If you’re traveling to the Emirates, staying connected while you’re there is important. However, using your home cellular plan can quickly become very expensive due to international roaming charges. The good news is that buying a prepaid UAE Etisalat SIM card is an affordable and convenient way for tourists to have mobile access. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to purchase and activate an Etisalat SIM card when visiting the UAE, from requirements and locations to purchase, included features and costs.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Etisalat
Etisalat is the largest telecom company in the UAE, providing both mobile and fixed line communications services across the country since 1976. Let’s take a look at this brand:
- Founded year: 1976
- Full company name: Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat)
- Types of services provided: Mobile services, fixed line services, broadband internet, IPTV, data centers
- Number of subscribers: Over 16.8 million
- Coverage: Operates nationwide across all cities and regions in the UAE
- Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 600+ retail stores and thousands of authorized dealers and agents across UAE
- Customer support (on-call, language, time): 24/7 call center support in multiple languages including Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu. Operating hours for call centers and stores is 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Live chat and social media channels also available for support.
II. Why Etisalat When You’re Exploring UAE – Coverage and Speed
1. Etisalat Coverage in UAE
Etisalat has established truly comprehensive mobile network coverage across the entire UAE over the past few decades. Through heavy investments and continuous upgrades to its infrastructure, the telecom giant has rolled out extensive 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE networks to cover over 99% of the UAE’s populated areas both indoors and outdoors.
Even remote rural regions like parts of Fujairah and Al Ain experience robust connectivity through Etisalat’s networks. Cities receive ubiquitous coverage, whether it is busy downtown areas or outlying suburbs. Etisalat ensures reliable reception for users even in crowded areas with many tall buildings like Dubai.
2. UAE Etisalat Speed
Etisalat prides itself on operating the fastest mobile network in the country, providing UAE residents and businesses with ultra-high speed connectivity. According to the latest network testing data, Etisalat achieves average 4G download speeds of around 46.3 Mbps across the UAE.
These speeds are nearly twice as fast as the global 4G average, allowing customers to enjoy bandwidth-intensive tasks with ease. Whether uploading high-resolution photos and videos, streaming HD/UHD content, or gaming online, Etisalat’s network caters to the increasing demand for mobile data.
III. Etisalat Connectivity Options for Travelers to UAE
As a tourist visiting UAE, there are two main connectivity options available on Etisalat network:
| Options | Pros | Cons | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket WiFi | – Portable WiFi hotspot – Connects up to 10 devices | – Higher costs than local SIM | AED 100-300 per week | Tourists who need WiFi access at all times |
| Public WiFi | – Free basic internet access | – Limited locations | – Speed/access varies by location | Quick lookups while travelling |
| Local SIM Card | – Lower costs than roaming – Access to data at high speeds | – Need UAE number for many apps/services | – AED 20-100 for starter packs | Tourists staying >1 week |
| Roaming | – Use existing number/plan abroad | – Expensive data costs | Varies by home operator’s roaming rates | Short trips where convenience is priority |
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. If you prefer the flexibility of a physical SIM card, then the Etisalat prepaid SIM is a good choice. An UAE eSIM is also a new digital solution for tourists, as it allows activating a local Etisalat plan directly on compatible devices without a physical nano-SIM. This makes connectivity even more convenient.
IV. Best Etisalat SIM Card for Tourists & Cost
Etisalat offers a wide range of prepaid SIM card plans under their Visitor Line to cater to the needs of different tourists visiting the UAE. Etisalat offers “Prepaid Visitor Line Free SIM + 1GB Local Data” which provides 1GB data valid for 24 hours free of cost. Below are some top tourist Etisalat SIM cards and prices for short-term travel in UAE:
| Plan Name | Local Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity | Price (AED) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Visitor Line Free SIM + 1GB Local Data | 1GB 24-Hour Validity | – | – | Free | Free |
| Prepaid Visitor Line Unlimited Local Data plans | Unlimited | 300 | 14 days | AED 319.00/14 days | $86.65 |
| Prepaid Visitor Line Unlimited Local Data plans | Unlimited | 100 | 7 days | AED 200.00/7days | $54.40 |
| Prepaid Visitor Line Premium + | 22.5GB | 525 | 28 days | AED 200.00/month | $54.40 |
| Prepaid Visitor Line Premium | 8GB | 120 | 28 days | AED 125.00/month | $33.99 |
| Prepaid Visitor Line + | 4GB | 30 | 28 days | AED 79.00/month | $21.48 |
| Prepaid Visitor Line | 2GB | 30 | 28 days | AED 49.00/month | $13.29 |
Overall, Etisalat offers flexible, affordable prepaid SIM options to cater to the different travel durations and budgets of international tourists visiting the UAE. The variety of plans allows tourists to choose the most suitable plan as per their needs.
V. Does Etisalat Support eSIM in UAE?
Yes, Etisalat is one of the first telecom operators in the Middle East to support eSIM for their customers. Etisalat offers select postpaid mobile/data plans and business solutions that can be activated via eSIM. This allows users to activate an eSIM profile on their compatible devices to access Etisalat’s network and services digitally without using a physical SIM card. Etisalat provides online support for installation and activation queries, and assistance is also available through call centers and stores.
Running on Etisalat’s network, uaeesim.com is a top eSIM service provider in UAE that offers a variety of competitive long validity travel eSIM data plans.
VI. Where Can I Buy Etisalat SIM Card and eSIM?
1. Where to Buy Etisalat SIM card for UAE?
As a tourist, you can easily find and purchase an Etisalat SIM at these places across UAE:
- Etisalat Stores: Etisalat has numerous retail stores scattered across the UAE where you can purchase a physical SIM card. The major malls and commercial areas will have an Etisalat store.
- Airport: The international airports of Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sharjah (SHJ) have Etisalat SIM card stands and kiosks right after immigration clearance. These are very convenient for arriving passengers.
- Online: Etisalat’s official website allows ordering a SIM card online which will be shipped to you. eSIM profiles can also be purchased digitally from the website.
So you can easily buy Etisalat prepaid SIM either at the airport on arrival or from any of the above places during your trip in UAE.
2. Where to Buy Etisalat eSIM in UAE?
- Buying from Etisalat Website: Visitors can purchase Etisalat eSIM directly from the carrier’s official website at www.etisalat.ae. Online and call center support is available from Etisalat for any installation or activation queries.
- Buying from uaeesim.com: For tourists, a better option is to purchase an eSIM plan from uaeesim.com. This local UAE eSIM service provider offers a wide range of flexible prepaid data-only packages that are valid for periods ranging from 1 day up to 3 months. Plans can be bought instantly online from anywhere in the world with pricing starting as low as $5.90.
VII. How to Activate an Etisalat SIM Card/eSIM in UAE?
1. How to Use Etisalat SIM Card for tourist in UAE?
Follow these simple steps to activate your Etisalat Prepaid SIM in UAE:
- Buy Etisalat prepaid SIM from authorized retailer. Specify required plan.
- Provide passport copy and fill CAF form for SIM registration.
- Insert the new Etisalat SIM and turn on your phone. It will auto-detect and configure settings.
- You will get an SMS with activation instructions. Follow steps to select plan & recharge.
- After recharge, you will start getting LTE data speeds and can make calls & texts.
- To check data and validity status, dial *888# on your mobile.
So within minutes of inserting and recharging, you can start using Etisalat prepaid SIM for calls, internet and messaging in UAE.
2. How to Activate UAE +Etisalat eSIM?
Activating Etisalat eSIM on your smartphone is very easy and quick:
- Purchase Etisalat eSIM plan online and make payment to get activation code.
- On your phone, go to Settings > Cellular and tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Enter the eSIM activation code provided during purchase. This will download the plan.
- Follow prompts to select Etisalat eSIM and choose a recharge pack to activate it.
- After successful activation, you will get LTE speeds on your device using the Etisalat eSIM.
- Manage and recharge eSIM from Etisalat app on your phone when required.
So within minutes of getting the activation code, you can start using Etisalat eSIM and experience high-speed mobile data in UAE on your phone.
VIII. UAE Etisalat Call & SMS Rates
UAE-based telecom provider Etisalat offers highly competitive call and SMS rates both within the UAE and internationally. Here are the latest Etisalat prepaid call and SMS rates for local and international numbers:
| SERVICE | GCC COUNTRIES* | REST OF THE WORLD (ROW)* | SATELLITE, MARITIME & FLIGHT OPERATORS* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming call | $0.22/min | $1.15/min | $1.42/min |
| Outgoing call to the UAE | $0.60**/min | $2.58/min | $4.08/min |
| Outgoing local call | $0.24/min | $1.22/min | $2.70/min |
| Outgoing call to others | $2.43/min | $3.51/min | $4.08/min |
| Outgoing SMS | $0.06/SMS | $0.54/SMS | $1.08/SMS |
| Incoming SMS | Free | Free | Free |
| Data | $0.0126/30KB | $0.27/30KB (Postpaid) $0.40/30KB (Prepaid) | $0.27/30KB (Postpaid) $0.40/30KB (Prepaid) |
Overall, Etisalat’s call and SMS pricing supports the UAE’s position as a global business and tourist hub with competitively priced connectivity both at home and abroad.
XI. FAQs about Etisalat in UAE
Does Etisalat offer 5G in UAE?
Yes, Etisalat has already launched 5G networks in UAE offering ultra high speeds of above 1Gbps in covered areas. 5G coverage is available in selected areas of Abu Dhabi and Dubai currently.
Can tourists purchase an Etisalat SIM card?
Yes, Etisalat offers disposable tourist SIM cards that can be purchased by visitors without a residency visa. Valid passport/ID is required.
How long is Etisalat tourist SIM card valid for?
Standard validity is 28 days from activation date. The SIM and included credit must be used within this period while visiting the UAE.
Can I buy Etisalat SIM at Dubai airport?
Yes, Etisalat offers several tourist SIM card options at DXB Airport to suit your needs.
XII. Final Words
In summary, Etisalat is the best network operator for tourists visiting the UAE offering the widest coverage, fastest speeds and great value prepaid plans. You can easily purchase an Etisalat SIM card on arrival or opt for the more convenient UAE eSIM option. Recharging is simple when you need to top up during your travels across Dubai and UAE. Overall, Etisalat provides the best connectivity for a seamless and wonderful trip to the UAE.
