Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Saudi Arabia uses 230V / 60Hz, and the main socket is Type G (the British three-pin plug); Types A and B also appear in some places. Bring a Type G adapter; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.
- Voltage
- 230V / 60Hz
- Sockets
- Type G (A/B in places)
- Adapter
- Type G needed
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are STC (Saudi Telecom), Mobily and Zain, with strong nationwide 4G/5G. Prepaid SIMs are sold at airports, operator shops and malls. You must show your passport to register a SIM, as ID is required by law.
- Operators
- STC, Mobily, Zain
- Where
- Airports, shops, malls
- Register
- Passport required
- Nationwide 4G/5G coverage is strong
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM travel plans are a convenient option: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. STC, Mobily and Zain also support eSIM, though buying a local eSIM in person still needs your passport for registration.
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM
- Local eSIM
- Passport for registration
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and shopping malls across Saudi Arabia and is generally good. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking, and a local SIM or eSIM helps for reliable data when out and about.
- Availability
- Hotels, cafés, malls
- Quality
- Generally good
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- A SIM/eSIM helps for reliable on-the-go data
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Most apps and services work normally in Saudi Arabia, and past restrictions on VoIP calling apps have largely eased in recent years. Some content is filtered and there is sensitivity around religious and political topics online, so browse respectfully and mindfully.
- Apps
- Most work normally
- VoIP
- Restrictions largely eased
- Content
- Some filtering; be respectful
- Be mindful around religious and political topics online
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include Uber and Careem for ride-hailing, Absher and Tawakkalna for government services, mada Pay and STC Pay for payments, and Google Maps for navigation. Contactless card and mobile payment are widely accepted in cities.
- Ride-hailing
- Uber, Careem
- Government
- Absher, Tawakkalna
- Payment
- mada Pay, STC Pay
- Contactless and mobile payment widely accepted in cities
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Saudi Arabia's country code is +966. App-based calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar) are widely used, and past VoIP restrictions have largely eased. Save numbers in full +966 format so they work from any network.
- Country code
- +966
- Calls
- App-based widely used
- VoIP
- Restrictions largely eased
- Save numbers in full +966 international format