Free Call to Saudi Arabia from US — VoIP Works! (2026)
Call Saudi Arabia free — VoIP apps work since 2017 (unlike UAE). WhatsApp, FaceTime all unblocked. Phone rates: Google Voice $0.06/min, BubblyPhone $0.28/min. +966 guide.
Good news if you're calling Saudi Arabia: unlike the UAE, VoIP calling apps actually work in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom lifted its long-standing VoIP ban in 2017, and since then WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other apps work normally. This is a huge difference from calling the UAE, where VoIP is still blocked.
Whether you're calling family in Riyadh, business contacts in Jeddah, or pilgrims in Mecca, here's every option from free to the cheapest paid rates.
VoIP Works in Saudi Arabia (Unlike UAE)
Since September 2017, Saudi Arabia has allowed VoIP calling apps. WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype, and other VoIP apps work normally in the Kingdom. This was part of Saudi Vision 2030 reforms. If someone tells you VoIP is blocked in Saudi — that information is outdated.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits.
1. WhatsApp — Dominant in Saudi Arabia
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Saudi Arabia with massive adoption. Voice calls and video calls work perfectly — no restrictions, no blocks, no VPN needed. Saudi Arabia has excellent 4G/5G infrastructure, so call quality is consistently high.
Key difference from UAE: In the UAE, WhatsApp calling is blocked. In Saudi Arabia, it works perfectly. This catches many people off guard who assume Gulf countries all block VoIP.
2. FaceTime — Works for Apple Users
FaceTime was previously blocked in Saudi Arabia but has been fully unblocked since 2017. iPhone market share is high in Saudi Arabia (~40%) due to strong purchasing power. If your Saudi contact has an iPhone, FaceTime is an excellent free option.
3. Telegram — Growing Fast
Telegram is popular in Saudi Arabia, especially among younger Saudis. Voice calls work well. Some Saudis prefer Telegram for its privacy features and large group capabilities.
4. Facebook Messenger / Google Meet
Both work in Saudi Arabia. Messenger is more common for personal calls, while Google Meet is popular for business. All VoIP apps are permitted since the 2017 lifting.
Calling Saudi Phone Numbers — Higher Rates
Saudi Arabia is an expensive destination for phone-to-phone calls. VoIP apps being unblocked makes free calling the obvious choice:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | $0.10/min | $0.06/min | US Google account required |
| BubblyPhone | $0.28/min | $0.28/min | Browser, iOS, Android — no app needed |
| Rebtel | $0.12/min | $0.08/min | Unlimited plans available |
| Viber Out | $0.149/min | $0.149/min | Convenient if already on Viber |
| KeepCalling | $0.109/min | $0.059/min | Good value for landlines |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Up to 50x more expensive |
Our honest take:Saudi Arabia is expensive for phone-to-phone calls. Google Voice ($0.06-0.10/min) is much cheaper than BubblyPhone ($0.28/min). But since VoIP apps work in Saudi Arabia, there's rarely a reason to call a phone number. Use WhatsApp — it's free and works perfectly.
How to Dial Saudi Arabia from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 966 + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+966 + number
# Example — calling a Riyadh landline:
+966 11 123 4567
# Example — calling a Saudi mobile:
+966 50 123 4567
# Example — calling Jeddah:
+966 12 123 4567
Important: Saudi numbers start with 0 domestically. When dialing from the US, drop the leading 0: 011 becomes +966 11 (Riyadh), 050 becomes +966 50 (mobile). Saudi mobile numbers start with 05x — the most common prefixes are 050, 053, 054, 055, 056, and 059.
Major Area Codes
- Riyadh: 11
- Jeddah: 12
- Mecca: 12
- Medina: 14
- Dammam/Khobar: 13
- Tabuk: 14
Carriers & Mobile
- STC (Saudi Telecom): Largest carrier
- Mobily: Second largest
- Zain: Third carrier
- Mobile prefixes: 050, 053-056, 059
- 5G: Widely available — Saudi invested heavily in 5G infrastructure
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Saudi Arabia
WhatsApp or FaceTime — both are free and work perfectly in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the UAE, there are no VoIP restrictions. Saudi has excellent 5G/4G coverage, so call quality is great.
Calling a Saudi business
Google Voice ($0.06/min landline) is the cheapest for phone numbers. A 30-minute call costs $1.80. Many Saudi businesses also communicate via WhatsApp.
Calling someone on Hajj/Umrah
WhatsApp — Mecca and Medina have good mobile coverage (carriers add capacity during pilgrimage seasons). WhatsApp voice calls work well. Have them connect to hotel WiFi for video calls.
Calling workers in Saudi Arabia
WhatsApp — the vast majority of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia use WhatsApp for both personal and work communication. It's free and works on any smartphone.
Tips for Calling Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia is 8 hours ahead of EST (AST, UTC+3). When it's 8 AM in New York, it's 4 PM in Riyadh. Best window: 8-10 AM EST (4-6 PM AST) or 11 AM-1 PM EST (7-9 PM AST)
- The weekend is Friday-Saturday — Sunday is a regular workday in Saudi Arabia. Don't call businesses on Friday (the holy day) or Saturday
- VoIP works since 2017 — Saudi Arabia lifted its VoIP ban as part of Vision 2030 reforms. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, and all calling apps work without restrictions. Don't confuse this with the UAE, which still blocks VoIP
- Excellent mobile infrastructure — Saudi Arabia has invested billions in 5G. Major cities have blazing fast internet. VoIP call quality is excellent
- Skype shut down in 2025 — if you used Skype to call Saudi Arabia, switch to WhatsApp (free), Google Voice ($0.06-0.10/min), or BubblyPhone ($0.28/min)
Frequently Asked Questions
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