*166#

How to Activate International Roaming on STC Saudi Arabia

Dial *166# to activate international roaming on stc saudi arabia instantly.

STC Cost: Package varies Prepaid Postpaid Verified May 2026

STC is explicit about the cost of skipping this step: roaming without a package can run up to 10 times more expensive than the same usage covered by a pre-purchased bundle — a gap large enough that “I’ll sort it when I land” is a genuinely costly gamble.

Quick answer

Dial *166# to browse and subscribe to destination roaming packages, or use the MySTC app → Roaming.

The 10x gap, and why it exists

Standard pay-as-you-go roaming rates (used automatically if you have no package active) are priced far above bundled rates — the bundle exists specifically because STC negotiates bulk data/call/SMS rates with foreign networks that individual pay-as-you-go usage doesn’t access.

Before you fly

  • Dial *166# to browse destination-specific packages
  • Subscribe before travelling, not after landing
  • Call 900 to confirm roaming is enabled if unsure

While abroad

Turn on Data Roaming in settings and track usage via the MySTC app; call 900 for support if needed.

Need your regular balance too? See checking your STC balance.

Verified against STC’s official roaming guidance, August 2026.

Written & verified by GSMplans Editorial Team · Last checked May 2026

The GSMplans Editorial Team researches, writes, and verifies every guide on this site against official operator sources — Etisalat, du, STC, Mobily, Zain, Ooredoo, Vodafone, Omantel, Batelco, and… Our process →

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Confirm roaming

    Call 900 to verify roaming is enabled on your line.

  2. 2

    Subscribe

    *166# for destination packages, or MySTC app > Roaming.

  3. 3

    Enable on phone

    Settings > Data Roaming > ON when abroad.

Alternative Methods

Dial *166# from your phone dialer.

MySTC App > Roaming

stc.com.sa > Roaming

Troubleshooting

No signal abroad

Enable Data Roaming. Manual network selection. Restart phone.

High charges

Subscribe to roaming package immediately via *166#.

Pro Tip
Subscribe to a roaming package BEFORE boarding your flight. Standard roaming rates without a package can be 10x more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is roaming on by default?

Usually yes for postpaid; prepaid may need activation — call 900 to confirm.

How much more expensive is roaming without a package?

Up to 10 times more than the equivalent usage under a pre-purchased bundle.

Which packages are available?

Daily and weekly bundles with data, calls, and SMS, priced by destination — check *166# or the MySTC app.

What if I have no signal abroad?

Enable Data Roaming, try manual network selection, and restart your phone.

Can I get support while roaming?

Yes, call 900 — though international rates from your location may apply unless you have an active data package for app-based chat.

STC
Saudi Arabia
Customer Care: 900
All STC guides Saudi Arabia telecom overview