Best eSIM for Umrah: Which Data Plan Should You Choose?

The best eSIM for Umrah is one that covers your entire trip, connects to a suitable Saudi mobile network and gives you enough data without paying for more than you need. For most pilgrims spending 7–14 days in Makkah and Madinah, a 5GB or 10GB travel eSIM is a sensible starting point. If you regularly make video calls, share your hotspot or spend a lot of time on social media, consider 20GB or an unlimited plan instead.

You can arrange an Astaroam Saudi Arabia eSIM before leaving the UK, install it over Wi-Fi and connect to a supported Saudi network when you arrive. But before choosing a package, there are a few things worth checking.

Which eSIM is best for your Umrah trip?

There isn't one data allowance that's best for everybody. Someone visiting for five days and mainly messaging family will use far less data than someone spending three weeks between Makkah and Madinah, making video calls every evening.

These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed usage figures. Your actual consumption depends on the apps you use, video quality, background activity and how often you're connected to hotel Wi-Fi.

Our recommendation: If you're unsure how much data you'll need for a typical 10-day Umrah, start by comparing the 10GB options. It gives you room for everyday use without automatically paying for an unlimited package.

What should you look for in the best Umrah eSIM?

1. Coverage in both Makkah and Madinah

Most pilgrims aren't staying in one place. You might arrive at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, travel to Makkah, then continue to Madinah before flying home. Others arrive through Madinah and complete the journey in the opposite direction.

Your eSIM needs to cover Saudi Arabia throughout that journey, not just the city where you land.

Saudi Arabia's main mobile operators include STC, Mobily and Zain. Astaroam's Saudi Arabia plans use established local partner networks, but the exact network depends on the package you select.

For example, the current Astaroam listing includes STC on several fixed-data plans and Zain on other packages. Open the Details section of your chosen plan to see the supported network before buying.

Network coverage around central Makkah and Madinah is generally well established, but the large numbers of visitors around the holy sites can cause congestion. Even a good network can slow down during especially busy periods. No eSIM provider can guarantee uninterrupted speeds inside every building or crowded area.

For a closer look at what to expect, read our guide to eSIM coverage in Makkah and Madinah.

2. Enough data for your daily routine

Think about the moments when you'll actually need mobile internet. You might be finding your hotel after arriving in Makkah, checking a meeting point after prayers, arranging transport or sending family a message to say you've arrived safely.

Maps, messaging and browsing are relatively light activities. Video calls, streaming and uploading large videos can use substantially more data.

If your hotel has reliable Wi-Fi and you mainly need mobile data while out, a fixed-data package may be all you need. If you expect to use your phone heavily throughout the day, compare the larger packages.

3. A validity period that covers the whole journey

Don't choose a plan based on gigabytes alone. Check its validity too.

A 5GB package that lasts 30 days may suit a two-week pilgrimage better than a larger package that expires after seven days.

Count from when you expect to first connect in Saudi Arabia through to your departure, including any extra days in Jeddah, Makkah or Madinah. Also check the activation instructions, as installation and the start of the plan's validity are not necessarily the same event.

4. Clear unlimited-data terms

Unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited full-speed data.

Some Saudi eSIM packages provide a daily allowance of high-speed data and then reduce the connection speed until the allowance resets. Astaroam displays these fair usage terms in the relevant plan details.

For example, if a package includes 3GB of high-speed data per day followed by reduced speeds, it may still be suitable for messaging and lighter tasks after the threshold. But it won't perform like unrestricted high-speed data all day.

Check the daily allowance, reduced speed and hotspot conditions before choosing an unlimited plan. A generous fixed-data package may be better value for your particular trip.

Why buy your Umrah eSIM before leaving the UK?

Imagine flying from Manchester or Birmingham to Jeddah with your family. After immigration and collecting your luggage, you need to contact your driver and find your way to the correct meeting point.

That's not the ideal time to start researching mobile plans or looking for a SIM counter.

With Astaroam, you can buy your Saudi Arabia eSIM online before departure and receive the installation instructions by email. Install it while you still have a reliable Wi-Fi connection at home, then switch to it for mobile data after landing.

• Get organised before travelling: choose and install your plan without waiting until you reach Saudi Arabia.
• Keep your usual number: a data-only travel eSIM doesn't replace the number registered to your WhatsApp account.
• Avoid the airport SIM counter: you don't need to purchase a local physical SIM after arrival just to arrange mobile data.
• Choose your network and allowance: check each plan's details before purchasing.
• Manage data during your trip: view usage through My eSIM and top up where your package supports it.

This is especially convenient if you're travelling with older relatives or children and would rather get everyone connected before setting off.

Compare Astaroam eSIM plans for Umrah

Do you need mobile data for the Nusuk app?

Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official platform for pilgrimage-related services, including Umrah permits and arrangements for visiting the Rawdah in Madinah.

In September 2025, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced data-free access to certain Nusuk services through participating Saudi mobile networks. That is useful for pilgrims, but it shouldn't be confused with having unrestricted internet access for every app on your phone.

If you're using an international travel eSIM, don't assume the same data-free arrangement applies to your roaming connection. Having your own data allowance remains useful for opening booking confirmations, contacting your group, using Google Maps, arranging transport and accessing other travel information.

Set up Nusuk and check your current permit requirements before travelling. You can find official information at Nusuk.

Can you use WhatsApp during Umrah?

Yes. You can use WhatsApp messaging and voice notes over a compatible mobile data connection, and you can keep your existing UK number registered to WhatsApp.

Voice and video calls need a little more explanation. WhatsApp calling has faced restrictions on locally routed Saudi internet connections, while some internationally routed travel eSIMs can provide a different calling experience. The important factor is how the data connection is routed, not simply whether the SIM is digital.

If speaking to family back home is important, check the calling arrangements for your particular eSIM rather than assuming every Saudi SIM and travel eSIM behaves identically.

We've explained the difference in our guide to WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia.

Is a travel eSIM better than a Saudi airport SIM?

Both can be good options. It depends on what you need.

If you need a Saudi phone number for ordinary calls or SMS, a local package may be more suitable. If your priority is getting online quickly for maps, messaging and everyday apps, a travel eSIM is an attractive alternative.

Read our full comparison of Saudi eSIMs and airport SIM cards for Umrah.

How to install an eSIM for Umrah

1. Check your phone: make sure your exact model supports eSIM and is unlocked.
2. Choose a Saudi Arabia plan: check the data allowance, validity, network and any fair usage conditions.
3. Purchase before departure: Astaroam sends your eSIM and installation instructions by email.
4. Install over Wi-Fi: add the eSIM before travelling, following the instructions supplied with your order.
5. After landing: enable the eSIM, select it for mobile data and enable data roaming on that eSIM as instructed.
6. Check the connection: allow your phone to connect to a supported Saudi network, then test a webpage or messaging app.

Keep mobile data roaming disabled on your UK SIM unless you intend to use your UK provider's roaming service. This helps avoid unexpected charges.

Don't delete an installed eSIM just because it doesn't connect immediately. First check the mobile data selection, roaming settings and any troubleshooting instructions supplied with your plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best eSIM for Umrah from the UK?

Look for a Saudi Arabia travel eSIM that covers Makkah and Madinah, offers enough data for your stay and can be installed before departure. For many 7–14 day trips, 5–10GB is a sensible starting point. Astaroam offers Saudi data plans with different allowances, validity periods and partner networks.

Is 5GB enough for Umrah?

For a short trip focused on WhatsApp messages, maps and light browsing, 5GB can be enough. If you're staying for two weeks or making regular video calls, consider 10GB or more.

Is 10GB enough for two weeks of Umrah?

For many travellers, yes. Ten gigabytes gives you roughly 700MB per day over 14 days. That can cover everyday browsing, messaging and navigation, but frequent video calls, streaming or hotspot use may require more.

Does an Umrah eSIM work in both Makkah and Madinah?

Yes, a Saudi Arabia-wide travel eSIM can connect in both cities wherever its supported partner network has coverage. Check the network shown in your selected plan's details.

Do I need a Saudi phone number for Umrah?

Not necessarily. Many travellers manage with a data-only eSIM for maps, internet messaging and online services. If you need ordinary local calls, SMS or a service that specifically requires a Saudi number, you'll need an appropriate phone service as well.

Can I share my Umrah eSIM data with family?

Astaroam's listed Saudi plans support hotspot use, subject to the conditions of the selected package. Sharing data with several devices can use your allowance more quickly, especially during video calls or streaming.

Can I top up my Saudi eSIM during Umrah?

Astaroam offers online data management through My eSIM. Top-up options depend on the particular package, so check what's available for your installed plan before relying on a top-up.

Should I buy an unlimited eSIM for Umrah?

Choose unlimited if your daily usage is high enough to justify it, but check the fair usage policy first. A 10GB or 20GB fixed-data plan may be a better fit if you mostly use Wi-Fi at your hotel and mobile data while travelling.

Choose your Umrah eSIM before you fly

The best eSIM for Umrah isn't necessarily the cheapest package or the one advertising the most data. It's the plan that gives you suitable network coverage, enough data and the right validity for your journey.

For a typical pilgrimage, start by comparing 5GB and 10GB options. If you'll be making frequent video calls, sharing your connection or travelling for several weeks, look at the larger and unlimited packages too.

With Astaroam's Saudi Arabia eSIM plans, you can check the current network and package details, buy before leaving the UK and have your mobile data ready for arrival in Jeddah or Madinah.