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Apps and calls · Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: WhatsApp and calling apps with a travel eSIM

Saudi Arabia: what official sources say about voice and video calls over apps such as WhatsApp, and what a data only travel eSIM does for your phone.

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In short

  • Calls and apps: In September 2017 the regulator lifted its block on internet voice and video apps that meet its requirements.
  • Your eSIM: data only, with no phone number. Messaging and calling apps run on that data.
  • eSIM: install it at home, and your phone has data when you land.
Confirmation screen: your eSIM is ready, with Install nowInstall guide with the Install on this iPhone button

What the official source says

  • SourceCITC, cst.gov.sa, 20 September 2017
  • What it saysThe statement of 20 September 2017 says the block on all internet applications with voice and video features that meet the regulatory requirements in the Kingdom was lifted from 1 Muharram 1439 AH. FaceTime, Snapchat, Skype, Line, Telegram and Tango are named as examples. A very limited number of applications that do not meet the requirements stay excluded.
  • What it does not sayNone of the official pages used here names WhatsApp.

What this means on your trip

  • Messages and photos use mobile data, so switch on roaming for the eSIM line after landing.
  • Save your hotel address, bookings and phone numbers offline, in case an app does not work.
  • Your eSIM has no phone number, so keep your home SIM active for verification codes.
  • Rules change. Open the official page again shortly before your trip.
Saudi Arabia eSIMSTCfrom €3.29
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Set it up before you fly

  1. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked: eSIM compatible phones.
  2. Pick a plan for your destination below.
  3. Payment is taken once the eSIM is ready.
  4. Install it at home over Wi-Fi: tap Install in the app or scan the QR code.
  5. After landing, switch on data roaming for the eSIM line.
  6. Most plans start when your phone first connects there.
Our pick · 1 week5 GB · 30 days€11.79About 0.7 GB a day: enough for maps, messages, social media and some video.Choose this planOur pick · 2 weeks10 GB · 30 days€15.19About 0.7 GB a day: enough for maps, messages, social media and some video.Choose this plan

Prefer a daily allowance? 1 GB per day · 7 days for €18.99: full speed up to 1 GB a day, then 512 Kbps until the next day.

Picked like in our shop: the cheapest plan with about 0.7 GB a day. Live prices for Saudi Arabia.

Questions and answers

Saudi Arabia: does WhatsApp work?

In September 2017 the regulator lifted its block on internet voice and video apps that meet its requirements. WhatsApp is not mentioned by name, so try one call after you land, with the app you plan to use.

Saudi Arabia: what if a call does not connect?

Check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and try again. If voice or video calls still fail, the app may be limited for calls there. A text message needs far less data than a call, so send a message instead.

Does the eSIM come with a phone number?

No. Plans are data only. Keep your own SIM for calls and texts, and use messaging apps over data.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 · checked against our live catalogue

How we check our data · Prices and plans come live from our catalogue; facts come from official sources, listed where we use them.

Sources: CST: CITC announces the start of making internet communications applications available (20/9/2017)

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