How to Get a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia as an Expat (Airport vs City) — 2025 Guide

TL;DR (2 minutes)

• Buy at the airport if you need instant data/ride‑hailing. Riyadh’s King Khalid International (RUH) lists STC, Mobily, Zain counters on its official site; city stores give you wider plan choice and sometimes better bundle value.

• Visitor vs Resident: Use a Visitor/“Ziyara/Visitor” SIM on arrival (passport), then once your Iqama arrives, get a resident‑registered SIM or update ownership as per operator process (fingerprint/Nafath).

• eSIM exists. STC and Mobily offer eSIM activation through official apps; Zain’s digital brand Yaqoot supports app/Nafath flows.

• Know your rights: Number Portability (MNP) lets you keep your Saudi number when changing operators.

• Manage ownership: Check what numbers are linked to your ID anytime with CST “Inquire about my numbers (Argami)”.

Airport vs City: which should you choose?

Airport (best for instant connectivity):

• Where: At RUH (Riyadh) you’ll find STC, Mobily, Zain counters listed on the airport’s official website. Expect similar counters at JED (Jeddah) though details are less explicit publicly; the airport does advertise free Wi‑Fi if you need to get online first.

• Pros: Immediate data for maps/ride‑hailing; English support; visitor bundles ready to go.

• Cons: Fewer plan options than in city stores; occasional queues after large arrivals.

City (best for options & resident setup):

• Where: Operator flagships and mall stores across all major cities. Wider choice (monthly, data‑only, family add‑ons), and full resident registration once you have your Iqama (including Nafath authentication for self‑activation with STC/Mobily/Yaqoot).

• Pros: More plan variety; easier to handle ownership updates, number portability, and device/eSIM issues.

• Cons: Requires time and transport.

Tip: If your flight arrives late, airport counters at RUH operate long hours and are listed by terminal on the airport site; exact opening times vary by terminal/vendor, so plan a fallback (hotel Wi‑Fi or a travel eSIM).

Visitor vs Resident SIM: what’s the difference?

Official references: STC Sawa Visitor (visitor/ziyara) packages; Mobily Visitor; Zain Visitor.

Documents & biometrics: what you’ll be asked for

• Passport or Iqama: Visitors show a passport; residents show Iqama.

• Biometrics (fingerprint): Operators state that SIMs are issued/activated after the owner submits fingerprints (store or authorized point). STC’s policy explains the fingerprint requirement and ownership linking.

• Digital authentication (residents): STC and Mobily self‑activation flows include Nafath e‑ID verification in the app.

• Ownership management: To see what numbers are registered on your ID at any point, use CST’s “Inquire about my numbers (Argami)”; it’s also listed on the national e‑services portal.

Practical note: Numeric limits on how many SIMs you can hold can change over time and may depend on prepaid/postpaid categories. Always rely on Argami to audit what’s under your ID and follow your operator’s current policy at purchase.

eSIM vs physical SIM: compatibility & activation

• STC eSIM: Request and activate via mystc; scan QR code; device‑specific steps (iOS/Android).

• Mobily eSIM: Buy/activate in Mobily app or website; QR delivered in app/email.

• Zain/Yaqoot: Digital flows with Nafath authentication for SIM activation.

• Tip: If your phone is carrier‑locked or not eSIM‑capable, use a physical SIM first, then migrate to eSIM later in‑app.

Operator comparison (Visitor offers & eSIM)

Prices and bundles change frequently; check the official pages below on the day you buy. We’ve linked the operator’s Visitor and eSIM hubs.

* Package names and allowances change—always verify at purchase.

Step‑by‑step: buying at the airport

What to bring: Passport (and visa/entry stamp), unlocked phone, payment card/cash. Where to go: Follow “Telecom/Sim” signs or ask an information desk at RUH; official pages list STC, Mobily, Zain service points.

Process (typical): 1) Pick an operator and Visitor bundle (data + minutes). Staff will check passport and scan your fingerprint as required by policy. 2) Insert SIM or scan eSIM QR (if supported at counter). 3) Test data/voice before leaving. 4) Download the operator app for top‑ups and to see your number.

Pro moves:

• If you’ll stay >30 days, ask whether you can upgrade or extend a visitor plan later, or if you should switch to a resident plan after Iqama.

• Screenshot your plan details and expiry from the app for easy reference.

Step‑by‑step: buying in the city

What to bring: Passport or Iqama (for residents), payment card/cash. Where: Flagship stores/malls. Process (resident flows): 1) Choose plan (prepaid/postpaid). 2) Follow Nafath e‑ID in the operator app or do in‑store biometrics. 3) Decide eSIM vs physical SIM; activate and test.

Switching providers later: Saudi Number Portability allows you to keep your local number while changing operators. Expect an SMS‑based port confirmation.

Top‑ups, apps & number management

• Apps: mystc, Mobily, Zain/Yaqoot, Virgin/FRiENDi let you top up, buy add‑ons, and see expiry/usage.

• Validity: For STC, SIM validity and balance rules are published (e.g., SIM validity 180 days from last paid activity). Expect similar rules across operators—check your plan page.

• Audit your lines: Use CST Argami to see all numbers linked to your ID and keep your profile clean (handy after you switch from visitor to resident).

Troubleshooting & common pitfalls

• Phone locked / eSIM unsupported: Ask for a physical SIM; consider using a temporary travel eSIM for data until you can swap devices.

• No data after activation: Restart; check APN is auto‑set; confirm plan shows as active in the app.

• Ownership mismatch (friend bought your SIM): Visit an official store to link the SIM to your ID; STC explains you can validate/keep a SIM by linking it to your own fingerprint/ID at a branch.

• Too many lines on your ID: Use Argami to review and close unused numbers with the operator.

• Moving to resident status: Once your Iqama arrives, either (a) buy a new resident SIM in your name, or (b) ask the operator if they can update ownership from passport to Iqama. Policies vary—do it in‑store with ID.

FAQs

Quick decision guide (choose the fastest path)

• Landing today, no Iqama yet → Buy a Visitor SIM at the airport for instant data, then revisit a city store when your Iqama arrives to move to a resident plan or update ownership.

• Already have Iqama → Go straight to a city flagship (or use the app) and activate an eSIM with Nafath—you’ll save time and avoid plastic.

• Want to keep your number but change provider → Start a port‑in request with the new operator; you’ll receive SMS confirmations during the move.

Channel comparison (Airport vs City vs App) — what actually changes

After you receive your Iqama: three clean options

1) New resident SIM (fresh start): Buy/activate a resident SIM in your name (Iqama + Nafath). Keep your visitor SIM active until the new line is working. 2) Update ownership (same operator): Ask your operator if they can link the existing number to your Iqama. STC explains SIMs can be linked to your own ID via fingerprint at branches. Policies vary—confirm in‑store. 3) Port the number to another operator: Start MNP with the new provider and complete any required ID/KYC steps.

Number Portability in Saudi (how it works, practically)

• Start with the new operator (e.g., you move from Operator A → B).

• You’ll receive SMS prompts to confirm the port; keep both SIMs handy until the switch completes.

• If an error cites ID mismatch, visit a store to verify your Iqama/passport and re‑submit.

• Keep the old SIM active until the new one shows service; ports usually complete within the same day for mobiles.

Security & privacy (expat essentials)

• Argami audits: Periodically check what numbers are registered to your ID; close any you don’t recognize with the operator and file a complaint if needed.

• OTP hygiene: Never share one‑time codes; use biometric signin on operator apps.

• Ownership hygiene: Avoid using SIMs registered to friends/colleagues. If you already do, visit a branch to link the SIM to your own ID.

Coverage & performance expectations (urban vs travel)

• Urban cores (Riyadh/Jeddah/Dammam): Expect strong 4G and broad 5G on major operators (bundle specifics vary by plan and location).

• Outside cities: Coverage varies by route and provider; decide based on where you’ll live/work rather than price alone. If you commute between cities, test with monthly prepaid before committing to a long postpaid.

Costs & validity (what to verify at purchase)

• Bundle details: Data, local minutes, international minutes, social media allowances (many plans have separate social buckets—ask what “unlimited” covers).

• Validity & renewal: For example, STC publishes SIM and balance validity windows (e.g., SIM validity tied to last paid activity). Other operators have similar terms—always read your plan page in‑app.

• Payment methods: Cards are widely accepted at RUH counters and in apps; carry a backup card or cash in case a terminal is down.

Scripts you can copy (EN/AR)

At the airport counter (EN):

“I’m a visitor and need data + local minutes today. Please recommend a visitor plan that I can extend for 2–4 weeks. Can you help me activate eSIM on this phone?”

In a city store to update ownership (EN):

“This number was opened under my passport. I now have my Iqama. Please link the SIM to my ID and fingerprint, or advise if I should open a new resident line.” citeturn1search5

Arabic (airport, visitor plan):

«أنا زائر وأحتاج إنترنت ومكالمات محلية اليوم. ما هي باقات الزوار المتاحة؟ وهل يمكن تفعيل eSIM على هاتفي؟»

Arabic (ownership update):

«تم فتح الرقم بجواز سفري، والآن لديّ إقامة. هل يمكن ربط الشريحة برقم الإقامة وبصمتي أو تنصحون بخط جديد للمقيمين؟» citeturn1search5

Troubleshooting deep‑dive

• eSIM QR won’t scan: Check Wi‑Fi, restart, and try manual activation (enter details from the eSIM voucher). If still failing, reissue the QR in the app/store.

• App says “Nafath failed”: Wait and retry on stable Wi‑Fi; confirm your Iqama is active. If needed, complete activation in‑store with fingerprint.

• International calls not connecting: Verify the plan includes international minutes (visitor packs often bundle small international buckets). Use the operator app to add an international add‑on. citeturn0search1turn0

• SIM lost/stolen: Visit a store with your ID to issue a replacement and block the old SIM; then run an Argami check to ensure only your lines are active.

Airport notes (quick pointers)

• Riyadh (RUH): Official site lists STC, Mobily, Zain service points by terminal; follow terminal signage on arrival.

• Jeddah (KAIA): Airport site emphasizes free Wi‑Fi; if counters are busy, connect to KAIA Free Wi‑Fi and check operator visitor pages before choosing a plan.

Riyadh vs Jeddah vs Eastern Province — practical differences

• Riyadh: Large arrival waves at RUH; if queues are long, take the SIM but activate bundles in the app later from your hotel Wi‑Fi. Store density is high in major malls and along business corridors—ideal for resident registration once you have your Iqama.

• Jeddah: Expect more pilgrim footfall at KAIA; if kiosks are busy, use KAIA Free Wi‑Fi to review visitor packages and pick the best fit before you queue.

• Eastern (Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran): City stores are straightforward for resident onboarding; consider proximity to Bahrain for roaming scenarios (verify roaming add‑ons in‑app if you cross the causeway). (General guidance; verify with your operator’s roaming page.)

Resident eSIM activation — distilled steps (from official pages)

STC (mystc): 1) In mystc, choose “mobile & internet SIM” → activate your SIM on your own. 2) Scan the SIM barcode (or choose a new eSIM), select package, enter details. 3) Authenticate with Nafath and pay; scan the eSIM QR on your phone to finish.

Mobily: 1) In Mobily app, go to Store → Activate New eSIM; select New Line and your package. 2) Choose eSIM, complete ID steps (Iqama/Nafath), pay; install the QR profile shown/emailed.

Yaqoot (Zain digital):

• Complete activation and Nafath verification in‑app; follow on‑screen prompts to activate the SIM/eSIM.

What not to do (compliance mindset)

• Don’t use someone else’s SIM long‑term; link it to your ID or get your own line. STC’s policy is explicit about ownership/fingerprint.

• Don’t assume a fixed limit of SIMs per ID without checking; rules evolve. Use Argami and abide by current operator/CST policy.

• Don’t rely on outdated airport blog posts for pricing/availability; always cross‑check the official visitor pages before you buy.

• Don’t skip terms (validity, auto‑renew, social buckets). STC publishes validity windows; others have similar terms.

Glossary (quick definitions)

• Iqama: Saudi residence permit required for most long‑term services.

• Nafath: Saudi national digital identity used to authenticate residents in apps (e.g., mystc/Mobily/Yaqoot flows).

• Argami: CST service (“Inquire about my numbers”) showing all lines registered to your ID. citeturn1search0

• Number Portability (MNP): The right to keep your Saudi number when switching operators.