📱 Getting a Local SIM in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Expat Guide
One of the first essentials when arriving in Saudi Arabia is a local SIM card. Staying connected with family, colleagues, and your new life is easier when you have a Saudi mobile number. Whether you're here to work, study, or perform Hajj/Umrah, obtaining a SIM is straightforward but slightly different from other countries.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the process so you can get online hassle-free!
✅ Why You Should Get a Saudi SIM
- Affordable local and international calls
- Access to essential apps like Absher, Tawakkalna, and STC Pay
- Data packages tailored for residents
- Smoother identity verification via SMS for banking or government apps
🏢 Major Mobile Networks in KSA
| Operator | Popular Plans | Coverage Quality |
|---|---|---|
| STC | Prepaid, QuickNet | Excellent |
| Mobily | Flex Plans, Data SIMs | Very Good |
| Zain | Prepaid Internet, Roaming | Good |
| Virgin Mobile | App-based SIM Activation | Moderate |
| Lebara | Budget-friendly, Expat-focused | Good |
📌 How to Get a SIM Card Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- 🛂 Iqama (Resident ID) — Required for residents
- 🛬 Passport + Visa — For visitors without Iqama
- 📷 Face photo may be taken for verification
- Note: CITC allows a limited number of active SIMs per Iqama (usually 2–5 per operator)
Step 2: Choose Your Provider & Plan
Visit authorized stores at airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam), provider branches, or popular malls like Hyper Panda and Lulu. Options include:
- ✅ Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go)
- 📶 Data SIMs for tablets or routers
- 💼 Postpaid plans (requires salary proof & Iqama)
Step 3: SIM Registration
- Scan your Iqama/passport
- Register fingerprint if needed
- Activation via biometric verification or OTP (5–15 mins)
Step 4: Top-Up and Start Using
- 🏪 Local stores
- 💳 Bank apps or STC Pay
- 🖥️ Online provider portals
- ☎️ USSD codes or mobile apps (e.g., STC: dial *155# to check balance, or use MySTC)
💡 Tips for Expats
- ✅ Download your provider’s app for easy management
- ✅ Link your SIM to Absher for verifications
- 📵 Keep your SIM private — it is officially linked to your Iqama
- 🔄 Switch plans/providers via CITC Number Transfer Service (MNP)
📊 Sample Prepaid Plans (July 2025)
| Plan | Price (SAR) | Data | Validity | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC Sawa 30 | 30 | 1 GB | 4 weeks | 100 mins local |
| Mobily 75 | 75 | 5 GB | 30 days | Social Media included |
| Zain Visitor Plan | 50 | 2 GB | 7 days | 50 mins local & intl |
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using someone else’s Iqama for activation
- ❌ Ignoring SIM expiration (usually 90 days without usage)
- ❌ Not updating your number in Absher, Tawakkalna, or banking apps
📍 Final Thoughts
Activating a Saudi SIM is smooth and straightforward when you know the right steps. It helps you stay connected, access government apps, and enjoy a smoother expat life. Whether here briefly or long-term, a registered SIM is your first step to seamless communication in the Kingdom.
📣 Share & Stay Updated
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1 Comments
Nice
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