Preparing for Umrah or Hajj is a journey of a lifetime. Between arranging your Ihram, confirming your hotel near the Masjid al-Haram, and finalizing your visa, communication shouldn't be a source of stress. Whether you are arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or flying directly into Madinah, having an active data connection the moment you land is essential for navigating to your hotel, booking Nusuk slots, and staying in touch with family.
If you use a Samsung Galaxy device, you have the advantage of "Dual SIM" technology through an eSIM. This allows you to keep your home SIM card active for incoming SMS (like bank OTPs) while using a local Saudi data plan to avoid expensive roaming charges.
Why a Makkah eSIM is Essential for Your Pilgrimage
Traditional physical SIM cards often require standing in long queues at the airport after a tiring flight. By choosing a Makkah eSIM, you skip the lines.
When you purchase from Makkah eSIM, you receive an instant eSIM QR code delivered by email. These are data-only plans, meaning you keep your original WhatsApp number, but browse the web using high-speed networks. In Saudi Arabia (SA), our eSIMs connect to premium 5G networks including Mobily, Zain, and STC. If your pilgrimage includes a layover or visit to the United Arab Emirates (AE), you can also access 5G speeds via Etisalat and Du.
One of the best features for pilgrims is that the validity of your plan only starts on your first connection at the destination. This means you can install the eSIM at home in London, Karachi, Jakarta, or Cairo, and it will remain dormant until you land in the Kingdom.
Step 1: Confirm Your Samsung Galaxy is eSIM Compatible
Before you browse our eSIM plans, ensure your Samsung device supports the technology. Generally, the following models are compatible:
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, and S24 series (and newer)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series
To verify, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If you see an option that says "Add eSIM", your device is ready. Ensure your phone is "region unlocked" by your home carrier before you travel.
Step 2: How to Install the eSIM via QR Code
Once you purchase your plan for Saudi Arabia, you will receive an email containing a QR code. We recommend opening this email on a secondary device (like a laptop or a companion’s phone) so you can scan it with your Samsung Galaxy.
- Connect your Samsung phone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Select SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- When the screen asks how you want to add a plan, select Scan QR code from service provider.
- Position the QR code from your Makkah eSIM email within the camera guide.
- Once the plan is detected, tap Add.
- The phone will register the eSIM. This can take up to 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: You can rename the eSIM to "Makkah Data" or "Saudi 5G" within the SIM manager to avoid confusion with your primary SIM card.
Step 3: Activating Data Upon Arrival in Makkah or Madinah
While you can install the eSIM at home, do not set it as your primary data source until you land in Saudi Arabia. Once the wheels touch down in Jeddah or Madinah:
- Go back to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Under "Preferred SIMs," tap Mobile data and select your new eSIM.
- Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM profile (General Settings > Profile > Data Roaming). Don't worry-you won't be charged by your home provider as long as the mobile data is specifically assigned to the Makkah eSIM.
- Your device will automatically search for the strongest available 5G signal from Mobily, Zain, or STC.
Perks of Using Makkah eSIM on Samsung
Samsung devices are particularly good at managing dual-SIM settings. Using our service provides several technical advantages:
- 5G Connectivity: Experience ultra-fast speeds at the Two Holy Mosques. Whether you are sending videos of the Kaaba to your parents or using GPS to find your gate in Madinah, the 5G networks of STC, Mobily, and Zain have you covered.
- Personal Hotspot: All our plans support tethering. You can share your 5G connection with your tablets or other family members' phones.
- 24/7 Support: If you encounter any issues during the installation process in the middle of the night, our live chat support is available 24/7 to assist you.
Staying Connected Across Borders
Many pilgrims perform Umrah and then travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If your journey takes you to the UAE, our regional plans allow you to transition seamlessly to Etisalat and Du 5G networks without needing to swap physical cards or change your settings again. Simply ensure the UAE destination is covered in your purchased plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp with my Makkah eSIM? Yes. Since our eSIM is data-only, it does not change your phone number. When you open WhatsApp, it will ask if you want to keep using your existing number. Select "Yes," and you can continue chatting with your home contacts while using the 5G data from the eSIM.
What should I do if the 5G signal is weak in my hotel? Samsung phones allow you to manually select a network carrier. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators. Turn off "Select automatically" and try switching between Mobily, Zain, or STC to see which provides the strongest 5G signal inside your specific building.
When does my data plan actually start? The validity of your Makkah eSIM begins only when your phone connects to a supported network in Saudi Arabia or the UAE. You can safely install the eSIM days or weeks before your departure without losing any of your data allowance.