Visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah, business, or tourism? Compare the best tourist SIM options from STC, Mobily, and Zain.
Quick Answer
All three operators sell tourist SIMs at airports (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam). Prices from SAR 50. STC has the best coverage, especially in Makkah and Madinah.
STC Tourist Plans
- Sawa Tourist (SAR 55) — 3GB data, 30 minutes, 15 days
- Sawa Tourist Plus (SAR 99) — 10GB data, 60 minutes, 30 days
- Sawa Hajj/Umrah (SAR 75) — 5GB data, 30 minutes, special Makkah/Madinah coverage
Mobily Tourist Plans
- Visitor (SAR 50) — 2GB data, 20 minutes, 14 days
- Visitor Plus (SAR 85) — 7GB data, 45 minutes, 30 days
Zain Tourist Plans
- Welcome (SAR 49) — 2GB data, 20 minutes, 14 days
- Welcome Plus (SAR 89) — 8GB data, 50 minutes, 30 days
Buy Your SIM Before Registering on Nusuk
Since the Nusuk pilgrimage app and most transport/hotel bookings expect a working Saudi number for SMS verification, getting your tourist SIM active at the airport before you try to complete Nusuk registration saves a frustrating loop of verification codes going nowhere.
Recommendation for Umrah/Hajj
STC is the clear winner for religious tourism — best coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. Dedicated Hajj/Umrah packages with optimized coverage at crowded sites.
Comparison
| Factor | STC | Mobily | Zain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Best overall | Good | Good |
| Makkah/Madinah | Best | Good | Good |
| Cheapest | SAR 55 | SAR 50 | SAR 49 |
| Best value | Tourist Plus | Visitor Plus | Welcome Plus |
| 5G | Widest | Yes | Yes |
Where to Buy
- Airport counters at KAIA (Jeddah), KKIA (Riyadh), KFIA (Dammam)
- Passport + entry visa required for registration
- eSIM available from STC and Mobily via apps
Prices approximate. Check operator websites for current offers.
At a Glance
| Price Range | SAR 49–99 per pack |
| Data | 2 GB – 10 GB |
| Contract | No contract |
| Best For | Umrah/Hajj pilgrims, business and tourist visitors to Saudi Arabia |
| Last Verified | May 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Best for Umrah?
STC — best coverage at Holy Sites and dedicated Umrah packages.
Buy at airport?
Yes, all three operators at major Saudi airports.
Should I get a SIM before using Nusuk?
Yes — activate your Saudi SIM first, since Nusuk and most booking apps need a working Saudi number for SMS verification.
eSIM?
STC and Mobily offer tourist eSIM via apps.
WhatsApp calls?
WhatsApp calling works in Saudi Arabia.