You are traveling or moving to the Emirates and would like to know the quickest way to obtain a SIM card in Dubai ?
Whether you're a resident or a tourist, getting a SIM card for yourself is a simple process.
Here I give you all the information you need to buy, activate and use a SIM card in Dubai.
SIM card in Dubai: article summary
What services offer SIM cards in Dubai?
There are three main SIM card services in Dubai to choose from:
- Virgin Mobile
- From
- Etisalat
All these providers offer postpaid and prepaid cell phone plans for calls, SMS and Internet packages. These SIM cards are available at Dubai airport and in many other outlets in the city.
How do I buy a SIM card in Dubai?
Buying a SIM card in Dubai is a simple process. Residents can visit any phone store with their Emirates ID card and select a package that best suits their needs. Tourists can show their visa and passport to get a free SIM card at theDubai International Airport or to buy one in one of the city's stores.
How can I get a free SIM card in Dubai?
Major General Mohammad Al Marri has announced that tourists to Dubai aged 18 and over can obtain a free SIM card. They can visit the passport control officer on arrival at the airport and obtain a new SIM card. Free talk time is three minutes, and the 20 MB navigation data is valid for one month.
How do I activate my free SIM card?
The free SIM card that tourists receive at Dubai International Airport needs to be activated. To activate it, simply dial *122#Enter your passport number, date of arrival and country name. You will receive a confirmation SMS after activation.
What packages are available and at what price?
Tourists can take advantage of a number of different packages on their free SIM card in Dubai
You can get 500 MB of data and 20 minutes of calls for 7 days at a cost of AED 55 (15 €).
For those who need more data, an Internet package of 2 GB with 40 minutes of calls for AED 75 (€21) is also available. This package is valid for 14 days.
Tourists can also obtain a data package from 3.5 GB including 50 minutes of calls for 110 AED (€30). This package is also valid for 14 days.
All call minutes in these packages are valid for international calls.
Why buy a SIM chip in Dubai?
If there's one place in the world where tourists can go without a local SIM card, it would be Dubai. Wi-Fi is literally everywhere. Visit Dubai Mall even claims to have the fastest Wi-Fi in the world. However, things a little more complicated if you want to order a cab in the street or if you're going on a road trip to discover the United Arab Emirates. Having an Internet connection on your phone makes life easier.
A SIM card in Dubai is almost mandatory when you travel to the city. Fortunately, you can take advantage of a free offer that can be topped up later. For example, you'll enjoy Internet access wherever you are on your trip to Dubai.
What to do in Dubai in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Dubai guide.
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