Planning a visit to Saudi Arabia and wondering which data SIM is right for you? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re here for tourism, business, or religious travel, staying connected is a must, from navigating your way around the city to sharing your experience with loved ones.
A reliable data connection means smoother communication, easier access to services, and peace of mind wherever you go.
➡ In this guide:
We’ll walk you through the best data SIM in KSA options for visitors, helping you choose a plan that suits your needs and ensures a hassle-free trip.
Types of Data SIMs Available for Visitors in Saudi Arabia
When visiting Saudi Arabia, you’ll typically come across two main types of data SIM cards that cater to travelers’ needs:
1. Prepaid SIM Cards
This is by far the most popular choice for visitors, a prepaid SIM gives you full control over your spending with no long-term commitments.
You can easily purchase one from major telecom providers (we’ll cover them) and select a plan matching your stay’s length and your data needs.
Prepaid SIMs are widely available at airports, malls, and service centers, and they come with flexible packages to suit everything from short visits to extended stays.
2. Data-Only SIM Cards
A data-only SIM is a smart option if you’re not planning to make voice calls and just need internet access for navigation, browsing, or social media.
These SIMs offer generous data allowances at reasonable prices and are especially useful for tablets and portable Wi-Fi routers.
They’re ideal if you want more flexibility and don’t need traditional call or text features.
Top Mobile Network Providers in Saudi Arabia
If you’re searching for the Best Data SIM in KSA, you’ll want to start with the country’s three major telecom providers.
Each one offers reliable coverage, tailored packages for visitors, and competitive pricing.
1. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
STC is the largest telecom operator in Saudi Arabia and a go-to choice for many travelers.
They offer a variety of prepaid SIM cards with generous data allowances, along with local and international call minutes.
Their visitor plans are widely accessible at airports and retail locations across the country.
2. Mobily
Known for its flexible prepaid plans and strong 4G/5G coverage, Mobily is another solid option for visitors.
They offer fast data SIMs with easy top-up options and plans suited to short or extended stays.
Mobily SIMs are also readily available at major points of entry and shopping centers.
3. Zain
Zain ranks among the top telecom providers in the region, offering stable internet service and SIM-only data plans tailored to tourists.
Whether you’re staying in a major city or exploring beyond, Zain provides fast and dependable coverage.
Their prepaid options make it easy to pick a package that fits your browsing or streaming needs.
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How to Buy a Data SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?
Purchasing a SIM card in Saudi Arabia is simple and visitor-friendly.
Whether you need it immediately upon arrival or prefer to arrange it in advance, there are several easy ways to get connected.
1. Buy at the Airport
For many travelers, the easiest way to get the Best Data SIM in KSA is right after landing.
Major Saudi airports, like King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, have telecom provider booths—STC, Mobily, and Zain—located in the arrivals halls.
These kiosks offer visitor-friendly packages and quick setup on the spot.
➡ For example:
At King Khalid International Airport, here’s where you’ll find the provider kiosks:
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STC:
- Terminal 2 (after customs)
- Terminal 5 (after baggage claim)
- Terminal 3 and 4 (after customs)
-
Mobily:
- Terminal 5 (after baggage claim)
- Terminal 2 (after customs)
-
Zain:
- Terminal 2 (after customs)
- Terminal 5 (after baggage claim)
2. Buy from Authorized Retail Stores
If you don’t pick one up at the airport, no problem.
You’ll find official stores and authorized resellers in major shopping malls and busy districts across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Just walk in with your passport and select a plan that suits your stay.
3. Order Online Before You Travel
Prefer to have everything ready ahead of time?
Some providers let you reserve or order a SIM card online before you arrive.
➡ For instance:
STC allows you to pre-register a SIM via their official website under the “Sawa Visitor” plans, ideal for travelers who want instant connectivity upon arrival.
Whichever option you choose, getting connected in Saudi Arabia is convenient and fast, especially if you’re looking for a reliable SIM with great coverage and flexible data plans.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a SIM in Saudi Arabia?
Before you purchase your data SIM, it’s a good idea to be aware of the documents and requirements involved.
Fortunately, the process is straightforward, especially for visitors.
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Required Documents
To get a SIM card in Saudi Arabia, you’ll typically need to present your passport as your main form of identification.
In some cases, especially at airport kiosks or official stores, you may also be asked for a copy of your visa or to show the entry stamp in your passport.
To avoid delays, make sure these documents are readily accessible when you go to purchase your SIM.
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Terms & Conditions to Consider
Most SIM cards, especially prepaid options, are easy to buy and activate.
However, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the plan you choose.
Look out for any limits on usage, validity periods, or data caps.
Each provider may have slightly different policies, so checking the fine print will ensure that the Best Data SIM in KSA truly fits your needs without surprises.
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Best Data SIM in KSA: Visitor Packages You Should Know
If you’re visiting Saudi Arabia, you’ll find a wide range of prepaid data SIM cards designed especially for tourists and short-term visitors.
These packages offer generous data allowances, flexible call options, and short-term validity, perfect for keeping you connected without long-term commitments.
1. STC – Sawa Visitor SIM
STC is Saudi Arabia’s largest telecom operator and offers the Sawa Visitor SIM, built specifically for visitors on vacation, business trips, or religious journeys like Hajj and Umrah.
These packages include local and international call minutes, with high-speed data.
➡ Here are the top Sawa Visitor options:
-
Sawa Visitor 35
• 5 GB data + 1 hour local/international calls
• Validity: 2 weeks – SAR 40.25
• Activation code: 6735 -
Sawa Visitor 55
• 15 GB + 2 hours local/international calls
• Validity: 2 weeks – SAR 63.25
• Activation code: 6755 -
Sawa Visitor 70
• 20 GB + 3 hours local/international calls
• Validity: 3 weeks – SAR 80.50
• Activation code: 6770 -
Sawa Visitor 100 (Limited Time Offer)
• 53 GB + 5 hours local/international calls
• Validity: 28 days – SAR 115
• Activation code: 6710 -
Sawa Visitor Gamers 120 (Limited Time Offer)
• 60 GB + 3 hours local calls + SAR 20 credit
• Validity: 28 days – SAR 138
• Activation code: 6713
2. Mobily – Visitor SIM
Mobily offers a dedicated “Ziyarah” (Visitor) SIM line with multiple prepaid options that combine flexible data and call minutes, ideal for staying connected across the country.
➡ Available Mobily Visitor Packages:
-
Visitor 30
• 5 GB + 60 minutes (local/international)
• Validity: 14 days – SAR 34.5
• Activation: *7860# or SMS “7860” to 1100 -
Visitor 50
• 15 GB + 120 minutes
• Validity: 14 days – SAR 57.5
• Activation: *7867# or SMS “7867” to 1100 -
Visitor 90
• 48 GB + 300 minutes
• Validity: 30 days – SAR 103.5
• Activation: *7866# or SMS “7866” to 1100 -
Visitor 100
• 25 GB + Unlimited Social + 400 minutes
• Validity: 14 days – SAR 115
• Activation: *7864# or SMS “7864” to 1100 -
Visitor 150
• 40 GB + Unlimited Social + 600 minutes
• Validity: 30 days – SAR 172.5
• Activation: *7865# or SMS “7865” to 1100
3. Zain – Visitor Plans
Zain’s visitor SIM packages are popular for their solid value and wide coverage, offering various options with data and voice bundles. If you’re looking for one of the best data SIM in KSA, Zain should definitely be on your radar.
➡ Top Zain Visitor Packages:
-
Visitor 40
• 6 GB + 60 flex minutes
• Validity: 2 weeks – SAR 40
• Activation code: 4040 -
Visitor 60
• 15 GB + 150 flex minutes
• Validity: 2 weeks – SAR 60
• Activation code: 6060 -
Visitor 85
• 25 GB + 250 flex minutes + Unlimited calls within visitor plans
• Validity: 3 weeks – SAR 85
• Activation code: 8585 -
Visitor 120
• 40 GB + 350 flex minutes + Unlimited visitor-to-visitor calls
• Validity: 4 weeks – SAR 120
• Activation code: 1200 -
Visitor 160
• 60 GB + 500 flex minutes + Unlimited visitor-to-visitor calls
• Validity: 4 weeks – SAR 160
• Activation code: 1600
Smart Tips for Using Your Phone After Landing in Saudi Arabia
Whether you’re here for a short trip or extended stay, using your phone efficiently helps you stay connected without burning through data or battery. Below are some practical tips to make the most of your internet usage and keep your devices powered throughout your visit.
1. Save Your Mobile Data with These Simple Steps
Even with the best data SIM in KSA, conserving your data is smart, especially when you’re exploring the country all day.
Here’s how:
- Download offline maps
Before heading out, use Google Maps’ offline feature to save maps of the cities you’ll visit.
This cuts down your need for real-time data while navigating.
- Turn off auto-updates
Pause automatic updates for apps and system software until you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, like the one at your hotel or a public hotspot.
- Control background data
Many apps use data in the background without you noticing.
Go to your phone’s settings and restrict background data usage to extend your plan’s life.
- Use Lite versions of apps
Install Lite apps such as Facebook Lite and Messenger Lite, these are designed to consume less data without sacrificing core functionality.
- Connect to Wi-Fi when possible
Always look for Wi-Fi connections at cafés, malls, hotels, and airports, it’s free, fast, and helps preserve your mobile data for when you really need it.
2. Keep Your Phone Charged While You’re Out and About
Let’s face it.. your phone is your lifeline while traveling, whether it’s for booking rides, checking maps, or sharing memories, a draining battery can quickly become a real inconvenience.
To avoid that, consider carrying a power bank, but not just any power bank!
Chaizer offers a smarter solution👌
Unlike regular power banks, Chaizer comes with a unique swap feature!
If your power bank runs out, simply exchange it for a fully charged one at any Chaizer Plus machine, located across major cities, airports, malls, hotels, and tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia.
No need to find a socket, no need to wait, just swap and go.
You’ll always have a reliable way to charge your phone, even on a busy sightseeing day or during long business meetings.
Plus, Chaizer supports fast charging and works with most device types, making it the ideal travel companion for tourists using the best data SIM in KSA.
👉 And once your trip ends?
You can still keep the Chaizer power bank and use it wherever you go.
It’s a long-lasting investment that ensures your phone is always ready, even back home.
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Quick Analysis: Which Provider Offers the Best Value?
After comparing the offers from STC, Mobily, and Zain, here’s a quick breakdown of what each telecom company brings to the table for visitors looking for the Best Data SIM in KSA:
-
Most Budget-Friendly:
Mobily’s “Visitor 30” plan at SAR 34.5 offers 5 GB of data and 60 flexible minutes.
It’s the cheapest among all, perfect for travelers who just want the basics.
That said, the price difference compared to Zain’s 6 GB for SAR 40 is minimal, so if you value that extra 1 GB, you’ve got options.
-
Largest Data Allowance:
STC’s “Sawa Visitor Gamers 120” plan delivers 60 GB of data for SAR 138, making it the best data-heavy option for those who stream, navigate, or work remotely.
-
Best Validity Period:
All three providers offer similar validity options ranging from 2 to 4 weeks, so there’s little difference in this area.
-
Most Generous Call Minutes:
Mobily takes the lead again with 600 flexible minutes in its “Visitor 150” plan, ideal for those who need to stay in touch with both local and international contacts.
➡ Final Takeaway:
- Low-budget traveler? Mobily is your go-to.
- Need massive data? STC’s Gamers plan is hard to beat.
- Looking for long-term coverage? All three providers offer plans up to 30 days.
- Planning lots of calls? Mobily leads in call minutes.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Data SIM in KSA for Your Trip
In this guide, we’ve walked you through the top data SIM options for visitors to Saudi Arabia, offered by leading providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain.
Whether you prioritize budget, data volume, validity, or call minutes, there’s a SIM package designed to match your travel style.
But having the right SIM isn’t the only thing that makes your trip smoother…
Staying connected also means keeping your devices charged while you’re on the move.
That’s where a smart charging solution like Chaizer’s power bank becomes a must-have.
With built-in cables and an innovative swap feature (available across major cities and airports), Chaizer lets you swap your empty power bank for a fully charged one in seconds, making it the perfect travel companion alongside the best data SIM in KSA.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦💚
Let connection and your battery never be a worry again!