Bank Account and SIM Card for Students in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, your phone number and bank account are linked to your Iqama. So you get the Iqama first, then a SIM card, then a bank account. Scholarship stipends are paid into a Saudi bank account.
Al Rajhi Bank
Available Balance
Recent Transactions
Campus shop
Today
-85.40 SAR
Monthly stipend
Yesterday
+900.00 SAR
Mobile top-up
Last week
-40.00 SAR
Both wait for your Iqama (the Saudi residence card).
Banks in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) oversees all banks. Many offer Sharia-compliant accounts.
Iqama First
You need an Iqama and a Saudi phone number to open a bank account. At KAUST, students open accounts at banks on campus.
How to Open a Bank Account
Open your account soon after your Iqama arrives.
Get your Iqama and SIM card
A bank needs both.
Register your national address
Banks may ask for it. Registration with Saudi Post is free.
Choose a bank
Some banks, such as Al Rajhi Bank, let Iqama holders open an account online.
Add your details at your university
So your stipend can be paid into your account.
Essential Documents:
- Iqama - Banks open accounts for residents after taking a copy of the Iqama.
- Saudi phone number - Linked to your Iqama.
- National address - Some banks list it as a paper you may need.
Tips
Take your Iqama and phone with your Saudi number.
Have your national address ready.
Ask about fees for sending money home.
SIM Cards
Get your SIM card after your Iqama arrives.
Get your Iqama
Your university arranges it after you land.
Choose a mobile company
STC and Zain KSA are two companies that sell SIM cards. Plans and prices change often, so compare on their sites.
Buy the SIM with your Iqama
The number is then in your name. At KAUST you can buy one at the campus mobile shop.
- Do not buy a SIM card at the airport. Your number must be linked to your Iqama.
- Bring an unlocked phone.
Tips for Money and Phone
Simple habits for your first months.
Bring cash for the first days
You cannot open a bank account until your Iqama arrives.
Update your bank details at your university
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) pays the stipend only after you add your Saudi bank details in the student portal.
Ask about fees
Each bank sets its own fees. Ask before you open an account.
Use Wi-Fi at first
Use airport and campus Wi-Fi until you have a SIM card.
Banking Security
- Never share your card PIN or bank codes.
Digital Privacy
- Do not send photos of your Iqama to people you do not know.
Apps Students Use
Absher
The Saudi government app for residence and visa services.
Your bank's app
Saudi National Bank (SNB) and Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) both have mobile apps.
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