Saudi SIM Card & Mobile Plan Guide for Newcomers

Getting connected is one of the first things you'll want to sort out when you arrive in Saudi Arabia — you'll need a local number for banking apps, government logins, ride-hailing, deliveries and one-time passwords (OTPs). The good news is that buying a SIM card is quick and straightforward once you know the rules. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the licensed operators, what ID you need, where to buy, and the prices and bundles you can expect as a newcomer in 2026.

Which operators can you choose from?

Saudi Arabia has several licensed mobile operators, so you have real choice on coverage and price. The main options are:

• STC — the largest network with the widest national coverage.
• Mobily — strong coverage and popular data bundles.
• Zain — competitive plans and visitor packages.
• Virgin Mobile — flexible, plan-first offers.
• Lebara — budget-friendly prepaid options.

All are reliable in cities; if you'll travel to remote areas or between provinces frequently, STC and Mobily generally have the broadest reach.

What ID do you need?

Every SIM in the Kingdom must be registered to a verified identity — there are no anonymous cards. What you present depends on your status:

• Tourists and visitors: bring your physical passport. The SIM is registered under your passport number at the point of sale.
• Residents: bring your valid Iqama. The line is registered under your national ID, and the shop may ask for proof of a local address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Because registration is linked to your national ID, newcomers almost always complete this first step in person. After that, your number becomes the anchor for digital services — but note that you cannot issue a SIM through platforms like أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ or توكلنا. Those platforms will simply use your registered mobile number later for login and OTP verification.

Where to buy as a newcomer

You have a few convenient options depending on how quickly you need to be online:

• Airports: operator kiosks in the arrival halls at الرياض (RUH), جدة (JED), الدمام (DMM) and Madinah (MED) can set you up in roughly 10–20 minutes — ideal if you want a number the moment you land.
• Official operator stores: found in most major malls and commercial districts nationwide, with staff who can walk you through plans. An entry-level SIM typically costs around SAR 30–35 including VAT.
• Supermarkets and convenience stores: selected branches sell starter packs, but you'll still need to register with your passport or Iqama at the counter.

How much does a prepaid SIM cost?

The base card price is a one-time fee, separate from any data bundle you add:

• A typical prepaid starter SIM costs about SAR 30–35 including 15% VAT with STC, Mobily, Zain and Lebara.
• Virgin Mobile often provides the SIM free when you buy a mandatory plan starting from SAR 30.
• Across the market in 2026, prepaid SIM cards generally range from SAR 30 to SAR 150+, with the higher end reflecting more included data, minutes, or tourist-focused packages.

Tourist and visitor bundles

If you're on a short stay, a pilgrimage, or just want data before your residency is finalized, visitor bundles are the easiest route. Typical 2026 examples (prices include VAT) look like this:

• STC (Visitor / Sawa tourist): tourist bundles in the SAR 60–120 range for around 10–30 GB with 30-day validity; a common value band is SAR 70–150 for 15–70 GB plus call minutes and 2–4 weeks of validity.
• Mobily (Visitor / Hajj–Umrah): visitor packages roughly SAR 50–100 for 8–25 GB with 30-day validity; Hajj/Umrah options around SAR 30, 50 and 99 with varying allocations.
• Zain (Visitor / Hajj–Umrah): tourist bundles about SAR 55–110 for 10–25 GB with 30-day validity; higher visitor tiers around SAR 63.25, 113.95, 228.85 and 458.85 for larger data and minute allowances, plus a separate Hajj/Umrah SIM around SAR 34.50.

Tips for a smooth setup

• Keep your passport or Iqama handy — registration takes seconds once your ID is scanned.
• Choose a data-heavy bundle if you rely on maps, delivery and ride-hailing apps daily.
• If you're a new resident, register the line under your own Iqama so government and banking OTPs work smoothly.
• Prices, bundle sizes and validity change often — always confirm the latest offer directly with the operator before paying.

Once your SIM is active and registered under your ID, you're ready to link it to banking, delivery and government apps — and fully settle into life in the Kingdom.

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