Ruth Haines
If you're travelling to Saudi Arabia, you may be wondering if you can get a SIM card at Jeddah Airport. The good news is that you absolutely can. King Abdulaziz International Airport, commonly known as Jeddah Airport, is a gateway for millions of tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. Getting a local SIM card can be a great idea to stay connected during your trip, giving you access to maps, local communication, and ride-sharing apps. This is everything you need to know about getting a SIM card at Jeddah Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) |
| Location of SIM Card Kiosks | Arrivals halls of Terminal 1, North Terminal & Hajj Terminal |
| SIM Card Providers | STC, Mobily, Zain, Airalo, Lebara KSA, Virgin Mobile KSA, Gigago |
| SIM Card Cost | $9-40 USD, 17 USD-109.30 USD, 60 SAR-120 SAR |
| Payment Methods | Saudi Riyals, International Credit Card |
| Documents Required | Passport, e-visa copy |
| Phone Requirements | Unlocked phone |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a SIM card at Jeddah Airport
Buying a SIM card at Jeddah Airport is a straightforward process. After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, head towards the arrival hall. Here, you will find convenience stores, coffee shops, and fast-food restaurants. There is an exit towards the train station, and you will find the SIM card kiosks of the major mobile operators in Saudi Arabia, STC, Mobily, and Zain, near the exits.
You can also pre-order a SIM card online before your trip and have it delivered to you at the airport or your hotel. eSIMs are also an option, which can be activated instantly upon arrival without needing a physical store.
When buying a SIM card at Jeddah Airport, you will need to present your physical passport at the SIM card kiosk for registration. Ensure your phone is unlocked for other networks. Decide on your data requirements and have Saudi Riyals or an international credit card for payment. Check your phone's SIM card size.
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SIM card costs
The SIM card costs at Jeddah Airport vary depending on the provider, the amount of data, and the validity period. The three mobile operators at the airport are STC, Mobily, and Zain.
STC offers a 20 GB data plan for around $23 USD. Mobily offers a 10 GB data plan with 10 GB of social media and 500 minutes for 28 days at 86.25 SAR, or around $23 USD. Zain offers several prepaid SIM card plans for tourists, valid for 28 days: 30 GB data + 30 GB of social media + 1,000 minutes for $32 USD; 30 GB data + unlimited social media + 1,400 minutes for $40 USD; and 70 GB data + unlimited social media + 1,400 minutes for $48 USD.
STC SIM cards are also available for 55 SAR, 70 SAR, or 110 SAR. Zain SIM cards cost between 120 SAR and 410 SAR. The cheapest Mobily plan at the airport costs 115 SAR, but a cheaper plan may be available outside of the airport.
ESIMs are also available, which can be activated instantly without needing to visit a physical store. eSIMs can be purchased for as little as $5 for seven days, or $35 for unlimited data for 10 days.
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eSIMs
At Jeddah Airport, eSIMs can be purchased from different phone carrier counters, including STC, Mobily, and Zain. International eSIMs can be purchased online from Airalo, Holafly, or Etijwaal. Airalo offers an eSIM for Saudi Arabia with unlimited data for 10 days for $35 USD, while Mobimatter offers Saudi eSIMs with data plans starting at $4.50.
It is worth noting that eSIMs may only include data, without calls or SMS to Saudi numbers. Therefore, it may be beneficial to purchase a physical SIM card or a local eSIM from a service provider after landing.
When purchasing an eSIM or a physical SIM card at Jeddah Airport, it is important to have your passport ready, as it will be required for registration. Additionally, ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with eSIMs, and decide on your data requirements before purchasing.
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Passport requirements
To purchase a SIM card at Jeddah Airport, you will need to present your physical passport at the SIM card kiosk for registration.
There are several options for buying a SIM card at Jeddah Airport:
- Online pre-order: You can pre-order a SIM card online before your trip and have it delivered to you at the airport. This ensures that you have a SIM card when you arrive, and you will have a wider range of plans to choose from. However, this option requires some pre-planning, and there is a chance of delivery delays.
- Purchase a SIM card online for airport pickup: Several providers offer online purchases with airport pickup or delivery to your hotel in Jeddah.
- Purchase at the airport: The airport has several dedicated kiosks and shops by local telecom providers where you can easily get a prepaid SIM card. The major mobile operators in Saudi Arabia with a presence at the airport include STC, Mobily, and Zain.
When purchasing a SIM card at Jeddah Airport, you will need to present your physical passport at the SIM card kiosk for registration. You will also need to provide your passport details when making the purchase.
It is important to note that transit passengers can purchase SIM cards at Jeddah Airport despite not entering the country. Proof of onward travel is generally not required for SIM card purchases at King Abdulaziz Airport.
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Payment methods
When buying a SIM card at Jeddah Airport, you can pay using Saudi Riyals or an international credit card.
If you are buying a SIM card online for pick-up at the airport, you will be able to pay online using a credit or debit card.
If you are buying an eSIM, you can pay online using a credit or debit card.
Prices for SIM cards at Jeddah Airport range from $9 to $40, depending on the amount of data, minutes, and texts you need. For example, for $23 USD, you can get 20 GB of data with an STC SIM card. If you are staying for a shorter period, a SIM card with limited data may be more suitable, whereas for a longer stay, you may want to opt for a plan with more data.
For eSIMs, prices start at $5 for 7 days of usage, with no identity proof or document needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get a SIM card at Jeddah Airport.
You can buy a SIM card at the kiosks/stands/booths in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1, North Terminal & Hajj Terminal.
You can get an STC, Mobily, or Zain SIM card at Jeddah Airport.
You will need your passport and payment in Saudi Riyals or an international credit card. You should also ensure your phone is unlocked and decide on your data requirements.
Yes, you can also buy a SIM card online in advance or at a phone store in Jeddah city centre.
