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Saudi Arabia eSIM
7 data plans · from £10.70 · instant QR code by email
Choose your plan
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
7 data plans · from £10.70 · instant QR code by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across STC.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
Saudi Arabia: 8 plans, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. 8 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
6 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on STC.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle includes Saudi Arabia cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A Saudi Arabia travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to STC on 5G where available, LTE everywhere else. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. Saudi Arabia plans start at £10.70 across 7 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A Saudi Arabia travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
Kabsa
A fragrant mixed rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, lamb, or camel) and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and black lime.
Najd Village (Riyadh)
Mandi
Slow-cooked meat and rice prepared traditionally in an underground pit, giving it a distinct smoky flavor.
Al Romansiah (Multiple cities)
Saleeg
A creamy, porridge-like short-grain rice dish cooked with broth and milk, often served with roasted chicken. Originates from the Hejaz region.
Traditional restaurants in Jeddah or Taif
Saudi Arabia connectivity guide
As of mid-2026, buying a SIM card on arrival in Saudi Arabia is reported to involve a biometric step — a fingerprint scan, with your physical passport, at the counter. A travel eSIM installed before you fly involves none of that and connects when you land. This guide covers the networks, the registration an eSIM avoids, what pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah should plan for, and how much data a Saudi trip needs.
Read the full Saudi Arabia guide →Jareesh
A savory porridge made from crushed wheat cooked with meat, yogurt, and spices, often garnished with caramelized onions.
Heritage restaurants in Riyadh
Mutabbaq
A popular street food pastry stuffed with minced meat, eggs, leeks, and spices, pan-fried until crispy.
Street food stalls in Al-Balad, Jeddah
Harees
A comforting dish of wheat and meat slow-cooked together until they blend into a smooth texture. Popular during Ramadan.
Local eateries across the Kingdom during festive seasons
Al-Margaouq
A hearty traditional stew containing meat, vegetables, and pieces of whole-wheat dough.
Najdi specialty restaurants
Mufattah
A celebratory feast dish featuring a whole roasted lamb served over a massive platter of spiced rice, typically reserved for large gatherings.
High-end traditional banquets
Shawarma
Thinly sliced marinated meat roasted on a vertical spit, wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.
Mama Noura (Riyadh)
Dates & Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)
Lightly roasted coffee flavored with cardamom and saffron, served in small cups alongside a variety of local dates.
Cafes and hotel lobbies everywhere
Kingdom Centre Tower & Sky BridgeRiyadh
Offers stunning panoramic views of the sprawling capital from a glass bridge suspended 300 meters above the city.
1-2 hours · book ahead
Masmak FortressRiyadh
A 19th-century mud-brick fort that played a major role in the Kingdom's history, now housing a museum of historical artifacts.
1-2 hours
Diriyah (At-Turaif)Riyadh
The birthplace of the first Saudi state. This UNESCO World Heritage site features beautifully restored mud-brick palaces and immersive historical exhibits.
3-4 hours · book ahead
Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah)Jeddah
Wander through a UNESCO-listed district filled with ancient coral-stone houses, intricate wooden balconies (roshans), and vibrant souqs.
2-3 hours
Jeddah CornicheJeddah
A beautiful 30km coastal resort area featuring parks, sculptures, restaurants, and views of the Red Sea.
2-4 hours
King Fahd’s FountainJeddah
The tallest fountain in the world, shooting saltwater up to 312 meters high. Best viewed at sunset or illuminated at night.
30 minutes
Floating Mosque (Al-Rahma)Jeddah
A stunning white mosque built on pillars over the Red Sea, creating the illusion that it is floating at high tide.
1 hour
Hegra (Madâin Sâlih)AlUla
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring over 100 monumental Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops.
3-4 hours · book ahead
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)AlUla
A massive natural sandstone monolith shaped like an elephant. A popular spot to relax with coffee as the sun sets over the desert.
1-2 hours
MarayaAlUla
The world's largest mirrored building, reflecting the stunning desert landscape. It serves as an ultra-modern concert and event venue.
1 hour · book ahead
Domestic Flights
Airlines like Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal operate frequent flights between major cities.
Varies (budget airlines can be cheap if booked early)
Haramain High-Speed Railway
A modern, high-speed train connecting Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Medina.
Moderate to High
Intercity Buses (SAPTCO)
A nationwide bus network connecting almost all cities and towns.
Budget
Rental Car
Available at airports and city centers. Requires an International Driving Permit for most tourists.
Moderate
Ride-hailing
Uber, Careem, Bolt, Jeeny
Ride-hailing apps are the easiest and most transparent way to get around major cities. Careem is widely used.
Paying for things
Basics
| Foundation Day | February 22 | Festivals and cultural events take place; some businesses may close or have altered hours. |
| Saudi National Day | September 23 | Major celebrations, fireworks, and parades; expect heavy traffic and some closures. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.