Going for Umrah? Your phone does a lot of work on this trip: Nusuk permits, WhatsApp with family, maps between your hotel and the Haram, Careem rides and Haramain train times. A travel eSIM gives you Saudi mobile data from the moment you land, without a SIM shop queue at the airport and without a roaming bill from your home carrier.
Why STC matters in Makkah and Madinah
Our Saudi Arabia plans run on STC, the largest mobile network in the Kingdom, with 5G where it is available in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and along the roads between them. During the busiest prayer times every network slows down because of the crowds, but a strong network makes a real difference the rest of the day.
How much data do I need for Umrah?
| Your trip | Typical use | Suggested plan |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 week | WhatsApp, maps, Nusuk | 3 GB |
| 10 to 15 days | Plus daily video calls home | 5 to 10 GB |
| 15 to 30 days, or Hajj | Heavy use or sharing with family (hotspot) | 20 GB |
Not sure? Take a little more. You can also add data later from your eSIM page: it is added to the same eSIM, nothing to reinstall.
Nusuk: do I need a Saudi phone number?
Nusuk registration for international pilgrims uses your email, passport number and visa number. What you do need in Saudi Arabia is reliable mobile data, to open the app, show your permits and check your bookings while you move between the hotel and the Haram. Our eSIM is data only, and your usual SIM stays in your phone, so WhatsApp keeps your normal number.
Set it up at home, in 3 steps
- Buy a few days before you fly. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi. Scan the QR code (or tap Install on iPhone). Your usual SIM stays in place.
- Turn it on when you land in Jeddah or Madinah: choose the eSIM for mobile data and switch on data roaming for it. The plan starts when it first connects in Saudi Arabia.
Prices
Saudi Arabia plans start at $2.99 (1 GB, 7 days). Our most popular pick for Umrah is 5 GB for 30 days at $11.23, and 10 GB for 30 days costs $17.65.
See the Saudi Arabia eSIM plans
Good to know
- Buying for your parents? Buy one eSIM per phone and install it on their phone before the trip. We can help on WhatsApp.
- Turn off data roaming on your usual SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier.
- Check first that your phone supports eSIM: dial *#06# and look for an EID number.
May your Umrah be accepted.