eSIM for Saudi Arabia

eSIM, roaming or a local SIM in Saudi Arabia

Here is an honest comparison of the three main options.

How much data to plan for

These rough figures help you estimate how much data you will use:

• Maps and navigation: a few megabytes per hour.
• Messaging and email: light, unless you send many photos and videos.
• Social media: moderate to heavy, especially with video.
• Video calls: typically several hundred megabytes per hour.
• Streaming video: heavy, often a gigabyte or more per hour in high definition.

Before you travel

Installing an eSIM needs an internet connection, so do it at home on Wi-Fi. First check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.

Then follow the install guide for iPhone, Samsung or Pixel. Label the line "Travel", keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and set the Spidot line for mobile data.

• Install the eSIM a day or two before departure.
• Keep the QR code email safe.
• Download offline maps for the cities and regions you plan to visit, especially desert areas.
• Save hotel, train and tour bookings offline.
• Pilgrims should download the official apps and documents they need before travelling, and follow the latest official guidance.
• If you plan to use particular apps for voice or video calls, test them soon after arrival, as app features can differ from country to country.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

The main international airports are King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina and AlUla International Airport also receive international flights. Overland, travellers arrive from Bahrain across the King Fahd Causeway, and from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan by road.

When you land, select the Spidot line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it, as explained in our data roaming guide. Allow a minute or two to connect; if needed, switch flight mode on and off. In Saudi Arabia, the eSIM connects to Mobily.

Coverage in cities, the desert and the mountains

Mobile data generally works well in Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam, Khobar and other cities, and along the main highways. Coverage in the holy cities is designed for very large numbers of people, but during Hajj and peak Umrah periods, speeds can slow in the most crowded areas.

The country is vast, and coverage becomes less predictable as you leave the cities:

• Desert highways: major roads between cities are generally covered, but there can be long stretches with weaker signal.
• The Empty Quarter: the Rub' al Khali in the south is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, with very limited coverage. Visits should be with experienced guides.
• AlUla: the town and main sites generally have service, but canyons and remote areas can be patchy.
• The Asir and southern mountains: towns such as Abha have service, but mountain roads and valleys can have gaps.
• The Red Sea coast: coastal cities are well covered; remote beaches, islands and dive sites may not be.

Data on trains, metros and road trips

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in modern transport, and most of it relies on apps and online booking.

Hotspot for laptops and travel companions

Personal hotspot lets you share your eSIM data with a laptop, tablet or a companion's phone. It uses the line selected for mobile data, so make sure that is the Spidot line. This is useful for business travellers and for families or pilgrim groups sharing a connection.

Laptops use a lot of data in the background. Pause cloud sync, automatic updates and photo backups before connecting. If several people share your connection, choose a larger or unlimited plan.

Staying safe on public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, cafés and airports. It is convenient but not always secure.

• Use your eSIM data for banking, payments and logins.
• Check the network name with staff before connecting.
• Turn off automatic joining of open networks.
• Keep your phone's software up to date.
• In crowded places such as the holy mosques during peak seasons, keep your phone secure in a zipped pocket.

Practical tips for Saudi Arabia

Some local knowledge that makes your connection more useful:

• Currency: the currency is the Saudi riyal. Cards and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are very widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for small shops and markets.
• Prayer times: many shops and services close briefly during daily prayer times. Prayer-time apps help you plan.
• Ramadan: opening hours change considerably during Ramadan. Check online before you go out.
• Heat: summers are extremely hot. Phones can overheat in direct sunlight or in parked cars. Keep yours in the shade and carry a power bank.
• Dress and photography: dress modestly in public places, and ask before photographing people.
• Language: Arabic is the official language, and English is widely used in business, signage and services.
• Holy cities: Mecca is open only to Muslims. Pilgrims should follow official guidance on permits and travel arrangements.

Combining Saudi Arabia with other countries

Saudi Arabia is often combined with other Gulf states, such as Bahrain across the causeway, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. Jordan and Egypt are common additions too, particularly from the north-west around AlUla and the Red Sea.

For a multi-country trip, the simplest approach is one eSIM per country. You can install several in advance and switch the mobile data line when you cross each border.