STC Mobile Data Packages for Pakistani expats in Saudi Arabia (An Ultimate Guide in 2025 )
If you’re a Pakistani living, working, or studying in Saudi Arabia, you’ll usually toggle between four needs:
- Affordable mobile data packages inside KSA (day-to-day WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Maps, etc.).
- Occasional international calling to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia (IDD minutes).
- Short-term top-ups (daily/weekly data when you’re running low).
- Roaming data when you fly to Pakistan (so you land connected).
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) groups the relevant offers into three broad product lines:
- SAWA (prepaid): combo plans with local minutes + data; “Flex” variants also bundle international minutes to selected destinations. STC
- Quicknet (data-only SIMs): large data buckets (including short 1-day/1-week unlimited options) with simple SMS activation codes to 900. STC
- Postpaid “Mofawtar”: monthly plans with data, minutes, and sometimes roaming/data perks. STC
You can browse all of these from STC’s official Personal portal home
SAWA (Prepaid): the most popular starting point
STC’s SAWA page lists current prepaid internet & voice plans (SIM and eSIM). Below are representative options as shown on the official page (VAT-inclusive). Always check the live card for the most up-to-date pricing/benefits. STC
- SAWA Basic — 1 GB data + 1 GB social + 100 all-net minutes, 34.5 SAR. STC
- SAWA Like Plus — 20 GB data + 15 GB social + 500 all-net minutes, 86.25 SAR. STC
- SAWA Share Plus — 40 GB data + 40 GB social + 1500 all-net minutes, 132.25 SAR. STC
- SAWA Post Plus — 80 GB data + unlimited social + 1500 all-net minutes, 195.5 SAR. STC
- SAWA Star Plus — 130 GB data + unlimited social + 1150 all-net minutes, 276 SAR. STC
- SAWA Captain — 22 GB data + unlimited WhatsApp & Google Maps + 500 all-net minutes, 97.75 SAR. STC
- SAWA Hero — unlimited data + unlimited social + unlimited calls & SMS to all local networks, 414 SAR. STC
- Activation paths. On the SAWA page, STC shows two universal ways to activate: through the MySTC app, or by sending package codes via SMS to 900 (the same page also lists per-package short codes; e.g., Star Plus = 7240, Post Plus = 7170, Share Plus = 7115, Like Plus = 7175). STC
5G support. The SAWA FAQ explicitly states all SAWA packages support 5G (device and coverage permitting); you can also jump from that page to STC’s coverage maps. STC
Out-of-bundle rates (good to know). When you finish your allowances, STC lists the fall-back tariffs right on the SAWA page: 0.55 SAR/min for local calls after minutes are consumed, 2 SAR/MB for data after package consumption, and the per-SMS rates for within/other networks. This is helpful for cost control.
SAWA Flex: prepaid bundles with international minutes
If you phone Pakistan regularly, SAWA’s Flex variants include local minutes plus a fixed allowance of international minutes to selected destinations (the page shows “calls to 17–18 destinations,” depending on the plan). For example:
- Flex 100 — 35 GB data + 20 GB social + 1000 minutes to all local networks & international calls to 17 destinations, 115 SAR. STC
- Flex 150 — 60 GB data + 30 GB social + 1500 minutes (local & selected international), 172.5 SAR. STC
- Flex 240 — ~115 GB data + unlimited social + 2000 minutes (local & selected international), 276 SAR. STC
Check the live Flex table to confirm whether Pakistan is among the listed destinations for your chosen plan at the time of purchase, and use the MySTC app or SMS to 900 to subscribe. STC
Quicknet (Data-only SIM): big buckets + simple SMS activation
If you already have a separate SIM for voice/WhatsApp and want pure data, STC’s Quicknet Prepaid page is the most straightforward option. The site lists both prepaid vouchers (with activation codes you text to 900) and short unlimited options. Representative entries from the current table:
- 70 GB / 1 month — 138 SAR (send 2770 to 900)
- 120 GB / 1 month — 230 SAR (send 2771 to 900)
- 250 GB / 3 months — 460 SAR (send 2772 to 900)
- 350 GB / 3 months — 632.5 SAR (send 2773 to 900)
- 300 GB / 4 months — 575 SAR (send 2774 to 900)
- 400 GB / 4 months — 747.5 SAR (send 2775 to 900)
- 600 GB / 6 months — 1035 SAR (send 2776 to 900)
- Unlimited (Quicknet Max) / 1 month — 391 SAR (send 2777 to 900)
- Unlimited (Quicknet Max) / 3 months — 1138.5 SAR (send 2778 to 900)
- Unlimited / 1 week — 109.25 SAR (send 2730 to 900)
- Unlimited / 1 day — 23 SAR (activate via MySTC app)
STC notes on the same page that Quicknet prepaid packages are without a fair usage policy, and all prices include 15% VAT. STC
Tip: Quicknet also shows “roaming data” prepaid options (e.g., 20 GB for 1 week and 50 GB for 1 month) for travel—useful if you pop over to Pakistan for a short visit and want a single SIM. STC
Postpaid Mofawtar STC: predictable monthly data with extras
Postpaid is best if you want a single number with steady data and add-ons (e.g., roaming perks on higher tiers). STC’s postpaid packages page shows names like Mofawtar Basic+, Mofawtar 2, Mofawtar 2+, Mofawtar Max, along with data/social buckets, local minutes, and (for upper tiers) roaming benefits and MultiSIM. The page also indicates VAT-inclusive pricing and periodic promotions. STC
If you’re considering roaming add-ons or even a free device with a higher plan, STC’s Mofawtar Prime page explains the versions that bundle unlimited data, unlimited roaming internet, and device subsidies (e.g., eligibility for a device worth up to 8,280 SAR on select Prime tiers; check the live plan you pick). STC
One-time daily/weekly unlimited (short-term boosters)
Running out of data before payday? STC maintains a separate “One-time internet packages” page for daily and weekly unlimited passes—priced (VAT-inclusive) at 23 SAR (1 day), 40.25 SAR (2 days), 97.75 SAR (1 week), and 174.8 SAR (2 weeks) at the time of writing. These are handy emergency boosters.
Calling Pakistan from Saudi Arabia (IDD options)
While this guide focuses on data, many Pakistanis also need affordable call minutes to Pakistan.
STC centralizes country-specific International Call Packages on one page; you select a country to see the current bundles with prices and 900 activation codes.
Use that page to pull up Pakistan and subscribe to the daily/weekly/monthly bundle that fits your pattern. (The interface also lists “International Minutes Packages” and “Sawa International Plus” entries with prices and short codes.) STC
If you prefer to keep your data on a SAWA or Quicknet plan and add international minutes separately, that International Calls page is the official way to do it. For customers who want international minutes baked into their prepaid bundle, check SAWA Flex where minutes to selected destinations are included. STC
Roaming to Pakistan: official STC roaming packages that list Pakistan
When you fly home, you can avoid airport SIM lines by activating an STC roaming bundle before departure. On the Roaming Packages page, STC shows Global Roaming (data + voice rate while roaming) at:
- 2 days – 5 GB – 138 SAR (code 6516)
- 4 days – 10 GB – 184 SAR (code 6517)
- 10 days – 20 GB – 287.5 SAR (code 6518)
- 30 days – 50 GB – 517.5 SAR (code 6519)
The same page’s country list explicitly includes Pakistan (so these bundles apply when you roam there). STC also offers Global Roaming+ tiers with unlimited data subject to 5 GB/day FUP plus a bucket of local/KSA minutes; Pakistan appears in the country list here as well. Activate using the displayed 651x codes via SMS to 900. STC
How to choose (Pakistan expats Mobile Packages)
1) Budget data + occasional calls to Pakistan
Pick a SAWA Like Plus/Share Plus tier for a balanced data/minutes combo, and add an International Call package only in months when you need it. Manage both in MySTC or via SMS to 900. STC
2) Heavy mobile data user who mostly uses WhatsApp
If you live on data and local calls, SAWA Star Plus (130 GB + unlimited social) or SAWA Hero (unlimited data) are the simplest. Add a small Pakistan international bundle only when required. STC
3) Tablet/second phone for streaming or hotspot
Use Quicknet Prepaid: massive data buckets (70–600 GB) with simple SMS activation—no extra minutes you won’t use. Short-term unlimited day/week passes are perfect for road trips. STC
4) Traveling to Pakistan for a few weeks
Before you fly, activate Global Roaming (e.g., 10 days/20 GB or 30 days/50 GB). The country matrix includes Pakistan, and the activation codes are on the same page. STC
5) Prefer a single monthly bill with roaming perks
Consider Mofawtar/Mofawtar Prime—upper tiers show roaming internet along with monthly data and possible device subsidies; check the exact plan card you’re selecting. STC
How to activate, check, and control your spend
1) Use the MySTC app (recommended by STC across its plan pages) to subscribe, change, or cancel; it’s the “single source of truth” for your active plan and add-ons. STC
2) Or activate by SMS to 900 using the code on the plan card (e.g., Quicknet table lists 2770–2780, while SAWA shows each package’s short code in the “details” section). STC
3) Watch out for out-of-bundle charges. If you exceed your SAWA allowances, the published fallback tariffs (e.g., 2 SAR/MB) apply until you add an extra package or the cycle resets. STC
4) Daily/weekly relief. If you’re about to exceed your monthly data, consider an STC one-time unlimited pass (1–14 days) instead of paying per-MB overage. STC
International calling: where to check Pakistan prices officially
STC consolidates international calling offers (daily/weekly/monthly, sometimes with small data/social bonuses) on its International Calls page. The official flow is: open the page → choose “International Calls” → select the destination (Pakistan) → pick a bundle → activate with the displayed short code to 900. This page changes frequently and is the authoritative place to verify current IDD rates/bundles for Pakistan. STC
If you prefer keeping IDD minutes inside your prepaid plan, scan the SAWA Flex table (which includes international minutes to selected destinations) and confirm whether Pakistan is currently included for your chosen tier. STC
FAQ for Pakistani expats (fast answers)
Does SAWA support 5G? Yes—STC’s SAWA FAQ says all SAWA packages support 5G (coverage/device required), and links to coverage maps from the same page. STC
Can I get short unlimited data without changing my plan? Yes—use One-time Internet Packages to buy 1-day/2-day/1-week/2-week unlimited passes. STC
Is there a simple data-only option for MiFi/tablet? Yes—Quicknet Prepaid (70–600 GB and “Max Unlimited” options) with activation codes to 900. STC
What about roaming data when I land in Pakistan? Activate a Global Roaming package (e.g., 10 days/20 GB, 30 days/50 GB) before travel; Pakistan is listed in the country matrix. STC
Where do I find everything in one place? Start from STC’s Personal homepage to reach Mobile → Packages (SAWA, Postpaid, Quicknet) and Roaming sections. STC
Safety & buying tips (official-first mindset)
- Bookmark official pages and avoid third-party resellers: SAWA prepaid, Quicknet prepaid, Postpaid, International Calls, and Roaming Packages (all linked/cited in this guide). This ensures you’re seeing current prices and codes. STC STC STC
- Activate via MySTC or SMS to 900 only, as shown on the plan card/tables. STC
- Check coverage first if you’re counting on 5G speeds; the SAWA page links to STC’s coverage map. STC
Bottom line
For Pakistanis in KSA, STC gives you three clear paths:
- SAWA prepaid if you want flexible monthly data + local minutes (and, with Flex, bundles of international minutes baked in). STC
- Quicknet prepaid if you want pure data with large buckets or short unlimited passes and dead-simple activation via SMS to 900. STC
- Postpaid (Mofawtar/Prime) if you prefer a single predictable monthly plan with potential roaming/device benefits. STC
Add International Call packs when you need to phone Pakistan, and switch on a Global Roaming bundle before you fly—Pakistan is listed in STC’s roaming country matrix. Do all of it from STC’s official pages so prices, allowances, and codes are current on the day you subscribe. STC
Disclaimer :
The information provided in blog articles and how-to guides on the LinkArabia website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For more information , please read linkarabia disclaimer policy.
