Job Discussion Forums

halebob · Joined: 03 Jun 2015 Posts: 31 Location: uk

So my UK phone is on it's last legs and I need a new one.

My question is, is it worth me buying a phone in KSU or should I get one in the UK and bring it with me?
Can I use UK SIM in Saudi phone and the other way around.

And approximately how much is it to buy a Samsung Galaxy S5 in Riyadh? I'm on a 12 month contract with KSU so looking at PAYG rather than a contract phone.

Will be heading over in the next 4 weeks or so.

Thanks

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

I bought the S5 for 1950SAR with my completely broken S4 as a part ex. That was August 2014. Now I believe it's closer to the 1500SAR and below mark.

I actually got the Note Edge for 1800SAR (brought down from 2400SAR, part ex with S5 WITH box) there just before leaving. In a way, phones are cheaper in KSA, and they are usually unlocked (I only ever used my UK sim in the S4/S5/Note Edge, Saudi sim was in a rubbish Nokia). So do some pricing up in the UK first and see what you want, as I found I can't get the Note Edge in the UK at all but in KSA it was easy!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You need Saudi residence (Iqama or whatever it is now called) to get a mobile and SIM. Not available on Business, Haji or Visitor Visa.

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 2:35 am Post subject:

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

You can buy a prepaid SIM with only a copy of your passport and your work visa, but you have to provide them with a copy of your iqama within thirty days. Once you do that, you can switch to a postpaid package which is much better for data usage. How official that is, I'm not sure, but I did that about a year ago.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I bow to the superior knowledge of others on the question of the Pilgrimage to Mecca. Something I have not experienced.

Laudetur Jesus Christus.

I.H.S.

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Phone - yes but to get a SIM you SHOULD have an iqama. Of course, money talks. Just saying.

Did Gama get over the grief of being stood up by his Saudi friend ?

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You are the one who claims to be all-knowing on KSA after spending a few weeks driving endlessly between Riyadh and Al-Kharj.

I presume that your intensive studies of Arabic at university prepared you for that arduous task.

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

halebob · Joined: 03 Jun 2015 Posts: 31 Location: uk

Now, now. Let's try and keep this on topic.

Thanks for the info on the SIM cards.

Do you recommend buying a phone in UK or KSA?

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357