Think of it as a fresh bucket of fast data every day. You choose a daily high-speed amount of 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 10GB, plus the number of days you will be in the Kingdom. Once you use that day’s amount, the connection does not shut off. It slows to unlimited 2G speeds until your usage resets, which happens every 24 hours. Then your full-speed data returns. This setup suits travelers who like predictable daily budgets, whether you are navigating Riyadh traffic, translating menus in Jeddah, or posting photos from AlUla. eSIMnow lets you set the daily tier and duration separately, so you only pay for what your itinerary actually needs.
After your daily high-speed amount is gone, your speed drops to 2G for the rest of that 24-hour cycle. You stay connected with unlimited data, but expect a noticeable slowdown. Messaging apps, email, and light browsing usually still work, while video streaming, large downloads, and map refreshes can crawl. Your full-speed allowance returns when the cycle resets, so one heavy day does not affect the next. If you rely on live navigation or video calls, pick a higher daily tier such as 3GB or 10GB so you rarely reach the limit. Another easy trick is saving big downloads, such as offline maps and playlists, for hotel Wi-Fi before you head out.
Yes, you can use internet-based calling over your eSIM data. This plan is data-only, so it has no traditional voice minutes or SMS, but apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other VoIP services run on the mobile data you purchase. That is how most travelers stay in touch with family and colleagues. Keep in mind that app availability and call features in a country can depend on local rules and the service itself, so if a specific app behaves differently, try another or switch to Wi-Fi. Calls use your daily high-speed data, and video uses much more than voice. A quick voice call over WhatsApp is usually the most data-friendly way to check in, and eSIMnow’s daily tiers make it easy to budget for it.
You can choose 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, or 30 days, which covers everything from a quick business layover to a month-long stay. A short Riyadh meeting might only need 1 or 3 days, while a week touring Jeddah and the Red Sea coast fits the 7-day option. Pilgrims planning an extended Umrah trip, or expats settling in for a few weeks, can opt for 20 or 30 days. Your duration and daily high-speed tier are selected independently, so you can mix, say, 2GB per day for 10 days. Since this plan cannot be topped up, it is smart to add a day of buffer if your return flight might move.
Top-ups are not available on this plan, and the structure is built so you rarely need one. You choose a daily high-speed amount and several days at checkout, and each new 24-hour cycle brings your allowance back. If you use everything early, you drop to unlimited 2G speeds rather than losing service, so essential messaging stays possible. For anyone who wants the option to add data midway through a trip, eSIMnow also offers a separate Saudi Arabia plan with set data amounts that does support top-ups. If you stay with this unlimited option, pick a daily tier slightly above your normal usage, and your connection should hold steady all the way to departure.
This eSIM connects to STC 5G, one of the Kingdom’s leading mobile operators. Your phone joins the network automatically once you arrive and the eSIM is enabled, so there is no carrier menu to navigate. STC is widely used across major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, though signal strength still varies with your exact location, building, and device. Remote desert routes and mountain areas may have weaker coverage than urban centers, which is true of any network. Because this plan relies on a single carrier, it is wise to download offline maps before long drives so you stay oriented even if the signal fades.
No. With this plan, you prepay for your chosen daily data tier and number of days, and eSIMnow does not add hidden roaming charges while you use it in Saudi Arabia. What you see at checkout is what you pay for the eSIM. The thing to watch is your home SIM, which can still roam and bill you at your carrier’s international rates if it is allowed to use data. Before you land, turn off data roaming on that line and make sure your phone uses the eSIM for mobile data. Doing this takes under a minute and protects you from the surprise charges that often show up on bills weeks after a trip.
Yes. The US Unlimited eSIM supports hotspot use, according to eSIMnow's technical specifications. This means you can use a compatible device's hotspot or tethering feature to share the eSIM's mobile data connection with other devices, such as a laptop or tablet. Data used through the hotspot counts toward the plan's applicable daily data usage.
You can buy your eSIM up to 180 days before you travel, and there is no need to activate it right away. The plan’s days only begin counting when the eSIM first links with a network that is supported in Saudi Arabia, so early purchase never shortens your coverage. Many travelers sort this out a week or two before departure, which leaves time to check device compatibility and scan the QR code on home Wi-Fi. That is especially useful for pilgrims and business travelers arriving on tight schedules, since you can step off the plane and connect without hunting for a SIM kiosk. eSIMnow emails your QR code within minutes of purchase, so ordering ahead is easy.
Your device, whether tablet or phone, must be able to support eSIMs and generally needs to be unlocked from its original carrier. Most unlocked iPhones from the XS and XR generation onward work, as do many recent Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android models, though support varies by model and market. Phones bought through a carrier contract are often locked, so check with your provider if you are unsure. The most reliable method is the Device Compatibility checker linked on the plan page, which lets you confirm your exact phone before you pay. If your phone is dual-SIM, you can keep your home SIM active for calls and verification texts while the eSIM handles data during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
