Planning a Dubai tour for your next vacation? Unless you are going phone-free, you need a stable network to rely on. You can buy a tourist SIM card at the airport or get an eSIM; the choice is yours. In this digital age, you need to have a good data pack to navigate your way in Dubai. Many network providers offer Dubai tourist SIM cards for a week or 2 weeks. You can get from small packages to 20 GB internet packs. Many tourists get confused about which SIM card to buy or what package to choose. This blog is going to solve their doubt and give you all the information about mobile internet in Dubai and Dubai Tourist SIM cards. 

Best SIM Cards with Plans to Use

Most of the network providers give Dubai eSIM packages and have separate plans for tourists. Check them when you visit Dubai the next time. 

E-SIM by International providers Airalo or Nomad

Network providers like Airalo or Nomad provide affordable data-only digital packages, starting from small packages to 20 GB. Moreover, they are known for their smooth networks across 200+ destinations with local network partnerships and clear packs for different regions. If you are planning to travel to multiple regions, you can choose this network provider.

Etisalat

Etisalat provides tourist SIM cards in the UAE with flexible prepaid data packages and free-WiFi provides free promotional tourist eSIM allocations at Dubai International Airports. You can get a physical or a Dubai eSIM at the airport if you show your passport and visitor visa. Moreover, international travelers can get a complimentary visitor SIM card with 10 GB of Free data for the first 24 hours. 

Du

Du provides a Dubai tourist SIM Card with a prepaid mobile plan with 10 GB of internet for 24 hours upon arrival, with upgradable options. Moreover, they provide short-term tourist packages with data for 7, 14, or 28 days for accessing mobile internet in Dubai. 

Note: Confused about navigating your way in Dubai? Check out the Unforgettable Things To Know About Dubai: Travellers Manual.

How and Where to Buy a SIM Card?

You can get a complimentary Dubai tourist SIM Card with 1 GB free data at the immigration counter itself.  Choose between physical or eSIM and upgrade to a paid data plan ranging from AED 49-150.  

At the Airport (immigration hands out )

At the Dubai Airport, you get a complimentary Dubai tourist SIM Card or eSIM with your passport and entry visa. Get du, e& (Etisalat), Virgin Mobile SIM at the arrival terminals themselves. If you need help getting a UAE Visa, check the Dubai Visa Visit site.

Online (pre-purchased)

You can pre-purchase a digital Dubai eSIM from international network providers or local apps before you take off for Dubai; it will be instantly activated upon arrival. 

In the Malls 

Buy a tourist SIM card at major malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.  Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile have their official stores with self-service kiosks at both The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. You can recharge your SIM at the malls while checking out the various Dubai Mall Attractions.

SIM Card Packages for Tourists 

Here are some of the most suitable packages for availing a Dubai Tourist SIM card. 

Short-term (7 to 10 days)

Some network providers give short-term network plans for tourists.

• Virgin Mobile gives a 3-day unlimited plan with data-only unlimited local data plan. Moreover, it provides a 7-day offer with 3 GB per day, including international and local minutes. 
• Etisalat and Du give a 7-day offer of 3 GB per day, including local as well as international minutes. 

Medium Plan 

For tourists travelling for a longer duration or work-related arrivals, you can go for Medium plans. 

• Virgin Mobile provides a 10-day unlimited plan for unlimited, smooth, high-speed data access. 
• Visitor Line of Etisalat provides 28-day valid data packs for tourists ranging from a 4GB data pack to a 13 GB data pack.

Unlimited Plan 

Moreover, if you are planning to look around in the UAE, get a long-term plan. 

• Virgin Mobile provides 20 Days unlimited plan for people needing unlimited access to the network for 3 weeks. 
• Etisalat Visitor Line Unlimited Plan provides 7- to 20-day unlimited plan options, including local and international minutes. 
• You can avail an International eSIM 30-day package for high-speed data caps with unlimited data. 

SIM Card Requirements

Getting a SIM card in Dubai is quite easy, but only if you meet the requirements to avail a Dubai Tourist SIM card. The requirements are:

• Your Age should be above 18, old enough to have a tourist network line in your name. 
• Moreover, all your documents should be completed and verified. You should have your physical passport and your UAE tourist visa or entry stamp, deemed mandatory for getting a SIM card. 
• Make sure that your phone supports digital SIM technology beforehand, and also keep your phone unlocked for the eSIM installation. 

Tips for Availing a SIM card

Here are some of the tips you need for availing the Dubai eSIM or SIM card. 

VoIP Restrictions 

UAE has blocked some common sites like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Telegram. For making voice and video calls over data, use BOTIM or a VPN (strict laws)

Save Data

Download offline maps and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem before landing or on a Wi-Fi network to save mobile data. 

Recharging Data

Keep the providers’ mobile apps handy to top up your pack easily at convenience stores if your data allotment ends. 

Note: Check out the Dubai Travel Guide for more information about your Dubai travel. 

Conclusion 

You are all set to visit Dubai now. Hopefully, all your doubts about the availability of SIM cards are clear.  If you have the verified and complete documents, you can easily avail the SIM card and network packages at the airport itself. Moreover, there are many packages specially for tourists that you can avail at an affordable price. Choose the best data package suitable for you. Moreover, remember that you cannot use WhatsApp calling in Dubai due to monitored communication. Planning a trip to Dubai? Get the most viable options and packages at Dubaitouristplaces.com who will take care of everything from visa application to transfers.   

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