Navigating the process of purchasing a SIM card at Riyadh Airport (RUH) can be a breeze with the right information. This guide is designed to assist travelers, whether you’re visiting Saudi Arabia for business or leisure, in understanding the steps to acquire a SIM card at Riyadh airport.
By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the best SIM card option for your needs, including the latest pricing and plan details.
In this article
Yes, buying a Saudi Arabia SIM card at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is generally a convenient and recommended option for travelers.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Buying a SIM card at the airport | – Immediate access to local connectivity upon arrival – Wide range of SIM card options and plans available – Assistance from knowledgeable staff | – May be slightly more expensive than outside options – Limited plan variety compared to third-party providers |
| Purchasing SIM card online/in advance | – Able to research and select the best plan beforehand – May be cheaper than airport kiosks – Can have a SIM card delivered to your hotel | – Requires extra planning and delivery time – Limited flexibility to adjust the plan on arrival |
| Buying a SIM card outside the airport | – Potentially lower prices than airport kiosks – More plan variety from third-party providers | – May require additional time and effort to find a suitable provider – Risk of encountering language barriers or difficulty registering the SIM card |
The airport is best for new visitors or short layovers since you get a SIM card fast. If you have time or like planning, buy online or elsewhere for better value. Remember to compare the pros and cons to pick the best way to stay connected in Saudi Arabia.
There are two ways to buy a SIM card at King Khalid International Airport, including:
This is the clear guide to the pickup point at King Khalid International Airport:
What to prepare?
Cost: Typically ranges from $10 – $30 depending on the data package purchased
Pros:
Cons:
Guide to buy at kiosks/booths at the airport:
What to prepare?
Pros:
Cons:
Yes, SIM card shops at RUH airport are indeed open after midnight.
STC Store, Mobily Store (in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 5), and Zain Store all operate 24/7. This means you can purchase a SIM card at any time, even after midnight.
A SIM card at King Abdulaziz International Airport often cost from $9. The prices depend on different factors, such as the SIM provider, the data volume, and the validity.
When you’re on the hunt for a Saudi Arabia SIM card at Riyadh Airport, you’ll come across a variety of prepaid plans and packages to choose from. Here’s a quick look at the main options available:
| Operator | Package | Data | Price |
| STC | sawa basic | 1GB | ~$9 |
| sawa like plus | 7GB | ~$23 | |
| sawa share plus | 25GB | ~$35 | |
| sawa post plus | 65GB | ~$52 | |
| Mobily | Prepaid 30 | 1GB | ~$8 |
| Prepaid 75 | 10GB | ~$20 | |
| Prepaid 150 | 59GB | ~$30 | |
| Zain | Visitor 30 | 3GB | ~$9 |
| Visitor 50 | 15GB | ~$15 | |
| Visitor 70 | 10GB | ~$22 | |
| Visitor 130 | 25GB | ~$40 |
Check out the top tourist SIM card choices and prices available at Riyadh Airport in this detailed overview!
| Carrier | Data Allowance | Voice/SMS | Price (USD) | Price (SAR) |
| STC | 5GB – 20GB | 100 – 500 | ~ $10 – $40 | ~ 40 – 150 SAR |
| Mobily | 3GB – 15GB | 50 – 300 | ~ $8 – $35 | ~ 30 – 130 SAR |
| Zain | 2GB – 10GB | 25 – 200 | ~ $6 – $25 | ~ 25 – 100 SAR |
Based on the options, here are my recommendations for SIM card packages in Riyadh:
Pro Tips:
To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need to prepare the followings:
With these items, activation will be smooth, and you’ll be connected quickly!
Traveling with a traditional SIM card can be a bit complicated, right? Switching cards between phones, dealing with lost or damaged cards, and limited network options are all things of the past with eSIM technology!
eSIMs are like digital SIM cards that live inside your phone, bringing a bunch of pros for travelers. Talk about eSIM, we highly recommend Gigago, a highly reputable eSIM provider offering a variety of data plans specifically designed for travelers in Saudi Arabia.
Gigago caters to all types of internet users with data plans starting from a budget-friendly 1GB per day for 5 days, priced at $5.00 .
The beauty of Gigago’s eSIM Saudi Arabia is the diverse range of data options, with prices varying between $5.00 – $54.50 depending on your needs. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a data-hungry streamer, Gigago has a plan to keep you connected throughout your trip to Riyadh.
SIM cards can be purchased using cash (Saudi Riyals only) or credit/debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Some outlets may accept payment via mobile wallets.
While SIMs can only be activated after purchase from airport outlets, some carriers offer delivery to addresses in Riyadh within 3 working days upon placing an online order on their website.
Prepaid SIMs from all major carriers allow incoming calls from abroad. Customers need to load sufficient account balances to make outgoing international calls or use internet calling applications.
In conclusion, grabbing a SIM card at Riyadh airport is a simple yet crucial move for travelers wanting to stay connected in Saudi Arabia. With different choices on hand, picking the perfect one can provide effortless communication throughout your trip.
Whether you’re here for work or play, getting a SIM card at the airport means you’re only a call or click away from all you need, enhancing your travel experience with ease and enjoyment.
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