The best eSIM for Saudi Arabia depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $2.66, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $10.60. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Saudi Arabia eSIM runs on one network: STC. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick STC by hand.
Saudi Arabia has three main carriers: STC (Saudi Telecom Company, dominant with 5G in all major cities), Mobily (broad 5G in the western region — Mecca, Medina, Jeddah), and Zain Saudi Arabia. Outlets are mixed: Type G (British), Type A/B (American), and Type C (European) — use a universal adapter. Voltage varies: 127V (older buildings) or 230V (modern).
Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) airports offer unlimited free WiFi. The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR, pegged to USD at ~3.75 SAR/USD). Al Rajhi Bank, SAB, and Riyad Bank ATMs accept foreign cards. WhatsApp and VoIP video calls have been allowed since 2017 — they work without restrictions. Important: visits to Mecca and Medina are restricted to Muslims; AlUla is an open tourist zone with full 4G. The electronic tourist visa (eVisa) has been available since 2019 for 60+ nationalities.