Mobile Phone Companies, Mobile Packages & Internet Data Plans for Pakistanis Living in Saudi Arabia
Choosing the right mobile phone company, mobile packages, and internet data plans in Saudi Arabia is key for staying connected—both here and back home in Pakistan. This guide helps Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia select the best options, knowing:
What documents Pakistanis need to get a SIM in Saudi Arabia
Top mobile phone companies (STC SAWA / Jawwy, Mobily, Zain KSA, Lebara, Virgin Mobile, Salam Mobile)
Popular mobile packages & internet data plans for local use and Pakistan calls
Short codes and apps to easily activate and manage plans
Advice on which packages best fit different usage patterns
Let’s dive in.
What Documents Pakistanis Need to Get a SIM in Saudi Arabia
Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, here’s what you need:
| Status | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Iqama holder (resident) | Your Iqama (resident ID) + biometric verification (fingerprints) at the store or via national e-authentication. (STC, Mobily, Zain require this.) |
| Visitor (tourist/student) | Your passport + valid Saudi visa to activate a SIM tied to your document number. Later, when you get your Iqama, you can transfer the number. |
| Digital/Remote Option | Many operators support verification via Nafath/Absher national ID system, especially when in-store fingerprinting isn’t practical. |
STC SAWA Packages for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia
Why Pakistanis often choose STC SAWA:
- Extensive 4G/5G coverage.
- Flexible SAWA prepaid bundles with data + local minutes + social apps.
- International call add-ons for Pakistan.
- Easy management through the mystc app or SMS to 900.
SAWA packages (check official website for current details):
- SAWA Captain: Large local data + local minutes + bonus credit.
- SAWA Star Plus: Big data allowance with social media apps included.
- SAWA Hero: Budget-friendly package with essential data and call credit.
Pakistan calling add-on:
Activate international minutes via STC’s website “International Calls to Pakistan” section. Usually works via SMS to 900.
Quick codes Sawa Balance Check:
- Manage balance: mystc app or SMS “Balance” or “2220” to 900.
- International codes: visit STC website and follow SMS instructions.
Mobily Packages & International Minutes for Pakistanis in KSA
Why Mobily works well:
- Solid 4G coverage with growing 5G.
- Transparent international minute bundles with clear activation codes.
- Reliable value for frequent callers to Pakistan.
Popular options:
- Mobily prepaid data + minutes combos (see site for latest).
- International Minutes Bundles to Pakistan: Step-by-step USSD codes (e.g., *1215#) or SMS to 1100, with auto-renewal options.
Useful codes/app Mobily Balance check:
- Balance: *1411*1# or Mobily app.
- International bundles: see Mobily international bundles page for current codes to Pakistan.
Zain KSA Mobile Packages & Calls to Pakistan
Why Pakistanis choose Zain:
- Excellent value on Shabab / Flex packages (data + social + minutes).
- Easy activation via SMS to 959.
- International bundles list Pakistan under Asia.
Popular Zain plans:
- Shabab Prepaid: High data and social apps included.
- Flex Plans (e.g., Flex 59): Balanced data + local minutes + validity.
Calling Pakistan:
- Postpaid: International bundles with Pakistan included.
- Prepaid: Use in-app offers or send codes: e.g. “send 104 to 959” for Flex 59, or similar codes for IDD.
Activation & codes:
- Manage using Zain app, or SMS codes to 959.
- Balance via app or commonly used USSD such as *142# (verify via app).
Lebara KSA Mobile & International Passes for Pakistanis
Why Lebara appeals:
- Tailored for international calling—simple, clear, often cheaper.
- Easy USSD menu and app-based control.
How it works:
- Choose International Pass, select Pakistan, view minutes & cost.
- Activate via USSD menu (*000#) or app.
Balance & management:
- *110# for balance or use Lebara app.
Virgin Mobile KSA – Flexible Plans for Pakistanis
Why Virgin Mobile is handy:
- App-first approach, customizable plans.
- Low per-minute rates for calls to Pakistan—no need for add-ons.
How to use:
- Browse “International Calls” on their site, select Pakistan for current rate.
- Build your plan via app; manage data and calling rate under one banner.
Salam Mobile – Straightforward IDD Rates for Pakistanis
Why Salam works:
- Transparent per-minute rates (e.g., ~0.65 SAR per 30 seconds to Pakistan).
- International bundles available when needed.
How to use:
- Check IDD Bundles or International Minutes Fee page.
- Activate via app or instructions on the website.
Getting a Saudi SIM at Saudi Airports on Arrival
For many Pakistanis landing in Saudi Arabia—whether for Umrah, Hajj, work, or visit—the first priority is getting a working SIM card to call family and access the internet. Good news: Saudi airports now have official telecom operator counters right in the arrivals hall.
Where to find SIM counters on Saudi Airports?
- At King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), King Fahd International Airport (Dammam), and other major entry points, you’ll see STC, Mobily, Zain, Lebara, Virgin Mobile, and Salam Mobile kiosks after baggage claim in the arrival area.
- These counters usually operate 24/7, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
What do Pakistanis need to get a SIM at the airport?
- Passport with a valid Saudi visa (for visitors).
- If you are a resident with Iqama, you can also register your SIM with your Iqama ID once available.
- Biometric verification (fingerprint scan) is required—done directly at the counter.
- In some cases, operators use digital verification via Nafath/Absher system.
Steps to get your SIM on arrival in Saudi Arabia:
Visit any telecom counter at the airport.
Show your passport + visa (visitors) or Iqama (residents).
Choose from available Tourist/Visitor SIM packages (STC Ziyara, Zain Visitor, Mobily Visitor, etc.).
The staff will take your fingerprint and issue the SIM on the spot.
Insert SIM, restart phone, and you’re ready to use data/calls in minutes.
Tip for Pakistanis arriving in KSA:
- Visitor SIMs are the easiest choice if you don’t have an Iqama yet.
- Once you receive your Iqama, you can either keep using the same number (transfer to Iqama) or get a new plan better suited for long-term use.
- Prices at the airport are usually the same as city branches, but bundles are tourist-oriented with more data and short validity.
Tourist SIMs – Perfect for Short-Term Stay (Traveling / New Arrivals)
If you’re just arriving or waiting for Iqama:
- Zain Visitor SIM (e.g., Visitor 160): Comes with generous data (e.g. 60 GB) and a short activation code.
- STC SAWA Ziyara: Visitor bundles with data and minutes suitable for first few weeks.
Once your Iqama is issued, you can transfer your number through the app or at a branch.
Which Package is Best for Your Needs?
| Usage Pattern | Recommended Provider & Plan |
|---|---|
| Heavy data use, occasional calls to Pakistan | STC SAWA or Zain Shabab/Flex + occasional IDD add-on |
| Frequent direct calls to Pakistan | Mobily International Minutes or Lebara International Pass or Salam IDD |
| Balanced data + regular Pakistan calls | Zain Shabab/Flex with Pak bundle or Virgin Mobile for low per-minute rate |
| Short stays or waiting for Iqama | Zain Visitor or STC SAWA Ziyara, transfer later when Iqama is ready |
Quick Reference: Activation Codes & Apps
| Provider | App | Balance Code | Pakistan Calling Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| STC SAWA | mystc | “Balance” or 2220 to 900 | Follow instructions on “International Calls” page (SMS to 900) |
| Mobily | Mobily App | *1411*1# | Codes on International Bundles page (e.g. *1215#, SMS to 1100) |
| Zain KSA | Zain App | *142# (verify in app) | SMS code to 959 or postpaid Asia bundle |
| Lebara | Lebara App | *110# | Choose Pakistan under International Pass (*000# or app) |
| Virgin Mobile | Virgin App | App-based | Set Pakistan rate in International Calls section |
| Salam Mobile | Salam App | App-based | Activate via IDD Bundles or per-minute rates on website/app |
Final Thoughts
Picking the best mobile package in Saudi Arabia as a Pakistani doesn’t have to feel confusing. Your priorities—data, calling Pakistan, app control—will guide the best choice:
- Go with STC SAWA or Zain for strong data-heavy options.
- Choose Mobily, Lebara, or Salam if Pakistan calls are your main need.
- Prefer flexible app-driven control? Try Virgin Mobile.
- Short stay or newcomer? Start with visitor packs and move to full packages once your Iqama is ready.
Use the official apps to check latest prices, activate easily, and monitor usage. Always confirm the current cost to call Pakistan before dialing.
If you’d like, share your typical monthly usage (e.g., GBs, calls), and I can recommend three specific plans—one budget, one balanced, one premium—tailored to your needs.
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