Expert Info

Posted by
on 22 Dec 2014
Hi I have been offered a post in KSA at the start of the Year and having to make a decision regarding my Mobile phone, The Provider either as 'Pay As You Go' or on a 'Contract'. I plan to be in KSA for up to 1.5 years. I have a UK '3' Contract about to expire in Feb 2015 so don’t intend to renew in the UK as their costs for: Calls, Texts and Internet on the '3' Network in KSA back to the UK are phenomenal. 1/ What is the best Phone Provider for Phone Calls & Internet use at KSA for a Mobile device? 2/ Is it better to Buy a Phone on a Contract there? 3/ Are Phones like Apple I-Phone 6 Plus 'Unlocked to any network' far cheaper to buy cash in KSA and or Cheaper again with a Contract? What's the best & unrestricted option for me? Andrew
Anonymous (not verified) on 2 Jan 2015 - 08:26
Insist that your provider unlocks your phone before you leave. You may also want to cancel your contract - check with your provider. There are various phone providers here, two of them being STC and mobily. Once you get your iquama sign up with a provider. Check with your sponsor what shopping facilities will be available. If you are in the middle of nowhere it may be easier to get a no sim phone and insurance before your leave. Good luck
Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Jan 2015 - 21:37
Hi Thank you, I would like to PORT my UK number over to another Phone Provider in KSA, I am not sure if I can PORT a UK Number to an International Provider do you know if this is possible? The backup plan would be to keep the UK Number by Buying an existing provider ( '3' ) or Other Pay as You Go SIM once my Contract expires and use it with a voicemail to refer to my new KSA Number. There may also be an issue where if I could transfer my original UK Number to a KSA Provider I may have problems getting it back off them at KSA when I return back to the UK, have you heard of any issue with this? I would be working in Riyadh and living in Sara Village and travelling back and forth every working day, I presume there are large reputable Phone Provider shops in these areas, is this the case? Is it much Cheaper to Buy a New I-Phone 6 plus on a Contract over there with STC or Mobility rather than back at the UK? Thank you Andrew