How to Buy a UAE Tourist SIM Card in Dubai 2024 | du, Etisalat & Virgin Mobile Plans

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience with SIM cards for tourists in the UAE, focusing on the three major network providers: du, etisalat, and Virgin Mobile. The video covers how to get a free SIM card upon arrival at Dubai airport, the different prepaid plans available, and the pros and cons of each option. The creator tests network speeds and discusses coverage, pricing, and the limitations of data usage, such as restrictions on social media calls. Ultimately, they choose etisalat’s Visitor Line Premium plan, providing 2.5 GB of data and 525 minutes for 28 days.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can obtain a free SIM card from Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport upon arrival, linked to your passport.
• 😀 There are two main network providers in the UAE: Du and Etisalat, with Virgin Mobile being a virtual provider using the Du network.
• 😀 Du has more extensive coverage in remote areas, but there is little difference in coverage for tourists in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• 😀 All networks in the UAE offer 5G coverage, but 4G is typically used for most tasks, with 3G often handling phone calls.
• 😀 The free Du SIM card provides 1GB of data valid for 24 hours upon activation after confirming your birth year via text.
• 😀 The Du free SIM card has some restrictions on activation, such as one SIM per passport and activation within 10 days of arrival.
• 😀 eSIM options are available, and you can activate it via a mobile network store or an app, without extra charges compared to a physical SIM.
• 😀 There are mobile phone shops at Dubai airport where you can buy additional SIM cards or plans, but these are less busy due to the free SIM provided at immigration.
• 😀 Du offers various plans, including 7, 14, and 28-day options. You can select a plan and pay through the Du app after activating your SIM.
• 😀 Etisalat's visitor plans offer perks like discounts on attractions and taxi rides, and international calling minutes, but they also have a similar free SIM offer like Du.
• 😀 Virgin Mobile offers tourist SIM cards, with plans that differentiate between local and international calling minutes, but some options may not be advertised in the store.

Q & A

What are the two main mobile network providers in the UAE?

The two main mobile network providers in the UAE are DU and Etisalat. There is also a virtual network provider called Virgin Mobile, which uses the DU network.

Can I get a free SIM card upon arrival in the UAE?

Yes, you can get a free DU SIM card upon arrival when you have your passport checked at immigration. The SIM card is linked to your passport, and you get 1 GB of data valid for 24 hours.

What happens if I don't activate the SIM card within 10 days of entry?

According to the terms and conditions, you need to activate the SIM card within 10 days of entry into the UAE to complete the validation process. Failure to do so may result in the SIM card becoming inactive.

How can I top-up or manage my DU SIM card after receiving it at immigration?

You can manage and top-up your DU SIM card using the DU app, which allows you to select plans, make payments with a credit card, and monitor your usage. No further visit to the store is necessary after activation.

Are there any restrictions on using popular social media apps with a UAE SIM card?

Yes, video and audio calls using popular social media apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger, as well as FaceTime, are generally restricted in the UAE. This applies to both mobile networks and Wi-Fi hotspots.

What is the best data plan for a short stay in the UAE?

For a short stay, such as two weeks, the 20 GB data, 30 minutes, and 28-day validity plan for 109 AED from DU would be a great option. This offers ample data and calls without needing unlimited data.

Can I use my SIM card to make calls to international destinations?

Yes, both DU and Etisalat offer plans with international calling minutes. For example, DU provides flexible minutes for calls to countries like the UK, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the USA.

Do mobile providers in the UAE offer any additional perks?

Yes, mobile providers often offer perks such as discounts on attractions, taxi rides, and access to Wi-Fi hotspots. These perks may vary depending on the provider and your flight, such as discounts if you arrive on an Emirates flight.

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the UAE?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is widely available in public areas such as hotels, malls, and other major public spaces in the UAE. This may reduce the need for excessive mobile data usage during your stay.

How can I get an eSIM in the UAE?

In the UAE, an eSIM can be activated by visiting a mobile network store or using a specific app. It does not incur an additional charge, and some providers offer it alongside physical SIM cards for convenience.