Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-registration of alphanumeric Sender IDs is mandatory for SMS in Saudi Arabia. Promotional Sender IDs must include "-AD" (e.g., "YourCompany-AD") to comply with regulations.
Choosing the right SMS provider depends on factors like cost per message, volume discounts, API features, local vs. international routing, and regulatory compliance. Consider your business needs and compare options from international API providers and local telecom operators like STC, Mobily, and Zain.
SMS API pricing in Saudi Arabia varies by provider and message type. International providers like Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip offer per-message pricing, while local operators like STC, Mobily, and Zain have prepaid, postpaid, and bundled options.
SMS pricing varies due to factors like international routing costs, local operator relationships, regulatory compliance, volume-based discounts, and different pricing models (pay-as-you-go, subscription, or hybrid).
Local SMS providers in Saudi Arabia (STC, Mobily, Zain) are often more cost-effective for high-volume domestic messaging within the country. Contact them directly for tailored quotes based on your needs.
Yes, international SMS API providers like Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip can be used in Saudi Arabia. They are suitable for businesses needing advanced features, analytics, global reach, or rich messaging, but may have higher base prices.
Twilio's SMS pricing in Saudi Arabia starts at $0.1422 per message as of late 2025. They offer a comprehensive API, extensive documentation, and advanced analytics but may have a higher base price than some competitors.
Plivo's SMS rates in Saudi Arabia start at $0.08199 per message as of late 2025. They are known for being cost-effective for high-volume messaging and have a simple API integration, but may lack some advanced features.
Sinch's SMS pricing in Saudi Arabia starts at $0.203 per message as of late 2025. They offer global reach, rich messaging support, and two-way messaging, but have premium pricing compared to other providers.
Infobip's SMS pricing in Saudi Arabia starts at $0.15362742 per message as of late 2025. They specialize in local routing optimization, advanced analytics, and number intelligence, offering a balance between cost and features.
Complying with Saudi Arabia's SMS regulations requires sender ID registration, adhering to content restrictions, observing promotional message timing, respecting the DND registry, and providing clear opt-out instructions in messages.
Content restrictions for SMS in Saudi Arabia prohibit gambling, adult content, and certain other categories. URLs often require whitelisting, and promotional messages are generally restricted to specific hours.
Non-compliance with SMS regulations in Saudi Arabia, enforced by the CITC, can lead to message blocking and potential penalties. Consult the CITC website and legal counsel for details.
Last Updated: October 5, 2025
Saudi Arabia SMS API Pricing Comparison
Compare SMS API pricing for Saudi Arabia and find the most cost-effective provider for your business. Prices range from $0.00700 to $0.203 per message across international providers, with local telecom operators offering competitive rates for domestic messaging.
Currency Note: International provider prices use USD. As of October 2025, 1 USD = approximately 3.75 SAR (Saudi Riyal). Local telecom operators price in SAR.
Understanding the Saudi Arabian SMS Market
The Saudi Arabian SMS market offers diverse options in two main categories:
Market landscape: As of early 2024, Saudi Arabia has approximately 49.89 million active cellular mobile connections, equivalent to 134.1% of the total population – indicating high mobile penetration with many users having multiple SIM cards. The three major carriers:
Base your choice on these factors:
SMS API Provider Pricing Comparison for Saudi Arabia
Price variation factors: International SMS providers charge different rates based on: (1) Direct carrier relationships – providers with established connections to STC, Mobily, and Zain negotiate better wholesale rates, (2) Routing infrastructure – local vs. international routing paths affect delivery costs and success rates, (3) Service features – advanced analytics, compliance tools, and deliverability optimization increase operational costs, (4) Network operator fees – Saudi carriers impose different termination fees that providers pass through to customers.
Volume tier examples: For a business sending 250,000 SMS/month:
International providers offer standardized per-message pricing. Confirm directly with providers for volume discounts and updated rates. Here's current pricing as of October 2025:
Pricing Sources:
Important: Prices change and may exclude additional carrier fees or volume discounts. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR (approximate, October 2025). Always consult each provider's official pricing page for accurate information.
Local Telecom Provider Pricing
Local telecom operators offer various pricing plans, bundled with voice and data services. Direct comparison is challenging due to package variety and promotional offers. Here's an overview:
STC (Saudi Telecom Company):
Mobily:
Zain Saudi Arabia:
API integration considerations for local providers:
Action: Contact these providers directly to obtain tailored quotes based on your specific volume and requirements.
Deep Dive into International API Providers
Twilio SMS Pricing for Saudi Arabia
Plivo SMS Pricing for Saudi Arabia
Sinch SMS Pricing for Saudi Arabia
Infobip SMS Pricing for Saudi Arabia
Factors Influencing SMS Pricing in Saudi Arabia
Geographic Considerations
Volume-Based Pricing
Most providers offer tiered discounts based on message volume:
Typical discount tiers:
Negotiation tips: Commit to 12-month annual volumes to unlock maximum discounts. Providers offer better rates for committed use vs. pay-as-you-go. Twilio's enterprise pricing and Plivo's volume discounts become available at 500,000+ monthly messages.
Pricing Models
CITC Regulations and SMS Compliance Requirements
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) regulates SMS services in Saudi Arabia. Comply with these key regulations:
Sender ID Registration Process
For international companies (companies without Saudi Arabian registered offices):
Required documents (source):
Registration timeline: 10 business days (approximately 2 weeks) for international companies; 20 business days for local Saudi companies
Registration fee: Most providers handle registration at no additional cost; some charge one-time setup fees ($25 for Plivo, included for Twilio enterprise customers). Unifonic charges 299 SAR annual registration fee for local Saudi companies.
For local Saudi companies:
Additional requirements:
Important limitations:
Penalties and Enforcement
Non-compliance consequences:
Compliance best practices:
Regulatory Source: Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Saudi Arabia (citc.gov.sa)
Choosing the Right SMS Provider for Saudi Arabia
Select your optimal SMS provider based on your business requirements:
Migration considerations when switching providers:
Best Practice: Test multiple providers with small-scale campaigns to evaluate performance and cost-effectiveness before committing to long-term contracts. Monitor pricing and regulatory updates regularly to optimize your SMS strategy and maintain compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest SMS provider for Saudi Arabia?
Plivo offers the most cost-effective SMS pricing for Saudi Arabia at $0.00700 per SMS (approximately 0.026 SAR), making it 96% cheaper than Twilio and more affordable than other international providers. For high-volume domestic messaging, Plivo delivers the best value while maintaining reliable delivery and API quality. Local telecom operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) offer competitive rates for prepaid domestic SMS at 0.25–0.50 SAR per message, but lack the advanced API features needed for automated messaging systems.
How much does Twilio charge for SMS in Saudi Arabia?
Twilio charges $0.1949 per SMS for messages sent to Saudi Arabia as of October 2025 (approximately 0.73 SAR at current exchange rates). This pricing applies to both international numbers and alphanumeric Sender IDs. While Twilio's rates exceed competitors, you gain access to comprehensive analytics, detailed delivery reports, extensive documentation, and robust API infrastructure. Twilio offers volume discounts for high-volume senders – contact their sales team for enterprise pricing.
Do I need to register my Sender ID in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires mandatory pre-registration of all alphanumeric Sender IDs with the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). Promotional Sender IDs must include the "-AD" suffix (e.g., "YourCompany-AD") to comply with advertising regulations. Without proper registration, carriers block your messages at the carrier level.
Registration process:
Required documents (source):
Most international providers (Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, Infobip) handle CITC registration on behalf of their customers at no additional cost or with minimal setup fees ($25 for Plivo).
What are the SMS regulations in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's CITC enforces strict SMS regulations:
Additional CITC requirements (source):
Non-compliance results in message blocking, sender ID suspension, and potential fines. Always consult CITC guidelines (citc.gov.sa) and legal counsel.
Can I use international phone numbers to send SMS in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You can send SMS to Saudi Arabia using international phone numbers through API providers like Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip. However, international routing costs more than using local numbers or alphanumeric Sender IDs registered in Saudi Arabia. For optimal delivery rates and cost efficiency, use alphanumeric Sender IDs registered with CITC or local Saudi numbers. International numbers face higher spam filtering and lower delivery rates compared to locally registered Sender IDs.
What is the best SMS API for Saudi Arabia businesses?
The best SMS API depends on your specific needs:
How do volume discounts work for SMS in Saudi Arabia?
SMS providers offer tiered volume discounts that reduce per-message costs as your monthly volume increases.
Typical discount structures:
Example calculation (Plivo base rate $0.00700/SMS):
Contact providers directly to negotiate committed use agreements with guaranteed annual volumes for maximum savings. Plivo and Twilio both offer dedicated account managers and custom pricing for enterprise customers sending 500,000+ messages monthly.
What is the difference between local and international SMS routing?
Local routing:
International routing:
Most API providers automatically optimize routing based on destination. For Saudi Arabia-only campaigns, explicitly request local routing or use CITC-registered Sender IDs to ensure optimal delivery.
Quick Comparison Summary
By Use Case
Lowest Cost (High Volume):
Best Features:
Balanced Option:
Global Reach:
Cost Savings Recommendations
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia's SMS market offers diverse options for businesses, from ultra-low-cost providers like Plivo ($0.00700/SMS) to premium platforms like Twilio ($0.1949/SMS) with advanced features. Your optimal choice depends on your specific requirements: prioritize cost savings for high-volume transactional messaging, choose feature-rich platforms for detailed analytics, or select balanced options for growing businesses.
Key takeaways:
Start with Plivo for cost-effective testing, scale with volume discounts, and maintain CITC compliance to ensure reliable message delivery throughout Saudi Arabia.
Related resources:
Compare providers, test delivery rates, and optimize your SMS strategy to maximize ROI while maintaining regulatory compliance in the Saudi Arabian market.