Saudi Arabia

Staying connected in Saudi Arabia

Most visitors from Vietnam travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj in Mecca and Medina, alongside business travellers in Riyadh and Jeddah and tourists heading to AlUla or the Red Sea coast. Hajj season and Ramadan are the busiest periods; November to March is cooler and better for sightseeing.

During a pilgrimage your phone keeps you in touch with your group, tracks prayer times and helps you find your hotel amid the crowds. With millions gathered around the holy mosques, both mobile data and hotel Wi-Fi can be slower than usual, so agree a meeting point with your group in advance.

Coverage and networks

The plan information names this network in Saudi Arabia: STC.

If you are also visiting the UAE or Qatar, consider the Gulf 4 countries plan.

Signal and speed depend on where you are, your device and network conditions, and can differ between plans.

Choosing a data allowance

eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia currently last 1 to 60 days and come in these types:

• Daily data (500MB, 1GB, 2GB and 3GB per day): suits a steady routine. Check when the daily allowance resets and what happens once it is used.
• Total data (3GB to 30GB): one allowance for the whole trip, handy when some days are heavier than others.
• Unlimited: always read the fair-use policy; after a set amount, speed may be reduced.

Suggestions for this trip

• A 10–15 day Umrah trip, mostly messaging and short video calls with family: 1GB a day is usually enough; if you video call every day, choose 2GB a day.
• Longer stays such as Hajj: besides 30 days there are 60-day plans; check the data allowance offered with each duration before choosing.
• Business in Riyadh or Jeddah with regular video meetings: choose 3GB a day or an unlimited plan (fair-use policy).

Count your arrival and departure days. Before paying, check the exact plan for when validity starts, how days are counted, and whether hotspot, calls or SMS are included; these differ between plans.

Before you go

• Pilgrimage app: Umrah permits and Rawdah visit slots are booked through the official Nusuk app; sign in and check everything before you fly.
• Offline copies: Screenshot your permits, booking references and hotel location so they open instantly when the network is slow; older members of the group should carry a card with the hotel's name and address.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and Careem are common in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and Jeddah; expect long waits right after the main prayers.
• High-speed rail: The Haramain line links Mecca, Jeddah and Medina; keep your e-ticket on your phone for quick checks.
• Local SIM: Registration at a counter requires your passport and a fingerprint scan.
• Heat: Summers are extremely hot; carry a power bank and keep your phone out of direct sun to avoid overheating.
• eSIM setup: Before buying, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Install the eSIM before you fly, on a stable Wi-Fi connection, following the instructions sent with your plan.
• On arrival: Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and follow its roaming instructions. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.