Job Discussion Forums

Motorcycleman · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 29

If you know any details about buying a SIM card at Dammam airport without an Iqama, please could you post it here? Things like what shop and network, where it is in the airport, any specific requirements. Thanks in advance.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It would be easier in downtown Khobar.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

There are mobile phone providers (e.g., STC, Mobily, Zain, etc.) in the major airports, and generally, their kiosks or shops (baqalas) are easy to find without having to ask at the information desk.

See Going in on a "temporary" Work Visit Visa, which briefly touches on the subject of SIM cards/phones.

Motorcycleman · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 29

Thanks for the replies and the useful information.

There has been some disagreement as to whether you can still get a SIM at Dammam airport without an Iqama, with the introduction of fingerprinting for your SIM. One poster mentioned that it was still possible in May. Anyway, I will give it a go when I arrive shortly (insh'allah).

I would be a little surprised if it is still possible to get SIMs from downtown Khobar without an Iqama, but if it is possible please could anyone advise which area/shop and how it works - for instance how do you top up your pay as you go credit when you don't have an Iqama number (which needs to be input into the automatic crediting system).

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Motorcycleman · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 29

Thanks for your feedback. Having lived and worked in KSA for 3 years, the last of which was in Dammam, I have some familiarity with the systems in general. The area I don't have experience of is getting a SIM without an Iqama, as previously I had an Iqama (I have moved company over the summer). If the best place to get the SIM without the Iqama is at the airport (as seems to be the case from what past colleagues told me and the information on these forums) then I would like to take that opportunity while I am actually at the airport, since it is not very accessible, especially without a car.

So if anyone can answer the specific queries I have asked, I would be very much obliged. Hopefully this information may be of use to others in a similar situation.

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 1:02 pm Post subject:

A couple years ago I went to Mobily shortly after arriving (not in the airport -mind you) and explained (and stressed) how badly I needed a phone immediately because of family.

(I played him)

He issued me a SIM on my passport number.

It's less digits than Iqama numbers, so I added ### signs at the end and it worked for top ups.

I only changed that account (from my PP to my Iqama).....5 or 6 months ago, I think.

It was when they were sending SMSs and leaving voice messages about having to go in and do your fingerprints for your phone account.

For Dammam airport: Maybe tell him that you want a SIM card on your passport today and you'll change it over to your Iqama, later.
Assure him it is fine and maybe he'll sheep-follow your logic.

Desert Dueller · Joined: 20 Jul 2015 Posts: 45 Location: Montreal

You can buy a SIM in both mobily and STC outlets on the Khobar Corniche. Passport and thumb print are required. No need to do it at the airport. Come to think of it, I can't recall seeing any phone company outlets in the arrivals hall at DMM apt anyway.

Motorcycleman · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 29

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

On a somewhat related note... Has anyone (likely an employment visa holder) experienced the following:

Free SIMs handed out to arriving expats
Arab News | 31 March 2016
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/903286

RIYADH: The Labor Ministry has been handing out free pre-paid SIM cards to arriving expatriate workers here.

When Indian expatriate Mohammad Arshad arrived at King Khalid International Airport recently, a ministry employee took him to a counter set up by the Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC). Officials at the counter briefed him on the laws of the country and his rights and duties and then handed him his free card, which is part of the ministry’s new service for arriving expatriates, according to a report in a local publication on Wednesday.

Last week, the ministry launched the service, which is a partnership between STC and the General Authority for Civil Aviation. The service includes a brochure on workers’ rights and obligations and how to seek assistance from the ministry when in distress.

The SIM cards are made available in several foreign languages, and will help workers communicate with their missions and loved ones back home. The idea is to make workers feel safe and comfortable during their stay in the Kingdom, the ministry said. Other features include free minutes for local and international calls and text messages. Workers can contact the customer service number 19911 for any assistance required from the government.

The program will be launched at other international gateways to the Kingdom in the coming weeks.

(End of article)