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 […]
Zain SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024
Zain SIM cards are your go-to move for staying connected when you’re in Saudi Arabia as they got you covered with a wide reach and super-fast internet.
This blog post will answer all your questions about Zain’s connectivity options for visitors. We’ll explore the different Zain SIM cards packages available, the coverage and network speeds you can expect, and the process of acquiring and activating your SIM card or eSIM. Let’s delve into it now!
In this article
I. Overview about Zain – What you need to know
Zain, a major telecom provider in the Middle East and Africa, has a long history since 1983. Let’s take a brief look at the company:
- Founded: 1983 (originally as Mobile Telecommunications Company)
- Full Company Name: Zain Group
- Service: Mobile and data services
- Subscribers: Over 49M across 8 countries (as of 2022)
- Coverage: Operations in 8 countries across the Middle East and Africa
- Stores and Partners: Over 6,000 retail stores and numerous distribution partners
- Customer Support: 24/7 call centers and digital support channels
- Awards: Named “Best Brand” in Kuwait (2022), “Best Mobile Operator” in Iraq (2021), among others
II. Zain Coverage in Saudi Arabia
Zain provides broad coverage in Saudi Arabia, offering mobile and data services to a large number of subscribers. As per reports and analyses:
- Network Coverage: Zain’s 4G LTE network covers 95% of Saudi Arabia
- Subscriber Base: Over 8M active subscribers in Saudi Arabia in Q4 2022
- Network Quality: Zain’s network ranked fastest in Saudi Arabia in 2022 by Ookla & OpenSignal
- Awards: Zain was named “Best Mobile Operator” in Saudi Arabia by ServiceHero in 2021 for network & service quality
As updated, Zain is boosting 5G in Saudi cities for faster connections, solidifying its top telecom status in Saudi Arabia.
III. Zain Speed in Saudi Arabia
Zain ended up at the bottom among the three main operators in Saudi Arabia for most key mobile experience metrics in Opensignal’s November 2023 report.
- Overall Download Speed: 24.1 Mbps (slowest)
- Overall Upload Speed: 6.8 Mbps (slowest)
- Video Experience: 50.9 points (Fair rating)
- Live Video Experience: 46.6 points (lowest)
- Games Experience: 38.7 points (lowest)
Zain did not win any awards outright. Its 5G download speed of 198.2 Mbps and 5G upload speed of 17.6 Mbps also lagged behind its competitors Mobily and STC.
IV. Does Zain have eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Zain does support eSIM in Saudi Arabia. You can get an eSIM from Zain either directly or through resellers. Buying from resellers is quicker and easier, usually without needing any ID documents.
For this purchase method, consider Gigago – a top eSIM provider in this sector. Unfortunately, Gigago currently only offers Mobily eSIM, not Zain, due to Zain’s narrower coverage and faster speeds.
For 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.
Tourists can check some eSIM plans in Saudi Arabia through Gigago.
V. Top Zain SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Please note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and exchange rates.
Plan | Validity | Price (SAR) | Price (USD) |
30 GB Internet + 30 GB Social Media | 3 Months | 201.25 | 53.63 |
75 GB Internet + 75 GB Social Media | 2 Months | 228.85 | 61.00 |
125 GB Internet + 100 GB Social Media | 3 Months | 343.85 | 91.57 |
150 GB Internet + 150 GB Social Media | 3 Months | 458.85 | 122.23 |
► Our recommendation: It’s up to you but we recommend that the 30GB data plan with social media for 3 months at $53.63 is a fit choice, offering great value and coverage for most tourists on their travels.
VI. Where to Buy a Zain SIM card and eSIM?
In a very developing country like Saudi Arabia, it’s not too hard to find a place selling Zain SIM cards. Let’s check it out in this section!
- Zain stores: Located in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam
- Mobile phone shops: Found in popular shopping malls like Kingdom Centre in Riyadh and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah
- Hypermarkets: Carrefour and Panda offer SIM cards alongside groceries
- Airport kiosks: Available at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah
VII. Where to buy Zain eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
- Zain website: Purchase and activate eSIM online
- Zain stores: Visit physical stores for assistance with eSIM activation
- Mobile phone retailers: Authorized dealers like Gigago offer eSIM services
- Zain app: Download the Zain app to buy and activate eSIM on your device
VIII. FAQs about Zain SIM Card for Saudi Arabia
What payment methods can I use to top up my Zain SIM cards?
You can top up online via credit card or at retailers using cash. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay also work.
Can I switch between physical and eSIM on the same device and number?
Yes, you can easily switch your Zain number between physical and eSIM on supported devices.
How do I check my Zain SIM card balance?
Check your balance in the My Zain app or by dialing *142#.
What should I do if I lose my Zain SIM cards?
Report it lost at a Zain center immediately to suspend service on that SIM.
IX. Conclusion
To sum up, getting and setting up Zain SIM cards and eSIMs is super user-friendly. Whether you like the physical SIM card or the cool eSIM tech, Zain makes it easy to fit into your mobile life.
Just follow the activation steps, and you’ll be quickly connected to Zain’s services and connectivity options, keeping you linked up locally and globally.