Quick answer: The easiest way to stay connected during Umrah or Hajj is a Saudi Arabia travel eSIM, installed before you fly. You get a QR code by email, scan it at home over Wi-Fi, and your phone is online the moment you land in Jeddah, Makkah or Madinah. A 5GB / 30-day plan costs $15.90 — enough for maps, WhatsApp with family, and sharing the moment, without hunting for a SIM shop after a long flight.
- Data-only — your own number stays in the phone for calls and WhatsApp.
- Install before you fly; validity starts on first connection in Saudi Arabia, not at purchase.
- Groups and travel agencies can order in bulk, with per-person pricing that drops as group size grows.
- 180-day refund if the eSIM is never installed.
Umrah and Hajj already come with enough to think about — packing, timing, keeping the group together. Data shouldn't be one more thing to figure out after a nine-hour flight. This guide covers what you actually need: how much data, what it costs, how to set it up, and what to do if you're travelling with a group.
Why connectivity matters more on this trip
Between the Haram and your hotel, in Jeddah, Makkah or Madinah, you'll lean on your phone more than usual: maps to find your way back, WhatsApp to keep family updated, and your group chat to stay together in large crowds. Arriving with your phone already online — instead of searching for a SIM shop after a long flight — removes one real source of stress from the trip.
eSIM vs. a local SIM card
A physical SIM means finding a shop after you land, working out the paperwork, and losing your home number from the tray while it's in use. An eSIM is installed digitally, before you leave home, over Wi-Fi. Your physical SIM stays exactly where it is — you keep your own number for calls and WhatsApp, and the eSIM only carries data.
How much data do you actually need
It depends on the length of your trip and how you'll use it:
- Short trip (7 days), light use — maps and messaging only: 1-3GB is usually enough.
- Standard Umrah trip (up to 30 days) — maps, calls over WhatsApp, photos and videos to share: 5GB is a comfortable middle ground.
- Extended stay or Hajj season, or sharing with family — 10-20GB gives more room, especially if you're using hotspot for a second device.
Current pricing (Saudi Arabia eSIM, data-only, USD)
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB / 7 days | $3.90 |
| 3GB / 30 days | $10.90 |
| 5GB / 30 days | $15.90 |
| 10GB / 30 days | $24.90 |
| 20GB / 30 days | $38.90 |
See the full Saudi Arabia eSIM plans. Also visiting the UAE, Qatar or other Gulf countries on the same trip? A Gulf regional eSIM (5GB / 30 days, $23.90) covers Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq on one plan.
Setting up your eSIM (do this before you fly)
- Connect to Wi-Fi at home. You'll receive a QR code by email a few minutes after payment.
- Scan the QR code in your phone's cellular settings, or enter the activation details manually. Takes about two minutes.
- Turn the eSIM line on and leave Data Roaming enabled for it.
- Keep your home line active for calls, and set cellular data to the new eSIM line.
- Land and connect. Your plan's validity starts on first connection in Saudi Arabia, not at purchase — so there's no rush and no wasted days if your flight changes.
Check Device Compatibility before you buy — you'll need an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone.
Organizing a group? For travel agencies and group leaders
If you're arranging Umrah or Hajj travel for a group, mobile data can be handled the same way as the rest of the trip — arranged in advance, one QR code per traveller, delivered as a single batch.
Two ways agencies typically use this:
- Resell it — add it to your package at your own margin.
- Bundle it in — market your package as "connectivity included," which many agencies find sets them apart.
Group pricing (per person, based on the 5GB / 30-day Saudi Arabia plan) drops as group size grows:
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 10-19 travellers | $12.90 |
| 20-49 travellers | $11.90 |
| 50-99 travellers | $10.90 |
| 100+ travellers | $9.90 |
We're happy to send a free test eSIM so you can try it yourself before committing. Get in touch with your group size and travel dates, and we'll put together a quote.
FAQ
Will I lose my phone number?
No. Your physical SIM stays in the phone and keeps your number for calls and WhatsApp. The eSIM only carries data.
Does it work in both Makkah and Madinah?
Yes — the Saudi Arabia eSIM covers the whole country on the STC network, including Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
When does my plan start counting down?
On first connection in Saudi Arabia, not at purchase. Install it at home before you fly without worrying about the clock.
Can I get a refund if my trip changes?
Yes — a full refund is available within 180 days if the eSIM was never installed.
What if I'm also visiting other Gulf countries?
The Gulf regional eSIM covers Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq on a single plan.
Browse the full Umrah & Hajj eSIM collection, or get in touch if you're planning for a group.