eSIM Setup for Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Installation (2026)
- 1 network tested
- 5 providers compared
- Updated June 2026
Daniel Mercer
Lead eSIM Analyst
Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)
How we testPublished July 2026 · Updated June 2026
Compatibility
Saudi Arabia eSIM device requirements
iPhone
Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. 5G eSIM requires iPhone 12 or newer.
Android
Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+. 5G on STC requires Samsung S22+ or Pixel 6+.
Is your phone unlocked?
Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status
Providers
Which provider to choose for Saudi Arabia
Nomad (Recommended)
Nomad is the recommended provider for Saudi Arabia with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.
Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5
Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5
Alternative providers
| Provider | Per GB | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad#1 Pick | from $3.00/GB | 4.1/5 | Best Budget |
| Airalo | from $4.50/GB | 4.5/5 | Best Overall |
| Saily | from $3.99/GB | 4.4/5 | Best Privacy |
| HelloRoam | from around $3.50 per gigabyte | 4.4/5 | Coverage + Value |
| Holafly | from $2.99/day | 4.3/5 | Best Unlimited |
Which provider to choose
- Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
- Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
- Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
- Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account
Installation
How to install an eSIM for Saudi Arabia
iOS installation (iPhone)
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Select "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
- Label the plan (e.g., "Saudi Arabia Travel")
- Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
- Do NOT enable data roaming yet
- Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular
iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Android installation (Stock Android)
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM
- Select "Scan QR code"
- Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
- Name the profile (e.g., "Saudi Arabia Data")
- Set as mobile data SIM
- Do NOT enable data roaming yet
- Verify the plan in SIM manager
Manual installation (if QR fails)
If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Select "Enter Details Manually"
- Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
- Enter the activation code
- Complete the setup as with the QR method
Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.
Configuration
Configuring APN for Saudi Arabia data
Automatic APN configuration
Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for STC's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names
A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.
Manual APN entry
If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN Name | From provider email |
| APN | Provider-specific value |
| Authentication | None (most providers) |
| APN Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 |
Provider-specific APN values override STC's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.
5G and LTE band selection
5G is available in Saudi Arabia (widespread coverage). To force a network type:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Auto / LTE
- Android: Settings > Network > Preferred network type > 5G/LTE/3G Auto
Switch to LTE-only to conserve battery in rural areas without 5G towers. Extensive 5G coverage in major cities; STC leads with nationwide deployment
Verification
Speed test and signal check for Saudi Arabia
Signal and network verification
Check your status bar: the carrier name should show STCor a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.
- "STC" or roaming icon: Connected and working
- "Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
- "No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected
Speed test
Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds on STC: approximately 190 Mbps download. Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.
Verifying data roaming is active
Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.
Dual-SIM verification
Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.
Airport Guide
Arriving at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) with your eSIM
Before boarding
Your Saudi Arabia eSIM installs in under two minutes. Do it the evening before departure over home WiFi. The profile stays dormant until you toggle it on after landing. Waiting until King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) creates two risks: captive portal WiFi blocking the download, and jet-lag mistakes during the Settings flow. Handle it while you are alert and connected.
During the flight
The flight is your final prep window. Go to Settings, confirm the Saudi Arabia eSIM is listed and set as the data line, and verify your home SIM's data roaming is off. After landing, one toggle connects you to STC's 5G/LTE network. If you have not installed a VPN yet, do it now over in-flight WiFi — Saudi Arabia restricts VoIP services (VPNs widely used but accessing morally objectionable content via VPN is illegal), and downloading a VPN app after landing may not work.
After landing
When the plane reaches the gate, disable airplane mode. The Saudi Arabia eSIM connects to STC within 30-45 seconds. Open Safari or Chrome and load any page — if it renders, your data is active. The SIM counter from STC and Mobily is in the arrivals hall — expect a 10-20 min wait and $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days for a tourist plan. Walk past it.
Leaving the airport
Head straight to ground transport. Your maps app already has signal on STC's network. Book a ride from the terminal or follow transit directions without asking for WiFi passwords at an information desk. Saudi Arabia's emergency number is 999/997 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.
Device Setup
Device-specific instructions for Saudi Arabia
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
- Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
- Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Saudi Arabia Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
- Set the Saudi Arabia eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Saudi Arabia eSIM.
- Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
- After landing at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED), enable the eSIM. STC's 5G/LTE network registers within 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect within 3 minutes, enter the APN manually: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names > Add. Name: STC, APN: "jawalnet.com.sa". Save and select it as active.
- Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Saudi Arabia eSIM is active.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "STC" or "Mobily" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "STC" as the connected network. A "5G" icon in the status bar confirms STC's 5G connection.
Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select STC. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.
iPhone (iOS 17+)
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
- Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Saudi Arabia Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Saudi Arabia eSIM as your active data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the Saudi Arabia line only: Settings > Cellular > [Saudi Arabia Data] > Data Roaming > On.
- After landing at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED), toggle the eSIM on. STC registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect after 3 minutes, add the APN manually: go to Cellular Data Network and enter APN: "jawalnet.com.sa". Leave username and password blank.
- Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Saudi Arabia data is active at 190 Mbps average.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "STC" or "Mobily" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Saudi Arabia line shows "STC" under Network. If you see "5G" in the status bar, your phone has connected to STC's 5G band.
Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If STC does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).
Google Pixel (Android 14+)
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
- Confirm the download and label the SIM "Saudi Arabia Data" for identification.
- Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Saudi Arabia Data > Use for mobile data.
- Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Saudi Arabia Data > Roaming > On.
- After landing at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED), enable the profile. STC connects within 60-90 seconds. If data fails to connect, add the APN: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [Saudi Arabia eSIM] > Access Point Names > New APN. Name: STC, APN: "jawalnet.com.sa". Save and set as default.
- Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on STC's 5G/LTE network.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "STC" or "Mobily" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "STC" as the active network.
Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Saudi Arabia Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select STC. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.
Carrier Config
Carrier troubleshooting for Saudi Arabia
STC
APN: "jawalnet.com.sa" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "STC" from the list. The phone locks onto STC's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 171-190 Mbps in urban areas, 57-95 Mbps in rural coverage
Common issue: If STC connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Saudi Arabia eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.
Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some STC profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.
Mobily
APN: "web1" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Mobily" from the list. The phone locks onto Mobily's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 114-162 Mbps in cities, 38-76 Mbps outside metro areas
Common issue: Mobily's network occasionally delays eSIM profile registration during peak hours at major airports. If your phone shows "Searching..." for more than 2 minutes, turn off Automatic network selection, wait 10 seconds, then select Mobily manually from the operator list.
Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Mobily typically completes registration within 60-90 seconds of a fresh boot. If the issue persists, remove and re-add the eSIM profile using the manual activation code from your provider's confirmation email.
Zain KSA
APN: "zain" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Zain KSA" from the list. The phone locks onto Zain KSA's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 114-162 Mbps in cities, 38-76 Mbps outside metro areas
Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Zain KSA require data roaming to be enabled on the travel SIM line specifically. Leaving it off is the most common reason travelers report zero signal after landing in Saudi Arabia. Check under Settings > Cellular > [Travel eSIM] > Data Roaming.
Resolution: Toggle airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network scan without a full restart. Zain KSA should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Zain KSA directly.
Dual SIM
Running two SIMs in Saudi Arabia: data line vs call line
Data line setup
Open Settings > Cellular and tap "Cellular Data." Select the Saudi Arabia eSIM. All data now routes through STC's local network at local rates. Do not enable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" — that setting lets the phone fall back to your home SIM for data, which triggers international roaming fees without warning.
Calls and SMS
The home SIM stays on for calls and verification texts. When someone dials your regular number, it rings normally. Standard SMS charges from your home carrier may apply for receiving texts abroad — check your plan. All internet-based communication routes through STC's data network on the Saudi Arabia eSIM. Voice-over-IP is restricted here. Install a VPN before you travel.
Emergency dialing
Emergency services in Saudi Arabia are reached at 999/997. Both your home SIM and the travel eSIM can place this call. Data from the eSIM adds GPS location sharing, real-time translation for language barriers, and the ability to look up your embassy's local address and phone number.
Battery impact
Running two SIMs draws 10-15% more battery per day than a single SIM. Both radios maintain separate network connections. If your battery runs low during the day, disable the home SIM temporarily under Settings > Cellular — the Saudi Arabia eSIM is the priority line for data. Re-enable the home SIM when you reach WiFi at your hotel. Saudi Arabia uses Type A/B/G outlets — carry the right adapter.
Hotspot
Share your Saudi Arabia eSIM data with other devices
Personal hotspot works with most Saudi Arabia eSIM plans from major providers. Enable it under your phone's settings. The hotspot shares your STC 5G/LTE connection with nearby devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. WiFi tethering has the widest range (roughly 10 meters) but uses more battery. USB tethering charges your phone while sharing data — ideal for laptop sessions. Expect 114-152 Mbps typical through hotspot on the connected device.
Provider restrictions
Hotspot availability is a plan feature, not a country restriction. Most fixed-data Saudi Arabia plans support tethering. Unlimited plans are the exception — carriers throttle or block hotspot on unlimited tiers to manage network load on STC's infrastructure. If you need hotspot, buy a fixed-data plan with an explicit hotspot label.
Data impact
Tethering multiplies data use. A single Zoom call uses 300-500 MB/hour. Slack with screen sharing adds 200-400 MB/hour. Background cloud sync on a connected laptop can consume 500 MB-1 GB without any visible activity. Before hotspotting in Saudi Arabia, disable auto-sync and set video calls to audio-only when possible — that drops consumption by 70%.
VPN
Prepare for Saudi Arabia's VoIP blocks: VPN guide
Voice and video calls over the internet are restricted in Saudi Arabia. STC enforces this at the network level. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom audio, Skype, and Telegram calls all require a VPN to function. Text messaging works without a VPN. Install NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark before departure and verify the connection works. A 30-minute video call over VPN uses about 350-450 MB — budget your Saudi Arabia data plan accordingly.
VPNs widely used but accessing morally objectionable content via VPN is illegal
Affected apps: Services requiring VPN in Saudi Arabia: WhatsApp voice/video, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom audio, Google Meet, Viber calls, Telegram voice, Discord voice. Services working without VPN: iMessage, SMS, WhatsApp text chat, Telegram text, email, web browsing.
Registration
Skip Saudi Arabia's SIM registration with eSIM
Saudi Arabia requires Passport and visa required for physical SIM cards. At King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED), registration means handing your passport to a carrier agent, waiting for the system to process your data, and hoping the activation completes before your ground transport leaves. An eSIM eliminates the registration requirement entirely. Buy it online, install at home, and connect to STC the moment you land.
Peak Season
Saudi Arabia peak season: Nov-Mar, Hajj season network advisory
During Nov-Mar, Hajj season, Saudi Arabia's tourist areas push STC's network capacity. Speeds drop to 76-114 Mbps during peak congestion in popular locations during afternoon and evening hours. Early morning (6-9 AM local) typically delivers full-speed connectivity. Buy your eSIM early — price increases during peak season are rare for eSIMs but common at airport SIM counters.
5G
Connect to Saudi Arabia's 5G network via eSIM
Saudi Arabia has widespread 5G coverage across major cities and airports on STC's network. Extensive 5G coverage in major cities. To use 5G with your eSIM, verify your phone supports 5G (iPhone 12 or later, Samsung Galaxy S21 or later, Pixel 5 or later). Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Auto (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > 5G/LTE/3G/2G (Samsung). Average download speed on STC's 5G: 190 Mbps. 5G drains battery 10-20% faster than LTE. Switch to LTE if battery life is more important than speed.
WiFi Backup
Activate your Saudi Arabia eSIM without reliable WiFi
Public WiFi in Saudi Arabia is good. Free WiFi in malls, hotels, and many restaurants. For eSIM installation, use your home WiFi before departure. The QR code scan downloads a small profile (under 1 MB) from the carrier's server. This transfer needs a clean connection — captive portals and login walls at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) or hotels can interrupt it.
Activating without WiFi
Fallback if WiFi is unavailable: manual SM-DP+ entry. Your confirmation email from the eSIM provider includes a server address and activation code. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. This method works over any internet connection. Save the email offline before departure so you have the codes even without connectivity.
Multi-Country
Adding Saudi Arabia to your multi-country eSIM setup
Multi-country travelers benefit from per-country eSIM profiles. A dedicated Saudi Arabia plan on STC runs faster than a regional eSIM because it connects to the local network directly instead of roaming. Install all profiles at home, label them by country, and switch at each border. iPhone stores 8 profiles; newer Samsung devices store 10 or more. Saudi Arabia plans start at $3.99 for 1GB.
Switching eSIM profiles between countries
To switch from a previous country's eSIM to Saudi Arabia: iPhone — Settings > Cellular, tap the old country's eSIM, toggle "Turn On This Line" off. Tap the Saudi Arabia eSIM, toggle it on, and confirm it is set as Cellular Data. Samsung — Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, disable the old SIM, enable the Saudi Arabia SIM, set it as Mobile Data. STC registers within 60-90 seconds.
Fixes
Solving Saudi Arabia eSIM issues
"eSIM Not Supported" error
Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.
Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.
"Unable to Activate eSIM" error
Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.
Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.
Connected but no data
Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.
Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.
Slow speeds on STC
Expected: 190 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area. Try forcing LTE if 5G is congested. During Nov-Mar/Hajj season speeds may drop in tourist areas.
VPN configuration after setup
Provider-specific installation issues
- Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
- Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
- Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
- Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup
Quick Answers
Common setup questions for Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Installation questions about Saudi Arabia eSIM
How do I install an eSIM for Saudi Arabia on iPhone?
Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Saudi Arabia Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.
How do I install an eSIM for Saudi Arabia on Android?
Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Select "Scan QR code". Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Saudi Arabia Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Stock Android and other Android versions.
What APN settings do I need for Saudi Arabia?
Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for STC's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.
Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Saudi Arabia. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.
How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?
iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.
What if the QR code does not work for Saudi Arabia?
Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.
How do I know my eSIM is connected to STC?
Check the status bar for "STC" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 190 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.
Does Saudi Arabia support 5G eSIM?
5G coverage in Saudi Arabia is widespread. Extensive 5G coverage in major cities; STC leads with nationwide deployment To use 5G, your phone must support it (iPhone 12+ or Samsung S21+) and your eSIM plan must include 5G access.
How to set up eSIM on iPad for Saudi Arabia?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Saudi Arabia. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure STC as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.99 for 1GB.
How to test eSIM before traveling to Saudi Arabia?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Saudi Arabia. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure STC as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.99 for 1GB.
How to fix eSIM connection in Saudi Arabia?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Saudi Arabia. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure STC as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.99 for 1GB.
How to add eSIM without QR code for Saudi Arabia?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Saudi Arabia. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure STC as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.99 for 1GB.
How many eSIMs can I have for Saudi Arabia?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Saudi Arabia. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure STC as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.99 for 1GB.
Related guides
Provider pricing and network analysis
Travel guide for Saudi ArabiaPre-departure, activation, data tips
General activation guideStep-by-step eSIM activation
Dual-SIM setupUse both SIMs simultaneously
Remove old eSIM profilesFree up eSIM slots on your phone
More Middle East destinationseSIM plans across the region
Saudi Arabia eSIM: ready in 5 minutes. 5 minutes, no counter.
Nomad: from $1.87/GB on STC. Install at home, activate on arrival.