Does the eSIM work in desert areas and at archaeological sites such as AlUla or Madain Saleh?

Coverage in areas of tourist interest such as AlUla is constantly expanding thanks to investment under the Vision 2030 project. STC guarantees a 4G signal in many remote areas, but in the most isolated desert areas the signal may weaken. We recommend downloading offline maps before venturing outside the main centres.

Do I have to register my eSIM with my passport in Saudi Arabia?

eSIMs activated through Datiovunque do not require biometric registration on the spot: activation takes place entirely online before you leave Italy. This spares you the lengthy bureaucratic procedures that local operators require for physical SIMs.

Can I use messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram in Saudi Arabia?

WhatsApp is available and widely used in Saudi Arabia. Some VoIP features (calls over the internet) have historically been restricted, but the situation has improved significantly in recent years. Always check the up-to-date regulations before departure, since local legislation may vary.

Is the eSIM also useful for travelling between Riyadh, Jeddah and the Red Sea coast?

Absolutely yes. The STC and Mobily networks thoroughly cover all the main intercity routes, including the corridors between Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca (accessible only to Muslims) and Red Sea seaside destinations such as Yanbu and the new Neom Coast. The eSIM ensures continuity of connection along the whole route.

Do I need an electrical adapter in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Saudi Arabia uses Type A, B and G sockets — the latter with the three rectangular pins typical of the British system. Italian Type F sockets are not directly compatible, so it is essential to bring a universal adapter. The voltage is 220V, so most modern chargers are compatible without needing transformers.

How much does an eSIM for Saudi Arabia cost?

eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia start from €3.69. You pay once for the amount of data you choose — no subscription, no monthly fees and no hidden roaming charges. Plans with more data or longer validity cost more.

Is an eSIM or roaming better in Saudi Arabia?

A local eSIM in Saudi Arabia is almost always much cheaper than the roaming of your Italian operator. In the European Union roaming is often already included ("Roam Like at Home"), but outside the EU the costs can be very high — with an eSIM you know the price in advance and pay only for the data plan you need.

Which operator or network does the eSIM use in Saudi Arabia?

The eSIM in Saudi Arabia connects automatically to local networks such as STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, Zain — on 4G/LTE and, where available, 5G. Coverage reaches about 95% in inhabited areas. Your phone picks the best available network by itself.

Can I keep my Italian number with the eSIM in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Your Italian SIM and number stay active — the travel eSIM works alongside it as a data-only line. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or Wi-Fi while you use the local network to browse. Traditional calls and SMS still go through your Italian number.

Should I activate the eSIM before or after I leave?

Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave. The data plan then activates automatically when you connect in Saudi Arabia. That way you are online as soon as you arrive, without looking for airport Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM.

Can I top up or renew the plan for Saudi Arabia?

Yes. When the data runs out or the validity expires, just buy a new plan — the eSIM profile already installed is kept and does not need to be installed again. You stay connected without interruption.

Can I share the connection (hotspot) in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. You can share the connection in Saudi Arabia through a personal hotspot with a computer, tablet or other devices. Shared data is deducted from your plan, so allow a few extra gigabytes if you expect to use the hotspot often.

eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia

Instant delivery

Your eSIM for Saudi Arabia is available from €3.69 and active straight away: in Saudi Arabia it connects to the STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, Zain networks (4G/LTE, 5G where available), coverage 95%. Install it by QR code before you leave — no roaming and no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day returns
Support in Italian
Visa · Mastercard · PayPal (including Pay in 3) · Apple Pay · Google Pay · Satispay

eSIM for Saudi Arabia — at a glance

From: €3.69
Local networks: STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, Zain
Technology: 4G/LTE & 5G
Network coverage: 95%
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Recommended data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€3.69
Unlimited	3 days	€9.99
Unlimited	5 days	€14.99
Unlimited	7 days	€21.99
Unlimited	10 days	€28.99
Unlimited	15 days	€45.99
Unlimited	30 days	€83.99
1 GB	7 days	€3.99
2 GB	15 days	€6.99
3 GB	30 days	€8.99
5 GB	30 days	€14.99
10 GB	30 days	€26.99
20 GB	30 days	€43.99
50 GB	30 days	€52.99

Saudi Arabia is opening up to world tourism at a surprising speed: future cities such as NEOM, the Nabataean ruins of Hegra at AlUla, the labyrinthine souks of Jeddah and the illuminated skyscrapers of Riyadh paint a country in full transformation. Getting around here without a connection is practically impossible — navigation apps are indispensable in the megacities, archaeological sites are often in deserts with no signposts and many local services work exclusively online. If you activate a Datiovunque eSIM before boarding in Rome, you are already connected as soon as you land at King Khalid International Airport, with no queues at operator counters and no need to change your Italian SIM.

Flight from Rome

Around 5–6 hours (direct flights available to Riyadh and Jeddah)

Time zone

UTC+3 (2 hours ahead of Rome in summer, 3 in winter)

Best season

November–March: mild temperatures, ideal for exploring deserts and cities

Power socket

Type A/B/G — adapter needed for Italian plugs

Why an eSIM is essential in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most advanced telecommunications markets in the Middle East: STC, Mobily and Zain cover over 95% of the territory with 4G/LTE and 5G networks, including the intercity highways crossing the desert and the new, rapidly expanding tourist hubs. However, for a foreign traveller, buying a local SIM on the spot can prove complicated: biometric registration of the passport is required, shops in tourist areas do not always speak Italian or English, and prepaid plans for tourists are not always clearly signposted. With an eSIM, all of this is no longer a problem. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is on UTC+3, that is 2 hours ahead of Rome in summer and 3 in winter: having internet working from the first moment lets you synchronise commitments, notify your loved ones and access local booking services — many of which exist only as apps — without relying on the public Wi-Fi of hotels.

Network coverage in Saudi Arabia

Operator

STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

+ Mobily

Technology

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

95%

Installing an eSIM for Saudi Arabia: how does it work?

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Saudi Arabia and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Saudi Arabia and get online straight away.

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Saudi Arabia and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Saudi Arabia and get online straight away.

Which eSIM plan fits you best?

Holidaymakers

Going away for 1-2 weeks? Pick a plan with 3-5 GB for maps, photos and messages.

Business travellers

For video conferencing and email while travelling, we suggest at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpackers

A longer trip is better served by 10+ GB, or by a regional plan that spans multiple countries.

Families

For families with several devices we recommend a plan with tethering support and enough data.

Which suits Saudi Arabia best: an eSIM, a local SIM or a Wi-Fi hotspot?

	eSIM	Local SIM	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Bought locally	Pick-up/delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €3.69	€5–30	€5–15/day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up at any time	Fixed data allowance	Daily rental
Recommended	Ideal for travellers	For long stays	For groups/families

Common questions about the eSIM for Saudi Arabia

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