Buy UAE SIM Card for Tourists

Are you thinking about traveling to the UAE? One of the top priorities on your travel preparation list should be obtaining a local UAE SIM card for your phone. This will enable you to have access to cellular service, use navigation and transportation apps, and stay connected while exploring the UAE. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss all the necessary information for purchasing a tourist SIM card in the United Arab Emirates.

I. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My UAE Trip?

If you want to use your smartphone to its full potential in the UAE, getting a local SIM card is highly recommended. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Avoid Roaming Charges: Using your home SIM card in the UAE can lead to extremely high roaming fees for calls, texts, and data usage. A local prepaid SIM helps you avoid these charges.
• Better Coverage: UAE carriers like Etisalat and du provide excellent nationwide coverage. A local SIM ensures you get strong reception around the UAE.

• Data Access: Having mobile data access will allow you to use Google Maps to navigate, check social media, use ridesharing services, and more. UAE SIMs often come with generous data packages.
• Affordable Calls & Texts: Making local calls and sending texts with a UAE SIM card is very inexpensive. It’s much cheaper than using your regular number.
• Keep Your Number Back Home: You can have both your regular number (for calls/texts from home) as well as the UAE SIM card active simultaneously if your phone has dual-SIM capability.

The convenience and affordability make buying a prepaid UAE SIM card worth it for most travelers. It gives you complete freedom to use your phone without worrying about roaming charges.

II. UAE SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?

When buying a new SIM card in the UAE, you’ll have to choose between these main options. 2 tables below comparing SIM cards in the UAE by form and function will help you:

For tourists visiting the UAE, a Tourist SIM bundled with affordable data and basic connectivity is ideal. Both physical and eSIM Tourist plans are available. eSIM Tourist bundles eliminate the need for a physical SIM swap and are conveniently activated online before travel. However, physical SIMs can still be purchased upon arrival at airports if needed.

When choosing your UAE SIM, prioritize prepaid options as they offer the most flexibility for travelers. Pick an operator that has store branches in the UAE cities you’ll visit to make recharging easier.

III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for UAE?

Data usage on your UAE SIM card will depend on your travel style and how much you plan to use mobile internet. Here are some data allowance recommendations:

• Light usage: 5 – 10GB data for 10 days This is sufficient for basic maps, some social media, WhatsApp, e-mails, and light web browsing.
• Moderate usage: 15 – 25GB data for 10 – 14 days Good for frequent web browsing, daily social media, uploading photos, using rideshares, and streaming some video/music.
• Heavy usage: 30 – 50GB+ data for 14+ days For power users who will stream HD shows and movies, join video calls, play online games, and use very data-heavy apps.
• Longer stays: For visits over 2-3 weeks, you may need to recharge your prepaid SIM 1-2 times to get more data.

When estimating your data needs, think about how you specifically use your phone. Buying more than what you’ll realistically use is better than running out mid-trip.

Many prepaid SIM packs in the UAE come with generous data amounts – sometimes up to 100GB for tourists! Don’t overpay for excessive data, but do ensure you have a buffer for spontaneity.

IV. How Much Does a UAE SIM Card Cost?

SIM card costs in the UAE can range quite a bit based on the operator, plan you choose, data allowance, and validity period. Here are typical price ranges:

V. UAE eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

If you have an eSIM compatible smartphone like newer iPhones and Samsung models, you can optionally get a data plan digitally instead of using a physical nano SIM card in the UAE.

Here are some pros of using eSIM in the UAE:

• Convenient – activated digitally and built-in
• Avoid SIM card pickup/swap hassle
• Remotely connect data when needed
• Use dual-SIM mode with your regular number

However, eSIM has some limitations currently:

• Prepaid eSIM options are very limited in UAE
• Mostly inflexible data amounts or durations
• Cannot port your number to an eSIM
• Less retail support for troubleshooting

For most tourists visiting UAE short-term, sticking with prepaid nano SIMs is recommended especially for the first trip. But frequent visitors with eSIM phones may find the digital experience worthwhile. For the best experience when travelling to UAE, uaeesim.com provides a variety of eSIM options that never let you down. You only have to pay from $35.00 – $288.50 to own an eSIM that is convenient and easy to set up.

VI. Where to Buy a UAE SIM Card?

It’s quite easy to find prepaid SIM cards across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here are some options:

• Airport kiosks – Etisalat and du have counters at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, right after immigration and bag claim. Convenient if you want connectivity right away.

• Mall kiosks – Malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall etc. have dedicated Etisalat and du shops selling SIMs.
• Operator flagships stores – Visit standalone flagship stores of Etisalat and du in major malls and commercial areas.
• Authorized resellers – Small retailers, grocery stores etc. also resell SIMs with standard plans. Look for authorized provider logos.
• Online delivery – Etisalat and du allow tourists to purchase prepaid SIMs online and have them delivered to hotels.

When buying your SIM card, take your passport, tourist visa page copy, and some passport photos. Most major malls, airports, and metro stations will have Etisalat and du stores or resellers making SIM purchase quick and convenient.

VII. How to Use UAE SIM

Activating and using your new UAE SIM card is straightforward:

1. Buy SIM pack – Pick a prepaid SIM bundle from Etisalat or du that suits your trip length and data needs.
2. Register SIM – Provide passport and visa photocopy at store. Give any mobile number to register the SIM card.
3. Activate PIN – You’ll get a default PIN with SIM. Call or text the provider to activate SIM and set your own PIN.
4. Recharge – When initial data finishes, top up your SIM via kiosks, online banking, or vouchers.
5. Roaming Settings – Disable roaming on your regular number to ensure your UAE SIM data is used. Enable roaming when you leave.
6. Support – Contact your UAE carrier for any SIM issues. Etisalat has toll-free 800-0203 and Du 1155.

Once activated, you can simply insert the UAE SIM and use it for mobile data, calls and texts during your entire trip!

VIII. Best Mobile Operators for UAE SIM Cards

There are two main telecom providers in UAE offering prepaid tourist SIM cards:

Mobile Operator	Coverage	SIM Price Range	Pros	Cons	eSIM Available
Etisalat	Excellent nationwide 4G coverage, expanding 5G	$13-77	Fastest network speeds, reliable coverage	Slightly higher prices	Yes
Du	Wide 4G nationwide, largest 5G coverage	$13-90	Affordable plans, widespread coverage	Slightly slower speeds	Yes
Virgin	Uses Du network, nationwide coverage	$39-127	Large data allowances	Higher prices, limited offers	Yes

Etisalat has the best overall network coverage and speed performance nationwide based on independent studies. Though Du and Virgin offer comparable coverage through their shared networks, Etisalat tends to have faster speeds on average.

Both Etisalat and du have excellent prepaid options for tourists in terms of value, network quality and ease of recharging. Ultimately Etisalat generally has better population coverage which makes it a top choice for a hassle-free SIM experience across UAE.

IX. Tips for Saving Data for UAE SIM Card

To reduce mobile data usage on your UAE tourist SIM and avoid costly top-ups, follow these tips:

• Disable Auto App Updates: Stop apps updating in background using cellular data. Only update them manually when on WiFi.
• Use WiFi Hotspots: Connect to free WiFi at your hotel, malls, cafes etc. to browse internet, make VoIP calls & use data-heavy apps only via WiFi.
• Switch Off Data When Not Needed: Turn off mobile data when not using your phone actively. Enable it only as required.
• Avoid Large Downloads & Updates: Don’t download big files or system updates using mobile data. Schedule them for when connected via WiFi.
• Limit Streaming: Lower video quality or download for offline viewing later. Streaming HD video eats through data quickly.
• Use Maps Selectively: Only load map area needed in Google Maps to minimize data usage. Pre-download map areas if possible.
• Disable Auto-Play: Stop videos and music from autoplaying to reduce unwanted background streaming data consumption.

Following these tips will ensure you get the most out of your prepaid tourist SIM card’s data allowance during your UAE travels.

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

Getting a UAE SIM card is highly recommended to stay connected with mobile data and calls during your Emirates trip. Pick an ample data allowance, and recharge wisely to avoid roaming fees. With an UAE SIM card in your phone, you’ll have the freedom to use maps, share travel moments and have complete peace of mind on your trip!