Managing mobile expenses is essential to maintaining a balanced budget. Here’s a practical guide to budgeting, tracking, and maximizing the value of your mobile expenses in Saudi Arabia.
Creating a Mobile Budget Plan
Analyze Usage Review your typical data, call, and text usage to choose a plan that fits your needs without overpaying.
Set a Spending Limit Establish a monthly budget that covers device costs, plan fees, and add-ons to avoid unexpected charges.
Include Device Payments If using an installment plan, ensure monthly payments align comfortably with your overall budget.
Tracking Usage and Controlling Costs
Monitor Data Use carrier apps from providers like STC and Mobily to track data and set usage alerts to prevent overage fees.
Family Bundles For families, shared data plans can often reduce costs compared to individual plans.
Limit International Charges For international calls, use communication apps or consider short-term roaming packages when needed.
Maximizing Value with Smart Plan Choices
Compare Plans Regularly Check comparison sites and carrier apps to avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
Watch for Promotions Purchase during seasonal events like Ramadan and Saudi National Day to take advantage of special deals.
Use Loyalty Programs Carrier loyalty programs like STC’s Qitaf offer points redeemable for discounts and rewards, adding long-term value.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Considerations
Understand BNPL Options BNPL services, like Tamara and Tabby, allow you to split device costs interest-free over several months.
Check Eligibility Requirements While generally easier to qualify for than traditional credit, BNPL options may have requirements like age and residency.
Set Payment Reminders Timely payments are crucial to avoid fees, so set alerts for each due date.
Additional Savings Strategies
Seasonal Discounts Shopping during events like Saudi National Day can yield significant savings on devices and plans.
Bundle Services Bundling mobile, internet, and IPTV services can reduce costs. STC’s Jawwy bundles, for example, combine data and content services.
Long-Term Planning Tips
Device Depreciation High-end devices depreciate quickly. If you upgrade often, consider leasing or resale options to offset costs.
Plan for Repairs Unexpected repairs can be expensive, so consider insurance or a protective case to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses.
Avoid Hidden Fees Carefully review any installment plan or BNPL contract to avoid hidden fees and understand all terms upfront.