Saudi SIM Card, Internet Data Offer, and Bangladesh Calling Guide 2026

1. Saudi Arabia's Top Telecom Operators and Types of SIMs

As soon as an expatriate sets foot in Saudi Arabia, their first and most essential need is to acquire a working mobile SIM card. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the strongest digital infrastructure in the Middle East, where modern technology has spread extremely rapidly. Communications and technology in Saudi Arabia are regulated by the country's top government regulatory body, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST, formerly known as CITC). Under this regulator's extremely strict and modern guidelines, no one in the country can use a SIM card that is nameless, under a pseudonym, or without biometric registration. Every connection is centrally linked directly to the expatriate's passport or Iqama number.

Saudi Arabia's mobile market is served mainly by three major infrastructure network operators, along with several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that lease their networks:

STC (Saudi Telecom Company): Saudi Arabia's oldest, largest, and state-owned telecom giant. STC's network is extremely strong in every corner of the country, on desert highways, in industrial areas, and even in remote villages. STC's prepaid brand is "Sawa," which is extremely well-regarded among expatriate brothers. Mobily (Etihad Etisalat): Mobily, an affiliate of the UAE's Etisalat, is Saudi Arabia's second-largest operator. Their 4G and 5G network is extremely fast in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam. Mobily is especially most popular for its affordable social media data packs for expatriates. Zain (Zain KSA): Kuwait-based telecom company Zain is Saudi Arabia's third major operator. Zain is widely popular among the youth and urban professionals for its cutting-edge 5G technology and affordable data offers. Zain often provides unlimited internet facilities at competitive prices. Virtual Operators (MVNOs): Using the towers of the three main companies, Virgin Mobile (STC tower), Red Bull Mobile (Zain tower), Salam Mobile (Zain tower), and Lebara KSA (Mobily tower) provide affordable service. Among these, Lebara and Virgin offer extremely excellent and affordable minute bundles for direct voice calls to Bangladesh and India.

Prepaid or Postpaid — Which Is Safer for Expatriates?

Two types of SIM subscription are mainly available in Saudi Arabia:

Prepaid SIM: The customer first recharges money through a card or digital banking and purchases data or minute packs with that balance. Using a prepaid SIM is the safest option for 95% of expatriates. This is because there is no risk of any hidden charge or unexpected bill at the end of the month. If the money runs out, the connection will stop, but no legal liability will be created. Postpaid SIM: A specific amount of postpaid bill arrives each month after usage (e.g., 100 or 200 riyal per month). If for any reason an expatriate loses their job or is unable to pay this bill while leaving the country, the Saudi telecom authority puts the SIM on a directory blacklist, and a government fine or travel ban can be issued on the CITC and Absher portals. So it is wise to avoid a contract-based postpaid SIM.

To verify your legal digital identity and Absher account information, you can check our special Saudi Iqama Check and Absher Portal Guide.

2. Rules for Biometric SIM Registration at the Airport and Telecom Outlets

In light of Saudi Arabia's national security policy, it is mandatory for every active mobile connection to be linked to a specific civic identity. A digital biometric system has been launched nationwide to completely stop selling SIMs under fake addresses.

Sequential rules for buying a SIM for newly arrived expatriates:

a. Buying a SIM from the airport with the passport's border number:

When an expatriate lands in Saudi Arabia for the first time with a new visa, they can buy a SIM from the kiosk outside the immigration hall before leaving the airport. Since a new expatriate does not yet have a plastic Iqama card or a 10-digit resident number, they must obtain the SIM by presenting the 10-digit border number (Border Number / رقم الحدود) stamped on the passport at the immigration counter, along with the original passport. This SIM's initial term is a maximum of 90 days (3 months). Within these 90 days, when the employer creates your permanent Iqama card, you must go to the relevant telecom shop and transfer the SIM under the border number to your Iqama number (Transfer to Iqama). Otherwise, after 90 days, the SIM will be automatically deactivated.

b. Buying a SIM through a permanent Iqama and the Nafath app:

Those who already have a valid Saudi Iqama can easily obtain a SIM from any authorized telecom shop, supermarket, or cellular booth in the city. When the seller enters your Iqama number into the machine, a special QR code or OTP will be generated. Then you must go to your own Nafath app and confirm that code, and provide a fingerprint on the machine. Within moments, the SIM will be registered on the central server and activated in your name.

Strict legal warning: Under no circumstances should you buy an "active SIM" previously registered in someone else's name from a street hawker, an open footpath, or a stranger. Similarly, do not buy a SIM under your own Iqama for a friend, roommate, or stranger. Under the Saudi Communications and Space Commission's (CST) strict law, if any cyberbullying, unauthorized financial transactions, hundi promotion, or criminal messages are exchanged through a SIM under your Iqama, you will be arrested immediately as the SIM's registered owner even if the actual offender is not identified. An expatriate can keep a maximum of 2 voice SIM cards active under their own Iqama.

3. Real Capability Comparison of the STC, Mobily, and Zain Networks

The SIM operator should be chosen based on the scope of your work and the city you live in. Not every network provides equal speed or performance everywhere in Saudi Arabia. A documented comparison of the top three operators is presented below:

4. List of Affordable Monthly Data and Unlimited Social Media Packages

After a whole day's back-breaking labor abroad, staying in touch with family at home at night, listening to waz (religious talks) or news on YouTube, and spending time on Facebook is one of the sources of mental peace for every expatriate. However, if the correct data pack is not activated, recharged money can be cut in just a few hours. Details of the Saudi operators' most beneficial packages are given below:

Some of the most popular monthly prepaid data offers:

a. STC Sawa popular bundles:

Sawa Share Plus: Monthly price 115 riyal (132.25 riyal with 15% VAT). Includes 10 GB core internet, unlimited social media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp), and unlimited calls on all local networks. Activation code: go to the mobile message option, write 7115, and send it to 900. Sawa Like Plus: Monthly price 75 riyal (86.25 riyal with VAT). Includes 5 GB data, 10 GB social media, and 500 local minutes. Code: write 7075 and send to 900. Sawa Star Plus: Monthly 240 riyal (excluding VAT). 100 GB data, unlimited social media, and unlimited local minutes. Code: write 7240 and send to 900.

b. Mobily affordable mega offers:

Mobily 150 prepaid pack: Monthly 150 Saudi riyal. 20 GB regular internet and completely unlimited social media. That is, no data limit will run out while watching YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Also includes 2250 minutes of local talktime. Activation code: write 150 in a message and send to 1100. Mobily 220 bundle: Monthly 220 riyal. 100 GB core data + unlimited social media + unlimited calls to any local network. Code: write 220 and send to 1100. Mobily 75 bundle: Monthly 75 riyal. 5 GB regular net + 10 GB social media + 500 minutes. Code: write 75 and send to 1100.

c. Zain internet packages:

Zain Shabab 149: Monthly 149 Saudi riyal. 30 GB core internet + completely unlimited YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp + 3000 minutes of local calls. Code: write S149 and send to 959. Zain Unlimited 5G WiFi SIM: For those who live together with 5-6 people in a mess, Zain's unlimited 5G router SIM card is available for about 198 to 250 riyal per month, which can be inserted into a 5G WiFi router so that everyone in the mess can use ultra-HD speed together.

Tips: Before buying any data pack, install the official operator app (such as mySTC, Mobily App, or Zain App) on your mobile. Exclusive 20% to 30% discount vouchers and extra free data bonuses are often available inside the app.

5. Effective Ways to Make Free Audio and Video Calls from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh

Saudi Arabia's telecom regulatory body, CST, has applied filtering on the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic of some popular international communication apps for the sake of domestic operators' security audits and commercial data protection. As a result, if you try to make a direct WhatsApp audio call or Facebook Messenger video call using ordinary WiFi or data in Saudi Arabia, the connection does not form on the other end, or no sound can be heard.

Safe apps that work smoothly without any VPN:

1. BOTIM (Ultra Call):

The safest, most stable, and government-approved HD calling application for expatriates across the Middle East is BOTIM. BOTIM is completely unblocked on every mobile and broadband network in Saudi Arabia. If the BOTIM app is installed on your family's mobile in Bangladesh, you can make crystal-clear audio and video calls completely free from anywhere in Saudi Arabia. There is no hassle of call drops or background noise.

2. IMO:

IMO is the most familiar and popular among families in remote areas of Bangladesh. IMO audio and video calls generally work normally most of the time in Saudi Arabia. However, if the internet speed is weak, call quality can decrease somewhat. The IMO HD version provides even better performance on the Saudi network.

3. Google Meet:

Google's own service "Google Meet" is completely unblocked and 100% legal for clear group calls with multiple family members at once. Simply create a meeting link with a Google account (Gmail) and send it to your wife, children, or parents' WhatsApp at home, and they can click the link and join a clear video call for hours without any hassle.

4. Zoom and Microsoft Teams:

Since Zoom and Microsoft Teams are approved under all of Saudi Arabia's educational and commercial policies for official work and family conversations, there is never any filtering or blocking on their audio and video streaming.

5. International bundles for talking cheaply on a regular phone call:

If there is no internet at home, or you need to talk on an ordinary button phone, special international minute bundles can be bought from STC and Mobily. For example, a Bangladesh special minute card is available on STC for just 20 or 30 riyal, through which you can talk directly to a regular mobile number at home at a cost of just 25 to 30 halalas per minute, without any internet.

6. The Legal Provisions for Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia and the Strictness of Cyber Crime Law

A serious misconception is prevalent among a large section of Bangladeshi expatriates that using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) makes everything on the phone completely hidden and that doing so causes no problem. The reality is that Saudi Arabia's cyberspace is subject to one of the world's strictest digital intelligence surveillance systems.

Is a VPN Directly Banned in Saudi Arabia?

VPN technology is not legally entirely illegal. Saudi Arabia's banks, universities, hospitals, multinational oil companies (such as Aramco), and IT establishments use licensed enterprise VPNs for their own business data confidentiality and encryption. But when an ordinary user uses a VPN for the purpose of browsing a website filtered or banned by the Saudi government, gambling, spreading political rumors, or watching obscene content, it is directly considered a punishable offense under the country's Anti-Cyber Crime Law (Royal Decree No. M/17).

Serious financial and legal risks of using a free VPN:

Banking wallet hacking and money theft: So-called free VPN apps downloaded from the Google Play Store are actually hackers' data collection traps. When you keep the VPN on and try to log into Al Rajhi, SNB, Urpay, or STC Pay apps, they can steal your banking credentials and OTP and take away all the riyal in the account. In addition, if a VPN is detected on Saudi banks' AI security systems, the user's online account is immediately locked for security purposes. Extreme punishment under cyber crime law: Under Saudi Arabia's cyber law, using an unauthorized proxy to violate government security filters or engaging in anti-state activities can result in a fine of up to 500,000 to 5,000,000 Saudi riyal and 1 to 5 years of hard-labor imprisonment. After the sentence, that expatriate is sent home with a lifetime ban on entering Saudi Arabia.

Probashi App's humble advice: Do not put your own life's security and earnings at risk for such a trivial reason as talking on WhatsApp at home. As an alternative to WhatsApp, use government-recognized and transparent apps like BOTIM or Google Meet without any VPN.

7. eSIM Facility, Charges, and Activation Method

One of the most revolutionary technologies in modern smartphones is the eSIM (Embedded SIM). It is not a separate plastic chip, but a microchip permanently attached to the phone's motherboard. Saudi Arabia's STC, Mobily, and Zain are providing eSIMs to customers through a completely digital method.

Extraordinary benefits of eSIM for expatriates:

Prevention of mobile theft or robbery: With a plastic SIM, if the phone is stolen, the thief first removes the SIM card and throws it away, as a result of which the phone cannot be tracked. But an eSIM can never be physically removed from the phone. So a lost smartphone can be instantly tracked using "Find My iPhone" or "Find My Device" with the help of the internet. Full benefit of dual SIM: In phones like the iPhone, where there is only one plastic SIM slot, adding an eSIM allows two separate numbers to run simultaneously. For example, one Saudi local SIM and another Bangladesh roaming SIM. Instant operator change: A new eSIM profile can be downloaded and the connection activated with digital payment inside the app, without going to any shop.

5 easy steps to activate an eSIM:

Confirm from your phone's settings whether the phone supports eSIM (all models from iPhone XS onward, Samsung S20 onward flagship models, etc.). Select the "Migrate to eSIM" option from the official telecom app (mySTC or Mobily) or apply by going to customer care. A government charge of about 25 to 50 Saudi riyal may apply. The company will provide you with a digital voucher containing a special QR code. Go to your phone's Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM. When the camera opens, scan the voucher's QR code and press "Install Cellular Plan." Within just 1 minute, the 5G network will be activated on your phone.

8. Necessary Short Codes for Checking Balance and Data, and SADAD Digital Recharge

For expatriates' daily convenience, it is wise to memorize or save in mobile contacts the most necessary short codes (USSD Codes) of the three top operators:

Cashless Recharge with SADAD and Digital Wallets

In today's digital age, the days of going to a shop to buy a paper card and scratching it with your nail are over. You can instantly recharge your mobile balance and buy a data pack by logging into the Al Rajhi Tahweel, Urpay, STC Pay, or Mobily Pay wallet on your smartphone, going to the bill payment section, and selecting SADAD directly (SADAD Bill Code: STC-001, Mobily-005, Zain-044). To get cashback benefits on a legal digital wallet, follow our Saudi Riyal Rate and Digital Wallet Guide.

9. Common SIM Card Complications and Easy Solutions

In everyday life, expatriates often face various confusions and technical complications with SIM cards. Immediate solutions to some commonly seen problems are presented below:

Problem 1: Internet not working despite data being on

Solution: First check the phone's APN (Access Point Name) settings. For STC, the APN must be jawalnet.com.sa; for Mobily, web1 or web2; and for Zain, zain. Also try restarting the phone once, or turn on flight mode for 10 seconds and turn it off.

Problem 2: What to do if the SIM card is lost or damaged?

Solution: If the SIM card is lost, go to the relevant operator's customer care center immediately without delay. Using your original Iqama card and biometric fingerprint through the Nafath app, you can collect a replacement SIM with the same number for just 25 riyal. The old SIM will be deactivated immediately.

Problem 3: Balance being deducted unnecessarily on the phone (value-added service)

Solution: Often, unknowingly clicking on an advertisement link activates various paid services that deduct 1-2 riyal daily or weekly. To stop all paid services on STC, write U in a message and send to 800444. On Mobily, write unsub all and send to 1100, and on Zain, write STOP and send to 959.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

eSIM Activation in Saudi Arabia and the Multiple SIM Card Protection Policy

For expatriates using modern smartphones, using a digital eSIM instead of a plastic SIM card is becoming increasingly popular day by day. A current physical SIM can be converted to an eSIM at any time for just 25 to 50 riyal in fees through the STC (mySTC), Mobily (Mobily App), or Zain app.

Its biggest advantage is that a Bangladesh roaming SIM and a Saudi Arabia local high-speed data SIM can be kept active on one phone at the same time. As a result, OTPs from banks and bKash at home can be easily received, while at the same time Saudi Arabia's high-speed 5G network can be enjoyed uninterrupted. In addition, regularly checking at least once a month through the CST app how many unauthorized SIMs are active under your Iqama and quickly blocking unfamiliar SIMs is essential for legal security.