Free Internet and International Calls in Saudi Arabia — The Smart Way to Save on Zain, Mobily, and STC
If you’re living in Saudi Arabia and feel like your mobile bills are eating up too much of your budget, you’re not alone. Whether you’re working far from home or studying in the Kingdom, staying connected with family and friends can get expensive. But what if there were legit ways to cut those costs — or even bring them down to zero?
Good news: There are smart, legal ways to get free mobile data and make international calls without paying extra. In this guide, we’ll break down how users on Zain, Mobily, and STC SIM cards are taking advantage of hidden offers, official apps, and smart recharge tricks to stay connected — without spending more than they need to.
Why Mobile Operators Offer Free Data and Calls
Telecom companies in Saudi Arabia often run promotions to attract new users or keep existing ones loyal. These include:
- Welcome bundles when you activate a new SIM
- App-based rewards and flash deals
- Special recharge bonuses during festivals or holidays
Most people don’t even realize these offers exist — mainly because they’re not advertised widely. But if you know where to look, you can grab some real value.
Unlocking Benefits on Zain SIM Cards
1. First-Time User Offers
If you’re activating a new Zain prepaid SIM, you’re likely to get a welcome pack that may include:
- Free mobile data (around 10GB in most cases)
- A limited number of international call minutes
These are usually valid for a week. Dial *959# to check eligibility and activate the bonus.
2. Zain App Perks
The official Zain KSA app offers rotating deals. After logging in, head to the ‘Promotions’ section where you might find:
- Free 1GB for logging in
- Daily or weekly free bundles for WhatsApp or YouTube
- Bonus call minutes based on your usage
3. Recharge Timing Hacks
Believe it or not, the amount and timing of your recharge can unlock extra bonuses. Try topping up with SAR 20 or SAR 50 via STC Pay or Zain’s app during off-peak hours or holiday periods. You might trigger hidden offers not shown elsewhere.
How Mobily Users Can Get Free Services
1. Free Starter Bonuses
Mobily’s prepaid SIMs often come with a starter bundle:
- 3GB for browsing
- 15 free minutes for international calls
These bundles activate automatically once the SIM is registered. To check usage, dial *1411#.
2. Turn Points Into Data
Mobily’s Neqaty rewards program lets you earn points every time you recharge. These can be converted into:
- Extra internet data
- Free talk time
- Discount vouchers for shopping
To manage your points, text “points” to 1100 or use the Mobily app.
3. Bonus Codes That Still Work
Dialing *606# sometimes reveals temporary promo offers like:
- 24-hour unlimited browsing
- Free call time to specific countries
These aren’t guaranteed but are worth checking once a week.
Get More From Your STC (Sawa) Line
1. New SIM Activation Bonuses
STC’s Sawa prepaid plan usually rewards first-time users with:
- 1GB of free internet
- Up to 20 minutes of international calling
These bonuses are typically valid for 7 days. To explore available offers, dial *150#.
2. Install MySTC App for More Rewards
The MySTC app is not just for checking your balance. It also features:
- Limited-time deals (especially around holidays)
- Bonus GBs after your first app login
- Special bundles when recharging via the app
3. Consider Yaqoot — STC’s Digital SIM
STC’s digital eSIM product, Yaqoot, is packed with freebies for new users:
- 5GB free data upon first top-up
- Special rate call packages for India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt
A Real Example: How One Worker Cut His Phone Bill
Hamza, a Bangladeshi worker in Dammam, used to spend over SAR 120 per month just calling home. After switching to a Zain SIM and recharging SAR 50 through the Zain app, he was rewarded with 30 minutes of free international calls and 2GB of data. By repeating this smart recharge method every two weeks, he cut his monthly costs in half — and stays connected with his family regularly.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
✔ Best Practices:
- Always use official apps like MySTC, Mobily, and Zain KSA
- Recharge via apps or STC Pay to unlock hidden bonuses
- Stay alert during Ramadan, Eid, and National Day for extra offers
✖ Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don’t use illegal software or VPNs to trick the system
- Never share OTPs, SIM codes, or personal details online
- Stay away from “unlimited internet” sellers on Telegram or WhatsApp
Common Questions Answered
Can old users get free offers too?
Yes, though welcome bonuses are for new SIMs, existing users can still grab offers via recharge and app-based promotions.
Do these offers cover international calls?
Absolutely. Most packages include minutes for countries like Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
Will I get free data every month?
No. These are not recurring offers. Check your app or dial shortcodes regularly to see what’s currently available.
When are the best times to find offers?
During holidays like Ramadan, Eid, or Saudi National Day, telecom companies often release surprise promos.
Final Words
You don’t need to break the bank to stay in touch with loved ones. By simply using the official apps from Zain, Mobily, or STC — and knowing a few smart recharge tips — you can unlock free internet and international call minutes every month.
Take a few minutes to check your app, test some USSD codes, and recharge smartly — your wallet will thank you.
