RIYADH : Smartphones have become essential travel companions, storing boarding passes, hotel reservations, maps, translation tools and ride-hailing apps. As a result, getting online immediately upon arrival is a priority for many travelers.
Demand for travel connectivity is growing alongside international travel. In 2025, 75.8 million passengers passed through Saudi Arabia’s airports, a 9.4% increase year on year, according to the General Authority for Statistics.
Travel eSIMs offer one way to get connected upon arrival, but misconceptions about the technology can make some travelers hesitant. Airalo, which describes itself as the world’s first and largest provider of travel-focused eSIMs, addresses six common concerns.
Keeping your Saudi number
Travelers do not necessarily have to choose between keeping their Saudi number and using mobile data abroad. On an eSIM-compatible phone, two lines can be used at the same time: the Saudi line can remain active for calls and text messages, subject to the user’s operator roaming rates, while the travel eSIM provides data. The physical SIM does not need to be removed, and the original number remains unchanged.
eSIM security
An eSIM offers security protections comparable to those of a traditional SIM, with an additional practical benefit: because it is built into the device, it cannot be removed from a lost or stolen phone and placed in another one. There is also no small plastic card to misplace.
Using an eSIM can help travelers avoid relying on public Wi-Fi networks, though standard precautions still matter. Airalo advises users to protect their devices with strong passcodes or biometric authentication and keep eSIM activation details private.
Device compatibility and carrier locks
Many modern smartphones support eSIMs, but not all devices do. A phone must also be unlocked—not restricted to a specific mobile carrier—to activate an eSIM. Compatibility may differ between regional versions of the same phone model, so travelers should check their device before purchasing a plan.
They can review their phone settings, use the Airalo app or contact the device manufacturer to confirm compatibility and carrier-lock status.
Installation and activation
Installing an eSIM is a digital process that can be completed with guidance from apps such as Airalo. Step-by-step instructions help users through setup, without the need to find a physical SIM card after arriving in an unfamiliar country.
Travelers should check when their plan becomes active. Some plans begin their validity period when installed; others activate only after connecting to a supported network at the destination. Airalo recommends reviewing a plan’s activation policy before installation and before travelling.
Network coverage and reliability
An eSIM does not inherently provide a weaker or slower connection than a physical SIM. It is a digital way to connect a device to a mobile network. Service quality depends on factors such as local coverage, device capabilities, network congestion and the plan selected.
“Misconceptions about internet connectivity often serve as a final barrier preventing travelers from having a smoother journey,” said Ahmed El-Feki, regional marketing manager at Airalo. “What makes travelers hesitate is not the technology itself, but rather a lack of clarity regarding what they need to check before they travel. We encourage travelers to spend five minutes at home ensuring their phones are compatible, rather than scrambling for a solution after they arrive.”
Ease of use and setup time
Managing an eSIM may be straightforward even for travelers who are not especially confident with technology. Through platforms such as Airalo, users can browse plans, follow installation guides, monitor data usage and top up while travelling, where the service is available.
An eSIM can be downloaded and installed in a few minutes over Wi-Fi before a trip. Setting it up in advance can help travelers get online after landing without waiting at an airport SIM kiosk. Buying a physical SIM abroad can sometimes involve extra steps, including navigating language barriers.
As Saudi Vision 2030 continues to support digital solutions and mobile-first experiences, connectivity has become an important part of travel planning. By checking device compatibility, reviewing plan details and confirming activation timing before departure, travelers can be better prepared to get connected when they arrive.
