Umrah travel guide
Umrah eSIM Guide for Pakistani Pilgrims
During Umrah your phone is your map, your link to family and your Nusuk app. This guide explains the easiest way for pilgrims from Pakistan to have mobile data from the moment they land in Saudi Arabia.
Why use an eSIM for Umrah?
- No airport queue: buying a Saudi SIM on arrival means waiting at a counter and registering with your passport. An eSIM is ready before you fly.
- No roaming shock: mobile data roaming on Pakistani networks is costly. An eSIM is a fixed, prepaid price in PKR.
- Keep your number: your Pakistani SIM stays in the phone, and WhatsApp keeps working on the same number.
- Connected on landing: book a ride, message family and open maps as soon as you reach Jeddah or Madinah.
Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Most recent phones support eSIM: iPhone XS / XR and newer, and many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models. Your phone must be unlocked (not tied to one network).
Quick check: dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
How much data do I need for Umrah?
| Trip | Typical use | Suggested data |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days, light use | WhatsApp messages, maps, Nusuk app | 1–3 GB |
| 10–15 days, normal use | Plus some photos, calls and ride apps | 3–5 GB |
| 15+ days or daily video calls | Video calls home, social media, hotspot | 10 GB or more |
These are rough guides. Video calls use the most data, so choose a bigger plan if you call home every day.
How to set up your eSIM, step by step
Before you fly (in Pakistan)
- Choose a Saudi Arabia plan and pay in PKR. Your QR code arrives by email and in your MusafirSIM account.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and scan the QR code. iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
- Name the new line "Saudi" so it is easy to find, and leave it switched off for now.
When you land in Saudi Arabia
- Switch on the Saudi eSIM line.
- Set it as your mobile data line and turn on Data Roaming for it.
- Turn off mobile data on your Pakistani line so it does not use roaming data.
Tips for Makkah and Madinah
- Install the Nusuk app and log in before you travel. You will use it for Umrah permits and bookings.
- Download offline maps of Makkah and Madinah in Google Maps as a backup in very crowded areas.
- Share your live location on WhatsApp with your group so no one gets lost after prayers.
- Carry a small power bank. Maps and video calls drain the battery quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Saudi SIM card for Umrah?
No. A Saudi Arabia eSIM gives you local mobile data without buying a physical SIM at the airport, so you skip the queue and the registration desk.
Will my Pakistani number and WhatsApp still work?
Yes. Keep your Pakistani SIM in the phone. WhatsApp stays on your same number and runs on the eSIM data, so family can reach you as normal.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install it in Pakistan, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. Then just switch it on when you land in Jeddah or Madinah.
Does it work in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. Our Saudi Arabia plans use local Saudi networks that cover Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and other major cities.
Can I still receive bank OTP codes from Pakistan?
Your Pakistani SIM stays active for SMS if roaming is enabled on it. Turn off mobile data on the Pakistani line so it does not use expensive roaming data.
Ready for your Umrah?
Get your Saudi Arabia eSIM in PKR and land connected.
Choose a Saudi Arabia plan