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How to Buy a Mobile Phone on Installments in Saudi Arabia
Buying a new phone in Saudi Arabia does not always mean paying the full price at once. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can spread the cost through services such as Tabby or Tamara, use a bank credit card installment program, or choose a device plan from a telecom operator.
For expats, having a valid Iqama and meeting the provider's requirements are usually the first things to check.
What do expats need?
The requirements depend on the service you choose.
For Tabby, you must be at least 18, live in Saudi Arabia, have a valid National ID or Iqama, and use a valid debit or credit card. Tabby also considers your credit history when deciding whether you qualify.
For Tamara, customers in Saudi Arabia must be over 18 and legally resident in the country. Requirements can be more specific at individual retailers. For example, stc requires a verifiable mobile number, valid National ID or Iqama, and a valid Saudi bank card for its Tamara device service.
In practice, an expat with a valid Iqama, Saudi mobile number and eligible payment card can apply for these services, but approval is not guaranteed.
Buying a phone with Tabby
Tabby is available at participating retailers and lets eligible customers split the cost of a purchase.
Its Saudi service offers Pay in 3 and Pay in 4, while some customers may also see 6, 8 or 12 monthly payment options. Tabby says eligible purchases can be as high as SAR 50,000, but the amount and payment plans available to you depend on your eligibility and account.
How it works
- Choose a retailer that accepts Tabby.
- Select the phone you want.
- Choose Tabby when you reach checkout.
- Enter your registered mobile number and complete the required verification.
- Review the payment schedule and any applicable charges.
- Confirm the purchase.
For Pay in 3 and Pay in 4, Tabby collects the first payment when you make the purchase. The remaining payments are then collected according to the plan.
For example, eXtra offers Tabby in its Saudi stores, website and app for eligible purchases.
Keep in mind that not every Tabby plan has the same charges. Pay in 4 may include a processing fee, while plans longer than four payments can include Murabaha profit. The final terms are shown before you confirm the purchase.
Buying a phone with Tamara
Tamara is another option available at participating retailers in Saudi Arabia. Its current Saudi service offers payment plans of up to 24 months, although the plans available depend on the purchase and your eligibility.
How it works
- Choose a retailer that accepts Tamara.
- Select your phone.
- Choose Tamara at checkout.
- Log in or create an account using your mobile number.
- Complete identity verification if requested.
- Review the available payment plan.
- Make the initial payment.
- Manage the remaining payments through Tamara.
The exact fees and payment terms can vary by plan and retailer, so check the amount you will pay before completing the order.
Example: buying an iPhone
Apple's Saudi online store accepts Tamara for eligible purchases. At checkout, you can select Tamara, continue to Tamara, and choose from the payment options available to you.
Apple currently advertises payment plans of up to 24 payments through Tamara for eligible purchases.
Buying through a telecom operator
You can also buy a phone through a Saudi telecom company instead of using a BNPL service.
stc offers device installment options through participating bank credit cards and also supports Tamara for devices and accessories.
Mobily offers device installment plans for eligible postpaid customers. Its device program includes a 24 month commitment, and eligibility is checked before the installment arrangement is approved.
These plans work differently from Tabby and Tamara. Depending on the offer, you may need an eligible postpaid package, pass a credit assessment, or agree to a fixed contract period.
What if you miss a payment?
Missing an installment payment can affect your account and future purchases.
Tabby says it does not charge collection fees in Saudi Arabia for missed payments. However, repeated late payments can be reported to credit bureaus and may affect your credit record. Tabby can also restrict new purchases until overdue payments are settled.
With Tamara, repeated payment delays can lead to account suspension. According to stc's Tamara information, further delays may also be reported to SIMAH in Saudi Arabia.
Before choosing an installment plan, make sure the monthly payment fits your budget.
Which option is right for you?
The best option depends on where you want to buy the phone and what you qualify for.
Tabby is an option when the retailer supports it and the payment plan you want is available to you.
Tamara offers different payment periods and is available at retailers such as Apple and stc.
Telecom installment plans may be worth considering if you already have an eligible postpaid service and are comfortable with the contract period.
Before you confirm any purchase, check:
- Total amount you will pay
- Number of payments
- Any processing fee or Murabaha profit
- Contract or commitment period
- Return and cancellation conditions
- What happens if you miss a payment
Quick checklist for expats
Before buying a phone on installments, make sure you have:
- Valid Saudi Iqama
- Saudi mobile number
- Eligible debit or credit card
- Eligible Tabby or Tamara account, if required
- Enough available payment limit
- Reviewed the complete payment schedule
- Checked any applicable fees or profit
- Read the return and cancellation terms
Bottom line
Expats with a valid Iqama can buy mobile phones through several installment options in Saudi Arabia. Tabby and Tamara are available at participating retailers, while banks and telecom companies have their own financing programs.
The important part is to check the final payment amount and terms shown before you confirm the purchase. Your available payment plan, spending limit and applicable charges can vary depending on the provider, retailer and your eligibility.