Ramadan 2027 Umrah: staying connected in Makkah and Madinah

Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February. How busy the networks get in Makkah and Madinah, how much data you need and how to set up a travel eSIM.

Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March, depending on the moon sighting. It is the busiest Umrah season of the year, especially in the last ten nights. A travel eSIM installed before you fly gives you data from the moment you land in Jeddah or Madinah.

What to expect

Busy networks: around the Haram at Taraweeh and Qiyam, millions of phones share the same towers. Messages may arrive late; calls can fail.

Permits: Umrah and Rawdah visits are booked in the Nusuk app. Download your permits before you go to the Haram.

Hotels: most have Wi-Fi, but it slows down at night when everyone is back.

How much data do you need?

Two weeks of normal use: about 10 to 15 GB for maps, WhatsApp, photos and video calls home.

The last ten nights: plan for more video calls with family, and leave room in your plan.

Read our Umrah eSIM guide for coverage in Makkah and Madinah.

Set it up before you leave

Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM on our supported devices page.

Buy a plan for your dates and install it at home on Wi-Fi.

When you land, turn on the travel eSIM, choose it for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it.

Keep your home line on for calls and texts, with its data roaming off.

Bottom line

Book early, install your plan before you fly and download your Nusuk permits at home. See Saudi Arabia eSIM plans.

eSIM plans for Saudi Arabia