Getting Mobily SIM Card for Tourists – Complete Guide

Traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Ensure seamless internet access during your trip with Mobily SIM and eSIM connectivity solutions. This article provides an overview of two of the top choices for your Saudi Arabia trips

I. Quick Facts about Mobily

Mobily is the second largest mobile network in Saudi Arabia known for its nationwide 4G and 5G services. Here is the information about Mobily Saudi Arabia:

• Founded: 2004
• Full company name: Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
• Types of services provided: Mobile, fixed broadband networks including voice, SMS, data and roaming. IPTV and cloud services.
• Number of subscribers: Over 16 million subscribers as of 2020.
• Coverage: Mobily operates mobile networks across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia providing 2G, 3G, 4G and fiber broadband coverage.
• Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 600 company-owned stores and partner retail outlets across the country.
• Customer support: 24/7 on-call customer support in Arabic, English and Urdu. Support channels include phone, chat, social media and visits to Mobily stores and service centers.

In summary, Mobily has established itself as a major telecommunications provider in Saudi Arabia through continued network expansions and cutting-edge digital offerings that are fueling the nation’s transformation into a connected, technology-driven economy.

II. Why Mobily When You’re Exploring Saudi Arabia – Coverage and Speed

1. Mobily Coverage in Saudi Arabia

Mobily has extensively rolled out its mobile and broadband networks to achieve nationwide coverage across Saudi Arabia. Its mobile networks utilize 2G, 3G and 4G technologies to provide reliable voice and high-speed data access indoors and outdoors to residents across all 13 administrative regions of the country. This includes major metropolitan areas like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam as well as smaller towns and remote villages.

Their 4G LTE network currently blankets over 98% of the population across more than 300 cities and towns. Key metro cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar etc. are covered by 5G but the coverage is still limited compared to 4G.

With such an extensive 4G LTE footprint, strong 5G presence in major cities and 2G/3G fallback, Mobily network ensures reliable connectivity throughout Saudi Arabia for international tourists.

2. Mobily Speed

Mobily prides itself on operating one of the fastest mobile networks in Saudi Arabia, capable of delivering ultra-high speeds for enhanced user experience. According to Opensignal, Mobily recorded median 4G download speeds of around 210.9 Mbps across Saudi Arabia. This places it among the ranks of the fastest telecom operators globally and makes everyday activities like streaming, gaming and social media seamless on the go.

In major metropolitan regions, Mobily’s speeds often surpass even the 210 Mbps mark, sometimes touching as high as 250-300 Mbps. Speeds are reasonably good even in rural areas, averaging above 100 Mbps in most locations.

With diligent network expansion programs, Mobily aims to let Saudis enjoy buffer-free connectivity wherever they are in the Kingdom. Fast and reliable mobile access is sure to augment the growing digital lifestyles in the country.

III. Mobily Connectivity Options for Travelers to Saudi Arabia

As one of the largest mobile operators in the country, Mobily ensures travelers remain well-connected during their visit to Saudi Arabia through a range of flexible connectivity options. These include local SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and roaming. Details are as follows:

Connectivity Option	SIM Card	Pocket WiFi	Roaming
Pros	– Low cost of data packages – Unlimited local connectivity – Coverage across KSA	– Connects up to 10 devices – No changing SIMs needed  – Reliable mobile hotspot	– Uses existing carrier plan – Familiar phone number – No changing SIMs
Cons	– Need compatible phone – Hassle of changing SIMs – May forget to insert SIM	– Higher rental costs – Need to carry extra device – Limited data packages	– Very expensive rates – Data limits surprised  – Slow speeds compared to local

While Public Wifi and International Roaming can be suitable for who don’t need too much data, purchasing a local Mobily SIM card provides the most suitable connectivity solution for travelers staying in KSA.

IV. Best Mobily SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here are some of the best Mobily prepaid SIM card options for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia, along with their costs:

Plan	Data	Calling Minutes	Social Media	Validity	Total Cost (USD)
Prepaid 30	1 GB	100	1 GB	4 weeks	8
Prepaid 75	5+3 GB	500	5+3 GB	4 weeks	20
Prepaid 110	10+15 GB	1500	15+15 GB	4 weeks	29.26
Prepaid 150	20+35 GB	3000	Unlimited	4 weeks	40
Prepaid 180	50+31 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	4 weeks	48
Prepaid 220	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	4 weeks	58.72
Prepaid 360	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	4 weeks	96

Overall, the Mobily SIM provides the best value with high data limits and calling/text. With reliable nationwide 4G coverage, these affordable Mobily SIM cards ensure smooth connectivity throughout travelers to Saudi Arabia. The options suit varying budgets and usage patterns to keep tourists digitally connected.

V. Does Mobily Support eSIM in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Mobily supports eSIM in Saudi Arabia. Some of the key pros of using an eSIM rather than a physical nano-SIM card when traveling include:

• Convenience – eSIM profiles can be activated remotely online or through the Mobily app without needing to insert a SIM card. This saves time spent procuring physical SIMs.
• Environmental friendliness – Being digital, eSIMs produce no electronic waste unlike plastic nano-SIMs. They are a greener option.
• Seamless global roaming – eSIM makes it simpler to purchase international roaming packages on the go for transparent connectivity worldwide.
• Backup SIM profiles – Multiple eSIM profiles from different carriers can be stored digitally on devices for easy switching as needed.

With these advantages, eSIM has emerged as a practical sim solution for travelers relying on their mobile devices during international trips.

VI. Where can You Buy a Mobily SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Mobily SIM card for Saudi Arabia?

As a tourist, you can easily find and purchase Mobily SIM cards at these places across Saudi Arabia:

• Airports – Mobily shops are present at key airports like Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam etc. where you can buy SIM card easily upon arrival.
• Local Mobile Shops – Many authorized resellers also sell Mobily prepaid SIMs in most cities, towns and villages across Saudi.
• Online – Mobily prepaid SIM card can also be ordered online on Mobily website for delivery in Saudi Arabia.

Once you have the SIM, insert it into your unlocked phone and follow activation process. Top-up required to make calls, send SMS and use mobile data.

2. Where to Buy Mobily eSIM in Saudi Arabia?

Mobily eSIM profile has limited availability as it’s still a new technology. You can purchase it via Mobily App. Order Mobily eSIM online from Mobily App. Profile will be emailed for activation. However, Mobily only provides postpaid eSIM and business eSIM packages.

VII. How to Activate Mobily SIM/eSIM in Saudi Arabia?

Activating Mobily SIM/eSIM is an easy task. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

How to Use Mobily SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?

There are two main ways to activate a Mobily SIM card, depending on the type of SIM you have:

1. Self Service Activation (SSA) SIM:

If you have a Mobily Self Service Activation (SSA) SIM, this is a blank SIM that allows you to choose your own plan and activate it yourself. Here’s how to activate it:

• Locate the QR code or activation website: The QR code will likely be on the packaging of your SSA SIM. Alternatively, you can visit the Mobily Self Service Activation website directly at http://mobily.im/ssa.
• Selecting your preferred plan (prepaid or postpaid, voice or data).
• Entering any required information, such as your ID number.
• Completing any verification steps.
• Once you’ve followed the on-screen instructions and completed the verification process, your SSA SIM should be activated and ready to use.

2. Pre-activated SIM:

If you have a pre-activated Mobily SIM, the activation process might already be done. However, you might still need to register the SIM card.

How to Activate Mobily eSIM?

To activate Mobily eSIM on your phone:

1. Get a Mobily eSIM QR code from online store, app or outlet.
2. Make sure your device is connected to WiFi.
3. Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Network.
4. Tap “Add Cellular Plan” or “SIM Card Manager“.
5. Scan the QR code using your device camera.
6. Follow on-screen prompts to activate the eSIM profile.
7. Your Mobily eSIM is now active for calls, texts and data over WiFi or cellular network.

Switch between physical SIM and eSIM profiles easily as needed. Enjoy the convenience!

VIII. Saudi Arabia Mobily Call & SMS Rates

Mobily has competitive voice and data plans to suit different customer budgets and usage needs. Here are the latest Mobily rates for calls and texts while travelling in Saudi Arabia:

ype of Call/SMS	Destination	Rate (SAR)	Rate (USD)
Mobile Calls	Within Mobily Network	SR 0.15/min	$0.04/min
Mobile Calls	Other Networks in KSA	SR 0.25/min	$0.07/min
Landline Calls	Within Mobily Network	SR 0.25/min	$0.07/min
Landline Calls	Other Networks	SR 0.25/min	$0.07/min
International Calls	USA/Canada	SR 1.5/min	$0.40/min
International Calls	India	SR 1/min	$0.27/min
International Calls	Pakistan	SR 0.8/min	$0.21/min
International Calls	Other Countries	Vary	Vary
SMS	Within Mobily Network	SR 0.10/SMS	$0.03/SMS
SMS	Other Networks	SR 0.15/SMS	$0.04/SMS

For travelers and tourists, Mobily provides a reliable network to stay connected via calls, texts and internet access within Saudi Arabia. Overall, Mobily offers good value for money telecom services through its pay-as-you-use as well as volume-based plans and bundles.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Mobily SIM/eSIM

Mobily offers various USSD codes for checking balance, recharging and other self-care functions:

• *100# – Check main account balance
• *101# – Check data balance
• *222*CODE# – Balance transfer from main balance
• *107# – Check remaining plan validity
• *135*ComboCode# – Activates combo pack
• *889# – Customer care menu

Dial the USSD codes directly on your phone dial pad to use it when using Mobily in Saudi Arabia.

X. How to Top-up Mobily SIM/eSIM

To add talktime/data on your Mobily prepaid SIM or eSIM, you need to recharge it through:

• Recharge Cards – Most convenient way. Buy Mobily top-up voucher from local stores, sales centers and recharge.
• Online Top-up – Register your Mobily number on recharge portal for online recharge using credit card.
• Mobily App – MyMobily app allows instant online recharge directly through app using Saudi debit/credit card.
• Bank Transfer – Recharge through bank transfer to your linked Mobily prepaid account.

Minimum top-up amounts start from 10 SAR. Data packs, combo packs available for tourists. Dial *100# to check balance.

XI. Alternatives to Mobily Saudi Arabia

Based on coverage, pricing, offerings and network performance in the kingdom, here are some major alternatives to Mobily Saudi Arabia:

• Zain Saudi Arabia: One of the largest mobile operators in Saudi Arabia. Offers 4G LTE networks and a wide range of plans for postpaid and prepaid customers.
• STC (Saudi Telecom Company): The largest telecom company in Saudi Arabia and the region. Provides nationwide 4G LTE coverage along with mobile, internet, and landline services.

Best Option: Buying an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card from this site has several benefits for tourists. Saudiarabiaesim.com provides affordable package starting from just $5 for 7 days of usage.  It is the most hassle-free and cost-effective option for obtaining cellular data during a Saudi Arabia trip.

XII. FAQs about Mobily in Saudi Arabia

XIII. Final Words

In summary, Mobily SIM cards provide excellent connectivity and speeds for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. Their wide 4G coverage, fast 5G networks, and affordable prepaid plans make them a great local SIM option during your travels. Explore Saudi with the freedom and flexibility of eSIM from saudiarabiaesim.com for dependable, affordable connectivity across the Kingdom