The solution? An eSIM (embedded SIM) that you can download and activate before you even leave home. Your phone will automatically connect to Saudi Arabian networks the moment you land, giving you instant internet access without the hassle. Having used Airalo during my 2024 Hajj and my October 2025 Umrah with excellent results, I wanted to provide a comprehensive comparison of the top eSIM providers for Saudi Arabia to help you choose the best option for your pilgrimage.
What is an Esim and Why do I need one?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that’s built into your smartphone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you simply download a data plan through an app, and your phone connects to local networks automatically when you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Benefits for Hajj pilgrims:
- Instant connectivity upon arrival. The moment your plane lands in Jeddah or Madinah, you’re online. No searching for SIM card vendors, no language barriers, no waiting in lines.
- Affordable data plans. eSIMs are significantly cheaper than international roaming charges from your home carrier, which can cost $10-15 per day or more.
- Easy setup before departure. Download the eSIM app, purchase your plan, and install it before you leave home. Everything is ready when you arrive.
- Keep your primary number. Your phone can use both your home SIM and the eSIM simultaneously, allowing you to receive calls and texts on your regular number while using Saudi data.
- Hotspot capability. Most eSIMs allow you to share your connection with other devices, perfect if you’re traveling with family members who need connectivity.
- No contract or commitment. Pay only for what you need, whether it’s a 7-day plan for a quick Umrah or 30 days for an extended stay.
📱 3 Best eSIMs for Hajj 2026
Stay connected throughout your pilgrimage with instant connectivity upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. No physical SIM cards needed download, activate, and go. All options tested for Umrah use with excellent coverage in Makkah and Madinah.
👤 Author's Personal Experience: Having used Airalo during my 2024 Hajj and October 2025 Umrah with excellent results, the experience was flawless. The moment I landed in Jeddah, my phone connected to Zain's network with strong 4G/5G signal. Throughout my 10-day trip between Makkah and Madinah, I never experienced connection issues perfect for video calls, Google Maps, and sharing my journey with family.
👆 Click any row to visit provider website
Quick Selection Guide
- Best Overall: Airalo ($35 unlimited) - Proven reliability, Zain network, my personal choice
- Best Value: Roamless ($13.95 for 10GB) - FREE 500MB trial, lowest prices
- Premium Choice: Saily ($24.99 for 10GB) - NordVPN security with ad-blocking
- For Heavy Users: Airalo 10-day unlimited - No data worries at all
- For Budget Travelers: Roamless - Test free, then get excellent value
| Provider | Rating | Best Plan | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best Overall
Airalo
Market leader with millions of users. Uses Zain (Saudi's largest carrier) for excellent coverage. Proven reliability with 24/7 support. My personal choice after testing during Umrah.
Visit Airalo →
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.6+ stars
Most trusted |
$35
10-day unlimited
(30GB effective) Or $33/10GB
|
✅ Zain network
✅ 4G/5G speeds
✅ Unlimited option
✅ 24/7 support
✅ Hotspot allowed
|
|
|
💰 Best Value
Roamless
FREE 500MB trial! Lowest prices with Single Global eSIM. Uses Zain network. Perfect for budget travelers who want to test before committing. Credits never expire.
Visit Roamless →
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5+ stars
Rising star |
$13.95
10GB / 30 days
FREE 500MB trial
|
✅ Free 500MB trial
✅ Zain network
✅ Lowest prices
✅ Global eSIM
✅ Unlimited hotspot
|
|
|
💎 Premium
Saily (by NordVPN)
Privacy-focused eSIM backed by NordVPN. Built-in ad-blocking and malicious site protection. Clean app with one-click activation. Data savings through ad blocker.
Visit Saily →
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5+ stars
Trusted brand |
$24.99
10GB / 30 days
Or $36.99/20GB
|
✅ Ad-blocking
✅ 3G/4G/5G
✅ NordVPN backed
✅ Security features
✅ 24/7 support
|
|
🏆 My #1 Recommendation: Airalo
Why I chose Airalo: After using it personally during my Hajj in 2024 and October 2025 Umrah, I can confidently recommend Airalo. Setup took less than 5 minutes. The moment I landed in Jeddah, my phone automatically connected to Zain's network with strong 4G/5G signal. Throughout my 10-day trip, I never had connection issues.
What worked perfectly: Video calls with family back home, uploading photos and videos instantly, Google Maps navigation throughout, streaming Quran recitations, easy data monitoring, excellent 24/7 customer support available anytime.
How to Choose the Right eSIM
For 7-10 day Umrah (typical):
• Budget option: Roamless 10GB ($13.95)
• Best value: Airalo unlimited 10-day ($35)
• Premium: Saily 10GB ($24.99)
Data usage guide:
• Light (1-3GB): Basic navigation, WhatsApp → Roamless 3GB ($5.95)
• Moderate (5-10GB): Regular navigation, social media, calls → Roamless 10GB or Saily 10GB
• Heavy (15GB+): Constant navigation, video calls, streaming → Airalo unlimited ($35)
My specific recommendations:
• First-time eSIM users: Try Roamless free trial, then choose Airalo for peace of mind
• Budget travelers: Roamless 10GB ($13.95) offers unbeatable value
• Heavy data users: Airalo unlimited eliminates all worries
• Privacy-focused: Saily with NordVPN security and ad-blocking
Setup is Simple (All 3 Providers)
Before departure: Check device compatibility, ensure phone is unlocked, download eSIM app, create account, purchase plan, install eSIM (scan QR code).
Upon arrival: Turn on phone, enable data roaming for eSIM, automatic connection to local network, verify connectivity. That's it!
Important: These are data-only eSIMs. Make free calls using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or similar apps. All providers allow hotspot sharing with family members.
How to Set Up Your eSIM: Step-by-Step
The process is similar for all three providers:
Before You Leave Home (1-2 weeks before departure)
- Check device compatibility. Most newer smartphones support eSIM (iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later). Each provider’s website has a compatibility checker.
- Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked. Contact your current carrier to confirm your phone isn’t locked to their network.
- Download the eSIM app. Get Airalo, Roamless, or Saily from your app store.
- Create an account. Register with your email and create a password.
- Choose your Saudi Arabia data plan. Select the plan that matches your trip length and data needs.
- Complete purchase. Pay securely through the app (credit/debit card).
- Install your eSIM. Follow the app’s installation instructions. This usually involves scanning a QR code or automatic installation through the app.
Important: Keep your home SIM card active if you want to receive calls/texts on your regular number.
Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Turn on your phone and ensure the eSIM is enabled in settings.
- Enable data roaming for the eSIM (this is required for eSIMs to work).
- Your phone will automatically connect to the local network. With Airalo and Roamless, this is Zain.
- Verify connectivity by opening a web browser or app.
- Monitor data usage through the eSIM app throughout your trip.
My Final Recommendation
After using Airalo personally and researching all options thoroughly, here’s what I recommend for different situations:
For most Umrah pilgrims: Airalo is my top recommendation. Yes, it’s slightly more expensive than Roamless, but the reliability, proven track record, excellent customer support, and unlimited data option make it worth the extra cost. During Umrah, you don’t want to worry about connectivity issues, and Airalo’s partnership with Zain ensures strong coverage throughout Makkah and Madinah.
For budget-conscious travelers: Roamless offers exceptional value, especially the 10GB plan at $13.95. The free 500MB trial removes all risk, letting you test before committing. If budget is your primary concern and you’re comfortable with a newer provider, Roamless is an excellent choice.
For privacy-focused users: Saily brings NordVPN’s security expertise to eSIM service. If you value ad-blocking and malicious site protection, the extra cost over Roamless is justified. The app is polished and user-friendly.
My specific plan recommendations:
- 7-10 day Umrah: Airalo 10-day unlimited ($35) or Roamless 10GB ($13.95)
- Extended 2-3 week trip: Roamless 20GB ($22.95) or Saily 20GB ($36.99)
- First-time eSIM user: Start with Roamless free trial, then choose Airalo for peace of mind
Heavy data user: Airalo unlimited is the only option that eliminates rationing concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove my regular SIM card?
No. Modern phones support dual SIM functionality. Keep your regular SIM card in for calls/texts on your home number, while the eSIM provides Saudi data.
Can I share my eSIM data with family members?
Yes, all three providers allow hotspot/tethering, so you can share your connection with other devices.
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip?
All three providers allow easy top-ups through their apps. You can purchase additional data without installing a new eSIM.
Will this work for navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze?
Absolutely. All three eSIMs provide fast enough data for real-time navigation throughout Saudi Arabia.
Can I make phone calls?
These are data-only eSIMs, so traditional phone calls aren’t included. However, you can make free calls through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or similar apps using your data.
How fast will my internet be?
With Airalo and Roamless using Zain’s network, expect consistent 4G/5G speeds in Makkah, Madinah, and major cities. Saily’s speeds vary by location and local carrier.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you leave home (1-2 weeks before is ideal). The data plan won’t activate until you arrive in Saudi Arabia, so installing early doesn’t waste any data.
What if I have connection problems?
All three providers offer customer support. Airalo and Saily have 24/7 live chat. Most connection issues are resolved by ensuring data roaming is enabled and restarting your phone.
Final Thoughts
Staying connected during your Hajj shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. An eSIM eliminates the hassle of finding local SIM cards, saves money compared to international roaming, and gives you peace of mind with instant connectivity.
Having experienced the convenience firsthand with Airalo during my own Hajj and Umrah, I can confidently say that investing in a reliable eSIM is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your pilgrimage. The ability to navigate confidently, stay in touch with family, and share your spiritual journey makes the experience so much richer.
Whichever provider you choose, download and install your eSIM before departure, test it to ensure it’s working, and then focus on what truly matters: your connection with Allah and the blessed journey ahead.
May Allah accept your Hajj and make your planning and travel easy.
Disclaimer: Pricing and plans are accurate as of January 2026 but are subject to change. Always verify current pricing on each provider’s website before purchase. This guide provides general information only. For specific technical issues or device compatibility questions, contact the eSIM provider directly.