STC SIM & eSIM in Saudi Arabia – Complete Tourist Guide

Travelling to Saudi Arabia? Staying connected is essential — whether for navigation, calls, or keeping in touch with loved ones. STC (Saudi Telecom Company) offers both physical SIM and eSIM options tailored for visitors. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from coverage and pricing to activation and alternatives.

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Quick Facts About STC Saudi Arabia

• Full name: Saudi Telecom Company (STC)

• Founded: 1998

• Services: Mobile telephony, fixed-line, internet, data, digital solutions

• Subscriber base: Over 33 million users (as of 2022)

• Network reach: 4G LTE covers over 95–98% of the Saudi population

• Retail footprint: More than 2,000 STC stores and authorized outlets across the Kingdom

• Support: 24/7 customer service through phone, chat, in-store, and social media

STC continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, particularly in 5G rollout in major cities, making it among the strongest mobile operators in Saudi Arabia.

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STC Coverage & Network Speed

Coverage

STC has one of the broadest footprints in Saudi Arabia. Its 4G LTE network reaches most cities, towns, and even rural areas. This wide coverage ensures that tourists seldom encounter dead zones, especially along major roads and in urban centers.

Major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam also enjoy 5G service, where available, for faster data experiences.

Speed

Independent tests (e.g. Ookla) have consistently placed STC among the top networks for average download and upload speeds. In many urban areas, 4G speeds can exceed 200 Mbps. Even in less dense areas, users report respectable speeds sufficient for streaming, video calls, and general web use.

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Connectivity Options for Tourists

When visiting Saudi Arabia, here are your main connectivity options:

For most travelers, a local prepaid SIM or eSIM is the best balance of cost and convenience.

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Best STC Plans for Tourists & Pricing

STC offers a variety of prepaid (SAWA) plans catering to different usage levels. Some sample plans are:

Note: “Social” data typically applies to social media apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram) under the plan’s fair usage policy.

Choose a plan aligned with your travel duration and data/call habits — heavier users may benefit from “Flex,” while light users often find “Basic” sufficient.

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Does STC offer eSIM?

Yes — STC supports eSIM, allowing travelers to bypass physical SIM cards altogether. With eSIM:

• You can purchase and activate your plan online.

• Your device must be eSIM-compatible.

• You scan a QR code or manually enter eSIM details.

• Verify your identity (passport) during setup.

This option is especially convenient for visitors who want connectivity immediately, without needing to visit a shop.

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Where to Buy STC SIM & eSIM

Physical SIM

• STC stores: Found in malls and commercial districts

• Airport counters: Many international airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) have STC kiosks

• Online: You can sometimes order a SIM via the STC website with delivery in 1–2 days (with identity verification)

eSIM

• STC official website: Purchase eSIM online

• Partner eSIM platforms: Some travel eSIM providers offer STC-compatible plans

• Activation: Delivered via QR code or code input — no physical SIM needed

When buying, you’ll need your passport details for registration and verification.

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How to Activate STC SIM or eSIM

Activating a Physical SIM

1. Insert the SIM into your phone

2. Power on the device

3. Your phone should detect the STC network automatically

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4. If needed, configure APN (Access Point Name) settings

5. Check the balance or services to confirm activation

Activating an eSIM

1. On iPhone: go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan

2. On Android: go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs / Mobile Plans

3. Scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually

4. Submit your passport/identity verification if prompted

5. Enable the eSIM plan as your active mobile line

Once set up, you can make calls, send SMS, and use data as with a physical SIM.

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STC Call & SMS Rates for Tourists

Here’s a snapshot of typical rates with STC prepaid:

• Calls within the same network: Often free or included

• Calls to other local networks: ~ SAR 0.55 per minute

• Calls to short codes / special numbers: May vary (e.g. SAR 0.15 per minute after included minutes)

• SMS local within network: ~ SAR 0.25

• SMS to other networks: ~ SAR 0.35

Always check your plan’s inclusions; many of these costs are covered up to certain limits under monthly or travel packages.

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Useful USSD Codes for STC

USSD codes let you access services quickly via your phone’s dialer:

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• *100# — Check prepaid balance

• *101# — Check data balance

• *140*number# — Call forwarding

• *124*PIN# — Change SIM PIN

• *125*newPIN*newPIN# — Change PUK

• *122*0# or *122*1# — Toggle call waiting

• *111# — Access STC customer service menu

Dial these codes to manage your account without needing apps or websites.

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How to Top-Up STC SIM / eSIM

When your balance runs low, here are convenient top-up methods:

• mySTC app: Log in and recharge using credit/debit cards

• STC stores / retail outlets: Buy a voucher or top-up in person

• Online top-up platforms: Available globally (for prepaid SIMs)

• Voucher codes: Scratch cards or digital vouchers

Top-ups not only add credit but also extend your SIM validity period.

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Alternatives to STC

While STC is a top choice, here are some other providers to consider:

• Mobily: The second-largest operator also offers tourist SIMs

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• Zain: A major operator with good coverage in Saudi Arabia

• Virgin Mobile (MVNO): Uses Mobily’s infrastructure; specializes in data plans

Depending on your location or specific usage, these can be viable alternatives.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a prepaid SIM for tourists?
A: Yes. STC offers “Travel SIM” options tailored for tourists.

Q: Does STC SIM work outside Saudi Arabia?
A: Typically, no. STC prepaid SIMs are designed for domestic use. Roaming is limited and costly.

Q: What is the validity of the STC prepaid SIM?
A: Most travel SIMs and top-up credits are valid for 180 days from the date of recharge or last use.

Q: How do I check my balance?
A: Dial *100# to view your remaining credit and validity.

Q: How do I recharge my STC SIM?
A: Use the mySTC app, visit STC outlets, or use vouchers / online platforms to top up.

Q: Is there public WiFi under STC?
A: Yes — STC offers a public WiFi service called TAWAL, available at malls, airports, and cafes across Saudi Arabia.

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Final Thoughts

For tourists visiting Saudi Arabia, STC offers robust connectivity options — whether via a physical SIM card or an eSIM. With broad national coverage, fast speeds, and accessible retail presence, STC remains a top pick for staying online.

If you prefer total convenience without needing to buy or swap hardware, the eSIM path is ideal. Otherwise, a prepaid SIM with the right plan gives flexibility and local calling as needed.

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