How To Buy a Tourist Sim Card in Dubai in 2025

Summary

In this video, the creator provides a comprehensive guide to purchasing a prepaid SIM card for tourists in Dubai. The video covers the options available at the airport, including free 1GB SIM cards and various paid plans from providers like Virgin Mobile, Etisalat, and Du. The creator compares prices, data offerings, and additional benefits, such as Kareem credits and free video calls. They also highlight deals from 'Kit My Trip,' which offers discounts on major attractions. Ultimately, the creator suggests the Etisalat plan for its added value and convenience for travelers.

Takeaways

• 😀 You receive a free 1GB SIM card when you pass through passport control at Dubai airport, valid for 24 hours.
• 😀 Virgin Mobile offers a 7GB package for 189 AED ($41), which is relatively expensive at $6 per gigabyte.
• 😀 Kit My Trip provides prepaid SIM cards through a reseller, offering 10GB for 38 AED ($10), which is a better value than Virgin Mobile.
• 😀 The two main mobile providers in Dubai are Du and Etisalat, and both have competitive packages for tourists.
• 😀 Etisalat offers a package with 6GB of data and 30 minutes of local and international calls for 99 AED ($27), which is more affordable than Virgin Mobile's package.
• 😀 Du and Kit My Trip offer the same pricing for SIM cards, so there’s no price difference between buying from either of them.
• 😀 Etisalat promotes itself as the fastest mobile network globally, but Du also has widespread 5G coverage, so both networks offer similar speeds and coverage.
• 😀 Etisalat offers 100 AED worth of free Kareem credit, which is equivalent to $27 and can be used for taxis and rides around Dubai.
• 😀 Du offers free and unlimited video calling through its own apps, making it a better choice for those who need video calling, as regular video calling is restricted in the UAE.
• 😀 Kit My Trip offers a 40% discount on major tourist attractions in Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall aquarium, which could be appealing for tourists looking to save on tickets.

Q & A

What does the free sim card provided at the Dubai airport offer?

The free sim card offered at the Dubai airport provides 1GB of internet, but it's only valid for 24 hours.

What are the prices of sim card packages offered by Virgin Mobile in Dubai?

Virgin Mobile offers a package for 189 AED (approximately 41 USD), which includes 7GB of data.

What are the advantages of choosing the Kit My Trip sim card?

Kit My Trip offers a good deal with 10GB of data for 38 AED, which is cheaper than Virgin Mobile's offering and provides more data.

What is the difference in pricing between Kit My Trip and Du sim cards?

There is no price difference between Kit My Trip and Du sim cards; both offer the same prices for their packages.

How does Etisalat compare to Du and Kit My Trip in terms of pricing and packages?

Etisalat offers a package with 4GB of data for 80 AED, which is slightly more expensive per gigabyte compared to Du and Kit My Trip, but their larger packages are somewhat cheaper per gigabyte.

What extra benefits does Etisalat provide for its customers?

Etisalat offers 100 AED in free Kareem credit, which can be used for taxis around Dubai, making it a good option for those who plan to use the service frequently.

Why would someone choose Du over Etisalat for their sim card?

Du is a better choice for people who need free and unlimited video calling, as Etisalat does not support video calls on apps like WhatsApp or Messenger in the UAE.

What unique benefit does Kit My Trip offer to tourists in Dubai?

Kit My Trip offers a 40% discount on major tourist attractions in Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall Aquarium.

Can you get sim cards for the same prices outside the airport in Dubai?

Yes, sim cards for Dubai are sold at the same prices in shops outside the airport as they are at the airport.

How much did the presenter spend on a sim card at the Etisalat shop, and what did it include?

The presenter spent 200 AED (approximately 54 USD) for a sim card that included 22GB of data and 525 minutes for local and international calls.