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!
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:
Picking the right telecom provider is key to staying connected on your travels. Zain, with its wide coverage and awesome data speeds, is a top pick for visitors to Saudi Arabia. Let’s find it out now!
Zain provides broad coverage in Saudi Arabia, offering mobile and data services to a large number of subscribers. As per reports and analyses:
As updated, Zain is boosting 5G in Saudi cities for faster connections, solidifying its top telecom status 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.
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.
Travelers heading to Saudi Arabia can choose from different ways to stay connected: getting a local SIM card, renting a mobile Wi-Fi device, or using their phone’s roaming service. Let’s see its pros and cons.
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| Local SIM Card | Affordable data plans | Requires passport for purchase |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Shares data with multiple devices | Rental fees can add up |
| Roaming | Convenient, no need for additional purchases | Potentially expensive data charges |
► Our recommendation: For many travelers, a local SIM card is the best for cheap data. You need a passport to get it, but it gives you budget-friendly data plans to stay connected without high roaming fees.
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.
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 $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.
In a very developing country like Saudi Arabia, it’s not too hard to find a place selling Zain SIM cards or eSIM. Let’s check it out in this section!
Using a Zain SIM card or eSIM in Saudi Arabia is easy. If you are new to it, just follow the instructions given.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
You can top up online via credit card or at retailers using cash. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay also work.
Yes, you can easily switch your Zain number between physical and eSIM on supported devices.
Check your balance in the My Zain app or by dialing *142#.
Report it lost at a Zain center immediately to suspend service on that SIM.
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.
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