Saudi Arabia eSIM

For a 1–2 week Umrah most people are happy with 5 GB to 10 GB: enough for WhatsApp calls home, maps, Nusuk and photos. If you share data with family through hotspot, choose 10 GB or more. See the Umrah eSIM guide for a pack-by-trip table.

Yes. The eSIM connects to local Saudi networks, which cover Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh and the routes between them.

Nusuk is the official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah platform for Umrah and Rawdah permits. Like any app it needs an internet connection, so the eSIM’s data or hotel Wi‑Fi both do the job.

WhatsApp messages work normally. WhatsApp voice and video calls have widely been reported working in Saudi Arabia since early 2025, but the regulator (CST) has not announced an official change, so keep a normal phone call as a backup.

Not always. On 2 November 2026, counting the tax on prepaid recharges, Ufone’s Saudi buckets cost less per GB than our 30-day packs up to 20 GB, while our packs cost less than similar Jazz and Zong bundles. Roaming keeps your Pakistani number working. The full, dated table is in Umrah packages vs eSIM.

Yes. Buy it here, then forward the QR code to them on WhatsApp. Their phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. It is easiest to install it together at home, on Wi‑Fi, before they fly.

No, it is data only, so there are no SIM-swap or registration steps. Keep your home number on your main SIM for calls and texts, and use WhatsApp over the eSIM data. Here is how to keep your WhatsApp number.

The validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Saudi Arabia, not when you buy it. Install it before you travel, then switch the eSIM line and data roaming on when you land.

Yes. Hotspot and tethering are allowed, so you can share data with a laptop or family members.

Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Look for an EID in Settings → General → About on iPhone (on many phones, dialling *#06# shows it too). Carrier-locked phones, including most JV iPhones, usually cannot add another network’s eSIM. See eSIM phones in Pakistan.

Pay in rupees with JazzCash, Easypaisa or bank transfer and upload the receipt. Your QR code arrives on WhatsApp and email within 6 hours of the payment being confirmed.