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Post by magurpitush on Dec 31, 2023 17:17:40 GMT
Need help to validate/reject the following: in Mobility and STC, it is indicated that you must have a valid Absher account for activating a SIM. In that case, I understand that I can register in Absher with the Border Number and then go and activate the Absher in camp (presumably KFUPM Mall is the closest place to Dining Hall?)
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Post by BlueStaff on Dec 31, 2023 17:47:30 GMT
You should be able to get 1 SIM based on your passport when you arrive. Either do it with the STC / Mobile / Zain rep after you arrive at the airport or go to one of the mobile company shops.
I think there is an STC in Mujamma, but it's only open business hours.
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Post by magurpitush on Jan 1, 2024 6:48:35 GMT
My question was on the activation side. It seems that Absher account needs to be active in order to proceed with the SIM activation, right? So basically buy the SIM -> complete Absher with the new phone number -> activate Absher -> activate SIM, correct?
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Post by BlueStaff on Jan 1, 2024 10:01:39 GMT
As a new entrant to the kingdom this should not apply to you. You are allowed 1 SIM based on your passport on arrival. When your Iqama is activated then you can have 2 sims based on your Iqama.
My oldest daughter took 1 SIM based on her passport when here on a visitor visa.
If we apply your logic, then anyone coming into kingdom on a visitor visa would need to have an Absher account in order to activate a SIM card during their visit.
There are Mobile booths at the airport after arrivals who can sell and activate your card or you can go to one of the provider shops in town when you arrive.
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eabz
Member
Posts: 46
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Post by eabz on Jan 3, 2024 1:14:54 GMT
Need help to validate/reject the following: in Mobility and STC, it is indicated that you must have a valid Absher account for activating a SIM. In that case, I understand that I can register in Absher with the Border Number and then go and activate the Absher in camp (presumably KFUPM Mall is the closest place to Dining Hall?) I got an STC prepaid SIM from the airport during my arrival, simply by presenting my passort. It was activated immediately and I started using it. It's not linked to Absher yet as I don't have my Iqama yet. From what you are saying, it appears you didn't get a SIM at the airport. If this is the case, my understanding is that you have to wait to get your Iqama
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Post by magurpitush on Jan 3, 2024 14:03:29 GMT
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eabz
Member
Posts: 46
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Post by eabz on Jan 3, 2024 17:38:29 GMT
This could be true for you if you didn’t buy a sim at the airport when you arrived
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Post by BlueStaff on Jan 3, 2024 18:59:02 GMT
Jawwy is a contract SIM. That's the reason you need an Iqama.
As I stated, there is no way to get an Absher account until you get your Iqama. Until that time you can purchase one pay as you go SIM directly from the mobile supplier. Once you have an Iqama you can purchase a second SIM - 2 SIM is the max as a non-Saudi resident.
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Post by magurpitush on Jan 3, 2024 19:51:39 GMT
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Post by BlueStaff on Jan 4, 2024 2:47:43 GMT
Whatever you say.
Ultimately you do not need an absher account to activate a SIM. If you need it for Jawwy then fair enough, but I stand by my comments here in general.
You are the one stating that Absher is required to activate a SIM, by quoting one particular type of mobile contract/sim out of the many available from various suppliers. I am merely pointing out that it is not required for all SIM. .
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 655
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Post by tamsin on Jan 4, 2024 9:09:29 GMT
I have Jawwy and it is prepaid. You can only move to contract once you have an iqama and it’s all linked up on absher. My husband bothered, I did not.
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Post by magurpitush on Jan 4, 2024 15:48:33 GMT
I have just arrived and they have given me one of the so-called hybrid ones without iqama/absher. A bit strange indeed
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Post by BlueStaff on Jan 4, 2024 18:38:44 GMT
I have just arrived and they have given me one of the so-called hybrid ones without iqama/absher. A bit strange indeed Not strange at all. That is the normal method for visitor / new hires to receive their first SIM.
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 261
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Jan 4, 2024 19:55:02 GMT
I have just arrived and they have given me one of the so-called hybrid ones without iqama/absher. A bit strange indeed just remember that once you get your Iqama, you will have to visit telecom operator to get it linked with your number before you can open bank account.
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