How To Get A SIM Card If You Are New in Riyadh

You’ve just landed in Riyadh and, like every new expat, the first question hits you: how do you get a local SIM card?

I remember feeling exactly the same. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get a SIM card, even if your residency card (Iqama) hasn’t been issued yet.

Your Iqama usually arrives within the first month, processed by your sponsor (usually your employer).

But you may not want to wait that long. Not everywhere here has public Wi-Fi, and I rely on mobile data almost every time I leave the house.

Without a local number, you can’t easily book Uber, order food delivery, or access many government services (see my must-have apps list for new expats in Saudi Arabia),

So, getting a SIM is one of the first must-do errands the moment you land in Riyadh or any other cities in Saudi Arabia.

Which Carrier Should I Choose?

Saudi has three main telecom companies. While all of them are 5G-ready and generally reliable, they all have their own pros and cons.

Here is an honest breakdown of how they actually perform:

1. STC

This is the most popular telecom company in Saudi Arabia. They have very wide coverage and often become the “safe option” for new expats.

As a new expat who didn’t want any headaches and would choose convenience over price, they became my choice.

I also traveled a lot outside Riyadh to other cities like Al Qassim and Madinah by car, so using them gave me peace of mind.

The downside is they are a bit pricey compared to the others, but I am not complaining.

2. Mobily

Many locals in Riyadh prefer Mobily because it offers better value for money than STC while maintaining excellent speeds within the city limits.

They have generous social media data packs. If you live on TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, Mobily often counts this usage differently (or not at all against your main cap).

From what I’ve read, they are excellent in Riyadh but can drop to 3G in some remote areas. If you’re not planning to travel to these areas, I think they can be a great option to consider.

Since I travel often and need Google Maps, I personally skipped them for now. But if you stay mostly in Riyadh, they’re a solid option.

3. Zain

They are a popular choice among locals as they have the cheapest unlimited data deals and are the best choice among students.

However, some users complain about their coverage. They are still a good option, and you can try to survey the situation by asking people who live in the same area as you.

Tip: If you are living in a compound, you can simply ask the compound management or your new neighbors what they use. People are usually very welcoming towards new expats.

Can Expats Buy a SIM Without an Iqama?

The answer is yes, you can buy a SIM card as a new expat even without an Iqama.

Buying a SIM card as a Tourist (on a Tourist Visa)

If you are here on a tourist visa, the process is very straightforward.

In 2024, I had the experience of getting a Saudi SIM card under a tourist visa when I was visiting my in-laws in Madinah.

I didn’t get my SIM card at the airport, but at one of the stalls near Nabawi Mosque.

At that time, they just needed my passport, and I needed to pay for the SIM card. That’s it. The internet packages available for me were the visitor packages.

Buying a SIM card as a New Resident (Waiting for Iqama)

When I moved to Riyadh in 2025, my Iqama took about a month to process, but I still try to get a SIM anyway because I know I need it.

I was working from coffee shop a lot in the first few months after my move to Riyadh and most cafes didn’t offer public Wi-Fi, so mobile data was essential.

To get the SIM card, I simply just went to nearby STC branch to make the purchase. They issued a SIM and I get use the “visitor packages” while waiting for my Iqama to be ready.

Once my Iqama is ready, I returned to the same STC branch so they can link my number to the newly issued Iqama and I finally get to use the “resident packages” mobile plans.

Why is having the “resident packages” mobile plans a big deal? 

Visitor plans are usually pricier and can’t convert to postpaid contracts.

Linking your Iqama unlocks long-term plans and prevents your number from being disconnected when your entry period expires.

When you do this process later, just make sure to double-check with the STC staff that your account is properly switched over. I experienced some hiccups because I didn’t properly confirmed with them on this. But all works well now.

Where to Buy Your SIM Card

You can buy one at the airport, but I personally prefer going to an official branch, especially for STC.

Can you buy a SIM card at a convenience store? 

Saudi law requires a biometric fingerprint scan to activate any SIM card. These small shops often lack the official scanners.

To make a sale, they might sell you a “black market SIM” that is already registered to a stranger’s name. These lines are illegal. 

The government frequently purges them, meaning your phone will suddenly stop working with no way to recover the number.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which One is Best for You?

It depends on your needs.

I chose an eSIM because I still needed my home-country SIM physically in my phone.

Adding the Saudi number digitally made things easier.

However, before your Iqama is issued, eSIM isn’t usually available (at least that’s what STC told me).

Once your Iqama is linked, you can request an eSIM at a main branch and switch over.

Can I Use WhatsApp and FaceTime in Saudi Arabia?

Unfortunately, no, you can’t fully access these in Saudi.

You are allowed to use WhatsApp messages, but WhatsApp calls and video calls do not work here. 

For WhatsApp calls, you are able to only “ring” somebody, but when they pick up, it will automatically hang up.

The same goes for FaceTime. iMessage can be used, but not FaceTime itself.

This is one thing I found challenging when I first moved to Saudi. 

But over time, I got used to it. Since moving here, I mostly use Google Meet or Zoom to talk to my friends and family back home.

Other Options: Botim

This is the government-approved VoIP app. It works clearly and reliably because it is whitelisted. Most people in the Gulf use this as a backup. However, I personally haven’t used it; I just prefer to stick with Zoom or Google Meet.

SIM Card Plans for Tourist and Residents in Saudi Arabia

All prices usually include the 15% VAT, but always double-check.

For Tourists (Short Term)

• STC Sawa Visitor: ~SAR 70 for 23GB + Local Minutes (Validity: 2 weeks)
• Mobily Visitor 30: ~SAR 35 for 5GB (Validity: 14 days)
• Zain Visitor: ~SAR 40 for 6GB (Validity: 2 weeks).

For Residents (Monthly Prepaid)

• STC Sawa Like Plus: ~SAR 86/month for 15GB data + 15GB Socials + Minutes.
• Mobily Prepaid: ~SAR 115/month for 10GB + 40GB Socials + Minutes.
• Zain Shabab 79: ~SAR 79/month for 10GB + 10GB Socials + Minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I recharge my SIM with a foreign credit card?

A: Sometimes, but it’s glitchy. Some credit cards often get declined on the carrier apps due to banking security flags.

Alternatively, you can use Apple Pay or Samsung Pay inside the carrier’s app. You can also buy recharge vouchers from grocery stores and type the code in manually.

I personally prefer to just use Apple Pay.

Q: Does Unlimited Data really mean unlimited?

A: Usually yes, but don’t forget to check the policy. Some cheaper unlimited plans reduce your speed to 512kbps after you use 5GB or 10GB in a single day.

Final Checklist for Your Arrival

1. Unlock Your Phone: Ensure your device is not carrier-locked before you travel.
2. Download the App: Immediately download the carrier’s app (MySTC, Mobily App, or Zain SA) using the airport Wi-Fi.
3. Biometrics Ready: Be ready to scan your fingerprints at the counter.
4. Keep the Plastic: The little plastic card your SIM comes in has your PUK code. Keep it. If you lock your SIM, you will need this code to unlock it.