Saudi Arabia
Global ride apps work, local numbers unlock cheaper options, and pilgrims need Nusuk
Use the official Saudi visa portal and recheck the rules for your passport before departure.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Saudi Arabia
A tourist eVisa can permit Umrah outside the Hajj season, but it never authorizes Hajj. Umrah permits and Rawdah appointments are handled through Nusuk under current Ministry rules. Saudi Arabia is highly card-based, yet a physical international card and some SAR cash remain sensible fallbacks because local wallets and mada are not visitor apps. WhatsApp messages work, but its voice and video calls are restricted, so do not make them your only contact method.
Save 911, 999, 997 and 112 offline, along with hotel addresses and tickets. Obtain SFDA approval before carrying controlled medicines. Local law covers public behavior, clothing, photography and alcohol. Security conditions and seasonal Makkah access controls can change quickly, so check official advice again immediately before travel.
Ride Hailing
CareemEssential
A major Saudi ride app with city, airport and some intercity options, plus vehicle types that can differ from Uber.
UberEssential
The easiest ride app for most visitors, with broad Saudi city coverage and an account that usually works across borders.
Bolt
An officially listed airport ride option and a useful extra fare check where Saudi cars appear in the app.
Jeeny
A popular Saudi ride alternative that can be cheaper than Uber or Careem in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and other cities.
Kaiian
A Saudi ride app advertising service in more than 60 towns as of mid-2026, including places beyond the main international-app corridors.
Food Delivery
HungerStationEssential
Saudi Arabia's broadest documented delivery network for restaurants, groceries, pharmacies and other local stores.
KeetaEssential
A leading Saudi food-delivery app with English, strong current usage and frequent restaurant discounts.
Jahez
A major Saudi restaurant and grocery platform with English and operator-stated coverage in more than 54 cities as of mid-2026.
Ninja
A high-ranking Saudi service for restaurant meals, groceries and travel essentials, with English and card payment.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The main practical messaging channel for Saudi hotels, drivers, guides, restaurants and personal contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The best general app for Saudi navigation, place discovery, Arabic addresses and route sharing with drivers.
Transit
darbEssential
Riyadh's official metro and bus planner for routes, stops, service information and account-based tickets.
Makkah Bus
Makkah's official app for its 12-route network as of mid-2026, including journey planning and live arrival estimates.
Travel & Booking
NusukEssential
The official Saudi platform for Umrah permits, Rawdah appointments and current Hajj or pilgrimage services.
webook.com
A major authorized Saudi marketplace for concerts, sport, cultural events and selected attractions.
Language
Google TranslateEssential
The most useful general Arabic aid for typed phrases, menus, signs and basic conversations outside English-heavy settings.
Intercity Transport
HHR TrainEssential
The official booking app for the Haramain railway between Madinah, Jeddah, Jeddah Airport, KAEC and Makkah.
SAR North East
The official booking app for Saudi Arabia's separate North and East rail networks, including Riyadh and Dammam.
SAT Transportation
A current booking app for SAT's southern-concession intercity bus routes across major Saudi cities and the south.
Also covered
Internet in Saudi Arabia
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Registration requires your passport plus a photo, fingerprint, or other biometric check.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 70GB, while starter prices begin near $9.
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.
Internet calling rules and availability can change by network; test your calling apps after activation.
Local carriers
stc
Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.
Mobily
Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.
Zain
Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.
Salam Mobile
Good-value option when price matters most.
Virgin Mobile
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Saudi Arabia?
The essential apps for Saudi Arabia are Careem, Uber, HungerStation, Keeta, WhatsApp.
How many travel apps does Saudi Arabia have?
We've curated 19 apps across 9 categories for traveling in Saudi Arabia, including 10 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Saudi Arabia?
Careem. A major Saudi ride app with city, airport and some intercity options, plus vehicle types that can differ from Uber.
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