How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Saudi Arabia

Planning a trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), whether for business, tourism, or pilgrimage, involves meticulous planning. One of the most important parts of your preparation is ensuring you have reliable, affordable mobile data. But, if you’re travelling from the UK, navigating international roaming fees and local Saudi Arabian options can be confusing.

In this guide, we break down your options and explain why an eSIM for Saudi Arabia is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected.

eSIM T&Cs apply.

Why reliable mobile data is essential for your Saudi Arabia trip

Beyond the obvious need to share your holiday snaps, connectivity is vital for several reasons:

• Navigation: using apps like Google Maps or other digital maps to navigate complex streets or find hidden spots
• Communication: talking to locals using translation apps
• Ride-sharing: booking local transport like Uber or Careem
• Safety: having access to emergency numbers and resources the moment you need them

Without a Saudi SIM card, you rely entirely on hotel or café Wi-Fi, which can be patchy, slow, and, in some cases, unsecure.

Can I use my UK SIM card in Saudi Arabia?

The answer is yes, but it's almost always the most expensive option. Since Brexit, many UK mobile networks (like Vodafone, EE, and Three) have re-introduced or increased daily charges and out-of-bundle rates for roaming outside Europe.

The high cost of roaming with a UK SIM card

Saudi Arabia is one of the most expensive roaming zones for most UK providers. While specific rates vary, you could face charges relating to:

• Daily passes: paying a daily fee (often between £6–8) to unlock your home plan's data allowance. These can quickly add up on a 2-week trip.
• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates: if you don't buy a pass, the charges are often expensive. Data can cost upwards of £1 per MB (megabyte), meaning a few minutes of video streaming or a simple map download could cost a lot.
• Hidden use: even background apps updating or receiving a simple text message can trigger minimum daily charges or start accumulating fees you won't see until your bill arrives.

If you're travelling on a budget or plan to stay in the country for more than a few days, using your UK mobile plan isn't a good idea. It's usually best to switch off data roaming as soon as you land in Saudi Arabia to avoid bill shock.

Local Saudi Arabia SIM cards: your traditional options

Saudi Arabia has 3 main mobile network operators: STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, and Zain.

These operators offer dedicated Saudi prepaid SIM card plans, which provide a fixed amount of high-speed data and occasionally some local calling credit for a set number of days.

Leading Saudi mobile operators and plans

The main players are known for strong coverage in urban areas, but their reach can differ significantly in remote areas. Here's what they typically offer:

• STC (Saudi Telecom Company) is known for having the widest nationwide coverage, making it a reliable choice for customers heading to remote areas or travelling long distances across the desert. Their tourist plans typically offer robust signal, particularly along major highways.
• Mobily provides strong coverage in metropolitan and regional areas, offering competitive pricing and decent data allowances. They're a good choice for customers primarily staying in capital cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Zain usually offers affordable prepaid options and is popular with customers staying exclusively within major urban centres where their network is strongest. Coverage can drop off quickly once you venture away from the main cities, though.

Where can I buy a Saudi Arabian SIM card?

• Airports: the most convenient spot is usually immediately after baggage claim at major international airports like King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah
• Official stores: visiting an official STC, Mobily, or Zain shop in a shopping mall ensures you get the best advice and full activation support
• Convenience stores: while some convenience stores may sell SIM cards, the full activation and registration process often requires you to visit an official branch

If you do choose the traditional route, be prepared for some bureaucracy and a slight delay.

Important: Saudi law requires all mobile SIM cards to be registered via a strict identification process. When buying a physical SIM, you must show your passport to the vendor, who'll then make a copy of it. You'll also be required to provide a fingerprint scan (for biometric registration) to activate the SIM in your name. This extra step adds an extra layer of administration during your trip.

The modern alternative: why a Saudi Arabia eSIM is the smarter choice

While buying a local prepaid SIM card is better than relying on expensive UK roaming, it still involves hassle and takes time. This is where embedded SIMs (eSIMs) offer a solution, and we're leading the charge for travellers.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile embedded in your phone's hardware. Instead of swapping out tiny pieces of plastic, you simply install a data plan digitally using a QR code or an activation code.

The advantage of Revolut eSIMs

We offer a range of regional and global eSIM plans, including a dedicated Saudi Arabia eSIM option that can be purchased and activated in-app.

By choosing a digital solution, you can land in Saudi Arabia with your connectivity already sorted, skipping the queueing and biometric registration process at the airport. You can search for directions, book a taxi, and contact your accommodation the moment you step off the plane.

Staying connected across the region

If your holiday involves travel beyond Saudi Arabia, perhaps to the UAE, Qatar, or Jordan, buying multiple physical SIM cards is inconvenient. Our regional plans, including our Middle East eSIM, offer coverage across multiple countries, ensuring you remain connected throughout your entire multi-stop itinerary without needing a new SIM at every border.

To find out more about which plans suit your trip, just check in-app. We offer plans for Saudi Arabia and 100+ other countries globally.

More ways we make travelling to Saudi Arabia easier

Managing your spending in Saudi Riyal (SAR) is just as important as staying connected. We have various offerings designed to simplify your travel finances, making your trip stress-free.

Spending seamlessly with your Revolut card

Exchanging currency by ordering cash from a high street bank or a bureau de change can often mean poor exchange rates. But, with a multi-currency account at Revolut, you can manage your spending in SAR at competitive rates.

Our multi-currency account allows you to hold, exchange, and spend in dozens of currencies, including SAR. When you use your Revolut card in Saudi Arabia, we automatically convert your money using competitive rates, allowing you to spend like a local without worrying about excessive fees. You can easily keep track of your transactions in real-time in-app, helping you stick to your holiday budget.

If you’re ready to start saving on your trip, explore the features of our travel money card.

18+, fees and T&Cs apply.

Protecting your trip with Revolut travel insurance

For many travellers, especially those heading to remote areas or engaging in adventurous desert excursions, having comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Depending on your Revolut plan, you may have travel insurance benefits included, ranging from medical emergencies to trip cancellations and flight delays. Knowing you have reliable coverage means you can enjoy Saudi Arabia's unique landscapes and history with greater peace of mind. Check your specific plan details in-app to see what's included.

Insurance policy T&Cs (incl. exclusions) apply.

Getting started with a Revolut eSIM

Here's how you can set up your Saudi Arabia eSIM in just a few taps:

1. Open or download Revolut. Signup only takes a few minutes.
2. Go to RevPoints from your home screen. Next, tap eSIM.
3. Choose your plan. Select the Saudi Arabia eSIM or a regional plan that best fits your trip length and data needs. You can also explore our range of Global eSIMs.
4. Buy and activate. Complete the purchase and follow the simple on-screen instructions to download the eSIM profile to your device.
5. Land and connect. Make sure your data roaming is turned on for the new eSIM line (and off for your home SIM line) in your settings and get connected the moment you touch down in Saudi Arabia.

Final travel tips for Saudi Arabia

Now you’ve got your SIM card for Saudi Arabia sorted, here are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip:

1. Cash and cards: card payments are widely accepted in cities, large malls, and hotels. However, cash (in Saudi Riyal) is essential for smaller vendors, local markets (souks), and taxis. You can withdraw cash from ATMs using your Revolut card.
2. Cultural dress code: modesty is important. Both men and women should aim for conservative dress, covering shoulders and knees, especially in public areas and when visiting historical or religious sites.
3. The power of apps: download local apps like Careem or Uber (for ride-sharing) and check local safety guidelines, especially if you're driving between cities.
4. Be prepared for heat: temperatures can be extremely high, particularly outside the winter months. Stay hydrated, plan activities during the cooler parts of the day, and use your reliable connectivity to check weather updates.

No withdrawal fees charged by Revolut within your plan's rolling monthly limit. Fair-usage fees and third-party ATM fees may apply.

Planning a trip to another country and looking for the best SIM card options? Check out our different guides to:

• Australia SIM card
• Thailand SIM card
• Morocco SIM card
• Turkey SIM card
• Dubai SIM card
• Egypt SIM card
• Spain SIM card
• South-Africa SIM card
• Japan SIM card
• United States SIM card

The information provided is accurate as of 15 October 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.