How to get a mobile SIM card for tourists in Dubai
Wherever you go, you need to have a reliable and affordable connection, whether for business or leisure. In this article, we will tell you which SIM card for tourists to choose when traveling to the United Arab Emirates to stay connected.
Travel SIM is necessary to always stay in touch, use navigation, book tickets, and stay up to date with local events. Staying in touch, you can easily book any service, such as luxury car rental, to quickly, comfortably, and tastefully move around the city. For this, Trinity offers you a car for rent without a deposit; our exclusive car fleet includes more than 80 models with minimal mileage, there are even 2024 models. Imagine when you rent Porsche and get yourself behind the wheel or getting a Lamborghini rental, cutting through Dubai.
The prices are pleasant because they already include toll roads, insurance, a fully filled tank, VAT, and an increased mileage of up to 300 km per day. You can order a car for a day or get a monthly car rental, with or without a driver, and it will be delivered to you at the indicated place. Payment is accepted in cash, crypto, and plastic cards, which is very convenient. Write or call your manager with any questions because with tourist SIM it’s no longer a problem.
Where to get a SIM card in Dubai
Buying a SIM card for tourists in Dubai today is not a problem at all since you have access to many points of sale, starting from the airport upon arrival and ending with shops near your apartment:
- Dubai Airport (several kiosks and retail shops);
- Mobile operator stores (in major shopping malls such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and along Sheikh Zayed Road);
- Electronics stores (Sharaf DG, Jumbo Electronics, and Virgin Megastore);
- Convenience stores (i.e. Spinneys, Carrefour, Zoom offer prepaid SIM cards).
There is nothing complicated about buying a tourist SIM card in the UAE to stay in touch with your loved ones.
How much does a SIM card cost in Dubai?
How much does a Dubai SIM card and mobile communication cost? To get a SIM card, take advantage of mobile operators DU, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile, which offer the following tariff plans:
| Tariffs/ Operators | DU | Etisalat | Virgin Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal tariff | 49 AED = 2GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days) | AED 142.86 = 21GB (3GB daily limit) + 30 minutes local and 20 minutes international calls (valid for 7 days) | |
| Maximum tariff | 299 AED = Unlimited data + 200 minutes of calls + Unlimited Internet calls (valid for 14 days) | 319 AED = Unlimited data + 300 minutes of calls (valid for 14 days) | 476.19 AED = Unlimited data + 30 minutes of local and 20 minutes of international calls + Unlimited Internet calls (valid for 30 days) |
Each operator also has intermediate tariff plans, choose yours according to your preferences.
How to buy a Dubai SIM card at the airport?
When you exit the arrivals hall at Dubai International Airport, you will see DU, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile shops next to each other in all 3 terminals to buy a tourist SIM. In addition, you can conveniently order a tourist SIM card online before your trip and receive it upon arrival at Dubai airport in the operator’s own store or from an official dealer.
By the way, when passing through passport control at Dubai airport, they often hand out small blue envelopes with a free SIM card from the DU operator. To activate the Dubai SIM card, you will need to register with your passport details or contact this operator's store. Such a tourist SIM card has some restrictions. For example, the specified free Internet package (1 GB) is valid for only 24 hours, and then you need to purchase a new tariff plan.
Best prepaid SIM cards for Dubai
Where to get a SIM card in Dubai and which phone operator is best for you — DU, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile — let’s find out.
Etisalat
Today, Etisalat operates an advanced 4G network covering over 99% of the population in all major cities and towns. Their minimum plan matches the minimum plan of DU — 2 GB + 30 minutes for 28 days for AED 49. Very profitable prepaid mobile card. Especially considering that Etisalat has better coverage than DU.
DU
It is the second largest operator in the UAE, DU’s 4G network coverage is around 98% of the UAE’s population centers, covering all seven emirates, as well as over 95% of the roads. Tariffs start from AED 49 (2GB data + 30 minutes of calls within the UAE). The package is valid for 28 days but can be extended at the same rate (i.e. AED 49 / next 28 days).
Virgin Mobile
The Virgin operator appeared on the market relatively recently. The main feature of Virgin is that they don't like to waste time on trifles. The minimum tariff includes 21GB (3GB daily limit) + 30 minutes local and 20 minutes international calls, and it’s valid for 7 days. That will cost you AED 142.86.
Best e-SIM cards for Dubai
Virtual tourist SIM cards, or e-SIMs, are becoming increasingly popular among travelers, allowing them to easily connect to the internet without taking up physical SIM cards. The above-mentioned operators also offer e-SIM service, but there are companies that specialize only in e-SIM.
Airalo
Airalo is a popular global e-SIM platform that supports the networks of leading operators in Dubai, such as Etisalat. The minimum package costs only $4.50 for 1 GB for 7 days.
Yesim
Yesim offers easy management via an app, instant connection, and stable connection on the networks of leading Dubai operators such as Etisalat and DU. The minimum tariff for unlimited Internet for 1 day will cost you $7.70, or you can take 10 GB for 30 days, then the cost of one gig will cost you only $1.98.
Holafly
$9.90 for 1 day of unlimited internet in Dubai, but like most providers, they offer a much lower price per day if the number of days of use increases. Many tourists recommend this provider because of the quality of coverage.
FAQ
How to get free SIM for tourists in Dubai?
A free SIM card is issued to all tourists visiting Dubai by the immigration officer at any Dubai Airport terminal upon arrival.
Which SIM is best for tourists?
There are a number of options available if you want to buy your tourist SIM card from a city telecom provider. Although Etisalat, DU, and Virgin Mobile are the most well-known mobile providers, the city is also home to several smaller providers.
Can I use WhatsApp in Dubai?
Yes, you can, but there are some limitations. You can use WhatsApp to send text messages, videos, and pictures as messages through chats, but you cannot make voice calls and video calls.
Can I buy a SIM card for data only?
Yes, Etisalat and DU offer tourists packages from 1 gigabyte for 7 days to 50 gigabytes for 30 days. It can be both a prepaid SIM card or e-Sims.
Are video calls allowed in Dubai?
Although video calling is prohibited in the UAE, mobile providers Etisalat and DU offer video call services through various apps at a fee. The UAE also restricts the use of VoIP apps like IMO, Skype, WhatsApp, and others. But you can get cards with available VoIP phone numbers.
Which SIM gives unlimited data?
All operators have tariff plans for Dubai SIM card holders that offer unlimited Internet, they will cost more, but also provide more opportunities.