Saudi travelers rely on their phones for almost every part of a trip. Boarding passes, hotel bookings, maps, translation apps and ride-hailing all live on one device. That makes being connected on arrival a necessity, not a convenience. In fact, international passenger traffic through the Kingdom’s airports reached 75.8 million in 2025, up 9.4 percent year-on-year, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), a sign of how much cross-border travel is growing.
eSIM technology is one of the simplest ways for travelers to stay connected from the moment they land. Yet, a handful of persistent myths leave some travelers hesitant to make the switch from physical SIMs. Airalo, the world’s first and largest travel eSIM provider, sets the record straight on six of the most common misconceptions.
With an eSIM, travelers don’t have to choose between their Saudi number and affordable data abroad: they can keep both. Any eSIM-compatible smartphone can run both lines at once, so their usual Saudi number stays active for calls and text messages, subject to their home operator’s roaming rates, while the eSIM handles mobile data. Nothing needs to be removed, and no number changes hands.
Contrary to popular belief, eSIMs are just as secure as physical SIMs, and they come with some added advantages. Because an eSIM is embedded in the device rather than inserted as a removable card, it can’t be taken out of a lost or stolen phone and used in another device. There’s also no small piece of plastic to keep track of. Having an eSIM also means travelers don’t need to rely on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks at hotels and other public places. Standard digital precautions still apply, including protecting devices with a strong passcode or biometric authentication and keeping eSIM activation details private.
eSIM compatibility is now standard on most newer smartphones, but it isn’t universal yet. A compatible phone also needs to be unlocked from carrier restrictions before a new eSIM can be activated, and compatibility can differ between regional versions of the same model sold in different markets. So while many travelers assume eSIMs work on every phone, it’s worth checking first. Travelers can confirm their device and its unlock status in their phone settings, through the Airalo app, or with the manufacturer.
Installing an eSIM is easier than many travelers expect. The technology has evolved significantly over the past seven years, and apps such as Airalo walk users through each step, providing clear visual indications when something is or isn’t working. The process is also 100% digital, removing the need to search for a physical SIM card in an unfamiliar country. One thing to check is activation timing, which varies by package. Some eSIMs begin their validity period the moment they are installed, while others activate only once they connect to a supported network at the destination. Airalo advises travelers to review the activation policy of their chosen package before installation rather than after arrival.
An eSIM connects just as reliably as a physical SIM, despite a common worry that it offers weaker coverage. An eSIM is simply a digital method of connecting a device to a mobile network and does not automatically result in a weaker or slower connection. Connection strength depends on factors such as local network coverage, device capability, network congestion and the package selected, not on whether the SIM is physical or digital.
“Connectivity misconceptions are often the last obstacle standing between a traveler and a smoother trip,” said Ahmed Elfiky, Regional Marketing Director at Airalo. “Most of what holds travelers back is not the technology itself, but uncertainty about what to check before departure. We would rather travelers spend five minutes confirming their phone is compatible at home than troubleshoot it upon arrival.”
For travelers who do not consider themselves highly technical, managing an eSIM can also be more straightforward than expected. Through platforms such as Airalo, users can browse packages, access installation guidance, monitor their data usage and, where available, top up during their trip. It takes no more technical know-how than installing a standard app. It can even be simpler than buying a physical SIM locally, where language barriers can complicate the process, such as trying to buy a SIM card in France without speaking French.
Setting up an eSIM is also quicker than many travelers assume. It can be downloaded and installed in a few minutes over Wi-Fi before the trip begins, so travelers land with data ready to use and can head straight out of arrivals, with no queue at the airport SIM counter.
As Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 advances mobile-first, digital-first experiences, connectivity is becoming part of travel planning, alongside booking flights, accommodation and activities. By checking device compatibility, reviewing package details and understanding activation timing before departure, Saudi travelers can enjoy a smoother digital experience from departure to return.
