Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

About to move to the kingdom, and wondered if anyone had any advice on mobile data plans? which is the best network etc, and how to go about it.

Also, is there any truth to the rumours about whatsapp and it being banned any time soon? Would seriously mess up plans on keeping in touch with everyone back home.

Thanks a lot!

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

It's basically a carve up between Mobily and STC.

Not sure about the whatsapp. Has been working OK.

If you do pay as you go, 300SR will get you 333SR credit.

Also internet through the dongle. SR 99 a week, SR 300 a month are normal but I got 6 months for SR 600.

Both cos adverising heavily at the headline La Liga games last night STC (Real Madrid) and Mobily (Barca).

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

WhatsApp is fine but Viber has been blocked. Only accessible now through a Vee Pee N!

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

Are there any other websites/apps which are blocked?

Like are Facebook and Twitter accessible?

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

Yep. Twitter is part owned by Saudi Prince Talal I think.

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

Saudi apparently has the highest pop% usage of social media in the world - so twitter and facebook are alive and well!

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

That's good to know! Cheers guys.

Just out of interest (and kind of related!) How easy is it to sort out a mobile over there....is it easy enough to get a contract if you're s foreigner only there for a year?

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

you can get mobile on contract as long you have you IQAMA and i think u have to be in country for 3 months.

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

thanks guys! Guess would just have to get a pay as you go for the time being then

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

The service of Mobily is very good.

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

no time limit stipulation. As long as you have an iqama, they don't ask how long you've been in country.

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

In neighbouring UAE, most Skype applications and Viber are blocked but no issues WhatsApp messenger, twitter and other social media networks.
Recently I heard about an chat messenger PinMSg which is going to be launch soon especially in UAE along with other major countries of the world, which have very high security features that prevents adding unwanted users in your chat list and many more......

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

In neighbouring UAE, most Skype applications and Viber are blocked but no issues WhatsApp messenger, twitter and other social media networks.
Recently I heard about an chat messenger PinMSg which is going to be launch soon especially in UAE along with other major countries of the world, which have very high security features that prevents adding unwanted users in your chat list and many more......

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

Yahoo has got an instant message service as well as video calling. .

Re: Saudi, mobile data plans, and whatsapp
 

Yup, I had a Mobily pay as you go for quite a while. You can add as much credit as you wish to - the more you buy - the longer it becomes valid for. THey also have internet bundles, used to be 100 SR per month for 1gb, but I think that now gone up to 2gb. Just activate it through your handset, self service menu.

Most shops will sell top up cards in various denominations, if you're bringing out your own phone, just make sure it's unlocked and you can pop in a Saudi sim. You will need an Iqama to get a sim though.

WhatsApp works fine, as does iMessage, Skype, Twitter and FB.

I'm currently on STC pay monthly - very god 3G coverage across Riyadh, and both Mobily and STC are a pretty good service.

I have Mobily broadband at home, in comparison to the UK, it tends to cost more I think. 2MB speed is 199 SR per month or 399 for three months.