Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, one of the first things you'll likely want to know is whether maps and ride-hailing apps will work as soon as you land. Bloomy eSIM's plans for Saudi Arabia connect to the local network, STC (5G). The basic flow is to add the eSIM to your phone before departure, then switch on the line after you arrive, and you can start using it.
- Plans connect to the local network, STC (5G)
- Some plans support 5G, but you need to confirm your device supports it
- As a rough guide, plan for about 0.3 to 1 GB per day
- At the airport, turn off airplane mode and switch on the eSIM line
- No phone number or SMS, but app-based calls work
What It Means to Use an eSIM in Saudi Arabia
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone. You don't need to swap out a physical SIM card. You simply add a data plan to your device and use the local mobile network. In Saudi Arabia, the big advantage is that you can skip the SIM counter at the airport and get everything ready before you arrive.
The Saudi Arabia plans available through Bloomy eSIM connect to the local network, STC (5G). Some plans support 5G, so if your device supports 5G, you can expect fast connections in urban areas. Speeds vary by location and by congestion at different times of day.
STC (5G) and Supported Bands
The network you'll connect to is STC. Band details can sound technical, but there are really two things to check. First, whether your phone supports eSIM. Second, if you want 5G, whether your device supports 5G.
Band combinations can vary depending on the device model and where the device or SIM was purchased. If you're unsure, check your phone on the list of eSIM-compatible devices before you buy. Devices without 5G generally connect over 4G.
SIM-locked phones may not be able to add an eSIM. Check whether your phone is locked at least one week before departure so you aren't caught off guard.
Recommended Data Amounts by Trip Length
Choosing too much or too little data can both be a problem. If you mainly use maps, ride-hailing, and messaging, about 0.3 to 0.5 GB per day is often enough. If you regularly watch videos or post to social media, plan on 1 GB or more per day for comfort.
| Trip length | Typical use | Suggested data |
|---|---|---|
| About 3 days | Maps and messaging | 1 to 3 GB |
| 1 week | Maps, social media, occasional video | 3 to 7 GB |
| 2 weeks | Daily use for work or sightseeing | 7 to 15 GB |
| About 1 month | Using hotspot and tethering at your destination too | 15 GB or more |
These figures are general guidelines. If you rely heavily on hotel or office Wi-Fi, a smaller plan may be enough. If you plan to hold video conferences for work while in Saudi Arabia, choosing one size larger is the safer bet.
Bloomy's Saudi Arabia plans are offered at different price points depending on data amount and duration. Prices are shown on the eSIM comparison page, where you can select the country, data amount, and trip length to check the current price at the time of purchase.
Activation Steps to Avoid Problems at the Airport
Whether you're connected right after landing depends largely on preparation before you leave. Here's the flow:
- Before departure, tap the setup link you received and follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM.
- Before you leave your home country, check the name of the line you added.
- When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, turn off airplane mode.
- Switch on the eSIM line you added and enable data roaming.
- If you still aren't connected after a few minutes, restart your device.
Activation timing can differ by plan, so read the plan details before you purchase. If something isn't working, see the setup guide or the troubleshooting page.
Many airports offer Wi-Fi, but you may not be able to rely on it around immigration procedures. To be ready for ride-hailing pickups or letting family know you've arrived, it helps to have mobile data working as soon as you land.
What to Know About Data-Only eSIMs
Bloomy eSIM is generally a data-only service. You can't make or receive calls to phone numbers, and SMS isn't supported. However, app-based calls that use data, such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and FaceTime, work as usual.
Be aware that banks and booking sites often send SMS verification codes. SMS sent to your home-country number can't be received on a data-only eSIM. If you need them, plan an alternative in advance, such as keeping your home-country SIM in your phone just to receive texts, or using another verification method.
Data-only plans are subject to a fair use policy, and extreme usage may be limited. Connection quality depends on the local network, your device, and your location.
Who This Is For
Best suited for
- People who want maps and ride-hailing apps as soon as they land
- People who want to skip buying and swapping SIM cards
- Travelers and business visitors who need data for a few days to a few weeks
Less suited for
- People who must make calls or receive SMS to local numbers in Saudi Arabia
- People whose only device doesn't support eSIM
- Long-term residents who need a local number on a contract
If this doesn't fit your situation, you'll likely be happier choosing a different option rather than forcing an eSIM to work.
Three Steps for Choosing a Plan
First, decide on your data amount based on trip length and how you normally use your phone. Next, confirm your device supports eSIM and, if you want 5G, 5G as well. Finally, compare plans with the same conditions on the comparison page, and review the price. If you're unsure, choosing a slightly larger data amount can save you from buying more later.
For a country-level overview of network conditions and usage, see our Saudi Arabia eSIM guide before you buy.
What to Do When Connection Is Weak
Signal can weaken deep inside buildings or in desert areas. This can happen with any mobile line, not just eSIMs. Connection often improves when you return to the city center, so try moving to a different spot first.
If the problem persists, check these in order: turning airplane mode on and off, data roaming settings, and network selection. If you still can't connect, see the FAQ or contact us through the contact page.
Final Checklist Before You Travel
- Your device supports eSIM and is not SIM-locked
- You chose a data amount suited to your trip length
- You added the eSIM to your device before departure
- You prepared an alternative for calls or SMS if you need them
Completing these four steps will greatly reduce the hassle after you land. To find a plan for your trip to Saudi Arabia, browse the Bloomy eSIM comparison page and select your country, data amount, and trip length.
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