For a 10 to 14 day Umrah, plan for 10 to 20GB of data. The single biggest use is calling family at home; the rest goes on maps between your hotel and the Haram, group coordination, and prayer apps across Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. Plans are data-only, so you keep your own number, and they connect to one of Saudi Arabia's main 5G networks (STC, Mobily or Zain) where available.
A simple worked example
The thing that uses the most data on an Umrah trip is video-calling family. As a guide:
| Activity | Rough data use |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp text and voice notes | A few MB a day |
| Maps and navigation | 5-10 MB per hour |
| Voice calls (WhatsApp/FaceTime audio) | 20-30 MB per hour |
| Video calls home | 200-300 MB per hour |
| Photos and uploads | 2-5 MB per photo |
So a 20-minute video call home every day runs roughly 4 to 6GB over a 12-day trip. Add maps, WhatsApp groups and prayer apps, and 15GB is a comfortable, no-stress amount for most pilgrims. Stick to voice calls and voice notes instead of video, and 10GB goes a long way.
What you will lean on most
- Calling family over WhatsApp, IMO or FaceTime.
- Maps to walk between your accommodation and Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Group coordination with live location sharing, so nobody gets lost in the crowds.
- The official Nusuk app, plus prayer times, Qibla and Quran apps.
Coverage, Madinah and the Haramain rail
Coverage spans Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah on 5G where available. If your trip includes both holy cities, the same eSIM keeps working on the Haramain high-speed rail between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. Speeds vary by location and can dip in the busiest areas at peak prayer times, as they would on any network, so download offline maps before you set out.
Getting set up
Install the eSIM over WiFi before you fly, and switch it on when you land in Jeddah, so you are online before you reach the arrivals hall. Hotspot is supported if you want to share your connection with family travelling with you.
See our network and coverage details and the full Umrah eSIM guide to choose a plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10GB enough for Umrah? For a 7 to 10 day trip where you mostly message and make voice calls, yes. If you video-call family every day, step up to 15 to 20GB.
Can I call my family with it? Yes, over the internet (WhatsApp, FaceTime, IMO). The plan is data-only and keeps your own number on your main SIM.
Which network does it use? It connects to one of Saudi Arabia's main 5G networks (STC, Mobily or Zain) where available, across Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
Should I get one plan or top up later? Start with a sensible size and buy a second plan if you run low. Nothing is lost, and it installs the same way.
Browse Umrah eSIM plans and read trust and safety.