You can buy a SIM card at Jeddah Airport (Arrivals Hall) for 70-100 SAR.
STC, Mobily, and Zain all have kiosks operating 24/7 in Terminal 1 and North Terminal. Activation requires your Passport and Visa number (Border Number). The process takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Quick Price Comparison (2025 Estimates)
| Provider | Package Name | Price (SAR) | Data | Validity | Local Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC | Sawa Visitor 70 | 70 SAR | 20 GB | 4 Weeks | 500 Mins |
| Mobily | Hajj & Umrah 100 | 100 SAR | 40 GB | 4 Weeks | Unlimited Net (Social) |
| Zain | Ziyara 50 | 57.5 SAR | 10 GB | 4 Weeks | 100 Mins |
| Virgin | Tourist 80 | 80 SAR | 30 GB | 30 Days | 500 Local |
1. Where to Find SIM Kiosks at Jeddah Airport
Terminal 1 (New Airport)
- Location: Immediately after Baggage Claim, pass through Customs into the Arrivals Hall.
- Landmarks: The STC and Mobily kiosks are located directly opposite the large Aquarium (near the Taxi exit).
- Operating Hours: 24/7 (Staff are fluent in English, Urdu, and Arabic).
North Terminal (Old Airport)
- Location: In the Main Public Hall after exiting the restricted customs area.
- Landmarks: Look for the green Zain sign near the "Al-Wefaq" car rental desk.
- Note: Queues here can be longer during Hajj season due to smaller hall space.
2. Which Provider is Best for Pilgrims?
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
- Best For: Makkah & Madinah Highway Coverage. STC has the strongest signal on the desert roads between cities.
- Pros: Maximum coverage, widely accepted.
- Cons: Slightly higher price.
Mobily
- Best For: Social Media Users. Their packages often include "Unlimited Social Data" (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram).
- Pros: Great value for heavy data users.
- Cons: Indoor coverage in some older Makkah hotels can be weaker.
Zain
- Best For: Budget Travelers. Often the cheapest option.
- Pros: Lowest entry price.
- Cons: Coverage drops in remote desert areas (e.g., between Madinah and AlUla).
3. Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Queue Up: Expect a 10-20 minute wait during flight surges.
- Documents: Hand over your Passport. The agent will scan it.
- Fingerprint: You must scan your fingerprint (biometric verification) on their device.
- Border Number: The system automatically pulls your "Border Number" (typed on your visa) linked to your passport. You do not need to know this number yourself.
- Payment: Cash (SAR) or Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted. Apple Pay is widely supported.
- Activation: The agent will insert the SIM. Wait until you see signal bars before leaving the counter.
- Check Balance: Dial
*166#(STC),*1411#(Mobily), or*142#(Zain) to confirm your data balance immediately.
4. Pilgrim Experience Layer: Pro Tips
- Tip #1: Don't Buy "Roaming" from Home: Roaming charges from UK/USA/India carriers are astronomical ($10/day). A local Saudi SIM is 90% cheaper.
- Tip #2: The "Aquarium" Meeting Point: If you are part of a group, agree to meet at the "Aquarium" after buying SIMs. It is the most visible landmark in Terminal 1.
- Tip #3: WhatsApp Number: Your WhatsApp will not change unless you manually change it in settings. You can use the new Saudi data to call/text on your old WhatsApp number without issue.
- Tip #4: eSim Option: If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, you can buy an Airalo or Holafly eSIM before you fly. This saves you the 15-minute queue at the airport, though it is slightly more expensive (~$25 USD).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (Micro-Semantics)
Q: Can I buy a SIM card in Makkah if I forget at the airport?
A: Yes. There are STC/Mobily branches in the Makkah Clock Tower (Abraj Al Bait) on the P3 floor and generally near Ibrahim Al Khalil Road. However, airport kiosks are faster at processing "Visitor" packages.
Q: Does the SIM expire when I leave Saudi Arabia?
A: Yes. Visitor SIMs automatically deactivate after the validity period (usually 28-30 days) or when your visa expires. You cannot keep the number permanently unless you convert it to a Resident line (Iqama required).
Q: Is 5G available?
A: Yes, all major carriers offer 5G in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Ensure "5G" is enabled in your phone settings.
Need a Ride After Getting Your SIM?
Don't struggle with luggage while trying to activate your phone. Book a private GMC Yukon transfer with TaxiServiceKSA. Our drivers wait for you at the Arrivals Hall (with a name sign) and offer free in-car WiFi so you can connect even before you buy a SIM.
[INTERNAL LINK: Book Jeddah Airport Taxi]
