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 […]
Mobily SIM Cards eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024
Traveling to Saudi Arabia and need to stay connected? Confused about getting Mobily SIM cards & eSIM? This guide has you covered.
We’ll help you through any difficulties you might encounter when setting up a Mobily connection in Saudi Arabia and offer top choices for data and calls. By the end, you’ll know how to easily get and activate your Mobily SIM card or eSIM for a perfect trip!
I. Quick Facts about Mobily
Mobily is a well-known telecommunications provider primarily operating in Saudi Arabia. Here are some quick facts about it:
Founded Year: 2004
Full Company Name: Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
Service: Mobile telephony, fixed line, and Internet services
Subscribers:
- 1M within 90 days of launch in 2005
- Over 6M as of January 2007
- Over 40M subscribers as of the latest reports.
Coverage: Nationwide in Saudi Arabia
Stores and Partners:
- Runs many retail stores in Saudi Arabia with various partner outlets for better access.
- Partners: Etisalat (27.45% stake) and General Organization for Social Insurance (11.85% stake)
Customer Support: 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and social media platforms.
Awards: Recognized for excellent customer service, innovative mobile services, and significant contributions to digital transformation in the Middle East.
II. Why Mobily When Traveling Saudi Arabia – Coverage and Speed
Mobily is a top pick for travelers in Saudi Arabia with its reliable connection. While competitors may offer faster speeds, Mobily shines in network availability, keeping you connected on your journey. Let’s explore Mobily’s coverage and speed.
1. Mobily Coverage in Saudi Arabia
Let’s look at some key points of Mobily in Saudi Arabia.
- Extensive Network: Mobily has 17,000+ mobile sites all over Saudi Arabia for wide coverage (as of 2022).
- Population Reach: Mobily’s network covers 99.7% of populated areas, as per CITC, ensuring signal in cities, towns, and many rural areas.
- Award-Winning Coverage: Mobily won “Best Mobile Network Coverage” at the 2022 Telecoms World Middle East Awards, showing their dedication to great coverage.
In short, Mobily’s broad network, focus on populated areas, and fast speeds make them a reliable choice for mobile connectivity in Saudi Arabia.
2. Mobily Speed
Based on the Opensignal report, here are the key points about Mobily’s speed performance in Saudi Arabia:
Overall Download Speed Experience:
- Mobily: 38.0 Mbps
- Ranked 2nd after STC (40.2 Mbps)
Overall Upload Speed Experience:
- Mobily: 8.9 Mbps
- Ranked 2nd after STC (11.1 Mbps)
Video Experience (0-100 scale):
- Mobily: 60.0 (Good category)
- Outright winner of Video Experience award
- Shared 5G Video Experience award (71.5) with STC
Live Video Experience (0-100 scale):
- Mobily: 56.5 (First Saudi operator to win this award)
- Shared 5G Live Video Experience award (67.5) with STC
In summary, Mobily trailed STC in speed metrics but excelled in Video and Live Video Experience, offering good quality video streaming.
III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Mobily for Travelers to Saudi Arabia?
Mobily offers various connectivity solutions to keep you online in Saudi Arabia. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option:
Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
SIM Card | Affordable, widely available, good data plans | Requires phone unlocking, separate data top-ups |
Pocket Wifi | Shares data with multiple devices, convenient | Battery life limitations, additional rental cost |
Roaming | Familiar option, no need for additional purchases | Often expensive, limited data allowances |
► Recommendation: For many travelers, grabbing a Mobily prepaid SIM card is a great mix of budget-friendliness and freedom. Just pick a plan with ample data for your journey and enjoy solid coverage all over Saudi Arabia.
IV. Best Mobily SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Please note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and exchange rates.
SIM Card Plan | Price (SAR) | Price (USD) | Details |
Mobily Prepaid 30 | 30 SAR | 8 USD | 1 GB Data, 100 Minutes |
Mobily Prepaid 75 | 75 SAR | 20 USD | 5+3 GB Data, 500 Minutes |
Mobily Prepaid 110 | 110 SAR | 29.33 USD | 10+15 GB Data, 1500 Minutes |
Mobily Prepaid 150 | 150 SAR | 40 USD | 20+35 GB Data, 3000 Minutes, Unlimited Social Media |
Mobily Prepaid 180 | 180 SAR | 48 USD | 50+30 GB Data, Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Social Media |
Mobily Prepaid 220 | 220 SAR | 58.67 USD | 100 GB Data, Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Social Media |
V. Does Mobily Support eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Mobily supports eSIM in Saudi Arabia. You can get an eSIM from Mobily by buying directly or through eSIM resellers like Gigago – one of the most well-known and reliable eSIM providers in this market. Buying from resellers is faster and more convenient, usually not requiring any identification documents.
For Saudi Arabia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 5 days with $5.00 . Saudi Arabia eSIM for tourists is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.00 – $54.50 .
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.
VI. Where to Buy a Mobily SIM card and eSIM?
Mobily, a major telecom provider in Saudi Arabia, has got you covered with SIM cards and eSIM options for all your online needs while you’re in the country for work or leisure.
1. Where to buy Mobily SIM for Saudi Arabia?
- Mobily stores – Standalone stores in major cities Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
- Retail partners – Find Mobily SIM cards at Jarir Bookstore and electronics stores.
- Online via Mobily website – Order a SIM card online for direct delivery.
- Airports – Kiosks at airports like King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) and King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) provide SIM cards for travelers.
2. Where to buy Mobily eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
- Mobily online store – Visit for eSIM profile purchase.
- Mobily app – Download on an eSIM-enabled device to activate eSIM.
VII. How to Activate Mobily SIM/eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
Using a Mobily SIM/eSIM in Saudi Arabia is simple. If it’s your initial experience with it, refer to the guidelines provided.
1. How to Use a Mobily SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?
- Insert the Mobily SIM card into your phone’s SIM slot.
- Restart your phone.
- Your phone should automatically detect the Mobily network.
- You can then make calls, send texts, and use data according to your chosen plan.
2. How to Activate Mobily eSIM?
- Download the My Mobily app if you haven’t already and login.
- Select “eSIM” from the menu.
- Choose “Activate eSIM” and follow on-screen instructions, including scanning a Mobily-provided QR code.
- After scanning, your eSIM will be activated and ready for use.
VIII. How to Top-up Mobily SIM/eSIM?
Here’s how to top up your Mobily SIM as a traditional sim card in Saudi Arabia or eSIM based on the provided sources:
1. Using Recharge Voucher
- Purchase a Mobily recharge voucher from an authorized retailer, convenience store, or Mobily store.
- Dial 1400 *#
- Replace <voucher number> with the 14-digit number on your voucher.
- Replace <ID or Iqama number> with your valid ID number or Iqama (Saudi resident ID).
- Press OK or # to complete the top-up.
2. Using Mobily USSD Code (For Mobily SIM only)
- Dial *1411# on your phone with the Mobily SIM
- Press OK or # to check your current balance.
3. Additional Options (May require a Mobily account)
- Mobily website or app: Log in and top up via the online portal.
- Online retailers: Some may provide Mobily top-up options.
Tips:
- Use the right code for your top-up method (voucher or USSD).
- Keep your recharge voucher safe until after a successful top-up.
- Check Mobily's website or app for more top-up options or promos after signing up (if required).
IX. FAQs about Mobily SIM Card for Saudi Arabia
Are activation fees the same for Mobily SIM cards and eSIMs?
From what we know now, there shouldn’t be much difference in activation fees between Mobily SIM cards and eSIMs. For the most up-to-date charges, it’s best to double-check with Mobily directly.
Can I use a Mobily eSIM with a foreign phone?
Most modern phones with eSIM should work if unlocked. Check for compatibility details with your phone model.
Can I use a data plan from another provider with my Mobily eSIM?
No, Mobily eSIMs are locked to the Mobily network. You cannot use them with data plans from other providers.
Is there a way to track my data usage with Mobily SIM cards or eSIM?
You can track your data usage using the My Mobily app or by dialing USSD codes from Mobily. Visit their website or app for the latest code for data balance queries.
X. Conclusion
In short, getting a mobile connection in Saudi Arabia is pretty simple. Just drop by a Mobily-authorized store or check out their online store to grab Mobily SIM Cards or activate an eSIM. With either choice, you’ll be all set to experience Mobily’s great network coverage.