Recommended eSIMs for Saudi Arabia: 2025 Latest Comparison Guide

Top 3 eSIMs Recommended by Experts for Saudi Arabia Travel

Elwin, Chief editor

If it's your first time using eSIM, saily.com is the best choice.

saily.com is the top brand recommended by eSIMingo as an eSIM that makes travel comfortable. Despite launching in March 2024, it boasts nearly 9,000 reviews and a high ★4.6 rating on Trustpilot, the world's largest review site (as of September 2025), proving its reliability.
Provided by the company known for the security service NordVPN, it offers robust free options like blocking malicious URLs and data saver via ad blocking. Compatible with Apple Pay & Google Pay, eliminating the need to enter card numbers.
Using coupon code "ESIMIN0948" grants a $5 discount, making it arguably the best value for money at the discounted price.

Sign up for saily.com

Jasmine, Expert

If you want to keep costs down, go to esim4travel.com

 

If sharing photos with friends, checking reviews, and navigating with Google Maps is all you need, the 1GB plan from esim4travel.com is perfect. If you run out of data, you can easily add a new plan. Nearly all plans are among the most affordable travel eSIM plans available. Use the exclusive eSIMingo coupon for even more savings!

Sign up for esim4travel.com

Lee, Tech director

Unlimited data? Nomad

 

When staying at budget hotels or suburban accommodations abroad, the WiFi signal is often weak, drops out occasionally, or isn't even provided at all. That's where Nomad comes in for working on my laptop while traveling overseas. No need to worry about data limits during trips for online meetings or OS updates. Use coupon code "ESIMTENNSZ" for a $5 discount, and you can even try 1GB of free connectivity before your trip as practice.

Sign up for Nomad

Benefits and Basics of Using eSIMs for Saudi Arabia Travel

Saudi Arabia is a captivating country blending historic sites, modern cities, and religious landmarks. From Riyadh’s National Museum, Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram, Jeddah’s historic district, Al-Ula’s Madain Saleh, to Dammam’s Corniche, the tourist attractions are diverse. Popular cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Al-Ula, each with its unique culture and history. Culinary delights like Kabsa, Shawarma, Hummus, and Dates are beloved by visitors. For an enjoyable trip to Saudi Arabia, reliable internet connectivity is essential. Using an eSIM allows you to avoid expensive roaming charges and stay connected seamlessly anywhere, anytime. Below, we explain the benefits and basics of using eSIMs in Saudi Arabia in detail.

Why Choose an eSIM for Saudi Arabia and Its Convenience

An eSIM is a digital SIM that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, offering significant convenience for travelers to Saudi Arabia. It enables instant internet connectivity upon arrival, eliminating the hassle of purchasing or swapping SIM cards at the airport. eSIMs can be installed directly on your device, providing flexibility to manage multiple data plans. In Saudi Arabia, purchasing a physical SIM requires passport registration and can be time-consuming. With an eSIM, you can buy it online in advance and activate it by simply scanning a QR code.

Why eSIMs Are Ideal for Saudi Arabia Travel

• Instant Connectivity: Start using data immediately upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, with no wait time at the airport.
• Cost Savings: eSIMs significantly reduce costs compared to international roaming charges.
• Flexibility: Choose from multiple data plans and easily purchase additional data as needed.

Comparison of eSIM Providers for Saudi Arabia: Best Options

A variety of eSIM providers cater to Saudi Arabia, offering data plans tailored to travelers’ needs. We compare trusted providers like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, and STC eSIM to introduce the best eSIM options for Saudi Arabia travel.

Benefits of Choosing Airalo’s eSIM for Saudi Arabia

Airalo offers the “Saudi Connect” plan for Saudi Arabia, with data options ranging from 1GB to 20GB. Priced affordably from $5.5 for 1GB, it’s ideal for short-term travelers. Using STC or Mobily networks, it provides high-speed 4G/5G connectivity in urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah. While it’s a data-only plan without calls or SMS, apps like WhatsApp or Skype can handle communication needs.

Holafly’s Saudi Arabia eSIM: The Appeal of Unlimited Data

Holafly provides unlimited data plans for Saudi Arabia, with options ranging from 5 to 20 days, priced between $29 and $64. Enjoy video streaming and social media without worrying about data limits. Using Zain or STC networks, it ensures stable connectivity in urban and tourist areas. However, the hotspot function is limited to 500MB per day.

Nomad’s Saudi Arabia eSIM: Flexible Plans and Reliability

Nomad offers plans from 1GB for $5 to 20GB for $35, suitable for short to medium-term travelers. Using Mobily or Zain networks, it supports 5G in some areas. Middle East regional plans are also available, perfect for multi-country travel including Saudi Arabia.

Saily’s Saudi Arabia eSIM: Affordable Pricing and Easy Setup

Saily provides high-quality connectivity at affordable prices, such as 3GB for $10.99 or 10GB for $26.99. Using STC or Mobily networks, it offers 4G/5G connections. Saily’s intuitive app makes activation straightforward, and hotspot functionality is supported.

STC eSIM’s Saudi Arabia Plans: Trusted Carrier Reliability

STC, a major Saudi carrier, offers the “Sawa Tourist” eSIM plan, such as 10GB for about $15, including data, calls, and SMS. It provides excellent coverage across Saudi Arabia, with 5G available in Riyadh and Jeddah. The reliability of an official carrier is a key advantage.

How to Set Up and Activate an eSIM in Saudi Arabia

Setting up an eSIM in Saudi Arabia is simple—just scan a QR code to install it before travel. Upon arrival, enable data roaming for instant connectivity. Follow these steps for a smooth setup.

Steps to Set Up an eSIM in Saudi Arabia

• Pre-Check: Confirm your device supports eSIM and obtain a QR code from the provider.
• Installation: Scan the QR code via your smartphone’s settings to add the eSIM.
• Activation: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, turn on data roaming to start the connection.

Saudi Arabia’s Network Environment and eSIM Compatibility

Saudi Arabia’s major mobile networks include STC, Mobily, and Zain, offering 5G in urban areas and stable 4G in rural regions. eSIM providers leverage these networks to ensure high-quality communication across Saudi Arabia. As of 2025, 5G is widely available in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

eSIM Coverage and Considerations in Saudi Arabia

In urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah, 5G/4G connections are highly stable, but in desert or remote areas, 4G is predominant. Choosing an eSIM like Holafly or Nomad, which supports multiple networks, improves coverage. Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Some apps or websites may be restricted in Saudi Arabia, so consider using a VPN.

Key Points for Choosing an eSIM Data Plan for Saudi Arabia Travel

Data needs for Saudi Arabia travel vary based on trip duration and usage. Short trips may require 1GB–5GB, while long stays or heavy data users benefit from unlimited plans. Below are tips for choosing the right data plan.

How to Choose an eSIM Data Plan for Saudi Arabia

• Short Trips: Airalo or Saily’s 1GB–5GB plans (7–15 days) are cost-effective.
• Long Stays: Holafly’s unlimited plans or STC’s 20GB plans are recommended.
• Hotspot: Saily or STC eSIMs support hotspot functionality, ideal for multiple devices.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM in Saudi Arabia

Purchasing a physical SIM in Saudi Arabia is possible at airports or carrier stores, but passport registration and procedures can be time-consuming. eSIMs, on the other hand, offer the convenience of pre-purchase and easy setup. While physical SIMs may include local call plans, eSIMs are more suitable for travelers due to their flexibility.

Differences Between eSIM and Physical SIM for Saudi Arabia Travel

• eSIM Advantages: Pre-purchase, easy setup, and multiple plan management.
• Physical SIM Advantages: Some plans include local calls or SMS.
• Note: Physical SIMs require time for purchase and registration at stores.

Maximizing eSIM Usage for Saudi Arabia Travel

To fully enjoy your Saudi Arabia trip, effective eSIM usage is key. From navigation in tourist areas to translation apps for communication and real-time social media sharing, data connectivity enhances your travel experience. Below are tips for maximizing eSIM usage.

Tips for Using eSIMs in Saudi Arabia

• Map Apps: Use Google Maps or Anghami for seamless travel in Riyadh or Jeddah.
• Translation Apps: Translate Arabic menus or signs for smooth communication.
• SNS Sharing: Share Madain Saleh or the Grand Mosque in real-time on Instagram or X.

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Usage in Saudi Arabia

We’ve compiled common questions about using eSIMs in Saudi Arabia to help you prepare for your trip.

FAQs About eSIMs in Saudi Arabia

• Can I buy an eSIM in Saudi Arabia?: Available at airports or online, but pre-purchase is more convenient.
• Is 5G available?: 5G eSIMs are usable in urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Device Compatibility?: Check for eSIM support on devices like iPhone 11 or newer Android models.