How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Dubai?

Getting ready for a trip to Dubai? You’re probably excited just thinking about all the things you’ll see and do. However, one practical thing you should think about is how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re there.

To make sure your vacation goes smoothly, consider swapping your UK SIM card for a Dubai SIM card. Not only will this help you avoid unnecessary expenses, it will also allow you to use translation apps and maps without having to rely on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Dubai and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees and great mid-market exchange rates.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Dubai from the UK?

Having a Dubai SIM card when visiting is a great way to save money. Usually, international calls or data usage aren’t included in UK monthly plans and they’re an extra expense. So, better to have a Dubai SIM card than to get charged extra by your provider for using your phone abroad.

When you have a local SIM, it’s easier to stay in touch with friends and family back home. It also guarantees better network coverage and more freedom, since you won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi.

If you’re still not convinced, you could rely on international roaming instead. Many networks, such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile, offer global roaming packages that include Dubai. Others, like Tesco Mobile or Three, will have you pay roaming charges as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Dubai?

Since Dubai has a high cost of living, their tourist SIM cards can also get rather expensive. You actually get them for free there, but you pay for extra upgrades (more on that later).

One of UAE’s national providers called du has the cheapest tourist SIM option for £10. The most expensive ones even cost over £100.

When it comes to eSIMs, Airalo has one that costs less than £4, but they can cost up to £50.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Dubai?¹

Getting a Dubai SIM card is very easy. You can get them at official provider stores, at the airport or at supermarkets.

The safest way to get a Dubai SIM card for tourists is to visit a mobile operator’s store. You’ll be able to explain to the staff what it is that you’re looking for and have them help you decide. There are only three providers in Dubai - du, Virgin Mobile and Etisalat.

Once you choose your plan, you can pay for it with cash, your credit card or your debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Dubai in the UK?²

It’s possible to get a Dubai SIM card in the UK, but your options will be limited and usually more expensive. For example, you can order one through SimCorner for £29 and use it for up to 15 days.

Buying an eSIM while still in the UK is your most convenient and cheapest option. Some providers sell country-specific eSIM cards, while others have regional or global deals. Due to this, you’ll most likely be able to find an offer that you’ll like, all from the comfort of your home.

Can you buy a Dubai SIM card at the airport?¹

Yes, you can get a SIM card upon landing. In fact, in Dubai, you can get a tourist SIM card with 1 GB of data for free at the airport.

If you want to upgrade this plan and add more data, you can also do that while at the airport. Dubai’s three mobile providers all have stands there.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Dubai

Here are some of the best SIM card options for a vacation in Dubai.

du³

UAE’s network du has multiple plans for tourists, ranging from 2 GB of data to unlimited data deals.

If you need an unlimited data plan, they have a 7-day one for approximately £42 and a 14-day one which costs around £64. The most affordable option is the 2 GB plan which costs around £10.

Virgin Mobile⁴

Virgin Mobile has a few packages for tourists. The deals differ based on the number of days you’ll spend in Dubai, as well as the amount of data included. However, all plans include 30 local and 20 international minutes.

For 7-day stays, you can choose between their 21 GB plan or their unlimited data option. The first one costs around £30, while the latter is around £40.

Etisalat⁵

Like we mentioned before, Etisalat gives out free 1 GB SIM cards to tourists at the airport. If you want to upgrade that plan, they have two options on offer, both with unlimited data.

The first one is a 14-day plan with 300 minutes, while the second is a 7-day plan with 100 minutes. The bigger plan costs close to £68, while the smaller one will set you back approximately £43.

Best e-SIM cards for Dubai

Getting an eSIM is probably the most convenient way to avoid roaming fees while in Dubai. You can even get it while still in the UK, as long as you activate it upon arrival.

Make sure your phone is compatible with eSIMs before you buy one. And if it is, here are some of the best eSIMs you can use while in Dubai.

Airalo

Airalo has different Dubai eSIM plans. The most expensive one costs $35 for 20 GB of data and a 30 day validity period. The cheapest option is only $4.5 at the moment, with 1 GB available for you to use for 7 days.⁶

If you plan on travelling through the Middle East after leaving the UAE, know that Airalo has plans that include 15 countries in this entire region. For instance, the regional eSIM that has 1 GB of data available for 7 days will cost you $15.⁷

Maya Mobile⁸

Maya Mobile has plans that can be used for 5, 10, 15 or 30 days. The most affordable plan includes 1 GB of data and it costs £5. If you’re staying longer and you also need more data, another option is their 10-day 5 GB data pass which will cost you £15.

Holafly⁹

Holafly only has unlimited data eSIMs. This can be a convenient option for groups, since you can share up to 500 MB per day with others through a hotspot.

Their prices start at £5 for one day, but the more days you buy, the better the deal. So, if you get a 5-day plan, you’ll pay £16 for it. On the other hand, 15 days will set you back £40.

Spend like a local in Dubai with Wise

While you’re picking a Dubai SIM card for your trip, you’ll also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Dubai and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.

WIth the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used for this article:

Sources last checked on date: 06-June-2024