Wifi/Mobile contracts/sky

A SIM card prepaid will set you back about SR30 - postpaid there are a lot of different contracts. The two main providers in KSA are mobily and STC - both have websites in English with deals etc on them - just google.

You can get OSN here which has a variety of packages (pay TV) includes BBC world, sky news, CNN also BBC shows on some channels, movies, history channel, discovery, food network etc.... second top package (no arabic channels, purchase of box office films) is less than SR300 a month.

Internet also available (we use STC) which is OK, depends on the area you are in - we have FOcables - it supports Skype video home to Australia with no problems most of the time!

If you want to be able to download BBC (or other) shows from their internet sites etc you need a VPN dialler for your computer - do this before you arrive as the VPN websites are blocked by the Saudi authorities. (We use "Hide my A**" - google it - but any will do) I download plenty of shows automatically from the BBC using their iplayer desktop and the quality is as good as if you are in UK.

hello:

I just arrived last week and there is some 4g in the area with 22meg download spped and 5 meg upload.  I have ordered an iphone 4s with unlimited data and 500 minutes for $95 us for 12 months.  Price includes the phone.  I recommend getting strongvpn before you leave.  I can watch netflix in the us using the vpn.  When are you arriving?