If you’re planning a Dubai trip, you will need a SIM card to stay connected. Buying a SIM card in Dubai can make your journey much easier and you can enjoy every second of your vacation without an interruption. Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the Dubai SIM Card for Tourists, from the best GSM operators to online options. Keep reading to find out the best option for your preferences and enjoy a hassle-free journey in Dubai!
Even though it’s not necessary to get one, buying a SIM card in Dubai will surely enhance your journey. If you’re planning to stay longer than a week, it would be wise to get a local SIM card, so that you can stay connected with your loved ones.
Additionally, you are offered a ready-to-use SIM card with free 1 GB internet at the Dubai International Airport. While this free SIM card is valid for 24 hours, it gives you the convenience you need after landing in a new country. You can extend your internet or choose other packages after the period of validity.
However, if you’re planning a shorter trip, the prepaid SIM card may be a wiser option. By getting a prepaid SIM card, you don’t need to depend on public Wifi or deal with international roaming rates, which can make your trip a stressful one.
Airalo eSIM is the perfect option for travelers who will only need the internet data and no phone calls or SMS. It operates on the Etisalat network with 4G/LTE coverage and offers various plans for different needs.
Compatibility: Before purchasing an Airalo eSIM plan, make sure that your device is compatible with this service. The eSIM-compatible devices are: iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Mini, 13, 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12 Mini, 12, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS / Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24, S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S22 Ultra, S22+, S22, S21 Ultra, S21+, S21, S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3, Z Flip / Google Pixel 8 Pro, 8, 7 Pro, 7, 6 Pro, 6, 5, 4a 5G, 4 XL, 4, 3a XL, 3a, 3 XL, 3.
You can check for more detailed information on the compatible devices from the Airalo eSIM card website.
Just like the Airalo, Holafly eSIM for Dubai is also a SIM card service that is tailored especially for travelers who need data-only service. Holafly offers unlimited data for a specific period of time, and it’s one of the best options for tourists in Dubai.
Compatibility: Before purchasing and to start using your eSIM Card for Dubai by Holafly, make sure that your mobile device is compatible with the eSIM service provided by Holafly: iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Mini, 13, 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12 Mini, 12, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S22 Ultra, S22+, S22, S21 Ultra, S21+, S21, S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3, Z Flip / Google Pixel 8 Pro, 8, 7 Pro, 7, 6 Pro, 6, 5, 4a 5G, 4 XL, 4, 3a XL, 3a, 3 XL, 3
You can check for more detailed information about the compatible devices and eSIM card options from the Holafly eSIM card website here.
If you’re planning to keep your trip short, there are available rental pocket Wifi options in Dubai to avoid problems related to the internet connection. These pocket Wifi services usually cover a period of 4-7 days, depending on the plan you’ll choose.
For the travelers who don’t want to prefer e-SIM card in Dubai, pocket Wifi rentals are ideal options for a secure internet connection, and to rent one is very easy. Please note that you can rent a pocket Wifi per one passport and there’s a refundable security deposit for the service.
There are many places to buy a SIM card in the city. Among these places, there are malls, retail stores and telecom providers. Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile are the three major telecom stores to buy your SIM card. While they offer a range of card options from prepaid to postpaid, these stores are the most recommended ones to buy a new SIM card.
There are also authorized resellers in the city, where you can get additional package deals. However, purchasing a SIM card from the official telecom providers is always the most secure and ideal option as a tourist in Dubai.
At the airport, there are kiosks for travelers to purchase a tourist SIM card in Dubai, during their trips. You will find many retail stores at the airport and these stores offer various card options tailored for travelers.
Purchasing your SIM card from the airport is ideal and recommended. Because the prices for tourists’ SIM cards at the airport are the same all over the city. There are also shops of the major providers like du and Etisalat, in which you can find specific offers for tourists. For example, du has a free SIM offered at the immigration counter, which can be upgraded later.
With various offerings from major providers, a basic prepaid SIM card usually starts around 55 AED from du, and for 100 AED from Etisalat. There are many designated prepaid SIM card offers for tourist in Dubai:
There are different tourist SIM plans in the du. After you get your complimentary Tourist SIM from the airport, at the Passport Control, you will get a 24-hours of free 1 GB internet. After that, you can recharge your new SIM, with one of the tourist plans.
For tourists in Dubai, Etisalat has various prepaid SIM cards. A free offer called “Free Visitor Line” is designated especially for tourists.
Virgin Mobile offers tourist SIM plans with local and international calls, and internet data.
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