Buying a SIM Card at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
If you’re arriving in Riyadh and need mobile service immediately, you can easily purchase a SIM card at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). The three major telecom providers in Saudi Arabia are:
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat Company)
Zain (Zain Group)
All three offer physical SIMs and eSIMs, operate 24/7, and have counters located in the arrival areas — meaning you can buy a SIM card at any time, even after midnight.
SIM Card Locations at Riyadh Airport
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
Terminals: 2 – 3 – 4 – 5
Location: Arrival area (before security)
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat Company)
Terminals: 2 – 5
Location: Arrival area (before security)
Zain (Zain Group)
Terminals: 3 – 5
Location: Arrival floor
SIM Packages & Price Range
SIM card prices typically range between:
30 SAR – 200 SAR, depending on the data, call, and validity package you choose.
What You Need to Buy a SIM Card
To comply with Saudi regulations, the following are required:
1. Passport
Mandatory for all visitors.
The shop will scan or copy your passport details.
(Saudi citizens use their National ID, residents use their Iqama.)
2. Visitor ID (Etisalat Number)
This is the number recorded on your passport entry stamp.
It is required to activate your SIM card.
The provider will check your passport and this number during activation.
3. Biometrics (Fingerprint Scan)
Fingerprints are required for all SIM registrations — including tourists.
You will be asked to scan your fingerprint at the counter.
Without this step, the SIM cannot be activated.
4. Payment
Accepted: Cash (Saudi Riyals) or Debit/Credit Card.
Prices vary based on your selected plan.
Important Note About SIM Registration
Your SIM card remains registered to your passport number unless officially canceled. This means:
You should keep your SIM card for future visits.
If you no longer want the SIM associated with your name, you may request cancellation.
In Saudi Arabia, SIMs (prepaid or postpaid) do not always cancel automatically and remain linked to the registered ID unless formally deactivated.
You may also ask the sales representative to verify your registration status.
eSIM Options (Digital SIMs)
If you prefer to activate your mobile service before arrival, you can use international eSIM providers such as:
These companies are not Saudi-based and do not have physical stores in the Kingdom, but they offer reliable coverage and allow you to activate digitally in advance.