Whether you’re in Sharjah for business, leisure or transit, one of the first things you’ll want to do after landing is get connected. While you may have international roaming enabled on your phone, switching to a local Sharjah SIM card provides significant cost savings and convenience for staying in touch during your visit. This guide walks you through the simple process of purchasing a SIM card directly inside Sharjah International Airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Sharjah Airport
Sharjah Airport offers several convenient options for travelers to purchase a SIM card upon arrival. You can find SIM card providers located throughout the airport terminals, ensuring that you can easily access a local SIM card as soon as you step off your flight.
The primary SIM card providers with a physical presence at Sharjah Airport are Etisalat and du, the two major telecommunication companies in the United Arab Emirates. These operator stores are strategically placed in various locations within the airport, making it easy for you to find and purchase a SIM card.
Etisalat Store
- Location: The Etisalat store at Sharjah Airport is located near luggage belt 4 in the baggage hall area after passing through customs. This location ensures that you can easily pick up your Etisalat SIM card as soon as you clear customs and immigration.
- Opening Hours: The Etisalat store at Sharjah Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that you can purchase a SIM card at any time, even during late-night or early-morning arrivals.
du Store
In addition to the Etisalat store, you can also find a du store located in the Departures Hall of Sharjah Airport, providing another option for purchasing a SIM card.
- Location: The du store located by walking out of the arrival hall and then immediately taking a left through the door into the departure hall area.
- Opening Hours: The du store at Sharjah Airport operates from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), seven days a week, ensuring that you can conveniently acquire a SIM card during your travels.
Useful Guide: Figure out ways to keep your cell phone connected in the UAE and enjoy the best travel experience.
II. Sharjah Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
When it comes to selecting a SIM card at Sharjah Airport, both Etisalat and du offer a range of prepaid SIM card packages to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. Let’s take a closer look at the options and associated costs:
| Provider | Package | Price (USD) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etisalat | 2 GB data + 30 minutes | $13.31 | 2 GB | 28 days |
| 4 GB data + 30 minutes | $21.43 | 4 GB | 28 days | |
| 6 GB data + 120 minutes | $33.98 | 6 GB | 28 days | |
| 22.5 GB data + 525 minutes | $54.05 | 22.5 GB | 28 days | |
| DU | 2 GB data + 30 minutes worldwide | $13.31 | 2 GB | 28 days |
| 10 GB data + 30 minutes worldwide | $37.71 | 10 GB | 28 days | |
| Unlimited data for 10 days | $80.77 | Unlimited | 10 days | |
| Virgin Mobile | 21 GB data + 30 mins UAE + 20 mins intl | $40.54 | 21 GB | 7 days |
| 40 GB data + 30 mins UAE + 20 mins intl | $54.05 | 40 GB | 10 days | |
| 75 GB data + 30 mins UAE + 20 mins intl | $80.77 | 75 GB | 15 days |
In summary, Sharjah Airport offers tourists a good selection of prepaid SIM cards from Etisalat, DU, and Virgin Mobile to stay connected during visits to the UAE.
Tips: For travelers needing SIM flexibility beyond the airport packages, choosing a UAE eSIM profile makes for a more convenient digital connectivity solution during visits.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Sharjah Airport
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when purchasing a SIM card at Sharjah Airport, it’s recommended to have the following information and documents ready:
- Valid Passport or ID: When purchasing a SIM card in the UAE, you’ll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or national ID card. This is a legal requirement for registering a SIM card in the country.
- Cash or Card: While most SIM card provider stores and vending machines at Sharjah Airport accept both cash and card payments, it’s a good idea to have a mix of both payment options available. This will ensure that you can complete the purchase regardless of your preferred payment method.
- Unlocked Phone: For the SIM card to work properly, your mobile device must be unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies used in the UAE. Check with your home country’s service provider to ensure that your phone is unlocked and ready for international use.
- Understanding of Data and Call Needs: Before making your purchase, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of your anticipated data and call usage during your stay in Sharjah. This will allow you to select the SIM card package that best fits your requirements and avoid overpaying for features you may not need.
By having these essential items and information ready, you can streamline the SIM card purchasing process at Sharjah Airport and ensure a hassle-free start to your travels in the UAE.
IV. UAE eSIM – An Alternative to SIM Card at Sharjah Airport
Skip the lines at Sharjah Airport and get connected right from the comfort of your home with an eSIM from uaeesim.com. UAE eSIM provides a convenient alternative to purchasing a physical SIM card at Sharjah Airport.
With an eSIM, you don’t need to wait in line at the airport or insert a new SIM into your device – just purchase a flexible data plan online from uaeesim.com and receive instant activation through a simple QR code. Their wide range of plan durations from 1 day up to 90 days allow you to choose the right amount of data and validity for your trip. Make activating international data both easy and cost-effective by getting your UAE eSIM before your trip from uaeesim.com – the most affordable way to stay digitally connected.
Plans worth considering!
V. FAQs
Can I use my home country’s SIM card in Sharjah?
It is possible to use your home country’s SIM card in Sharjah, but it may result in high roaming charges and limited data/call allowances. For a more cost-effective and reliable communication solution, it is generally recommended to purchase a local SIM card at Sharjah Airport.
Do I need to unlock my phone before using a Sharjah Airport SIM card?
Yes, your mobile device must be unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies used in the UAE to ensure proper functionality of the SIM card. Check with your home country’s service provider to ensure your phone is unlocked and ready for international use.
Can I top up my Sharjah Airport SIM card while in the UAE?
Yes, both Etisalat and du offer convenient top-up options for their SIM card packages. You can top up your SIM card through the operator’s mobile app, website, or by visiting one of their retail stores or authorized dealers throughout Sharjah and the UAE.
Do I need to register my Sharjah Airport SIM card?
Yes, registration is required when purchasing a SIM card in the UAE, including at Sharjah Airport. You’ll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or national ID, during the registration process.
How long is the validity of a Sharjah Airport SIM card?
The validity of a Sharjah Airport SIM card can vary, but typically, the basic prepaid packages have a validity of around 30 days. You can extend the validity by topping up your SIM card or purchasing a more comprehensive package.
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a physical SIM card from one of the counters at Sharjah International Airport is a convenient option for travelers arriving in the UAE to get connected right away. Both Etisalat and Du have representation at the airport to assist customers in selecting an appropriate data package.
An increasingly popular alternative is to sign up for an eSIM from an online provider like uaeesim.com prior to the trip. This allows instant SIM delivery via email and risks no hassle at the airport.
