keys can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 900:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code
15 SAR	1 GB	7 days	2151
20 SAR	Unlimited	1 day	2120
30 SAR	1 GB	1 month	2152
50 SAR	2 GB	1 month	2153
80 SAR	5 GB	1 month	2154
100 SAR	Unlimited	7 days	2162
110 SAR	10 GB	1 month	2155
155 SAR	10 GB	2 months	2156
180 SAR	10 GB	3 months	2157
230 SAR	50 GB	2 months	2158
350 SAR	100 GB	3 months	2159
350 SAR	Unlimited	1 month	2161
470 SAR	300 GB	3 months	2160

Quicknet Prepaid – STC KSA

The Quicknet Prepaid plans are data-only bundles exclusively for the Quicknet Prepaid SIM card (data-only SIM).

Quicknet Prepaid plans can be activated on the mystc KSA app:

Price (with VAT)	Data	Validity
34.50 SAR	1 GB	1 month
92 SAR	5 GB	1 month
115 SAR	25 GB	1 month
161 SAR	10 GB 2	1 month
195.50 SAR	100 GB 1	1 month
201.25 SAR	30 GB	3 months
253 SAR	75 GB	2 months
391 SAR	Unlimited	1 month
402.50 SAR	115 GB	3 months
414 SAR	200 GB	2 months
540.50 SAR	300 GB	3 months
862.50 SAR	500 GB	6 months
1121.25 SAR	Unlimited	3 months

¹ +19 GB for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
² +unlimited YouTube data

Level Up – STC KSA

The Level Up plans are data-only bundles for select games (8 Ball Pool, Call of Duty Mobile, Clash Royale, Fortnite Mobile, Minecraft, Mobile Legends & PUBG Mobile). They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Level Up plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 900:

Price (with VAT)	Game Data 1	Validity	Activation Code
30 SAR	10 GB	1 month	2112
34.50 SAR	15 GB	1 month	2111

¹ 8 Ball Pool, Call of Duty Mobile, Clash Royale, Fortnite Mobile, Minecraft, Mobile Legends & PUBG Mobile

APN/Internet Settings – STC KSA

Most phones will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings when inserting a SIM card – the same counts for STC KSA SIM cards.

If that does not automatically happen, you can text jawalnet to 2222 to download the APN settings.

If that does not work, you will have to add the settings manually by filling in these fields:

• Name: STC
• APN: jawalnet.com.sa

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Mobily

Mobily, by Etisalat, is the second-largest mobile operator in Saudi Arabia.

It was the mobile operator to end STC KSA's monopoly.

Subsequently, it was also the first to offer 4G/LTE in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Mobily uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2500 MHz (Band 41) & 2600 MHz (Band 38)
• 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Mobily:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Mobily SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Mobily

Mobily has extensive coverage throughout Saudi Arabia.

4G/LTE can be found in all urban areas but not in the deserts.

Below is Mobily's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Mobily's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Mobily

You can buy a Mobily SIM card for 30 SAR (34.50 SAR with VAT) in Mobily stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Damman, Jeddah, Medina & Riyadh airports.

It is also possible to get a Mobily eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Those visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah can get the Hajj & Umrah SIM cards.

They come in three variants:

Price	Plan	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	International Call Credit	Umrah Validity	Hajj Validity	Renewal Code
30 SAR	Hajj & Umrah 30	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days	45 days	N/A
50 SAR	Hajj & Umrah 50	1 GB	200 minutes	20 minutes	20 SAR	30 days	45 days	5050
99 SAR	Hajj & Umrah 99	2 GB	500 minutes	50 minutes	60 SAR	30 days	45 days	1899

To renew your Hajj & Umrah plan, text the Renewal Code to 1100.

The first recharge on your Hajj & Umrah SIM card will give you 2 GB valid for 3 days for free.

Moreover, you can get up to 300% bonus credit if you recharge at least 10 SAR.

The following credit bonuses are available:

Recharge Denomination	Bonus Credit	Bonus Data	Bonus Validity
10 – 29 SAR	50%	150 MB	1 Day
30 – 49 SAR	100%	150 MB	3 Days
50 – 99 SAR	200%	150 MB	5 Days
100 -=> SAR	300%	150 MB	7 Days

Dial *1100# to access the Mobily menu.

Dial *1100# and enter 999 to change the system's language (Arabic and English).

Dial *222# to see your Mobily phone number.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Mobily

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Mobily

Mobily has seven data-featured plans:

• Prepaid Plans (combo)
• Data Bundles (data)
• Data Vouchers (data)
• Internet Addons (data)
• Data Prepaid Plans (data for data-only SIM)
• Unlimited Social Media (data for social media)
• Mobily WhatsApp Service (data for WhatsApp)

All Mobily plans are eligible for 5G NR.

Click the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Prepaid Plans – Mobily

The Prepaid Plans are combo bundles with data and minutes.

Prepaid Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1100:

Price	Plan	Data	Social Media Data	Local Minutes	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
30 SAR	Prepaid 30	1.2 GB	1.2 GB	100 minutes	28 days	30	030
75 SAR	Prepaid 75	15 GB	5 GB	500 minutes	28 days	75	075
110 SAR	Prepaid 110	25 GB	25 GB	1500 minutes	28 days	110	0110
150 SAR	Prepaid 150	50 GB	Unlimited	2250 minutes	28 days	150	0150
180 SAR	Prepaid 180	70 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	180	0180
220 SAR	Prepaid 220	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	220	0220
360 SAR	Prepaid 360	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	360	0360

Prepaid Plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 1100.

Data Bundles – Mobily

The Data Bundles are, as the name implies, data-only plans.

Data Bundles can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1100:

Price	Plan	Data	Validity	Activation Code
5 SAR	Internet 150 MB	150 MB	1 month	1015
15 SAR	Internet 500 MB	500 MB	1 month	1115
25 SAR	Internet 1 GB	1 GB	1 month	1125
45 SAR	Internet 2 GB	2 GB	1 month	1145

Data Vouchers – Mobily

The Data Vouchers are data-only plans that can be activated with a Mobily voucher code through *1400*VoucherCode#.

Price (with VAT)	Data	Validity
50 SAR	2 GB	1 month
80 SAR	5 GB	1 month
140 SAR	10 GB	3 months
300 SAR	100 GB	3 months
450 SAR	300 GB	3 months

Internet Addons – Mobily

The Internet Addons are data-only plans.

Internet Addons can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1100:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
5 SAR	150 MB	14 days	750	750
20 SAR	500 MB	1 month	6090	6092
30 SAR	1 GB	1 month	6100	6102
50 SAR	2 GB	1 month	7200	7202
75 SAR	5 GB	1 month	7300	7302
95 SAR	10 GB	1 month	7050	7052
135 SAR	20 GB	1 month	6300	6302
160 SAR	100 GB	1 month	7080	7082
165 SAR	10 GB	3 months	6070	6072
210 SAR	50 GB	2 months	7090	7092
220 SAR	20 GB	3 months	8200	8202
260 SAR	50 GB	3 months	8070	8072
320 SAR	100 GB	3 months	8080	8082
450 SAR	300 GB	3 months	300	N/A
900 SAR	600 GB	6 months	606	N/A

Internet Addons auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 1100.

Data Prepaid Plans – Mobily

The Data Prepaid Plans are, as the name suggests, data-only bundles exclusively for the Mobily data SIM card.

Data Prepaid Plans can be activated on the Mobily App:

Price	Plan	Data	Validity
200 SAR	Prepaid 10 GB	10 GB	3 months
250 SAR	Prepaid 50 GB	50 GB	2 months
260 SAR	Prepaid 20 GB	20 GB	3 months
375 SAR	Prepaid 100 GB	100 GB	3 months
525 SAR	Prepaid 300 GB	300 GB	3 months

Unlimited Social Media – Mobily

The Unlimited Social Media plans are, as the name suggests, unlimited data plans for select social media apps (Facebook, Google Duo, Snapchat, Twitter & WhatsApp).

The following Unlimited Social Media plans are available:

Price	Plan	Social Data 1	Validity	Activation Code
4 SAR	Unlimited Daily Social	Unlimited	1 day	*441#
20 SAR	Unlimited Weekly Social	Unlimited	7 days	*447#
60 SAR	Unlimited Monthly Social	Unlimited	30 days	*440#

¹ Facebook, Google Duo, Snapchat, Twitter & WhatsApp

Unlimited Social media plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text 0440 to 1100.

Mobily WhatsApp Service – Mobily

The Mobily WhatsApp Service is a data-only plan for WhatsApp.

Mobily Internet Service can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1100:

Price	Plan	WhatsApp Data	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
10 SAR	WhatsApp Weekly	Unlimited	7 days	210	5210
20 SAR	WhatsApp Monthly	Unlimited	1 month	211	5211
40 SAR	WhatsApp Plus Monthly	Unlimited 1	1 month	233	5333

¹ +1 GB for regular data browsing (no restrictions)

Mobily WhatsApp Service plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 1100.

APN/Internet Settings – Mobily

• Name: Mobily Internet
• APN: web2

Note: make sure to use “web2” as a prepaid user. APN “web1” is for postpaid customers only. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Zain KSA

Zain KSA, just Zain, is the smallest mobile operator in Saudi Arabia.

It is the mobile operator with the best 5G NR performance in the Kingdom.

Zain, as a company, is active in Africa (Sudan & South Sudan) & the Middle East.

Zain uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 38)
• 5G NR: 2500 MHz (n41) & 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Zain:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Zain SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Zain KSA

Zain has extensive coverage throughout Saudi Arabia.

All urban areas are covered by Zain's 4G/LTE network. This, of course, does not apply to most deserts.

While Zain has the worst nationwide coverage of the Main Operators, it does have the best 5G NR coverage, availability, and speeds due to it investing in the technology early on.

Below is Zain's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Zain KSA

You can buy a Zain SIM card for 30 SAR (34.50 SAR) in Zain stores. The Umrah & Hajj SIM card is also available for the same price. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Damman, Jeddah, Medina & Riyadh airports.

It is also possible to get a Zain eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

To use a Zain eSIM, you need to have one of the following devices:

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Zain Visitor SIM – Zain's tourist SIM card.

They come in 4 variants:

Price (with VAT)	SIM Card	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	International Call Credit	Validity	Activation Code
63.25 SAR	Visitor 55	2 GB	Unlimited	30 minutes	20 SAR	1 month	V55
113.85 SAR	Visitor 99	4 GB	Unlimited	60 minutes	50 SAR	1 month	V99
228.85 SAR	Visitor 199	10 GB 1	Unlimited	Unlimited	50 SAR	1 month	V199
458.85 SAR	Visitor 399	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	25 SAR	1 month	V399

¹ +unlimited data for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Zain KSA

Zain top-up vouchers are sold in Zain stores and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.

The following top-up cards are available:

Top-Up	Credit After Tax
20 SAR	17.39 SAR
30 SAR	26.08 SAR
50 SAR	43.47 SAR
100 SAR	86.95 SAR
300 SAR	260.87 SAR

The following online or eTop Up options are available:

Top-Up (with VAT)	Credit
20 SAR	17.39 SAR
34.50 SAR	30 SAR
57.50 SAR	50 SAR
115 SAR	100 SAR
345 SAR	300 SAR

To top up your Zain SIM card, dial *141*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *141*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *142# to check your Zain balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Zain SA app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Zain KSA

Zain has seven data-featured plans:

• Zain Flex (combo)
• Shabab (combo)
• Unlimited Call & Internet Bundles (combo)
• Voice Internet Bundles (data – yes, really)
• MBB Prepaid (data)
• Unlimited Social Media Bundles – Apps (social media data)
• Unlimited Social Media Bundles – YouTube (as the name implies)

All Zain plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959.

Some Zain plans are eligible for 5G NR.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Zain Flex – Zain KSA

The Zain Flex plans are combo bundles with data and Flex Minutes (local and international use).

Shabab plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Plan	Data	YouTube Data	Flex Minutes 1	Validity	Activation Code
19 SAR	Zain Flex 19	1 GB	2 GB	30 minutes	7 days	100
29 SAR	Zain Flex 29	1 GB	1 GB	50 minutes	28 days	101
99 SAR	Zain Flex 99	20 GB	Unlimited	250 minutes	28 days	102
319 SAR	Zain Flex 319	100 GB	Unlimited	800 minutes	3 months	103

Shabab – Zain KSA

The Shabab plans are combo plans with data and minutes.

Shabab plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Plan	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Validity	Activation Code
39 SAR	Shabab 39	2 GB	2 GB	100 minutes	28 days	S39
59 SAR	Shabab 59	5 GB	5 GB	400 minutes	28 days	S59
69 SAR	Shabab 69	10 GB	10 GB	500 minutes	28 days	S69
99 SAR	Shabab 99	15 GB	20 GB	1500 minutes	28 days	S99

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube

Shabab plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text CA39 to 959.

Unlimited Calls & Internet Bundles – Zain KSA

The Unlimited Calls & Internet Bundles are, true to its name, plans with unlimited data and call allowances.

Unlimited Calls & Internet Bundles can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Data	5G NR Access?	Local Minutes	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
11 SAR	Unlimited	No	N/A	1 day	418	4182
15 SAR	Unlimited	No	Unlimited	1 day	419	4192
85 SAR	Unlimited	Yes	N/A	7 days	420	4202
349 SAR	Unlimited	Yes	N/A	1 month	415	4152
999 SAR	Unlimited	Yes	N/A	3 months	417	4172

Unlimited Calls & Internet Bundles auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 959.

Voice Internet Bundles – Zain KSA

The Voice Internet Bundles are, unlike the name suggests, data-only plans.

Voice Internet Bundles can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Data	YouTube Data	5G NR Access?	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
2 SAR	50 MB	N/A	No	1 day	401	4012
5 SAR	250 MB	N/A	No	1 day	402	4022
15 SAR	1 GB	N/A	No	7 days	404	4042
30 SAR	2 GB	N/A	No	1 month	405	4052
50 SAR	4 GB	N/A	No	1 month	406	4062
75 SAR	8 GB	N/A	No	1 month	407	4072
99 SAR	25 GB	25 GB	Yes	1 month	408	4082
160 SAR	100 GB	N/A	No	1 month	411	4112
165 SAR	30 GB	N/A	No	3 months	409	4092
199 SAR	75 GB	75 GB	Yes	2 months	410	4102
299 SAR	100 GB	100 GB	Yes	3 months	421	4212
399 SAR	150 GB	150 GB	Yes	3 months	422	4222
450 SAR	300 GB	N/A	No	3 months	414	4142

Voice Internet Bundles auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 959.

MBB Prepaid – Zain KSA

The MBB Prepaid plans are data-only bundles.

MBB Prepaid can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Data	YouTube Data	5G NR Access?	Validity	Activation Code
99 SAR	25 GB	25 GB	Yes	1 month	408
160 SAR	100 GB	N/A	Yes	1 month	411
165 SAR	30 GB	N/A	No	3 months	409
199 SAR	75 GB	75 GB	Yes	2 months	410
299 SAR	100 GB	100 GB	Yes	3 months	421
325 SAR	Unlimited	N/A	No	1 month	416
349 SAR	Unlimited	N/A	Yes	1 month	415
399 SAR	150 GB	150 GB	Yes	3 months	422
450 SAR	300 GB	N/A	Yes	3 months	414
999 SAR	Unlimited	N/A	Yes	3 months	417

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (Apps) – Zain KSA

The Unlimited Social Media Bundles are unlimited data-only plans for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter & WhatsApp.

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (Apps) can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	Social Data 1	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
5 SAR	Unlimited	1 day	310	CA310
20 SAR	Unlimited	7 days	311	CA311
60 SAR	Unlimited	28 days	312	CA312

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter & WhatsApp

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (Apps). To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 959.

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (YouTube) – Zain KSA

The Unlimited Social Media Bundles (YouTube) are unlimited data-only plans for YouTube.

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (YouTube) can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 959:

Price	YouTube Data	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
9 SAR	Unlimited	1 day	500	CA500
39 SAR	Unlimited	7 days	501	CA501
99 SAR	Unlimited	28 days	502	CA502

Unlimited Social Media Bundles (YouTube) auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 959.

APN/Internet Settings – Zain KSA

Most phones will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings when inserting a SIM card – the same counts for Zain KSA SIM cards.

If that does not automatically happen, you can dial *99# to download the APN settings.

If that does not work, you will have to add the settings manually by filling in these fields:

• Name: Zain
• APN: zain

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Jawwy

Jawwy is a sub-brand by STC KSA.

It started in 2016 and is targeted at prepaid use.

However, STC KSA does offer prepaid service by itself as well – perhaps it will be phased out in the future.

Jawwy (Mobile) should not be confused with Jawwy TV.

To learn about Jawwy’s frequencies, jump back to STC KSA’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Jawwy:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Jawwy SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Jawwy

Jawwy is an STC KSA MVNO, meaning Jawwy uses the STC KSA network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Jawwy, jump to the STC KSA Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Jawwy

You can buy a Jawwy SIM card for 30 SAR (34.50 SAR with VAT) with 1 GB of data, 1 GB for social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube) & 100 local minutes – all valid for 28 days in STC stores.

It is also possible to get a Jawwy eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card or free if you upgrade from a physical SIM card to an eSIM.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Jawwy

Jawwy top-up vouchers, using STC's Sawa vouchers, are sold in STC stores and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.

To top up your Jawwy SIM card, dial *155*VoucherCode*#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *155*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

Each top-up has no expiry, as long as your Jawwy SIM card is active.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Topping up and checking your balance can be done on the Jawwy app (Android/iOS).

There is no USSD/shortcode to check your Jawwy balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Jawwy

Jawwy has five data-featured plans:

• Physical SIM (combo)
• Jawwy Pro (combo)
• Flexible Plan (customizable combo)
• Social Pass (social media data)
• YouTube Pass (YouTube data)

All Jawwy plans can be activated on the Jawwy app.

All Jawwy plans are eligible for 5G NR.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Physical SIM – Jawwy

The Physical SIM plans are actually starter SIM cards you can buy (instead of the 30 SAR one) with data, minutes & SMS.

However, the benefits you get with those starter offers also act as plans.

These options are available, which can be activated on the Jawwy app:

Price	Plan	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Validity
60 SAR	Jawwy SIM 60	5 GB	5 GB	500 minutes	28 days
70 SAR	Jawwy SIM 70	2 GB	N/A	500 minutes	30 days
100 SAR	Jawwy SIM 100	20 GB	30 GB	1500 minutes	30 days
150 SAR	Jawwy SIM 150	50 GB	Unlimited	3000 minutes	30 days
200 SAR	Jawwy SIM 200	97 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube

Jawwy Pro – Jawwy

The Jawwy Pro plans are combo plans with data and minutes.

The following Jawwy Pro plans are available, which can be activated on the Jawwy App:

Price	Plan	Data	Local Minutes	Validity
130 SAR	Jawwy Pro 30	30 GB	Unlimited	30 days
180 SAR	Jawwy Pro 60	60 GB	Unlimited	30 days
220 SAR	Jawwy Pro 120	120 GB	Unlimited	30 days

Flexible Plan – Jawwy

The Flexible Plan is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data and how many minutes you want.

Each Flexible Plan needs at least 1 GB of data and 100 minutes, costing 30 SAR.

With every configuration, you get 3000 on-net minutes for free.

The following Flexible Plan options are available, which can be activated on the Jawwy app:

Data/Minutes (SAR)	1 GB	3 GB	5 GB	10 GB	15 GB	20 GB	50 GB
100 minutes	30	60	75	100	110	120	150
200 minutes	40	70	85	110	120	130	160
400 minutes	50	80	95	120	130	140	170
600 minutes	60	90	105	130	140	150	180
800 minutes	70	100	115	140	150	160	190
1000 minutes	80	110	125	150	160	170	200
1500 minutes	105	135	150	175	185	195	225

Social Pass – Jawwy

The Social Pass is a 3 GB data add-on for Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp. It costs 20 SAR and is valid for 30 days.

The Social Pass can be activated on the Jawwy app:

Price	Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp Data	Validity
20 SAR	3 GB	30 days

YouTube Pass – Jawwy

The YouTube Pass is a data add-on giving you 1 GB a day for 30 days for YouTube. It costs 50 SAR and can be activated on the Jawwy app.

APN/Internet Settings – Jawwy

• Name: JAWALNet
• APN: jawalnet.com.sa

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Lebara Mobile KSA

Lebara Mobile KSA, just Lebara, is a Mobily MVNO.

The company is known for having attractive rates and packages for overseas calls.

Cannot see the video above? Watch it on YouTube.

Lebara is a Mobily MVNO, meaning Lebara uses the Mobily network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lebara, jump to the Mobily Coverage section.

This is what you will learn about Lebara:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Lebara SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

SIM Card Price – Lebara Mobile KSA

You can buy a Lebara SIM card for 30 SAR (34.50 SAR with VAT) in Lebara stores.

In some cases, you might have to register or activate your Lebara SIM card online.

However, this can only be done when you have an Absher account – an app allowing you access to governmental services.

As a traveler, you will not get such an account.

But, Lebara has informed me that you can (and should) register and activate Lebara SIM cards in Lebara stores.

Then, regular SIM card registration rules apply.

It is also possible to get a Lebara eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Do note that, just like with registration and activation, you need an Absher account to activate a Lebara eSIM.

For the eSIM, this rule cannot be circumvented by visiting a Lebara store.

I do mention the eSIM possibility because many migrant workers read this guide on a monthly basis who do have an Absher account.

Dial *000# and select option 2 to change your language. The same can be done by calling 1755 and selecting option 2.

Dial *000# to see your Lebara phone number.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lebara Mobile KSA

Lebara top-up vouchers are sold in Lebara stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores and post offices.

To top up your Lebara SIM card, dial *000# and select option 1. The same can be done by dialing *111*VoucherCode*ID-Number# or calling 1755, selecting option 3, enter your ID Number, and enter your Voucher Code.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *000# or *119# or call 1755 and select option 1 to check your Lebara balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Lebara KSA app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lebara Mobile KSA

Lebara has three data-featured plans:

• Local Pass (combo)
• Hawakom (combo)
• Data Bundles (as the name implies)

Lebara does not offer 5G NR (yet).

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Local Pass – Lebara Mobile KSA

The Local Pass plans are combo bundles with data and minutes.

The following Local Pass plans are available:

Price	Plan	Data	Local Minutes	Validity	Activation Code
10 SAR	Local Pass 10 SAR	250 MB	50 minutes	30 days	*777*3001#
20 SAR	Local Pass 20 SAR	500 MB	120 minutes	30 days	*777*3002#
30 SAR	Local Pass 30 SAR	3 GB	300 minutes	30 days	*777*3006#
50 SAR	Local Pass 50 SAR	3 GB	350 minutes	30 days	*777*3003#
70 SAR	Local Pass 70 SAR	7 GB 1	500 minutes	30 days	*777*3004#
70 SAR	Local Pass 70 Plus	12 GB	350 minutes	30 days	*777*3070#
90 SAR	Local Pass 90 SAR	15 GB	900 minutes	30 days	*777*3005#
110 SAR	Local Pass 110 SAR	30 GB	300 minutes	30 days	*777*3007#
150 SAR	Local Pass 150 SAR	50 GB	1000 minutes	30 days	*777*3150#
220 SAR	Local Pass 220 SAR	100 GB 2	2200 minutes	30 days	*777*3220#

¹ +7 GB for social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter WhatsApp & YouTube )
² +unlimited data for social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter WhatsApp & YouTube)

Hawakom – Lebara Mobile KSA

The Hawakom plans are combo bundles with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Hawakom plans are available, which can be activated on the Lebara KSA app:

Price	Plan	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
50 SAR	Hawakom 50	5 GB	5 GB	500 minutes	50 SMS	30 days
90 SAR	Hawakom 90	10 GB	20 GB	900 minutes	90 SMS	30 days
120 SAR	Hawakom 120	20 GB	40 GB	1200 minutes	120 SMS	30 days
220 SAR	Hawakom 220	100 GB	Unlimited	2200 minutes	220 SMS	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter WhatsApp & YouTube

Hawakom plans auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Lebara KSA app.

Data Bundles – Lebara Mobile KSA

The Data Bundles are, as the name suggests, data-only plans.

The following Data Bundles are available:

Price	Plan	Data	Validity	Activation Code
2 SAR	Mobile Net 50 MB	50 MB	7 days	*777*030#
5 SAR	Mobile Net 100 MB	100 MB	7 days	*777*080#
9 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 300 MB	300 MB	7 days	*777*200#
19 SAR	Daily Unlimited Data	Unlimited	1 day	*777*01#
25 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 1.5 GB	1.5 GB	30 days	*777*1000#
29 SAR	Weekly Bundle	10 GB	7 days	*666*010#
45 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 3 GB	3 GB	30 days	*777*2000#
50 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 15 GB	15 GB	15 days	*777*150#
60 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 5 GB	5 GB	30 days	*777*5000#
95 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 25 GB	25 GB	30 days	*777*2500#
99 SAR	Weekly Unlimited Data	Unlimited	7 days	*777*07#
110 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 10 GB	10 GB	85 days	*777*10000#
115 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 50 GB	50 GB	30 days	*777*050#
175 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 100 GB	100 GB	30 days	*777*100#
189 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 20 GB	20 GB	90 days	*777*20000#
260 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 50 GB	50 GB	90 days	*777*50000#
330 SAR	Mobile Net Saver 100 GB	100 GB	90 days	*777*01000#
345 SAR	Monthly Unlimited Data	Unlimited	30 days	*777*30#

Data Bundles can be stacked (multiple ones can be activated at a time).

APN/Internet Settings – Lebara Mobile KSA

• Name: Lebara
• APN: lebara

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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Virgin Mobile KSA

Virgin Mobile KSA, just Virgin Mobile, is a Mobily MVNO.

It was the first mobile operator in Saudi Arabia allowing you to create your own plan.

Virgin Mobile, as a brand, is active in Europe, Mexico, the Middle East & South America.

To learn about Virgin Mobile’s frequencies, jump back to Mobily’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Virgin Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Virgin Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Virgin Mobile KSA

Virgin Mobile is a Mobily MVNO, meaning Virgin Mobile uses the Mobily network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Virgin Mobile, jump to the Mobily Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Virgin Mobile KSA

You can get a Virgin Mobile SIM card for free in Virgin Mobile stores. However, you are expected to top-up or buy a plan (starting from 30 SAR) on the spot.

You can also get a SIM card delivered to the place you are staying within two hours (between 10:00 – 22:00) in Al-Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Jeddah, Makkah & Riyadh.

It is also possible to get a Virgin Mobile eSIM for free (if purchased with a plan).

Note that the Saudi Arabian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Saudi Arabia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Saudi Arabia (Salaam) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/ 30 days – most popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Or you can get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Holafly.

• Saudi Arabia 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you also get Saudi Arabia eSIMs from Nomad:

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps), such as getting 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, to be used in Saudi Arabia and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Saudi Arabia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Virgin Mobile KSA

You can top-up your Virgin Mobile SIM card on the Virgin Mobile KSA app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery) or online – the same counts for checking your balance. Top-up vouchers are not sold.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Virgin Mobile KSA

Virgin Mobile has seven data-featured plans:

• Predefined Plans (combo)
• Create Your Plan (flexible combo)
• Daily Capped Bundles (data)
• Virgin Mobile Data Bundles (as the name implies)
• YouTube and Social Media Offers (as the name suggests)
• FRIENDi Package Combo Bundles (as the name implies)
• FRIENDi Package Data Bundles (as the name suggests)

Yes, you can use FRIENDi (Mobile) packages with your Virgin Mobile SIM card.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Predefined Plans – Virgin Mobile KSA

The Predefined Plans are combo plans with data and minutes.

Dial *100# to activate Predefined Plans:

Price	Plan	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Validity
70 SAR	Hero	10 GB	N/A	500 minutes	30 days
100 SAR	Virgin 100	25 GB	5 GB	750 minutes	30 days
150 SAR	Virgin 150	20 GB	Unlimited	3000 minutes	30 days
215 SAR	Social Media	100 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	30 days

¹ Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube

Although no SMS is included with the Predefined Plans, you can still send text messages without being charged Pay As You Go (PAYG) rates.

2 SMS are equal to 1 minute. In theory, you could send up to 10 000 SMS (if you have the Social Media plan) if you want to by not using any minute.

Create Your Plan – Virgin Mobile KSA

Create Your Own Plan is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data and how many minutes you want.

Each Create Your Plan needs at least 1 GB of data and 100 minutes, costing 30 SAR.

If your plan costs between 100 SAR and 120 SAR (actual pricing differs per configuration), you get 3000 on-net minutes for free.

The following Flexible Plan options are available, which can be activated on the Virgin Mobile KSA app:

Data/Minutes (SAR)	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB	8 GB	10 GB	20 GB	40 GB	80 GB	100 GB
100 minutes	30	45	70	90	100	120	140	170	180
250 minutes	45	60	85	105	115	135	155	185	195
500 minutes	55	70	95	115	125	145	165	195	205
1000 minutes	80	95	120	140	150	170	190	220	230
1500 minutes	105	120	145	165	175	195	215	245	255
2000 minutes	130	145	170	190	200	220	240	270	280
5000 minutes	280	295	320	340	350	370	390	420	430

Daily Capped Bundles – Virgin Mobile KSA

The Daily Capped Bundles are, as the name implies, data-only bundles with a daily data allowance.

Dial *118# to activate Daily Capped Bundles:

Price	Daily Data
30 SAR	512 MB/day (3.5 GB)	7 days
40 SAR	512 MB/day (7 GB)	14 days
75 SAR	1 GB/day (30 GB)	30 days

Virgin Mobile Data Bundles – Virgin Mobile KSA

The Virgin Mobile Data Bundles are, as the name suggests, data-only plans.

Dial *110# to activate Virgin Mobile Data Bundles:

Price	Data	Validity
3 SAR	50 MB	1 Day
15 SAR	500 MB	7 Days
21 SAR	700 MB	30 Days
24 SAR	1 GB	30 Days
45 SAR	2 GB	30 Days
70 SAR	4 GB	30 Days
90 SAR	8 GB	30 Days
100 SAR	10 GB	30 Days
180 SAR	10 GB	90 Days
120 SAR	20 GB	30 Days
140 SAR	40 GB	30 Days
230 SAR	50 GB	60 Days
170 SAR	80 GB	30 Days
180 SAR	100 GB	30 Days
350 SAR	100 GB	90 Days

YouTube and Social Media Offers – Virgin Mobile KSA

The YouTube and Social Media Offers are, as the name implies, data-only plans for YouTube & Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Dial *100# to activate YouTube and Social media Offers:

Price	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Validity
100 SAR	25 GB	5 GB	750 minutes	30 days
150 SAR	20 GB	Unlimited	3000 minutes	30 days
215 SAR	100 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	30 days

¹ Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube

FRIENDi Package Combo Bundles – Virgin Mobile KSA

The FRIENDI Package Combo Bundles are, as the name suggests, combo plans with data and minutes.

FRIENDi Package Combo Bundles are not exclusive to FRIENDi Mobile SIM cards.

Dial *112# to activate FRIENDi Package Combo Bundles:

Price	Data	Bonus Data	Local Minutes	Validity
17 SAR	750 MB	N/A	100 minutes	14 Days
43 SAR	3 GB	N/A	250 minutes	30 Days
70 SAR	10 GB	2 GB	500 minutes	30 Days
90 SAR	9 GB	6 GB	900 minutes	30 Days
110 SAR	25 GB	5 GB	1000 minutes	30 Days

FRIENDi Package Data Bundles – Virgin Mobile KSA

The FRIENDi Package Data Bundles are, as the name implies, data-only plans.

FRIENDi Package Data Bundles are not exclusive to FRIENDi Mobile SIM cards.

Dial *108# to activate FRIENDi Package Combo Bundles:

Price	Data	Validity
1.99 SAR	30 MB	1 Day
4.99 SAR	100 MB	3 Days
8.99 SAR	300 MB	7 Days
12 SAR	500 MB	10 Days
14 SAR	750 MB	14 Days
17 SAR	1 GB	21 Days
25 SAR	1.9 GB	30 Days
39 SAR	3.5 GB	30 Days
60 SAR	7.5 GB	30 Days
99 SAR	40 GB	30 Days
110 SAR	10 GB	90 Days
189 SAR	20 GB	90 Days
260 SAR	75 GB	90 Days
330 SAR	150 GB	90 Days

APN/Internet Settings – Virgin Mobile KSA

• Name: Virgin Mobile
• APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Saudi Arabia

Getting a SIM card from STC or Zain would do you well when considering a Saudi SIM card.