A travel eSIM keeps your prayer and pilgrimage apps working throughout Umrah, from prayer-time alerts and Qibla direction to Quran apps and the official Nusuk app. It is data-only, so you keep your own number, and connects to one of Saudi Arabia's main 5G networks (STC, Mobily or Zain) where available.
The apps pilgrims rely on
- Nusuk, the official app for Umrah and Hajj permits and guidance.
- Prayer times and Qibla apps that use your location to stay accurate as you move between the holy cities.
- Quran, dua and tasbih apps.
- Maps and WhatsApp for getting around and staying with your group.
These apps barely touch your data. Prayer and Qibla apps need only an occasional location and refresh, so even a week of constant use stays well under a gigabyte. The data goes mainly on calls home and maps, not on your worship apps.
Working from the moment you land
Install the eSIM over WiFi before you fly and switch it on when you arrive in Jeddah, so your prayer-time alerts and Nusuk are live before you reach Makkah. Download offline maps of Makkah and Madinah in advance for the busy areas around the Haram.
How much data
Because the apps themselves are light, a 10 to 15GB plan comfortably covers a 10 to 14 day Umrah including daily calls home. See how much data you need for Umrah for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Nusuk app work on a travel eSIM? Yes. Nusuk needs a normal data connection, which a travel eSIM provides on 5G where available.
Do prayer apps use a lot of data? No. Prayer-time and Qibla apps use only a small amount for location and updates, a tiny fraction of any plan.
Does it work in both Makkah and Madinah? Yes, coverage spans Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
Browse Umrah eSIM plans and read trust and safety.