We aim to provide you with sufficient information regarding Umrah, and here we present Umrah tip # 1. It is always recommended for travellers to keep themselves updated about the country they are visiting, and they must collect enough information about the country’s basic civic laws, currency, emergency help, and medical facilities. The same rule applies to the Umrah pilgrims, as they must know how and where to seek help in case they face any issues during their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Tip # 1
Considering this, we are providing some numbers for the Umrah Pilgrims that might help them during their holy journey. These numbers have been provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) for the convenience of all travellers to Saudi Arabia, whether they are on a Visit Visa or an Umrah Visa.
How to get a SIM card for Hajj and Umrah
The first thing for any traveller is to have a working sim and phone in his hands as it enables him to connect with his dear ones and stay online. It is normally the first thing to do after landing at the Airport is to seek a local SIM card. In this section, we will guide you on how to buy a SIM card after landing at the Airport in Saudi Arabia.
There are several SIM options available for visitors that can help to meet their communication needs while they are in Saudi Arabia. These SIM cards enable effective communication outside and inside the country. You can buy SIM cards from
- Saudi Arabia Airports
- Mobile Stores
- Online Purchase
Saudi Arabia Airports
It is the most convenient place to buy a SIM card as you immediately get the SIM and this facility is available at all the major airports of Saudi Arabia such as
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Medina)
You can easily find different companies selling their SIMS at their dedicated Desks in the Arrival Hall. These desks can be easily located after the process of Immigration and Customs. For SIM cards, there are three SIM cards available that suit the needs of Pilgrims, and these are STC, Mobily, and Zain. Once you decide on the SIM you want to buy the friendly staff at these counter will assist you in activation of these SIM cards within a matter of few minutes. For more information on the SIM Cards please visit e-visa.com.
Suggestion
It is always recommended to always buy a SIM card at the airport.
Saudi Arabia Mobile Stores
In case you have yet to purchase the SIM card at the airport, the other best option available for you is to buy the SIM card from their official stores and the authorized sellers. These stores and sellers are relatively easy to find and are readily available at malls, shops, and commercial areas.
Suggestion
- It is suggested to use Google Maps to find such stores once you reach your hotel. It will help to locate the stores easily.
- Please do not pay extra as prices are the same as they are at the airport for these SIM Cards.
Online Purchase & Delivery of SIM cards
The third option, which is less convenient than other options but can be used, is that you can order the SIM card online and get it delivered to your doorstep before your trip. There are carriers like STC that allow customers to pay for prepaid plans through their mobile apps and websites.
Suggestion
This option is only feasible for people who are residents of Saudi Arabia or who have their family or relatives located in Saudi Arabia because an address within Saudi Arabia is required to avail of this service. Therefore it is not recommended to avail of this option as a tourist not having a pre-arranged local Address. The purchase of SIM at the airport and Mall is are more reliable and simple option.
Registering of Saudi Arabian SIM Card
While purchasing a prepaid Saudia Arabian SIM card it is important to get it registered in your name and for that you need
- Passport
- Saudi Arabian visa
- Proof of local accommodation address.
So to avoid any inconvenience keep these documents with you, moreover STC and Mobily SIM cards also need fingerprint verification during the process of signup.
Useful Numbers
After the sign-up process, you can use the SIM card. It is recommended to save these numbers as these will help you to solve the issues you might face during Umrah or Hajj.
1966 It is the number for the unified call centre and can be dialled from a Saudi-issued SIM card. All types of inquiries related to your stay, Umrah procedures and further issues are addressed by the call centre support.
+966920002814 If you are using an international number during your stay, this number can be called instead to reach the Unified call centre.•
911 It provides support for emergency and security cases.
937 For health inquiries, you can call this number and it connects you to healthcare support
