How to Call Internationally from 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
This guide covers everything you need to know about making international calls from Saudi Arabia. You will find the correct dialing format, exit codes, information about carrier rates, and links to detailed guides for specific destinations.
Quick Reference
Exit Code
00
Dialing Format
00 + country code + area or mobile prefix + local number
Example
00 1 212 555 0123 (to a US mobile or landline in New York)
How to Dial International Numbers from Saudi Arabia
To place an international call from Saudi Arabia, you need to dial the exit code followed by the destination country code and then the local number. The exit code for Saudi Arabia is 00. If you are using a mobile phone, you can also use the plus symbol (+) instead of the exit code, and your phone will automatically convert it.
When calling abroad, do not dial the Saudi trunk prefix 0; use 00 or + followed by the foreign country code.
Dialing Examples
- Mobile: 00 1 212 555 0123 (to a US mobile or landline in New York)
- Landline: 00 44 20 7123 4567 (to a UK landline in London)
Toll-free numbers: Foreign toll free numbers (e.g. 800, 888) often do not work from Saudi Arabia or may be charged as normal IDD.
Before You Call
There are a few things to check before making international calls from Saudi Arabia to ensure your call connects successfully and you understand the costs involved.
- •Ensure international calling is enabled on your mobile or landline plan; some lines block IDD by default.
- •Dial 00 or use + on mobiles, then country code, area or mobile prefix, and local number.
- •Prepaid SIMs may require sufficient main balance or an international bundle before IDD works.
- •Postpaid users may need to clear unpaid bills or deposits before international access is activated.
- •Have valid ID when purchasing SIMs due to KYC rules; unregistered or inactive SIMs cannot place IDD calls.
Carrier International Rates
If you dial internationally using your mobile carrier in Saudi Arabia, you will typically pay per-minute rates that vary by destination. These rates can be significantly higher than internet-based calling options. The table below shows approximate rate ranges for major carriers.
| Carrier | Rate Range (USD/min) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STC | $0.20-1.50 | Typical range for IDD calls depending on destination region and plan; bundles can lower effective rates. |
| Mobily | $0.25-1.40 | Rates vary by destination and whether an international add on is active. |
| Zain KSA | $0.25-1.60 | Cheaper to popular destinations with special offers; premium and satellite numbers cost more. |
Rates are approximate and may vary. Check with your carrier for current pricing.
Cost Considerations
Ways to Call Internationally from Saudi Arabia
There are several methods available for making international calls from Saudi Arabia. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks in terms of cost, convenience, and call quality.
Carrier IDD from Saudi SIM or landline
Dial 00 or +, then country code, area or mobile prefix, and local number directly from your Saudi line.
Drawbacks: Higher per minute rates; easy to incur large bills if calling frequently or for long durations.
International calling bundles
Add an IDD package from your Saudi carrier that includes discounted minutes to selected countries.
Drawbacks: Limited validity and destination list; overage minutes revert to standard high rates.
Calling cards or access numbers
Dial a local or toll access number, enter a PIN, then dial the international destination.
Drawbacks: Call quality and reliability vary; surcharges from hotels or some mobiles may still apply.
Destination Guides
Select a destination below to see detailed instructions for calling that country from Saudi Arabia, including the exact dialing sequence, current rates, and tips specific to that route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dial an international number from Saudi Arabia?
Dial 00 or use + on your mobile, then the country code, area or mobile prefix, and the local number without any leading 0.
Is it cheaper to roam with my Saudi SIM or use Wi Fi and VOIP when abroad?
Roaming can be costly without a bundle; using Wi Fi and VOIP apps is often cheaper, but check both roaming pack rates and any VOIP restrictions.
How expensive are international calls from Saudi Arabia?
Standard IDD can range roughly from a few US cents to over 1 USD per minute depending on destination and plan; bundles usually reduce the effective rate.
Will my caller ID show correctly when I call from Saudi Arabia?
Most international networks pass your Saudi number as caller ID, but some destinations may show it as unknown or blocked depending on their systems.
Calling from Another Country?
We have similar guides for making international calls from other locations:
Related Resources
Need to call abroad from Saudi Arabia?
HelloAirDial lets you make international calls directly from your web browser. Check the rates for your destination or try a call to see how it works.