Yesim
Flexible Saudi plans and pay-as-you-go top-ups, so you are not stuck with a plan that is too small or too big.
Best for Most travellers on a 5–14 day trip
See Saudi plansvia Yesim
Planning
The best eSIM for Saudi Arabia
You will need data from the moment you land. An eSIM installed at home is cheaper than roaming and faster than a local SIM queue.
Updated · by Daniel
Our picks
All three run on Saudi Arabia’s main networks, which have strong 4G and 5G coverage in cities and along highways. Coverage thins out in deep desert everywhere.
Saily
A clean app from the makers of NordVPN, with simple fixed-size plans and built-in security features.
Best for Travellers who want set-and-forget
See Saudi plansvia Saily
Airalo
The largest catalogue of country and regional plans. Useful if Saudi is one stop on a Gulf itinerary.
Best for Combining Saudi with the UAE, Jordan or Egypt
See Saudi plansvia Airalo
How much data do you need?
Maps, ride-hailing and messaging use about 0.5–1 GB a day. Add more if you upload photos or video. For a week, 5–10 GB is comfortable for most people.
Plans are usually data-only. Keep your home SIM active in the phone’s second slot for banking codes, and use WhatsApp for calls.
Set-up in five minutes
- Check your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Buy the plan and scan the QR code at home, on Wi-Fi.
- Leave the eSIM switched off until you land, then turn on data roaming for that line only.
eSIM vs local SIM vs roaming
- Travel eSIM
- Installed before you fly, works on landing, data only. Usually the best value for trips under a month
- Local SIM (STC, Mobily, Zain)
- Cheapest per GB and includes a Saudi number, but needs passport registration at an airport or mall kiosk
- Home roaming
- Easiest, but UK/EU/US roaming bundles for Saudi Arabia are often several times the price of an eSIM
- Hotel Wi-Fi only
- Not realistic: you need data for ride-hailing, maps, e-tickets and WhatsApp from the arrivals hall
Also worth a look
Drimsim
A single physical or eSIM that works across 190+ countries with pay-as-you-go credit. Handy if you travel often and hate buying a new plan each trip.
Best for Frequent travellers with older phones
See Drimsimvia Drimsim
How to choose a plan size
- Weekend in Riyadh or Jeddah (2–4 days): 3 GB is plenty if you mostly use maps, Uber/Careem and messaging.
- 7–10 day multi-city trip: 10 GB covers maps, rides, e-tickets, social posting and the odd video call.
- Two weeks or remote work: 20 GB or an unlimited-style plan. Hotel Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia is generally good, but resort Wi-Fi in AlUla can be patchy in villas.
Buy slightly more than you think. Topping up mid-trip is easy, but it is one more thing to do on a phone screen in the desert.
Common mistakes
- Installing the eSIM on arrival. You need Wi-Fi to download it. Install at home and leave it switched off.
- Leaving roaming on for your home SIM. Turn data off on your home line or you can be charged roaming anyway.
- Buying a “Middle East” plan without checking Saudi is included. Some regional bundles cover the UAE and Qatar but not Saudi Arabia, or use a slow partner network there.
- Expecting a Saudi phone number. Travel eSIMs are data only. If you need a number for an OTP, get a local SIM.
- Locked phones. Phones bought on contract may be network-locked. Check before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Do eSIMs work in AlUla?
Yes, in the town, the resorts and on the main roads. Signal drops in remote canyons and at some desert camps, which is normal.
Can I make normal phone calls with a travel eSIM?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls, which work normally in Saudi Arabia.
Which network is best in Saudi Arabia?
STC has the widest coverage, particularly outside cities. Mobily and Zain are strong in Riyadh, Jeddah and along main highways. Most travel eSIMs connect to one or more of these.
Do eSIMs work at the Red Sea resorts?
Yes, on the mainland and at most resort islands. Out at sea on a boat or liveaboard, expect little or no signal.
Can I use WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. WhatsApp voice and video calls work normally, as do FaceTime and most VoIP apps.
