Preparing for Umrah or Hajj involves a long checklist of spiritual and practical tasks. In the past, pilgrims had to queue at Jeddah or Madinah airport to buy physical SIM cards, often while exhausted from long flights. Today, you can skip those lines and stay connected from the moment you land by using an eSIM on your iPhone.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to download a cellular data plan directly to your device. This means you can keep your original WhatsApp number active for family back home while using high-speed 5G data for maps, navigation, and video calls in the Holy Cities.
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia or have a layover in the United Arab Emirates, you can browse our eSIM plans to find the right data package for your journey.
Why Use an eSIM for Your Pilgrimage?
Navigating the crowds at the Masjid al-Haram or finding your group in Mina requires reliable data. By choosing a travel eSIM from Makkah eSIM, you get several practical advantages:
- Instant Delivery: Your QR code is delivered via email immediately after purchase.
- Keep Your Number: Because it is a data-only eSIM, your primary SIM stays in your phone. This is essential for receiving OTPs from your bank or staying reachable on your home number.
- High-Speed 5G: In Saudi Arabia, our eSIMs connect to the premier 5G networks of Mobily, Zain, and STC. If your journey includes a stop in the UAE, you will access 5G through Etisalat and Du.
- Hotspot Support: You can share your data with your family or other devices via personal hotspot/tethering.
- Validity: Your plan's validity only starts when you first connect to a supported network at your destination.
Before You Begin: Check Compatibility
To use an eSIM, your iPhone must be "Carrier Unlocked." If you bought your iPhone through a contract, ensure your provider has unlocked it for international use.
Generally, all iPhone models from the iPhone XR and XS onwards support eSIM technology. This includes the entire iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series.
Step 1: Purchasing Your Plan
Visit /destinations/sa to select a plan that fits the duration of your trip. Once purchased, you will receive an email containing a QR code and manual activation details. We recommend buying your eSIM at least 24 hours before your flight so you have your QR code ready.
Step 2: Installing the eSIM on Your iPhone
You can install your eSIM while still at home. The "validity clock" will not start until you land in Saudi Arabia and the device pings a local tower.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR Code.
- Scan the QR code provided in your Makkah eSIM confirmation email. (If you are viewing the email on your phone, you can manually enter the "SM-DP+ Address" and "Activation Code" found in the email).
- Once the eSIM is detected, tap Continue.
Step 3: Labeling Your Data Plans
To avoid confusion between your home SIM and your pilgrimage data, your iPhone will ask you to label your plans.
- Label your physical (home) SIM as "Primary."
- Label your new Makkah eSIM as "Travel" or "Umrah."
Step 4: Configuring Settings for Arrival
When you arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) or Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED), you need to switch your data source.
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Cellular Data and select your "Travel/Umrah" eSIM.
- Toggle Allow Cellular Data Switching to OFF to ensure your phone doesn't accidentally use your expensive home roaming data.
- In the Cellular menu, tap on your Travel eSIM and ensure Data Roaming is switched ON. This is a necessary step for travel eSIMs to connect to the 5G networks of STC, Zain, or Mobily.
Using Your eSIM in the United Arab Emirates
Many pilgrims from SE Asia, Europe, and North Africa have layovers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you have purchased a regional plan or a specific UAE plan from Makkah eSIM, the process is identical. Your iPhone will automatically seek out the 5G signals of Etisalat or Du upon arrival in the UAE.
Ensuring a Smooth Connection
If you encounter any issues during installation or while trying to connect near the Holy Mosques, remember that Makkah eSIM provides 24/7 live chat support. The density of crowds during Tawaf or the Hajj days in Arafat can sometimes stress local towers, but having access to all three major Saudi networks (STC, Mobily, and Zain) gives you the best possible chance of a stable 5G connection.
Ready to stay connected? Browse our eSIM plans today and complete your digital preparations before you even pack your Ihram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my data with my spouse? Yes. Makkah eSIMs fully support personal hotspot and tethering. You can turn on the "Personal Hotspot" feature in your iPhone settings to share your 5G connection with other devices nearby.
When does the data plan expire? The validity period (e.g., 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days) begins only when your iPhone connects to a supported network in Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Installing it at home a few days before your trip will not waste any of your data or time.
Do I need a local ID or passport to activate? Unlike physical SIM cards purchased at the airport, which require a fingerprint and passport scan, Makkah eSIMs are pre-registered and ready for instant use. All you need is a compatible iPhone and an internet connection to scan the QR code.