Complete Guide to Getting a Saudi SIM Card for Umrah in 2026

If you’re planning to go for Umrah in 2026, one of the most important things to consider is staying connected. Whether you want to keep in touch with family, navigate the holy sites, or use helpful apps during your journey, having a reliable Saudi SIM card or eSIM is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Saudi SIM card for Umrah. We’ll cover the best providers, where to buy your SIM, how to choose the best plan, and some tips for group travel. Let’s make sure you stay connected throughout your journey.

Why You Need a Saudi SIM Card for Umrah

Communication with Loved Ones

One of the first things you’ll want to do once you arrive in Saudi Arabia is contact your family. Whether it’s to let them know you’ve arrived safely or to share your experiences, a local SIM card will make this much easier and cheaper than international roaming.

Use of Navigation Apps

Getting around Makkah and Madinah can be tricky, especially during peak times. Having access to navigation apps like Google Maps can help you find your way easily. A reliable internet connection will ensure that you can use these apps without any interruptions.

Stay Updated on Prayer Times and Other Information

Staying updated on prayer times, live broadcasts, and other useful information during Umrah is important. A SIM card will let you stay connected to apps and websites that help you track prayer schedules and other religious events.

Avoid Unreliable Public Wi-Fi

Many pilgrims rely on public Wi-Fi or hotel networks, but they are often unreliable and unsafe. Using a local SIM card ensures that you have a private and secure connection throughout your journey.

Top Providers for Saudi SIM Cards

There are three main telecom providers in Saudi Arabia that offer great SIM card and eSIM options for pilgrims. Here are the top providers:

1. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

STC is the largest and most reliable telecom provider in Saudi Arabia. It has the best network coverage in Makkah and Madinah, making it a popular choice for pilgrims.

STC Prepaid Packages:

2. Mobily

Mobily is another popular provider in Saudi Arabia, known for its affordable packages and good coverage. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

Mobily Prepaid Packages:

3. Zain

Zain provides solid network coverage and has generous calling minutes. It’s a great option for pilgrims who need to stay in touch with family and friends.

Zain Prepaid Packages:

Where to Buy Your Saudi SIM Card for Umrah

You can purchase your Saudi SIM card at various locations in Saudi Arabia. Below are the most convenient options for pilgrims:

1. At the Airport

Getting your SIM card 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: STC, Mobily, and Zain
    
  • Open 24/7 with multilingual staff
    
  • Located immediately after immigration, making it easy for pilgrims to get connected as soon as they arrive
    
• Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport)
  
  • Multiple kiosks located right after customs
    
  • Ideal if you’re starting your journey in Madinah
    
  • Staff speak English, Arabic, and Urdu to assist pilgrims
    
• Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport)
  
  • Available for transit passengers
    
  • Booths are located throughout the terminal, ensuring easy access for anyone arriving at Riyadh Airport
    

Why It’s Convenient: Purchasing your SIM at the airport helps you avoid long lines, and you can get online immediately for navigation and communication purposes.

2. Near the Holy Mosques and City Centers

If you didn’t buy your SIM at the airport, you can easily get one near Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) or Masjid an-Nabawi (Madinah). There are official stores and authorized kiosks selling SIM cards for pilgrims.

• Makkah:
  
  • Multiple authorized vendors near Masjid al-Haram entrances
    
  • Popular spots include Abraj Al Bait complex and Al Hijaz Mall
    
  • Staff typically speak Urdu and English, ensuring communication is simple for pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries
    
• Madinah:
  
  • Plenty of official shops are located within walking distance of Masjid an-Nabawi
    
  • You can also find stores throughout the city center, offering convenient access to pilgrims traveling for Umrah
    
  • Multilingual staff are available to assist pilgrims
    

Why It’s Convenient: Purchasing a SIM card near the Holy Mosques means you don’t have to waste time traveling far. It’s convenient, especially if you’re staying in Makkah or Madinah for a few days.

3. Shopping Malls and City Centers

If you prefer to buy your SIM card later in your trip, you can visit any shopping mall in Makkah or Madinah. These malls have official mobile stores and authorized kiosks that offer SIM cards, so you can choose a plan that suits your needs.

• Jeddah:
  
  • Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Aziz Mall
    
  • Convenient locations in the city center
    
  • These malls are close to hotels and other important landmarks in Jeddah
    
• Makkah:
  
  • Abraj Al Bait complex, Al Hijaz Mall
    
  • Located in popular areas around the Holy Mosque
    
• Madinah:
  
  • Al Rashid Mega Mall, Taiba Commercial Center
    
  • Close to hotels and major points of interest in the city
    
• Riyadh:
  
  • Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Gallery Mall
    
  • These malls are great for pilgrims who are also visiting Riyadh as part of their trip
    

Why It’s Convenient: These malls are easily accessible and have authorized stores to ensure you get genuine SIM cards with good customer service.

Important Tip: Always Look for Authorized Stores

Whether you’re buying your SIM card at the airport, near the Holy Mosques, in malls, or online, make sure you buy from official providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain. Avoid street vendors selling unregistered cards, as these may not be valid and could cause issues with activation and service.

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

Getting a Saudi SIM card is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

Required Documents:

• Passport (Copy)
  
• Visa number or border number
  
• Fingerprints: For biometric registration.
  

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Choose your provider: Based on data usage, international calling, and budget.
   
2. Visit a booth/store: You can visit official SIM card booths at airports, near the Holy Mosques, or in shopping malls.
   
3. Provide your documents: Present your passport and visa to the vendor.
   
4. Complete biometric registration: This step usually takes around 30 seconds.
   
5. Pay: You can pay via cash (SAR) or credit card.
   
6. Activate your SIM: Your SIM will be activated in a few minutes.

Essential Tips for Pilgrims

1. Unlock Your Phone

Make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling, so it can accept a different SIM card.

2. Keep Your Documents Handy

Always have your passport and visa with you when purchasing your SIM card.

3. Avoid Unauthorized Vendors

To ensure you get a genuine SIM card, always buy from official providers or authorized vendors.

4. Consider an eSIM

If your phone supports eSIM, it’s a great option for instant connection without needing a physical SIM card.

5. Check Coverage

Make sure to check the network coverage maps for STC, Mobily, and Zain to ensure the provider you choose has good coverage in the cities you’ll visit.

How to Select the Best Plan for Your Stay

When choosing the best SIM plan, consider the duration of your stay and your usage type.

For Short Stays (2–7 Days)

• Choose plans with minimal data (e.g., Mobily 5GB or STC 5GB) for basic calling and messaging.
  

For Moderate Stays (1–2 Weeks)

• If you need more data or international calling minutes, go for Zain’s 15GB or Mobily’s 15GB plan.
  

For Long Stays (2–4 Weeks)

• For heavy data usage and frequent international calls, STC’s 55GB or Zain’s 40GB are great choices.

Can You Use a Pakistani SIM in Saudi Arabia?

While it’s possible to use a Pakistani SIM card, international roaming charges are very high. For example, 1GB of data can cost 5,000–10,000 PKR in roaming fees, whereas a Saudi SIM card with 5GB data costs around 35–40 SAR (~2,630–3,000 PKR), making it far more affordable.

Tips for Umrah Group Travel

Traveling with a group during Umrah can be tricky when it comes to staying connected. Here are some tips to help manage communications:

1. Buy Multiple SIM Cards

• You can buy SIM cards for multiple people using one passport, but each person will need to register with their own biometric scan.
  

2. Designate One Person for Top-Ups

• Assign one person to handle top-ups for the group, making sure everyone stays connected.
  

3. Same Network for Free Calls

• If possible, buy all SIM cards from the same provider so group members can call each other for free.
  

4. Share a Data Plan

• Consider sharing a larger data package (e.g., STC 25GB or Mobily 48GB) to keep costs low while ensuring everyone has access to the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Securing a Saudi SIM card or eSIM is one of the most practical steps you can take to ensure a smooth and connected Umrah experience. Whether you choose STC for maximum coverage, Mobily for affordability, or Zain for generous calling minutes, you’ll find a plan perfectly suited to your needs. Stay connected, navigate with confidence, and focus on your spiritual journey.

May your Umrah be accepted, and may your pilgrimage be filled with peace and blessings.

Note: Prices and packages are subject to change. Always verify current rates with official providers before purchase.