In today’s digital world, having mobile internet in Saudi Arabia is super important for both residents and tourists. This article is tailored for travelers in Saudi Arabia, tackling issues such as connectivity, internet speed, and cost-effective services.
It will reveal coverage, pricing, and the best choices for tourists, like the Gigago Saudi Arabia eSIM. Get tips on enhancing your internet experience for a smooth connection while you’re there.
Let’s see whether this country is the best place for mobile coverage and speed or not.
Saudi Arabia has excellent mobile internet coverage, estimated at over 95%. Here’s a glance at the main operators:
Mobily: Offers extensive 4G and growing 5G presence in major cities.
Zain: Provides good 4G coverage throughout the country, with 3G as a solid fallback.
STC: Provides solid 4G coverage and has started rolling out 5G in big cities.
Recommendation:
Saudi Arabia has high mobile internet speeds, with major carriers averaging over 200 Mbps download on 5G. Here’s a recent data breakdown:
Recommendations:
Note: Averages may vary based on location, network congestion, and your plan.
Staying connected in Saudi Arabia is key to navigating, sharing experiences, and staying in touch. Here are your connectivity options:
| Method | Cost | Setup | Convenience | Pros | Cons |
| SIM Card | Affordable | Requires to unlock | Easy to find | Widely available | Activation, limited data cost |
| eSIM (if compatible) | Affordable | Easy online | Requires to unlock | Flexible data | Limited availability |
| Roaming | Expensive | No setup | Easy to use | None | Data charges, bill shock |
| Public WiFi | Free | Easy to connect | Unreliable | Free | Security risks, limited access |
| Pocket WiFi | Rental fee | No setup | Shareable data | Convenient | Bulky, extra cost |
Recommendation:
For many tourists, getting a local SIM card with data provides a good mix of value and ease. If your phone supports eSIM tech, it’s an even better choice thanks to:
Before buying:
Good to know: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR (Mar 2024)
Check out this table showing the estimated mobile internet rates in Saudi Arabia for different choices:
| Option | Price Range (USD) |
| Saudi Arabia SIM Card | ~ $2 – $25+ |
| Saudi Arabia eSIM | ~ $2 – $25+ |
| Roaming | ~ $0.10 – $2+/MB |
| Public WiFi | Free – $10+/day |
| Pocket WiFi | ~ $10 – $50+/day |
Notes:
Leading data SIM cards in Saudi Arabia are ideal for tourists, ensuring connectivity for browsing, social media, and staying in touch. Check out popular prepaid tourist SIM packages from STC, Mobily, and Zain.
| Operator | Package Name | Data (GB) | Validity (Days) | Price (SAR) | Price (USD) |
| STC | Jawwy Tourist SIM (15 GB) | 15 | 30 | ~ 90 | ~ 24 |
| STC | Jawwy Tourist SIM (7 GB) | 7 | 15 | ~ 50 | ~ 13 |
| Mobily | Hayyak Tourist SIM (15 GB) | 15 | 30 | ~ 75 | ~ 20 |
| Mobily | Hayyak Tourist SIM (5 GB) | 5 | 15 | ~ 40 | ~ 10 |
| Zain | Zain Tourist SIM (10 GB) | 10 | 30 | ~ 60 | ~ 16 |
| Zain | Zain Tourist SIM (5 GB) | 5 | 15 | ~ 30 | ~ 8 |
Note: These are for reference only. To get the latest information on prices and data plans, it's recommended to visit the official websites of the respective operators.
If your phone can use eSIM, getting one is the best way to get online in Saudi Arabia. It’s better than a regular SIM card for a few reasons:
Travelers to Saudi Arabia can choose to buy eSIMs from big network carriers in Saudi Arabia or from reputable eSIM providers like Gigago.
Why choose Gigago?
They’re a trusted eSIM provider offering services to 200+ countries. Their Saudi Arabia eSIM is popular with tourists due to the:
For Saudi Arabia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 5 days with $13.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Saudi Arabia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $13.50 – $127.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Saudi Arabia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
To buy a Saudi Arabia eSIM with Gigago:
Yes, there’s a gap between urban and rural areas in terms of mobile internet access and quality. However, the government is actively working to bridge this gap.
Yes, all major airports in Saudi Arabia have kiosks where you can purchase a prepaid SIM card with a data plan.
Always check the fine print! Some plans might have additional charges for exceeding data limits, international calls, or premium SMS services.
Mobile providers have hotlines and online chat support. Visiting a store is also an option.
Mobile internet in Saudi Arabia is making big strides with fast speeds and wide coverage. If you’re visiting, keep in mind details like data limits and SIM card registration for a smooth experience.
Whether you’re here for a short visit or a long stay, there are plenty of data plans and providers to choose from to meet your needs.
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