Prepaid
Top Pick: NomadPrepaid SIM Card & eSIM for Saudi Arabia (2026 Guide)
A prepaid travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that installs on your phone via QR code. It provides mobile data in Saudi Arabia without a physical SIM card, passport scan, or airport counter visit. Plans start from $1.87/GB.
- 6 Plans
- 1 Networks
- 5G
- Updated June 2026
Key Facts
- Cheapest eSIM
- $1.87/GB
- Network
- STC
- Speed
- 5G
- Plans available
- 6
- Main airport
- King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED)
- Airport SIM cost
- $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days
- ID required
- Yes — passport
As of June 2026, Saudi Arabia has 6 prepaid eSIM plans across 1 networks at 5G speeds.
The cheapest rate is $1.87/GB via Nomad on STC.
Airport SIM counters at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) charge $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days for a comparable plan.
As of June 2026, a prepaid eSIM for Saudi Arabia costs from $3.99 for 1GB with 5G speeds on STC networks.
A prepaid eSIM for Saudi Arabia starts at $3.99 for 1GB per person — install on every phone before departure. At King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED), each family member needs a separate counter visit: passport scan, plan selection, activation wait. Four travelers at $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days each plus 10-20 min per person. Four prepaid eSIMs install from home in under 10 minutes total.
A prepaid eSIM installs without device registration in most countries. No IMEI forms, no counter visits, no additional ID checks at the point of purchase. Scan the QR code at home and STC connect your 5G data the moment you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Extensive 5G coverage in major cities; STC leads with nationwide deployment Average download speeds in Saudi Arabia reach 190 Mbps.
Local prepaid SIMs at city phone shops in Saudi Arabia cost $8-20 for 5-20GB / 30 days. A prepaid eSIM at $37.49 for 20GB is a direct alternative — no shop visit, no wait. Whether you search for eSIM, e-SIM, or e SIM plans for Saudi Arabia, the product is the same: a digital profile that installs on your phone without a physical card. VPN access is restricted in Saudi Arabia. Install your VPN before you travel and test it over home WiFi to confirm it works with your provider. Traveling during Nov-Mar or Hajj season? Buy your eSIM at least a week before departure — airport SIM counters run longer queues and sometimes stock out during high season. Local currency in Saudi Arabia is the SAR (﷼). Airport SIM counters often price plans in local currency — a prepaid eSIM is priced in USD with no conversion at point of purchase.
Compared
Saudi Arabia eSIM plans for first-time visitors
All providers route through local carriers in Saudi Arabia. Sorted by overall rating.
We earn a commission on some links. It never changes our rankings or the price you pay.
| Provider | Rating | From / GB |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 / 5 | from $3.00/GB | |
 AiraloBest Overall | 4.8 / 5 | from $4.50/GB |
| 4.5 / 5 | from $3.99/GB | |
 HolaflyBest Unlimited | 4.6 / 5 | from $2.99/day |
Prices verified June 2026. Updated monthly from provider websites.
Our pick for Saudi Arabia: Nomad
For Saudi Arabia in 2026, Nomad scores 4.4/5 with plans from $3.00/GB on STC's 5G network. Best per-GB pricing for budget travelers.
Comparison based on 4 providers tested in June 2026. Prices verified against official provider websites. See our methodology.
The Scenario
What the first 30 minutes in Saudi Arabia look like
Your flight touches down in Saudi Arabia at 11 PM. The SIM counter at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) closed an hour ago — most counters stop at 10 PM regardless of flight schedules. Airport WiFi needs a local phone number to register, and your hotel confirmation is in your email but you cannot load it. A prepaid eSIM installed before departure connects you the moment wheels touch tarmac. PrepaidTraveleSIM at $3.99 for 1GB on STC — set up in 3 minutes at home, active the second you land.
Four Ways to Buy
Saudi Arabia data buying guide for travelers
Compare airport counters, city shops, online delivery, and instant eSIM activation.
Airport SIM counter
10-30 min waitWait time averages 10-20 min at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED). Counters operate during daytime hours only — a late arrival finds them closed.
City phone shop
ID requiredIn-store SIM purchase in Saudi Arabia requires registration: Passport and visa required; Absher app registration for residents. Allow 20-40 minutes for the process. A prepaid eSIM skips this step entirely.
Online pre-order
Plan aheadPhysical SIM delivery to your Saudi Arabia hotel takes 5-10 business days. Order at least a week before departure. Shipping is free from most providers. No arrivals-hall queue.
Instant eSIM (our pick)
5 min setupNomad runs on Saudi Arabia's same networks as physical SIMs. Install it over WiFi before you board — your home number stays active on the other SIM slot. Land with data ready.
Pricing
Pricing for prepaid data in Saudi Arabia
A layover in Saudi Arabia does not need a large data plan. The 1GB eSIM at $3.99 covers departure boards, gate changes, and a message to your next pickup. Airport SIM counters charge $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days for the same access — and you spend 20 minutes in line for connectivity you only need for 2 hours.
Buy the smallest plan, install before your outbound flight, and use it through the layover.
| Data | Price (USD) | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| 3GB | $8.99 | $3.00 |
| 5GB | $13.49 | $2.70 |
| 10GB | $22.99 | $2.30 |
| 20GBBest value | $37.49 | $1.87 |
| Unlimited / day | $6.02/day | — |
Saudi eSIM prices at $1.87/GB reflect strong 5G infrastructure investment — good value for high-speed data.
Cost Breakdown
Saudi Arabia data savings: eSIM vs airport SIM
A 2-3 day trip to Saudi Arabia does not need a large data plan. The 1GB eSIM plan at $3.99 covers maps, messaging, and a few photos — $6.01 less than the counter. The airport counter charges $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days for the same connectivity — more than a weekend trip needs, priced for travelers who had no other option. For trips past two weeks, the 20GB plan at $37.49 avoids a mid-trip top-up.
| Trip | eSIM Plan | Airport SIM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $3.99 (1GB) | $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days |
| 7 days | $13.49 (5GB) | $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days |
| 14 days | $37.49 (20GB) | $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days |
Roaming vs eSIM
Saudi Arabia roaming charges vs eSIM pricing
Why a prepaid eSIM beats carrier roaming in Saudi Arabia
Three trips per year to Saudi Arabia, 7 days each, on carrier roaming at $10/day: $210/year in data fees alone. The same 21 days covered by prepaid eSIMs from Nomad at $3.99 for 1GB per trip costs $11.97 total. The annual savings cover a flight upgrade, extra hotel nights, or a full day of sightseeing. Frequent travelers pay the roaming tax every time — an eSIM breaks that cycle.
Coverage
Internet connectivity and carrier reach in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia operates on a single mobile network: STC. Airport SIM counters sell STC plans, and prepaid eSIMs route through the same network. The coverage is identical — the airport markup is not.
The best-value prepaid eSIM plan from Nomad is 20GB at $37.49 ($1.87/GB) — no airport visit, no queue, no passport copy required.
Available Networks
- RatingSTC5G
5G access in Saudi Arabia
5G coverage across Saudi Arabia is widespread. Most urban areas and major airports provide 5G access on compatible devices. Both physical SIM and eSIM connections receive the same 5G signal from local carriers. Extensive 5G coverage in major cities; STC leads with nationwide deployment
STC 5G delivered excellent speeds in Riyadh, Jeddah, and along the Red Sea coast. Coverage weaker in Empty Quarter desert.
Local Context
Saudi Arabia connectivity: local facts
Saudi Arabia uses Type A/B/G power outlets. If your charger does not fit, a dead phone and no data is the result. Here is what travelers should know about local connectivity:
Wait times at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) SIM counters run 10-20 min. A prepaid eSIM activated before your flight skips this queue entirely. Buying a SIM in Saudi Arabia: Passport and visa required; Absher app registration for residents. A travel eSIM purchased before you depart bypasses these in-country requirements. VPNs widely used but accessing morally objectionable content via VPN is illegal This restriction applies to all data connections in Saudi Arabia, physical SIM or eSIM.
Quick Reference
What to know before landing in Saudi Arabia
- Emergency
- 999/997
- Power Socket
- Type A/B/G
- Time Zone
- AST (UTC+3)
- Currency
- SAR (﷼)
- eSIM Speed
- 5G
WiFi
How reliable is WiFi in Saudi Arabia
Hotel WiFi in Saudi Arabia is generally good. Major chains and mid-range properties provide free in-room access that handles email, browsing, and light streaming. Free WiFi in malls, hotels, and many restaurants; good speeds in major cities Budget hostels and guesthouses are less predictable — connection drops during evening hours when every guest is online.
A prepaid eSIM on STC's 5G network fills the gaps between WiFi sessions. Maps while walking, ride-share pickups, and real-time messaging all run on cellular. Plans start at $3.99 for 1GB.
Timing
Saudi Arabia seasonal travel and eSIM timing
Some travelers visit Saudi Arabia across two seasons — arriving during Nov-Mar and Hajj season and departing during the off-peak. A prepaid eSIM plan covers the full trip regardless of calendar boundaries.
Plans start at $3.99 for 1GB with a fixed validity period measured in days, not by season. No mid-trip adjustment, no seasonal top-up fee, no return to the airport counter.
Data Tips
Data amounts that work for Saudi Arabia trips
Most travelers to Saudi Arabia need 3-5 GB for a one-week trip. This covers maps, messaging, social media browsing, and occasional photo sharing. The smallest plan available starts at $3.99 for 1GB.
- 0.5 GBOff-peak lightOutside Nov-Mar, STC in Saudi Arabia runs at full speed. 0.5 GB covers maps and messaging with no congestion slowdowns. Prices are in USD — no SAR conversion at purchase.
- 1 GBPeak standardDuring Nov-Mar, STC in Saudi Arabia handles more users per tower. 1 GB covers a full week — congestion may slow speeds slightly in tourist areas. Saudi Arabia runs on AST (UTC+3) — jet-lagged travelers tend to use more data in the first 48 hours while adjusting.
- 3 GBPeak heavyPeak-season congestion in Saudi Arabia makes video calls buffer more often. 3 GB on STC provides enough headroom for retries and quality drops. Budget higher during busy months.
- 5+ GBPeak power5+ GB on STC during peak season in Saudi Arabia. Network congestion means you may need more data for retransmissions and quality drops on video calls. This tier absorbs the overhead.
Need internet without voice? See our data-only plan guide.
Device Check
Phone compatibility for Saudi Arabia data plans
Some countries require IMEI registration before a foreign device can connect. Saudi Arabia does not impose this restriction, which means your eSIM activates without pre-registering your device. Compatible models: iPhone XS (2018) and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and newer, Google Pixel 3 (2018) and newer. STC and Mobily both support eSIM connections in Saudi Arabia. Verify carrier-unlock status before buying: Settings → General → About on iPhone, Settings → Connections → SIM Manager on Android.
Pre-Flight Checklist
What to do before your Saudi Arabia trip
Do this at home — not in the airport arrivals hall.
- 01
Decide between single-country and regional plans
If Saudi Arabia is one stop on a multi-country trip, check whether a regional eSIM bundle covers all your destinations. A single regional plan often costs 20-30% less than buying separate plans per country. Compare total data and validity days before choosing.
- 02
Buy all plans before departure
Plans start at $3.99 for 1GB. Purchase and install eSIM profiles for each country on your itinerary while you have stable home WiFi. Trying to buy mid-trip while roaming on a previous country's eSIM often fails due to payment blocks or slow connections.
- 03
Label each eSIM by country
Rename each installed eSIM in Settings → Cellular to the country name: "Saudi Arabia data" is clear at 3 AM after a night bus. Generic labels like "Travel 1" and "Travel 2" look identical when you are tired and crossing a border.
- 04
Disable previous eSIM at each border
When you enter Saudi Arabia, switch off the previous country's eSIM and enable the Saudi Arabia profile. Turn on data roaming for that line only. STC connects in 2-3 minutes. Leaving the old profile active can cause routing conflicts and burn data from the wrong plan.
- 05
Track data usage per country
Check Settings → Cellular after each country to see how much data you used. This helps you right-size plans for future trips along the same route. Most travelers overestimate their Saudi Arabia data needs by 30-50% on a first visit.
Step by Step
SIM counter vs eSIM activation in Saudi Arabia
SIM registration in Saudi Arabia means paperwork: show your passport (Passport and visa required; Absher app registration for residents), fill in a form with your hotel address, and wait while the counter staff enters your details into a national database. Total process at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED): 10-20 min in line plus 10-15 minutes of registration. A prepaid eSIM skips every registration step — no ID, no form, no database entry. Buy online, scan a QR code, and the plan is ready before you leave home.
Airport SIM — 7 steps (~45 min)
- Land and collect bags
- Locate the SIM counter (not always signposted)
- Join the queue
- Show passport for registration
- Choose a plan from a rate card
- Pay (cash only at some counters)
- Wait for SIM activation
Prepaid eSIM — 3 steps (~5 min)
- Buy online before departure (2 min)
- Scan QR code over home WiFi (1 min)
- Enable on landing — connects automatically
Which Provider
Saudi Arabia eSIM: provider fit by traveler type
Short weekend trip to Saudi Arabia and price is the priority? Nomad has the lowest per-GB rate. Multi-country itinerary that includes Saudi Arabia? Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account — switch destinations without buying a new plan.
Streaming video on a long trip or tethering a laptop? Holafly unlimited daily data means no counter to watch. Connecting through hostel or airport WiFi along the way? Saily adds NordVPN on the same account — your traffic stays encrypted on public networks.
Regional Plans
Covering multiple countries from Saudi Arabia
Crossing from Saudi Arabia into Israel, Palestine and Oman may change the language, currency, and cellular carrier — sometimes all three at once. A regional eSIM handles the carrier switch automatically.
Your phone stays on the same eSIM profile with the same data balance. The language on street signs changes; your data connection does not. Plans for Saudi Arabia alone start at $3.99 for 1GB.
Compare providers side by side: Airalo vs Holafly · Airalo vs Nomad · Holafly vs Saily · Saily vs Nomad · All providers
The Honest Call
Prepaid eSIM vs local SIM card in Saudi Arabia
Choose an eSIM if you...
- Flight lands after 9 PM and airport counters close early
- One-week or shorter trip where time in lines is wasted vacation time
- Traveling with family — each person gets their own eSIM in minutes
- Working remotely and need data from the moment you clear customs
- Phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Choose a local SIM if you...
- Relocating or staying 3+ months — local plans are cheaper for long stays
- Need to receive SMS verification codes on a Saudi Arabia number
- Phone is not eSIM-capable or is carrier-locked
- In a rural area where a local carrier with dominant coverage sells physical SIMs at market stalls
- Travelling with someone who needs a SIM for their non-eSIM device
Compare alternatives: pocket WiFi vs eSIM | prepaid vs postpaid
Avoid These
Prepaid data mistakes to avoid in Saudi Arabia
Not checking whether your phone is carrier-locked.
A locked phone rejects every foreign eSIM profile. Confirm unlock status in Settings → General → About before you buy. Unlocking requests take 24-72 hours — do it at least two days before departure.
Activating the eSIM during a layover.
Many plans count days from first network connection, not from installation. Keep the eSIM toggled off until you land in Saudi Arabia. Enabling it at a connecting airport burns a full day of your plan.
Leaving home-carrier data roaming on.
With two SIMs active, your home carrier's roaming can silently rack up charges. Turn data roaming off on the home SIM before you leave and route all data through the travel eSIM.
Not downloading the provider app before your flight.
Top-ups, support, and data tracking all happen in the app. Download and log in while you still have your home WiFi — airport WiFi login pages can block app stores.
Privacy
Online safety while visiting Saudi Arabia
VPN access in Saudi Arabia is restricted. VPNs widely used but accessing morally objectionable content via VPN is illegal Some VPN protocols work, others are throttled or blocked. The situation changes periodically — what worked last month may not work today.
Install your VPN app and test it before you travel. Saily, from the team behind NordVPN, bundles VPN protection with its eSIM plans — a practical option for travelers who want data and privacy under one account.
Use VPN over cellular rather than public WiFi for better reliability. Your prepaid eSIM on 5G provides the stable connection a VPN needs to maintain its tunnel.
Learn more: eSIM security and privacy guide
Troubleshooting
Saudi Arabia eSIM issues and how to fix them
QR code won't scan
Two common causes: a carrier-locked phone that rejects foreign profiles, or a full eSIM storage. iPhones store up to 8 profiles but can only run 2 at once. Use the manual activation code in your order email — it contains the same profile data as the QR image.
Plan started counting down too early
Installation does not start the clock — but a network connection does. Switch the Saudi Arabia eSIM off after scanning the QR code and leave it off until you land. Enable it once you are on the ground and past customs.
Cannot connect to corporate VPN
Corporate VPNs often use strict protocols that conflict with mobile carrier settings. On STC in Saudi Arabia, try switching from IKEv2 to OpenVPN or WireGuard. Contact your IT team for alternate server addresses if the primary fails. Test VPN connectivity over home WiFi before departure to confirm your credentials work — troubleshooting in a foreign time zone adds friction.
Phone uses WiFi instead of eSIM data
Your phone may auto-connect to a weak WiFi network and ignore the eSIM data connection. Turn off WiFi when you need reliable mobile data in Saudi Arabia. On iPhone, use Settings → WiFi → toggle off. On Android, swipe down and disable WiFi. STC's 5G signal is often faster than cafe or hotel WiFi.
The Bottom Line
Prepaid eSIM for Saudi Arabia: worth buying
City phone shops in Saudi Arabia sell prepaid SIMs for $8-20 for 5-20GB / 30 days — cheaper than the airport, but you still need to find the shop, wait, and hand over your passport. A prepaid eSIM from Nomad at $1.87/GB on STC's 5G network matches or beats that price without leaving your couch. Install before you fly and land connected. Note: VPN access is restricted in Saudi Arabia — install your VPN app before arrival. If traveling during Nov-Mar, buy early — airport counters run out and online plans sell faster.
Starting at $1.87/GB, a prepaid plan for Saudi Arabia is one of the easiest upgrades for any trip. See the full destinations list or explore more Middle East destinations, or read how to activate your eSIM before you fly.
STC has the widest 5G coverage in Saudi Arabia; Mobily strong in western region (Jeddah/Makkah).
How we test and score: editorial policy · corrections log
FAQ
Saudi Arabia eSIM answers for travelers
Can I buy a SIM card at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) airport?
Yes — King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) has SIM counters from STC and Mobily and Zain. Airport SIMs from STC and Mobily and Zain cost around $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days. Queue wait times average 10-20 min. The counter is in the arrivals hall after customs. A prepaid eSIM is a better option: purchase before departure, scan the QR code on the plane, and connect the moment you land for $3.99 (1GB). No waiting in queues or dealing with staff language barriers.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Saudi Arabia?
Yes — Passport and visa required; Absher app registration for residents Foreign passports sometimes cause delays or outright rejection at local counters. A prepaid eSIM eliminates the ID requirement entirely: buy online before your flight, scan the QR code at home, and your phone connects to STC's 5G network the moment you land in Saudi Arabia. No counter visit, no registration form, no waiting.
Is an airport SIM or eSIM cheaper for Saudi Arabia?
A prepaid eSIM saves money on every front. Airport SIMs at King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) run $10-25 for 5-15GB / 30 days (plus 10-20 min waiting at the counter), and that price often includes less data than a comparable eSIM plan. A prepaid eSIM starts at $3.99 for 1GB — the 20GB plan at $37.49 drops to $1.87/GB. Factor in the 15-25 minutes saved by not standing in an airport queue, and the eSIM wins on both cost and time for Saudi Arabia.
Can I install my Saudi Arabia eSIM before I travel?
Yes. Install the eSIM up to 30 days before your trip. For extra safety, install a second eSIM from a different provider as a backup — iPhones store up to 8 profiles, so there is no limit issue. Scan both QR codes at home over WiFi, leave them inactive, and enable your primary Saudi Arabia plan after landing. If one provider has poor coverage at your destination, switch to the backup in seconds. Plans start at $3.99.
Which phones support eSIM for Saudi Arabia?
All iPhone models from the XS (2018) onward support eSIM. Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and newer and Google Pixel 3 (2018) and newer also work. Saudi Arabia has Extensive 5G coverage in major cities; STC leads with nationwide deployment — if your device supports 5G (iPhone 12 and newer, Samsung S21 and newer, Pixel 5 and newer), you will connect to faster speeds where available. Carrier-unlock status is the biggest barrier: check Settings > General > About on iPhone or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Android before purchasing.
Can I use my prepaid eSIM as a hotspot in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with provider-specific limits. Airalo allows hotspot on most Saudi Arabia data plans without a daily cap. Holafly's unlimited plans include hotspot but cap it at 1GB per day — enough for light laptop use but not video calls. Other providers vary. The safest approach: read the plan details on the provider's page before buying, not after. If the listing does not mention hotspot, assume it is limited — on Saudi Arabia's 190 Mbps average download speed, even a capped plan covers basic browsing and messaging.
What happens when my prepaid eSIM data runs out in Saudi Arabia?
Your Saudi Arabia data plan stops when you hit the limit. No overage charges, no automatic renewals, no hidden fees. The eSIM profile stays on your phone — you run on zero data until you top up. Open the provider app on WiFi (hotel, cafe, or airport), buy a new plan, and data resumes within a few minutes. The eSIM does not need to be reinstalled. You can also preload a second plan from a different provider as a backup before leaving home.
Can I keep my home phone number while using a Saudi Arabia eSIM?
Yes. Set your prepaid Saudi Arabia eSIM as the cellular data line and leave your home SIM active for calls and texts. Both run simultaneously on a dual-SIM phone. Incoming calls on your home number still ring through — your home carrier's standard rates apply to those calls, so check your plan if you expect to receive many. For most travelers, this setup means free data in Saudi Arabia and reachable home contacts without a second device.
How far in advance should I buy my Saudi Arabia prepaid eSIM?
For solo travelers, one to two days before departure. For group trips, buy earlier — coordinating eSIM installs for a family or travel group takes longer than doing it alone. Each person receives their own QR code and installs independently. Handle all purchases 3-5 days before the trip so everyone has time to scan and confirm. Plan validity starts from first use in Saudi Arabia, not the purchase date. Plans start at $3.99.
Does eSIM work without WiFi after installation in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The eSIM runs on STC's cellular network in Saudi Arabia — WiFi is not required after the one-time QR code install. Cellular connections actually use less battery than WiFi scanning, because your phone is not constantly searching for networks. Keep WiFi turned off while using the eSIM to extend battery life during long sightseeing days in Saudi Arabia. Toggle WiFi on only at your hotel if you prefer a faster connection for large downloads or video calls.
Can I have two eSIMs on my phone at the same time for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The most common setup for Saudi Arabia travel: keep your home eSIM (or physical SIM) for calls and texts, and add a travel eSIM for data. Both run at the same time. Route cellular data through the travel eSIM and leave your home line active for incoming calls and SMS verification codes. iPhones store up to 8 eSIM profiles; Samsung Galaxy S21+ supports dual eSIM. No conflict, no SIM swap, no lost calls during your trip.
How do I check if my phone is unlocked for eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
The fastest test: borrow a SIM card from someone on a different carrier and insert it into your phone. If the phone connects to their network, yours is unlocked. No SIM available? Check Settings > General > About on iPhone — look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for the "Add eSIM" option. A locked phone cannot install any travel eSIM, including Saudi Arabia plans.
Your Saudi Arabia eSIM is one scan away
Skip the King Khalid (RUH) / King Abdulaziz (JED) SIM queue. Data runs the moment you land.