When you arrive in the KSA to start a new job or establish a new venture, one of the first things you will need to have is a SIM card.  It is something you need to keep in touch with the loved ones and friends you left behind. A KSA local number is also crucial for doing various work- or business-related tasks or processes.
For expats, getting a SIM card or phone plan in Saudi Arabia requires a few more steps than simply purchasing them from a shop. To get a Zain prepaid or postpaid phone plan, you have to take note of the following:
1. You can choose between a prepaid or postpaid plan
First, you have to know that telecom companies in Saudi Arabia offer both prepaid and postpaid plans for expats. Every provider and the packages they offer come with both pros and cons.
Before deciding on which type of plan to get, carefully weigh these advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you get a package that will meet your needs and allow you to experience some perks at the premium you will be paying every month. After all, the last thing you want is to pay for poor service that you can’t use or rely on during emergencies and other important instances.
2. You need to have proof that you are legally staying in the country
Before you can buy a SIM card or avail of any plan, prepare the following documents: 
● Your residence or work permit or iqama
● A photo ID
The iqama is a card issued by the local government that proves you can legally stay and work in the KSA. You will need to present this card when purchasing a SIM card or signing up for a plan.
The Kingdom has strict rules regarding overstaying or undocumented expats. Immigrants who cannot show any proof of residence will not be sold a SIM card. They will not be even allowed to recharge or top up their balance.
You also have to bring your photo ID to the telecom branch when purchasing or signing up for a phone plan.
3. You will have to register your number
Your prepaid or postpaid plan provider will help you with this process. But basically, under this step, you have to undergo a biometric or fingerprinting process to formally register your local number. Your number won’t work and will even be disconnected if you fail to undergo biometric fingerprinting.
Fingerprint registration helps protect the personal information of SIM cardholders. This rule was also put in place to discourage buyers from purchasing mobile phones using fake or stolen ID cards.
4. You are only allowed to have two prepaid SIM cards
If you wish to use a prepaid line and want to have more than just one number, your limit is up to two. This means that you can only have two prepaid lines in the KSA.
In the past, expats were allowed to have more than two prepaid SIM cards. But with hundreds of illegal SIM cards being sold in the market, this limit was imposed.
5. Some websites are censored in the KSA
You can use data and Wi-Fi to connect to the internet but you won’t be allowed access to all websites. In Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of forbidden access pages on the internet. These include websites about:
● Gambling
● Drug use
● Sexual education
● Porn
● LGBT movements or activities
● Non-Islamic religions
The good news is the ban on all apps that provide voice and video call services over the internet such as Skype, FaceTime, Snapchat, Viber and WhatsApp has been lifted. You can make calls and video calls online for free to keep in touch with your loved ones and friends back home.
However, any traffic through these apps is still heavily monitored by the authorities. As such, avoid talking about sensitive topics with your loved one or friend online.
Getting a phone line in Saudi Arabia means some additional work on your part. But you will get a lot of benefits and enjoy various conveniences once you go through the process of getting a plan in this country correctly.

AUTHOR BIO
Azhar Abulhamayel is the Head of Marketing - National Segment and High Value at Zain KSA. The company was the first operator in the Middle East to commercially launch the 4G/LTE network. Zain serves +10M customers, has extended its network coverage to 94% of the population, and attracts thousands of new customers daily.