Traveling to Saudi Arabia and wondering about staying connected? Struggling to decide between STC SIM cards & eSIM? This guide will simplify your options! We’ll break down the process of obtaining and activating both, ensuring a smooth and connected experience throughout your trip to Saudi Arabia.
STC is a top ICT provider in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Europe. Here’s a quick overview of it:
Founded: 1998
Full Company Name: Saudi Telecommunication Company (Group)
Services:
Coverage:
Stores/Partners:
Awards/Milestones:
When it comes to one of the richest countries in the world like Saudi Arabia, let’s see its coverage and speed in this section.
Here are some key points of STC coverage:
Here are some notes on STC Speed in Saudi Arabia:
In short, STC leads over other mobile operators in Saudi Arabia for key metrics like speeds, video experience, and consistency, as per OpenSignal’s November 2023 report, showcasing its dominance in mobile network performance.
Connecting in Saudi Arabia is simple with STC’s range of options. Here’s a brief guide to pick the right one for your travel needs:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| STC SIM Card | – Wide availability and affordability – Extensive network coverage (4G and 5G) | – Requires phone unlocking – Limited data options for tourists |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | – Convenient for sharing data with multiple devices – Flexible data plans | – Battery life limitations – Higher cost compared to a SIM card |
| International Roaming | – No need to purchase a new SIM or pocket Wi-Fi – Familiar phone number | – Potentially expensive data charges – Limited network coverage based on provider’s agreement with STC |
In summary, STC SIM cards are great for budget travelers with low prices for data, calls, and texts. Pocket Wifi is good for sharing the Internet with family or friends. Roaming is best for short trips if you want to keep your number.
Good to know: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR, 1 SAR = 0.27 USD (Mar 2024)
Visitors can refer to this table to know which STC package is fit for you.
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Included Minutes | Included SMS |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 35 | 9.38 | 4 GB | 60 | 20 |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 55 | 14.75 | 10 GB | 120 | 40 |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 70 | 18.75 | 15 GB | Unlimited calls within KSA | 60 |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 100 (until Dec 5, 2024) | 26.70 | 20 GB | 200 | 100 |
| Sawa Visitor Flex 130 (until Dec 5, 2024) | 34.75 | 30 GB | 300 | 150 |
From this table, here’s a quick recommendation breakdown:
Yes, STC supports eSIM in Saudi Arabia. There are two main ways to get an eSIM from STC:
It’s a pity that Gigago hasn’t cooperated with STC to offer eSIM plans because of its high prices. But visitors can give a try to Etihad Etisalat (Mobily network operator) – one of the best tops in Saudi Arabia.
Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 5 days with $5.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Saudi Arabia eSIM 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.
Finding a place to buy STC SIM cards/eSIM in Saudi Arabia is not hard. Follow this section below to know more.
Using an STC SIM/eSIM for Saudi Arabia is simple. If it’s your first time, refer to the instructions below.
You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
STC offers a variety of prepaid plans with data allowances. Popular options include sawa packages with data starting from 1 GB and going up to 100 GB, often with unlimited social media usage.
Absolutely! You can activate your STC SIM card using the mystc app. Simply scan the barcode on the SIM, choose a plan, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Yes! If your phone supports dual SIM, you can use an STC eSIM and a physical SIM from another operator simultaneously. Keep your home number and access a local Saudi network.
Whether you’re a short-term visitor or long-term resident in Saudi Arabia, staying connected is easy with STC. Get STC SIM cards at airports and retailers, or opt for the modern convenience of an eSIM activated through the mystc app.
With various data plans and easy activation, STC guarantees a smooth mobile experience throughout your time in the Kingdom.
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