Job Discussion Forums

sandboy · Joined: 30 Oct 2013 Posts: 12

Is it possible to get prepaid Internet with any Saudi service providers while waiting for a residence permit?

I write web content alongside teaching so Internet access would be essential from the beginning for both work and social reasons. Waiting weeks is not an option.

Any advice appreciated...

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I think you need an Iqama, but there are always ways around things Especiallyi f you have the fluss, habibi !

sandboy · Joined: 30 Oct 2013 Posts: 12

Thanks very much for that. The employer I spoke with today implied the very same thing.

I recall my previous iqama took a couple of months to arrive but I was then able to get Mobily with a passport only.

I'll need to ask more directly for the workaround when I speak with the guy again tomorrow.

Karitos · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 55

sandboy · Joined: 30 Oct 2013 Posts: 12

Thank you very much for that tip. I have a 4G phone with hotspot.

In the heat of the moment · Joined: 22 May 2015 Posts: 393 Location: Italy

Just make sure you have a good reception from the supplier you choose, speeds can be fast with a dongle or 4G phone if there's a tower nearby.

sandboy · Joined: 30 Oct 2013 Posts: 12

Thanks for that

I-forgot · Joined: 28 Jun 2015 Posts: 153 Location: Riyadh

It is common practice for such accounts to be set up under somebody else's iqama number.

People are generally quite willing to do this as we have all been new to Saudi at some point.

My mobile phone number, home broadband and mobile wifi are under three different iqamas, none of which is mine!

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

everywhere I ever lived in Saudi had free Internet (although of mixed quality). Free WiFi is pretty much ubiquitous in coffee shops and many restaurants have it too so even if you can't get it on someone else's iqama you can still get online.

sandboy · Joined: 30 Oct 2013 Posts: 12

Thanks very much for these tips.

I have worked in Saudi a couple of times but I'm aware that the regulations have tightened up.

I'm now on the cusp of heading back and am just trying to ensure that I can get online myself. I write web content and my girlfriend lives abroad so it's crucial that I can secure my own connection rather than being reliant on coffee shops or WiFi outside. These, though, are good back-up options.

It's certainly encouraging that, as always in the Magic Kingdom, the procedure can be worked around!

Thanks again.