Complete Guide to Buying a Saudi SIM Card for Umrah

Staying connected during your Umrah journey is essential whether you’re contacting family back in Pakistan, navigating the streets of Makkah and Madinah, or sharing your spiritual experiences online. Having a reliable SIM card in Saudi Arabia ensures smooth communication and peace of mind.

For Pakistani pilgrims planning their Umrah package 2025, getting a Saudi SIM card for Umrah is simple and affordable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia, compare top mobile providers, explore the best packages, and find out where to purchase one from airports to city centers.

Where to Buy Your SIM Card

You can purchase mobile plans at airports, city centers, and shopping malls throughout the Kingdom.

Airport Locations

Getting your SIM right after landing is the most convenient option:

Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport)

• Main gateway for international pilgrims
• Official booths from all three major providers
• Open 24/7 with multilingual staff
• Located immediately after immigration

Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport)

• Multiple kiosks after customs
• Ideal if starting your journey in Madinah
• Staff speak English, Arabic, and Urdu

Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport)

• Available for transit passengers
• Booths throughout the terminal

Near the Holy Mosques and City Centers

If you didn’t buy a SIM at the airport, you can easily get one near Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Official stores are located around the mosques, in malls, and in busy shopping streets. Most have multilingual staff who can assist in Urdu.

In Mekkah: Multiple authorized vendors near Masjid al-Haram entrances. Popular locations include Abraj Al Bait complex and Al Hijaz Mall. Staff typically speak Urdu and English.

In Madinah: Plenty of official shops within walking distance of Masjid an-Nabawi and throughout the city center.

In Jeddah: As the main entry point, shops are everywhere—from the old city (Al-Balad) to modern centers like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia.

Shopping Malls

Every major mall has dedicated mobile phone shops:

City	Popular Malls
Jeddah	Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Aziz Mall
Makkah	Abraj Al Bait complex, Al Hijaz Mall
Madinah	Al Rashid Mega Mall, Taiba Commercial Center
Riyadh	Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Gallery Mall

Important: Always look for official provider logos (STC, Mobily, or Zain). Avoid street vendors selling unregistered cards.

Top Mobile Providers in Saudi Arabia

Three major telecom operators serve millions of pilgrims every year. All offer prepaid packages with data, local calls, and international minutes to Pakistan  perfect for those traveling on Umrah packages 2026 who want to stay connected throughout their journey in Saudi Arabia.

1. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

• Widest coverage across all cities
  
• Excellent network speed and reliability
  
• Packages include international minutes for calls to Pakistan
  
• Ideal for heavy users or long stays
  

2. Mobily

• Great value and customer service
  
• eSIM options for modern smartphones
  
• Competitive data and call rates
  
• Recommended for budget-conscious travelers
  

3. Zain

• Strong coverage in urban areas
  
• Packages with high data limits and call minutes
  
• Excellent for families or frequent international callers

Saudi SIM Card Packages Comparison

Provider	Data	Minutes	Validity	Price (SAR)	Best For
STC	5GB	60	2 Weeks	40.25	Short stays
STC	25GB	180	3 Weeks	85	3-week trips
STC	55GB	300	4 Weeks	120	Heavy users
Mobily	5GB	60	14 Days	35	Budget option
Mobily	48GB	300	30 Days	104	Best value long stay
Zain	15GB	150	2 Weeks	60	Balanced option
Zain	40GB	350	4 Weeks	120	Frequent callers

Which SIM Plan is Right for You?

Stay Duration	Usage Type	Recommended Plan	Price	Why
2–7 Days	Light (WhatsApp, maps)	Mobily 5GB	35 SAR	Affordable, reliable
1–2 Weeks	Moderate	Zain 15GB	60 SAR	More minutes
2–3 Weeks	Heavy use	STC 25GB	85 SAR	Fast, stable speeds
3–4 Weeks	Frequent Pakistan calls	Zain 40GB	120 SAR	Most calling minutes
3–4 Weeks	Heavy data users	Mobily 48GB	104 SAR	Great long-stay value

Using eSIM in Saudi Arabia

Modern pilgrims can use e-SIM technology—a digital SIM built into your phone. No physical card needed.

Advantages:

• Keep your Pakistani SIM active
• No card swapping
• Instant activation via QR code
• Dual number functionality
• Nothing to lose or damage

How to Get e-SIM:

1. Visit an official STC or Mobily store
2. Bring your passport and visa
3. Request e-SIM package
4. Staff verifies phone compatibility
5. Scan QR code provided
6. Activation completes automatically

Compatible Devices:

• iPhone XS and newer
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
• Google Pixel 3 and newer
• Most flagship phones from 2019 onwards

How to Get a Saudi SIM Card (Step-by-Step)

Requirements:

• Valid passport (6 months minimum)
  
• Saudi Umrah visa
  
• Biometric face scan (done at the counter)
  
• Payment in cash or card
  
• Unlocked or eSIM-compatible phone

The 7-Step Process

1. Choose your provider based on your needs
2. Select your package according to stay duration
3. Show passport and visa to sales representative
4. Complete biometric face scan (30 seconds)
5. Make payment (SAR cash, Visa, or Mastercard)
6. Receive your SIM (physical card or e-SIM QR code)
7. Activation completes automatically within 2-5 minutes

The entire process takes less than 10 minutes.

Payment Options

All official vendors accept:

• Saudi Riyals (cash)
• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

Can You Use a Pakistani SIM in Saudi Arabia?

You can, but roaming is expensive. akistani networks like Jazz, Zong, and Ufone charge high rates for Saudi usage.

Cost Comparison

Service	Pakistani Roaming	Local SIM	Savings
1GB Data	5,000-10,000 PKR	~300 PKR	Up to 97%
Incoming Calls (per min)	30-50 PKR	Free	100%
Local Calls (per min)	80-150 PKR	Free/5 PKR	Up to 95%
Calls to Pakistan (per min)	80-150 PKR	~20 PKR	Up to 85%
14-Day Stay (Moderate Use)	15,000-25,000 PKR	3,000-5,000 PKR	Up to 80%

Why Local SIM is Better

✓ Much cheaper data and calls ✓ Better network coverage ✓ No surprise charges ✓ Easy to top up if needed ✓ Local number for hotel bookings ✓ Save money for your family or sadaqah

Tips for Group Travel

Buying Multiple SIMs

• All providers allow multiple SIM purchases with one passport (usually 3-4)
• Each person needs their own biometric scan
• Some shops offer small group discounts
• Choose the same provider for free internal calls

Group Recommendations

• Buy all SIMs together to ensure they work
• Consider similar packages so everyone has enough data
• Same-network numbers can call each other free
• Designate one person to handle top-ups if needed

Important Warnings

Avoid These Mistakes

 Don’t buy from street vendors

• Cards might be pre-used or unregistered
• No guarantee of activation
• Security risks
• No customer support
• Often more expensive despite appearing cheaper

 Don’t wait too long

• Airports are most convenient
• City shops can be crowded during Hajj season
• Getting connected immediately helps with navigation

 Don’t skip the biometric scan

• Required by Saudi law
• Takes only 30 seconds
• Ensures your SIM is properly registered

Many Pakistani pilgrims traveling in groups also plan ziyarat tours to sacred sites such as Mount Uhud in Madinah after completing their Umrah. Having a local SIM makes it easier to coordinate group visits, stay in touch with guides, and navigate famous historical sites smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best SIM for tourists?

 For short stays (under 1 week), Mobily’s 5GB package (35 SAR) offers the best value. For longer stays (2-4 weeks), Zain’s 40GB (120 SAR) or STC’s 55GB (120 SAR) provide excellent options. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize price, data allowance, or network speed.

Can I buy a SIM near the mosques?

 Yes, both Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi have multiple authorized vendors within walking distance. Look for shops displaying official provider logos. Staff typically speak Urdu, English, and Arabic.

Do packages include international calling? 

Yes, all major providers include international minutes in their prepaid packages. These work for calling Pakistan without additional charges.

Is unlimited internet available?

 No truly unlimited packages exist for tourists, but high-data plans (40-55GB) provide more than enough for streaming, navigation, video calls, and social media throughout your journey.

Can I use e-SIM?

 Yes, both STC and Mobily offer e-SIM services for compatible devices. Visit an official store with your passport and visa to receive a QR code for instant activation.

What if I run out of data?

 You can easily top up at any provider shop, through their mobile app, or at convenience stores. Top-up cards are widely available.

Do I need to unlock my phone?

 Yes, your phone must be unlocked to accept a different carrier’s SIM. Contact your Pakistani provider before traveling if you’re unsure about your phone’s status.

Which SIM card is best for Umrah pilgrims?

STC offers the fastest network, Mobily provides affordable packages, and Zain has generous call minutes. Choose based on your usage and stay duration.

Do prepaid SIMs include international minutes?

Yes, most plans include free minutes to Pakistan and other countries.

Can I use an eSIM for Umrah?

Yes, both STC and Mobily offer eSIMs for compatible smartphones.

Final Thoughts

Getting a local SIM makes your pilgrimage much smoother. Whether you choose STC for speed, Mobily for affordability, or Zain for generous packages, you’ll have reliable connectivity throughout your stay.

Buy from official shops at airports, near mosques, or in shopping malls. Bring your passport and visa, complete a quick biometric scan, and you’ll be connected in under 10 minutes.

The money you save compared to roaming can be better spent on your family or as charity. Stay connected, stay safe, and may your pilgrimage be blessed.