Getting online and staying connected when you land at Abu Dhabi International Airport is simple if you come prepared with the right information. While navigation apps can guide you to SIM card kiosks and stores after immigration, knowing which cellular providers offer tourist plans, what payment methods they accept and the activation process saves valuable time. Here’s what you need to know about purchasing a SIM card at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Abu Dhabi Airport
Abu Dhabi airport offers convenient options right at the baggage claim area and in the public arrival hall to get connected on the Go networks. Here are the main places for tourists to buy a local UAE SIM card:
- Etisalat kiosk: At the luggage belts (belt 3 and 4 specifically), you will find desks operated by Etisalat and Virgin Mobile. This is one of the first areas you can get a SIM right after baggage claim before proceeding through customs.
- Virgin Mobile shop: If you want to purchase a Virgin Mobile SIM, this luggage belt area is your only opportunity, as you cannot go back once past customs into the arrival hall.
- Operators stores (du and Etisalat): After customs/immigration in the arrival hall, there are two stores – one for Du and another for Etisalat – where you can get prepaid tourist SIM cards for use in the UAE.
Travelers arriving at Abu Dhabi airport have round-the-clock access to purchase SIM cards from major providers directly upon arrival at baggage claim and in the arrival hall. Information is provided in English for easy orientation by international travelers.
Note: If the SIM card options at the airport don't fully suit your requirements, it's a good idea to check out the variety of deals available in Abu Dhabi city itself.
II. Abu Dhabi Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
Buying a prepaid SIM card at Abu Dhabi International Airport gives travelers easy connectivity when they first arrive in the UAE. There are several SIM card options available for purchase at Abu Dhabi International Airport:
| Operator | Plan Details | Price (AED) | Price (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Mobile | 21 GB data + 30 mins + 20 intl mins | 150 AED | $40.80 | 7 days |
| 40 GB data + 30 mins + 20 intl mins | 200 AED | $54.40 | 7 days | |
| 75 GB data + 30 mins + 20 intl mins | 300 AED | $81.60 | 7 days | |
| Etisalat | 2 GB data + 30 mins | 49 AED | $13.30 | 28 days |
| 4 GB data + 30 mins | 79 AED | $21.48 | 28 days | |
| 8 GB data + 120 mins | 125 AED | $33.95 | 28 days | |
| 22.5 GB data + 525 mins | 200 AED | $54.40 | 28 days | |
| Unlimited data + 100 mins | 319 AED | $86.78 | 10 days | |
| du | 2 GB data + 30 mins | 49 AED | $13.30 | 28 days |
| 6 GB data + 30 mins | 99 AED | $27.00 | 28 days | |
| 10 GB data + 30 mins | 139 AED | $37.86 | 28 days | |
| 20 GB data + 30 mins | 189 AED | $51.36 | 28 days |
Having a local SIM allows you to use navigation, stream music, browse attractions and stay in contact with friends back home during your visit. Each carrier offers a variety of packages tailored for short-term travelers, ranging from a few gigabytes of data up to unlimited plans. Remember that when purchasing a SIM, you’ll need your passport as ID.
Pro Tips: If you want even more flexibility with your data plan during your stay, consider purchasing an eSIM from uaeesim.com instead of a physical SIM card.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Abu Dhabi Airport
Below are a few tips for you when buying and using a local SIM card at Abu Dhabi International Airport:
- Unlocked Phone: You then need to use your foreign SIM card to unlock your phone. Before you leave, ask your property agent for a lock.
- SIM Tool Kit: Don’t forget to take along a SIM card removal tool when switching cards. If tools are needed, they are available at airport shops..
- Passport: Purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires your passport for ID.
- Cash: Have your local currency ready to pay for your SIM card and data plan. Luckily, both AED and USD are widely accepted at the airport.
- Activation: Have the staff take more time to turn on your new SIM card and test it on your phone before getting your stuff and going.
When you land at the airport in Abu Dhabi you’ll need to pick up a SIM card quickly and easily, so come prepared. Also, you can use data right away by the airport.
IV. UAE eSIM – Alternative to SIM Card at Abu Dhabi Airport
Instead of queueing up at the airport kiosks to purchase a physical tourist SIM card with a fixed data allowance and expiration date, travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi should consider the ease and flexibility of a UAE eSIM from uaeesim.com. Here are some pros of using eSIM:
- No SIM card required: If you bring an eSIM, you do not need to have a physical card.
- Remote activation: eSIMs are available for purchase and booking before departure or remotely.
- Multi-SIM capabilities: Dual-SIM phones can have one physical SIM and one active e-SIM.
- Flexibility: But the eSIM means that changing data plans or providers is a simple breeze.
- Security: Since the physical SIM card cannot be removed, the eSIM data is therefore more secure.
With options for daily, weekly or monthly access (from 1-90 days), you can choose the amount of data and duration that suits your travel duration. So skip the hassle at the airport and go with a smooth UAE eSIM activation from uaeesim.com instead.
V. FAQs
Are free airport WIFI hotspots available?
Yes, Abu Dhabi International Airport offers free WIFI access in all terminals. However, speeds are limited and a local SIM provides faster, more consistent data access.
Can tourist buy SIM card in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card in Abu Dhabi. Prices for SIM cards start at around 55 AED ($15)
Do I get a SIM card at Abu Dhabi airport?
Etisalat shops at Abu Dhabi International Airport operate24/7k, allowing travelers to purchase a SIM card conveniently upon arrival at either location at any time of day or night.
Do I need to show my passport?
Yes, your passport will be required as a form of ID when purchasing any prepaid SIM card as a foreigner.
Does Abu Dhabi Airport provide free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Abu Dhabi International Airport offers free Wi-Fi to passengers. To connect to the network, just connect to the network named “Zayed Intl Airport Free Wi-Fi. Once the welcome box appears, click “CONNECT.”
VI. Final Words
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a provider like Etisalat or du is the most convenient way to access mobile data after landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport. With stores located right in the arrival terminals, getting connected is quick and affordable. Alternatively, UAE eSIM provides added flexibility for a seamless connectivity in the city.
