Basics
These are the mobile GSM providers in Saudi Arabia:
- STC (Jawwy)
- Mobily
- Zain
Since 2014 different MVNOs started in Saudia Arabia too. The most accessible to foreigners are Virgin Mobile, Friendi and Lebara mobile.
Frequencies
For all 3 providers:
- 2G/GSM is on 900 and 1800 MHz up to EDGE
- 3G is on 2100 MHz with all providers and additionally on 900 MHz on Zain only up to HSPA+
- 4G/LTE in on 1800 MHz (B3) with all providers. Additionally there is TD-LTE on 2300 MHz (B40) on STC, TD-LTE on 2600 MHz (B38) with Mobily and FD-LTE on 2100 MHz (B1) on Zain.
Coverage and speeds
Coverage is quite good in populated areas and along highways, but can be down to non-existent in remote places. STC is said to have the best coverage and speed, followed by Mobily and Zain in 3rd place.
Regulations
To buy a SIM card in a store, you have to show a photo ID (and possibly your visa) in a store of the operators. In a tightening of laws you are expected to give your fingerprints too from 2015. Note, that in public places you will be offered SIM cards by street vendors that are registered on someone's name. This should only be used as a last resort, as this is illegal and these cards can easily be switched off when detected.
In 2016 the regulator disconnected unregistered mobile subscribers, which had failed to submit their fingerprints in line with the new security measures introduced in 2015. The regulator said the fingerprint registration is meant to protect personal information of SIM cardholders and prevent buyers from obtaining mobile phones using fake or stolen ID cards.
In 2017 limits on the ownership of prepaid SIM cards in the country have been imposed by the regulator. Foreign residents (who make up more than 1/3 of the population) are now reportedly limited to 2 prepaid SIM cards across all provides, while Saudis are restricted to as many as 10 prepaid SIM cards. This is considered a temporary procedure to correct and remedy the large number of illegal SIM cards in the market.
The Saudi regulator (CITC) announced that mobile users are no longer required to enter their identification numbers to recharge prepaid SIM cards. The commission had made it mandatory for prepaid SIM users to enter their ID (Iqama) numbers in 2012 in a bid to check the sale of unauthorized SIM cards.
In 2018 a new tax of 5% is imposed to any top-ups or packages which is not yet fully included in all prices below.
Censorship
Saudi Arabian internet is filtered through a content filter. Sites that are considered offensive by the authorities are blacked out. But most social media or messenging through Twitter or WhatsApp are not restricted.
VoIP ban lifted
In September 2017 the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced the lifting of the ban on all applications that provide voice and video call services over the internet, including FaceTime, Snapchat, Skype, Line, Telegram, Tango, Viber or WhatsApp calls and video calls. The apps need to meet imposed regulatory requirements, including the removal of content that violates the Kingdom’s regulations. Be aware that any traffic through these apps will be heavily monitored by the authoritites.
STC (Jawwy)
STC for Saudi Telecom Company, mostly owned by the state, is market leader in Saudi Arabia with the best coverage and speed throughout the country: mobile coverage. It started with LTE in 2010 and covers around 90% of population by 2015, which is only concentrated in a few towns on 1800 MHz (band 3) and 2300 MHz in TD-LTE (band 30).
It channels now its prepaids products mostly to the new brand of Jawwy (see below).
Availability
STC calls their prepaid plan SAWA and is available at any of their stores or any mobile phone shop. (store locator) for SR 30 with SR 25 credit.
Recharge cards are available from SR 10 to SR 300 giving 5 to 300 days of service validity depending on amount. To top-up by voucher, enter *155*<voucher PIN>#. Or top-up online with an internatl. credit card.
Data feature packs
Data by default is SR 2 per MB. These monthly packages can be activated on the SAWA prepaid card:
| Data | Price | Activation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| once-off | auto-renew | ||
| 30 MB | SR 10 | 2102 | 2202 |
| 120 MB | SR 30 | 2103 | 2203 |
| 250 MB | SR 50 | 2104 | 2204 |
| 500 MB | SR 70 | 2105 | 2205 |
| 2 GB | SR 100 | 2111 | 2211 |
| 5 GB | SR 200 | 2115 | 2215 |
| unlimited | SR 350 | n./a. | 2219 |
To activate a package, text code to 900. They are available as once-off packages and with auto-renewal.
For unlimited internet, these time-based packages are given out:
- for an hour: SR 10 - activation: 2189
- for 24 hours: SR 24 - activation: 2191
- for 7 days: SR 99 - activation: 2192
- for 30 days: SR 350 - activation: 2199
- for 90 days: SR 550 - activation via: aljawal.net.sa
To activate text code to 900.
Jawwy
STC has launched “Jawwy from STC" in 2016 with a new customer care model and completely new plans. A special Jawwy SIM is necessary to use the service, but customers will be able to keep their current numbers.
Jawwy app
Everything is centered around the Jawwy app that allows to build, share and manage the plan in real time, instead of buying packages. The app offers a simple way for customers to activate services without calling customer support or visiting a store. Their app is available in both iOS and Android versions and in English too.
Availability
You need to buy their SIM card first online to be delivered to Saudi-Arabia or offline in a special Click & Collect store (locator) and download their app. These starter packs are available:
- 30 SR with 25 SR credit = minimum base plan with 500 MB and 50 mins for 1 month
- 60 SR with 10 GB, 100 domestic minutes and 10 SR credit for 1 month
- 180 SR with 40 GB, 400 domestic minutes valid for 3 months
For recharging you can now use regular Sawa recharge vouchers from STC.
Data options
Open the Jawwy app or your personal account online to customize your monthly recurring base plan of data and minutes by choosing from the following options for data (open to 4G/LTE). First you need to choose a base plan. The minimum is a monthly plan with 500 MB and 50 mins for 15 SR to which data can be added like this:
- per GB up to 20 GB: 10 SR per GB
- per domestic min up to 2000 mins: 0.20 SR/min
- 1 GB roaming data: 100 SR
- 30 GB YouTube data: 50 SR or for free if plan is 100 SR+
- 90 GB (max 3 GB per day) STC WiFi access for free as long as you run any plan
You can up- and downsize the data plans anytime by app. For upsize, you will be charged the price difference.
More information
- APN: jawalnet.com.sa
- Website of STC in English: http://www.stc.com.sa/wps/wcm/connect/english/individual/individual
- Website of Jawwy in English: https://www.jawwy.sa/en
Mobily
Mobily, partly owned by Etisalat, is the 2nd provider in Saudi-Arabia. It still gives good coverage and speeds in populated areas. 4G/LTE is in city centers only: coverage check on 1800 in FD-LTE and 2600 MHz in TD-LTE.
Availability
They have different prepaid cards for SR 30 with SR 25 credit without data in their stores: (store-locator).
For recharges, they give high free bonus: all the SR 10, 30, 50 and 100 are doubled in valued, but bonus credit is only valid for 1, 3 ,5 or 7 days respectively.
Mobily has announced that prepaid SIM validity will now be based on activity rather than recharges only. This will apply to both new and existing subscribers. Prepaid customers should now use their package at least once within 90 days to sustain the SIM validity, whether for voice calls, SMS, internet, roaming or credit top-up. This gives greater flexibility to customers and avoid loss of their lines if not recharged.
Data feature packages
Default data is SR 0.15/MB. You can add a "Connect 4G Data Add-on" package:
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 MB | 14 days | SR 5 | 750 | Renew Net150MB |
| 500 MB | 30 days | SR 15 | 700 | Renew Net500MB |
| 1 GB | 30 days | SR 25 | 701 | Renew Net1GB |
| 2 GB | 30 days | SR 45 | 702 | Renew Net2GB |
| 5 GB | 30 days | SR 65 | 703 | Renew Net5GB |
| 10 GB | 120 days | SR 120 | 710 | Renew Net10GB |
| 20 GB | 30 days | SR 150 | 6050 | Renew Net20GB |
| 100 GB | 30 days | SR 100 | 666 | Renew Net100GB |
To subscribe, text code to 1100, to unsubscribe, text 'UnSub <Code>' to 1100. You can refill ahead of time by texting 'Renew .....' to 1100. To all prices add 5% taxes.
Furthermore they sell these data vouchers (tax included):
- SR 50: 2 GB for 1 month
- SR 80: 5 GB for 1 month
- SR 140: 10 GB for 3 months
You can recharge by sending an SMS to 1100 include the following: <CustomerID><VoucherNumber>. Check data balance by *1411#
Data-only SIM
For unlimited data only in routers intended for house use, Mobiliy sells SIM card plans called "eLife Connect" which are on 4G/LTE too. These can be filled by these monthly packages differing in max. speed:
- max. 25 Mbps: SR 314
- max. 50 Mbps: SR 419
- max. 100 Mbps: SR 524
- max. 200 Mbps: SR 839
Discounts are given for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Roaming offer
Mobily offers cheap roaming rates to about 80 countries worldwide:
- 1 GB for 3 days: SR 99, activation: Trip1
- 3 GB for 7 days: SR 199, activation: Trip2
- 10 GB for 30 days: SR 349, activation: Trip3
- 20 GB for 30 days: SR 499, activation: Trip4
- 30 GB for 90 days: SR 799, activation: Trip5
For activation, text subcription code to 1100 or enter *1100# and choose package.
More info
- APN for prepaid: web2
- Website in English: http://www.mobily.com.sa
Zain
Zain is the 3rd and smallest of the three mobile operators in Saudi-Arabia. Neverthess, it has still fair coverage in the populated areas in up to 4G/LTE, but can be very patchy elsewhere: make a coverage check. 4G is on 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz, all on FD-LTE, partly with three-band aggregation like in Jeddah. Zain offers the lowest rates in the Kingdom right now.
Availability
Their prepaid plans are available at their stores: Store locator. They don't come with data. The only exception is the Shabab Prepaid starter that involves a combo plan.
Like Mobily Zain has started allowing subscribers to enjoy automatic extension to the line validity upon any kind of usage. With the new feature, the balance of prepaid lines will be extended for a further 90 days when the customer recharges, conducts a call, browses the internet or sends a SMS.
Data feature packages
Default data is 0.15 SAR per MB. You can add these plans on all of their prepaid SIMs, open to 4G/LTE:
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 30 days | SAR 45 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | SAR 65 |
| 10 GB | 90 days | SAR 110 |
| 50 GB | 90 days | SAR 199 |
| 220 GB | 90 days | SAR 299 |
| unlimited | 30 days | SAR 325 |
Activation is in Zain shop or online self service account. To check data balance, text 'BC' to 959. All packages auto-renew.
Data-only SIM
As data-only SIM called SPEED 4G, Zain sells these internet plans as starter packs:
| Data | SMS | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 100 | 30 days | SAR 45 |
| 5 GB | 200 | 30 days | SAR 65 |
| 10 GB | 300 | 90 days | SAR 119 |
| 50 GB | 500 | 90 days | SAR 199 |
| 200 GB | 800 | 90 days | SAR 299 |
Purchase is online through your personal profile.
Roaming offers
They offer very cheap roaming rates in the UAE on Etisalat for data:
- 2 days of unlimited data: 129 SAR, activation: UAE2 to 959
- 7 days of unlimited data: 349 SAR, activation: UAE7 to 959
Furthermore, they offer data roaming bundles to about 80 countries worldwide (list):
- 2 GB for 3 days: 99 SAR, activation: RD2 to 959
- 4 GB for 7 days: 199 SAR, activation: RD4 to 959
- 10 GB for 30 days: 299 SAR, activation: RD10 to 959
To check bundle balance, text RBC to 959.
More info
- APN: zain
- Website in English: https://www.sa.zain.com
Friendi mobile
Friendi mobile was the first MVNO in the kingdom. It started in 2014 on the network of Zain in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (for coverage see above). It's mostly directed to expatriates.
Availability
The prepaid SIM starter pack is sold for SR 25 with SR 20 credit valid for 21 days, in their stores all over the country: store finder. It comes as a standard prepaid card or can be changed to a data SIM by dialling *113#.
Friendi has a 60 days recharge validity and gives you 200% bonus for recharges of SR 200 and more and 100% for SR 100 on the vocie SIM. Check balance by *102#.
Data feature packages
On the standard voice & data SIM default rate is 0.15 RS per MB. You can book these packages:
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 MB | 1 day | RS 1.99 |
| 50 MB | 2 days | RS 2.99 |
| 100 MB | 3 days | RS 4.99 |
| 150 MB | 5 days | RS 6.99 |
| 200 MB | 7 days | RS 7.99 |
| 300 MB | 7 days | RS 9.99 |
| 500 MB | 14 days | RS 14.99 |
| 750 MB | 30 days | RS 19.99 |
| 1 GB | 30 days | RS 24.99 |
| 1.5 GB | 30 days | RS 29.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | RS 44.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | RS 65 |
| 8 GB | 30 days | RS 90 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | RS 110 |
| 14 GB | 30 days | RS 150 |
| 18 GB | 30 days | RS 200 |
Activation, data check and stop of auto-renew is by typing *108# <call>
Data-only SIM
On the data-only SIM card, these monthly packages can be added:
- 2 GB: RS 50
- 3 GB: RS 70
- 5 GB: RS 110
Activation, data check and stop of auto-renew is by typing *109# <call>
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in English: http://www.friendimobile.com
Virgin mobile
In 2014 Virgin Mobile started its own brand in Saudi Arabia. It's directed to the urban youth and operates as a MVNO on the network of STC in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (for coverage and frequencies see above).
Availability
The prepaid SIM starter pack is sold for SR 30 with SR 25 credit in their store: store finder. The starter pack comes with three SIM cards: one for voice and two for data. Start-up credit is vaild for 21 days.
For a recharge you get bonus: recharge 10 SAR: another 2 SAR for 3 days; for 20 SAT: 10 SAR for 7 days; for 50 SAR: 50 SAR for 14 days and for 100 SAR: 100 SAR for 30 days. Check balance by *102#.
Data feature packages
Data rate is 0.55 SAR per MB going down to 0.10 SAR/MB after you have used more than 30 SAR. You can add these packages:
| Data | Validaty | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 MB | 1 day | 2 SAR |
| 100 MB | 1 day | 4 SAR |
| 250 MB | 3 days | 8 SAR |
| 300 MB | 7 days | 10 SAR |
| 500 MB | 30 days | 14 SAR |
| 700 MB | 30 days | 20 SAR |
| 1 GB | 30 days | 24 SAR |
| 1.5 GB | 30 days | 30 SAR |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 45 SAR |
| 5 GB | 30 days | 65 SAR |
| 8 GB | 30 days | 90 SAR |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 110 SAR |
| 14 GB | 30 days | 150 SAR |
| 18 GB | 30 days | 200 SAR |
Activation is by typing *110#.
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in English: http://virginmobile.sa
Lebara mobile
In 2014, Lebara mobile, the leading ethno provider from the UK, started its first non-European MVNO in Saudi Arabia. It operates on the network of Mobily in 2G and 3G (see coverage above) and targets mainly migrant workers.
Availability
The prepaid SIM starter pack ard recharge vouchers are sold in their stores: store finder.
For every recharge you get free data: For a top-up of 10 SAR you'll get 50 MB, 20 SAR - 200 MB, 50 SAR - 500 MB and 100 SAR - 1 GB free bonus data.
Data feature packages
Default data rate is 0.15 SAR per MB. You can add these monthly packages called Mobile Net Savers:
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 MB | 7 days | SAR 2 | *777*030# |
| 80 MB | 7 days | SAR 5 | *777*080# |
| 200 MB | 7 days | SAR 9 | *777*200# |
| 700 MB | 30 days | SAR 19 | *777*700# |
| 1 GB | 30 days | SAR 25 | *777*1000# |
| 2 GB | 30 days | SAR 45 | *777*2000# |
| 5 GB | 30 days | SAR 65 | *777*5000# |
| 20 GB | 30 days | SAR 199 | *777*20000# |
You can buy as many Mobile Net Savers as you like as often as you like. Mobile Net Savers don't auto-renew on the expiry date or on exhaustion of the data allowance.
More info
- APN: Lebara
- Website in English: https://www.lebara.sa