Are you planning your trip to Saudi Arabia and looking for the best eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Saudi Arabia and a comparison of the best Saudi Arabia eSIMs in 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Saudi Arabia on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes.
In this guide you find up to date prices as per January 2025, all eSIM specifications and my recommendation.
There is much more to be found: how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM, FAQ about using eSIMs, etc.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Saudi Arabia eSIM comparison
- What is the cheapest eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
- Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Saudi Arabia
- Where to buy an eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Saudi Arabia
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIMs?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Saudi Arabia eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Saudi Arabia eSIM?
- Does a Saudi Arabia eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on an Saudi Arabia eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Saudi Arabia with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
- Best 4G/5G network in Saudi Arabia
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Some links in this guide about the best eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Saudi Arabia in 2025 read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
1. Airalo unlimited data eSIM for 10 days - $35 USD
- 3 GB high speed data per day then reduced speed at 1 Mbps
- valid for 10 days
- 5G ready
- Operates on the Zain network
- data-only eSIM
- valid in Saudi Arabia only
Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
Get $3 USD off your first Airalo eSIM when using the coupon code TOMTOM3 at check out.
Airalo has many more eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia, starting from just $5 USD.
2. Jetpac eSIM for Saudi Arabia - 10 GB for $21 USD
- 10 GB data
- valid for 30 days
- 5G ready
- Operates on the Zain network
- data-only eSIM
- Only valid in Saudi Arabia
- $2.1 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an eSIM for Saudi Arabia from Jetpac.
The Airalo and Jetpac eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are data-only so incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. Both eSIMs support 5G.
Is Saudi Arabia one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for world travelers. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries and some are great for traveling to Europe, Asia and America.
Saudi Arabia eSIM comparison
You can also buy an eSIM in phone stores or at the airports in Saudi Arabiaand therefore the eSIMs of STC, Zain and Mobily are included in this comparison.
But being online as soon as the plane lands the plane lands is just so much more convenient then buying a sim card on arrival after a long flight.
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers that sell Saudi Arabia eSIMs for tourists on the internet. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling to Saudi Arabia from one of the well-known eSIM providers like that have proven to be reliable operators:
Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.
The competition in fierce... so before you buy an eSIM for Saudi Arabia first read my tips below.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo since 2020 in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
Why using Airalo? Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and have excellent reviews and costumer service. Airalo has eSIMs for pretty much every country in the world and they have the best value eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $44 USD
- 25 GB data for 45 days = $49 USD
- Unlimited data* for 10 days = $35 USD
*FUP is 3 GB high speed data per day, then reduced data speed at 1 Mbps.
Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
The best value Saudi Arabia eSIM from Airalo gives you 25 GB data for $49 USD, which comes down to only $1.96 USD per Gigabyte. But their 10 days unlimited data eSIM is basically 30 GB for just $35 USD.
The Airalo eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are from Red Sand and they are 5G ready. The Red Sand eSIMs for Saudi Arabia operate on the 5G network of Zain.
All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any incoming or outgoing calls or sms service is NOT supported.
An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a fairly new but very much upcoming eSIM provider. They offer more than just eSIMs: free VPN subscription, airport lounge passes, etc. Read here the complete Jetpac review from the Traveltomtom Team.
As for now Jetpac has only 4 different eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia.
Here are the Saudi Arabia eSIM plans from Jetpac for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
The Jetpac eSIMs for Saudi are data-only and any incoming or outgoing calls or sms are not supported. The eSIMs are 5G ready and they operate on the Zain network in Saudi Arabia.
An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIMs is that they provide a free VPN as well as free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. For more info check the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Saudi Arabia through SimOptions is done fast and easy.
Why using SimOptions?
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times and for more than 5 years for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals. Check out the honest SimOptions review of the Traveltomtom Team.
Here are the data-only eSIMs for Saudi from SimOptions:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $28.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $51.90 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $74.90 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $118.90 USD
There is also the Orange Holiday World eSIM with 10 GB data for 14 days valid in 122 countries for $39.90 USD.
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for traveling in Saudi Arabia.
SimOptions eSIMs for Saudi are a little more expensive than Airalo and Jetpac.
All the SimOptions eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these eSIMs do not come with a phone number.
SimOptions does not specify on which network they operate in Saudi Arabia but all eSIMs support 5G.
The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year. You can instal the eSIM before your trip to Saudi but the activation only starts upon arrival in Saudi when the eSIM automatically connects to an available network. For more info check the SimOptions website.
GigSky
GigSky has been around for a long time and is also recommended in my list of the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2025.
The Traveltomtom Team tested GigSky and was positively surprised. Check out our complete GigSky review with all pros and cons.
Here are the GigSky eSIM plans for Saudi in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.24 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.99 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $31.44 USD
- Unlimited data* for 7 days = $28.04 USD
- Unlimited data* for 15 days = $38.24 USD
*FUP is 2.5 GB high speed data per day, then reduced data speed at ??? Mbps.
Click here to order a GigSky eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
Downside of GigSky is that they do not provide much info about their eSIM plans. So it is unclear on which network they operate in Saudi, neither of these eSIMs are 5G ready.
Also there is no info about the of the reduced data speed after you reached the FUP of 2.5 GB data.
Unfortunately some essential info is missing and therefore is GigSky not my top pick for Saudi eSIMs.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy).
More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia:
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $19 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $27 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $34 USD
- 15 days 'unlimited' data = $47 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $54 USD
The Holafly eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
The Holafly Saudi Arabia eSIMs are not 5G ready, max data speed is 4G/LTE and they operate on the Zain network.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with an FUP in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
Imagine being on a 10 hour bus or train ride and after 2 hours you will get a message that you used too much data for the day. Then you have to wait 24 hours for the data speed to be reset to normal.
Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
Also, the Traveltomtom Team tested Holafly in some another countries and was pretty disappointed with the overall performance. In a certain country Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around constantly had a proper data connection, the Holafly eSIM did not even have signal. Even in big cities the struggle was real and we constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of the hotel or restaurant because the Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Saudi Arabia but Traveltomtom was put off a bit by Holafly eSIMs.
Nomad
Although Nomad has some good eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia, the Traveltomtom Team lately faced some issues with the performance as well as the installing of Nomad eSIMs, so it is not Traveltomtom's first recommended eSIM for traveling to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $66 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Saudi Arabia from Nomad.
The best value Nomad eSIM for Saudi Arabia is the one with 50 GB data for $66 USD, which comes down to only $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.
The Nomad eSIMs are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs operate on the Zain 5G network.
The Nomad Saudi Arabia eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Saudi Arabia. Basically when the plane lands you are online. For more info check the Nomad website.
STC
There are 3 mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia and all of them offer eSIMs for tourists. You can only buy these eSIMs in a phone store in Saudi Arabia.
There are phone stores on every airport, read more about it in my complete guide for buying a sim card at: Riyadh, Jeddah or Medina Airport.
These are the available STC eSIM plans for tourists for 4 weeks:
- 1 GB data + 1 GB Social Media + 60 minutes = 40.25 SAR - $11 USD
- 4 GB data + 4 GB Social Media + 120 minutes = 74.75 SAR - $20 USD
- 10 GB data + 10 GB Social Media + 500 minutes = 86.25 SAR - $23 USD
- 10 GB data + 15 GB Social Media + 300 minutes = 115 SAR - $31 USD
- 25 GB data + 25 GB Social Media + 500 minutes = 132.25 SAR - $35.2 USD
- 70 GB data + unlimited Social Media + 800 minutes = 195.5 SAR - $52 USD
- 100 GB data + unlimited Social Media + unlimited calls = 276 SAR - $74 USD
Zain
Here are the Zain eSIM plans for tourists:
- 3 GB data + 1 GB Snapchat, WhatsApp & Facebook + 50 minutes for 2 weeks = 34.5 SAR - $9 USD
- 15 GB data for 2 weeks = 57.5 SAR - $15 USD
- 10 GB data + 5 GB Snapchat, WhatsApp & Facebook + 150 minutes for 4 weeks = 80.5 SAR - 21.45 USD
- 25 GB data + unlimited Snapchat, WhatsApp & Facebook + 350 minutes for 4 weeks = 149.5 SAR - $40 USD
Mobily
All the Mobily prepaid sim cards for tourists are valid for 4 weeks:
- 5 GB data + 5 GB social media + 600 minutes = 75 SAR - $20 USD
- 10 GB data + 15 GB Social Media + 1,500 minutes = 110 SAR - $29 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited Social Media + 3,000 minutes = 150 SAR - $40 USD
- 50 GB data + unlimited Social Media + calls = 180 SAR - $48 USD
- 100 GB data + unlimited Social Media + calls = 220 SAR - $59 USD
- Unlimited data + calls = 360 SAR - $96 USD
For more info check out my guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
Truly the cheapest is a Jetpac eSIM plan for Saudi Arabia for just $1 USD but it is only valid for 4 days.
Another cheap eSIM plan for Saudi Arabia is from SimOptions. They give you 1 GB data for $4.50 USD. Airalo charges $5 USD for the same plan.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Saudi Arabia
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Saudi Arabia without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Saudi Arabia with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Saudi Arabia so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high data roaming charges!
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.
Traveltomtom also wrote eSIM guides for: Japan, Switzerland, Morocco, Mexico, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Brazil, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money!
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much all of the amazing tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia there is at least 4G/LTE available and even a 5G signal.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIMs for Saudi Arabia are. Why would you pay $5 to $10 USD per day on an overseas data roaming plan that limits your data speed.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, invest a couple dollars in an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Saudi Arabia if you want a physical prepaid sim card.
Stay connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Saudi Arabia through an eSIM provider on the internet. There are lots of eSIM providers for Saudi Arabia. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best and most reliable eSIM providers in 2025.
When buying an eSIM for Saudi Arabia through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Saudi Arabia
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia: STC, Zain and Mobily. All these providers also offer eSIMs for Saudi. When buying a prepaid sim card in a store of the mobile operators you can opt for a physical prepaid sim card as well as an eSIM.
Traveltomtom researched the best Saudi Arabia prepaid sim cards for tourists in 2025 and also compared all the 4G/5G mobile data networks of the mobile internet operators in Saudi Arabia, more about it later.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
You can order an eSIM for Saudi Arabia pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 or 2 months after purchasing, sometimes even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Saudi Arabia or a day before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much all the international airports in Saudi Arabia have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your eSIM on arrival.
Very important is to make sure you have a stable internet connection or you might run into issues with your eSIM. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Saudi Arabia before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands in Saudi Arabia you will be connected to the internet and you can enjoy data on your phone instantly.
How do I know all this info about eSIMs? Traveltomtom uses on average more than 30 eSIMs per year because of my nomadic lifestyle of constantly traveling the world, 365 days a year, since 2012.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email after you ordered your eSIM.
But wait, forget about the instructions, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code!
When you order an eSIM plan for Saudi Arabia you instantly receive a summary of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Saudi Arabia eSIM. Regardless where you order your eSIM, all eSIM providers send you detailed instructions.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR code contains all the information about your Saudi Arabia eSIM.
Once you scan the QR code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Saudi Arabia
Here are some general tips and answers to all FAQ about using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Saudi Arabia eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Saudi Arabia. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Saudi Arabia and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Saudi Arabia.
However, you can still order a sim card for Saudi Arabia on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Saudi Arabia recommended in this guide are reputed providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Saudi Arabia eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Saudi Arabia.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Saudi Arabia eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Saudi Arabia eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Saudi Arabia eSIM?
No, unfortunately none of the tourist eSIMs for Saudi Arabia that you can order on the internet support calling and texting. There are only data-only eSIMs available.
If you buy a prepaid sim card in Saudi Arabia you can get a sim card with calling and texting included.
But pretty much all hotels, restaurants, guides and tour companies in Saudi Arabia have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.
Does a Saudi Arabia eSIM come with a phone number?
No. All eSIMs are data-only and and they do not come with a phone number. You can not receive any phone calls or sms.
Can I use 5G on an Saudi Arabia eSIM?
Yes, pretty much all of the eSIMs for Saudi are 5G ready as of 2025.
Are there eSIMs for Saudi Arabia with unlimited data?
If a sim card with unlimited data is truly unlimited, no throttling, no data speed cap, but unlimited high speed data then: YES AMAZING!
The Holafly eSIMs for Saudi Arabia include unlimited data but they also have an FUP. Traveltomtom does NOT recommend these kind of eSIMs.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited? Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Saudi Arabia and uses a Fair Use Policy. However, Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP exactly is. Which is very concerning!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Saudi Arabia eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
If you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then these Holafly eSIMs might be your favorite eSIM.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
The Airalo eSIM for Saudi Arabia with 25 GB data is for most travelers more than enough for their trip to Saudi and there is no need for unlimited dat anyway as the hotel WiFi in Saudi Arabia is pretty much always on point.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Saudi Arabia, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip.
The prepaid sim cards from STC, Zain and Mobily you can buy in phone stores in Saudi Arabia are cheaper than the sim cards you can order online.
When buying a local prepaid sim card in Saudi Arabia you get choose to get a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM for tourists.
Downside is that you can only get these local prepaid sim cards on arrival in Saudi Arabia in a phone store or at a sim card shop at the airport. Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying a sim card at: Jeddah Airport, Riyadh Airport and Medina Airport.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Saudi Arabia. These are physical prepaid sim cards you order on the internet and will be delivered to your home address.
Some of these are great for visiting Saudi Arabia and they are valid in up to 124 countries around the world and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Saudi Arabia you are traveling onwards in America, Africa, Asia or in Europe then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.
As I mentioned before SimOptions is the only sim card provider that also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Saudi Arabia. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Saudi Arabia and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
If you look at the international prepaid sim card above you see that the physical sim card version of the Orange Holiday World is also a good option for traveling to Saudi Arabia.
A physical prepaid sim card with 10 GB data only costs $49.90 USD, which is $4.99 USD per Gigabyte.
Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for Saudi Arabia via SimOptions.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs for traveling in Saudi Arabia:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Saudi Arabia in a mobile internet provider store
All mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia also sell eSIMs for tourists. In a phone store of Mobily, Zain and STC when buying a prepaid sim for tourists you can choose to get a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Saudi Arabia, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Saudi Arabia.
You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare the prices for Saudi Arabia eSIMs with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Saudi Arabia Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than the eSIMs for Saudi you buy on the internet.
If you buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Saudi Arabia from for example STC you get a sim card for around $31 USD with a total of 25 GB data and 300 minutes.
Local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Saudi Arabia on arrival in a phone store or at the airport. In stores in Saudi you can choose to get a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM.
The best value eSIM for Saudi you order on the internet is an Airalo eSIM for Saudi Arabia with 25 GB data for $49 USD. As you can see this is more expensive than a local prepaid sim card.
However, if you just need 1 GB data for your trip to Saudi, then ordering an eSIM on the internet is cheaper as you can order an Airalo eSIM for $5 USD only.
But buying a local prepaid sim card in Saudi Arabia takes time and can be a hassle. After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to find a sim card shop where you can buy a local prepaid sim card. With an eSIM that you order on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.
An eSIM for Saudi Arabia can be bought in just 2 minutes on the internet at any time of day without any form of identification and as soon as the plane touches the ground you enjoy a data connection on your phone.
Simply because of this convenience Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIMs for Saudi Arabia.
There are many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for visiting Saudi Arabia: faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are in general through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs could be less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator you bought in Saudi Arabia.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Saudi Arabia sim card.
In reality you won't really notice the difference much because yes it may occur that your data speed is a little slower for a couple minutes, but it is still fast enough to roam the internet without any problems.
Best 4G/5G network in Saudi Arabia
Traveltomtom researched the 4G/5G network of all the mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia and compared the mobile internet coverage maps of Mobily, Zain and STC.
Although the above mobile data network coverage map is updated for 2025 it is not 100% accurate. However, is it a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
The conclusion is that STC has the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Saudi Arabia in 2025. For more information check my guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Saudi Arabia in 2025, including network coverage maps of Zain and Mobily.
- Airalo eSIMs for Saudi Arabia operate on the 5G network of Zain.
- Nomad eSIMs for Saudi Arabia operate on the 4G/LTE network of Zain.
- Jetpac eSIMs for Saudi Arabia operate on the 4G/LTE network of Zain.
- Holafly eSIMs for Saudi Arabia operate on the 4G/LTE network of Zain.
GigSky and SimOptions do not specify on which network they operate in Saudi Arabia.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Saudi Arabia were helpful. I hope that after reading through my Saudi eSIM comparison and all my tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your preferred eSIM for Saudi Arabia.
If you have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
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Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Saudi Arabia!