The issue of GSM networks in Saudi Arabia is a question asked by many travellers to this country. So, if you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for tourism in the near future? Moving house? To carry out the Hajj or the Umrah ?
Whatever your reason for visiting the country, it goes without saying that you're going to need your phone. Saudi Arabia is a very connected country! GSM networks are highly developed !
GSM networks in Saudi Arabia
GSMor Global System for Mobile communicationis the term used to describe the various terminals and equipment compatible with your mobile phone.
All GSM operators in Saudi Arabia offer 4G internet access. The " packages without commitment " are plentiful, which is handy for tourists and pilgrims alike to avoid cancellation charges.
What's more, the package and options you choose will depend on your needs. And how long you want to stay in the land of Islam's holy places.
Mobile operators in Saudi Arabia
You can choose between 6 mobile operators. Granted, the range is not as extensive as in France. But the advantage is that it's much easier to find what you're looking for:
- Mobily : This GSM network, which has been in operation since 2004, mainly covers major cities throughout Saudi Arabia;
- STC : or Saudi Telecom Company, is the operator with the broadest coverage in the Kingdom of Arabia, and is the incumbent operator, rather like France Telecom in France.
- Zain: It is one of the latest operators to enter the GSM network market in Saudi Arabia, after STC and Mobily. And it is proving to be very successful.
- Lebara : The network Lebara Saudi Arabia is very recent, and can be easily topped up online. Whether it's you or someone you know!
- Virgin Mobile : This type of top-up, whether instant or PIN, is easy to top up online.
- Friendi Mobile : you can also opt for Friendi Mobile, which lets you top up your credit online in just a few seconds.
Documents required and formalities concerning theGSM networks in Saudi Arabia
To obtain a chip, telephone agencies are very common around holy places, but also in airports, often in the form of small street kiosks.. The following documents must be presented :
- Firstly, your passport
- A fingerprinting will be compulsory for the purchase of a telephone chip.
Please note: Do you already have a chip purchased during a previous stay in Saudi Arabia? You should know that this chip has probably been deactivated if it has been in use for more than six months.
For those who want to make the Hajj or Umrah
You are travelling to Saudi Arabia to make the great pilgrimage to Mecca or the Umrah? So you should know that GSM shops are all available in the vicinity of the two holy mosques at the Mecca and Medina.
As a result, a number of offers are available, with "special hajj and omra" packages for less than €15 a month.
But, what's more, you can even take advantage of a package with a mobile phone included. And all at very affordable prices!
Some invaluable advice!
Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, there are a few things you should know:
- Your phone must be unlocked to insert your new chip. If not, you can always buy a telephone on site.
- We will we advise against keeping your French chip to make local calls. Off-peak calls are very expensive for just a few minutes.
- It is possible to buy your chip from street vendors, but we do not recommend this option. Because if you need to top up your card, you could run into a few problems!
- What's more, you can use internet communication networks using applications such as WhatsApp, Imo or Viber to make free calls by activating a VPN on your mobile. It will be possible to connect to Wifi at your hotel or place of residence.
- Finally, depending on where you want to go in Saudi Arabia, it is possible to consult the GSM network map. To find out about network coverage of the various operators. Maybe this will help you make the right choice!
THE HARAMAIN VOYAGES TEAM
