How to Get a UAE Tourist SIM Card 2025 Full Guide Step by step

Whether you’re trying to reserve a taxi, send pictures to your friends back home, or purchase tickets to your preferred Dubai attractions, it’s critical to be able to stay connected while on vacation. Even though many hotels and public spaces in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi, a SIM card will provide you with continuous internet access whenever it’s convenient for you. Getting a local SIM card is a smart idea if you’re visiting Dubai. Compared to using a SIM card from your home country, this will allow you to access much lower rates for calls, texts, and data. Everything you need to know about obtaining a SIM card in Dubai is provided here.

Why Purchase a Sim Card in Dubai?

 

  • You’ll save a great deal of money. Using a local SIM will save you a lot of money because international roaming rates can be very high.
  • uninterrupted access to the internet. Being able to stay connected at all times will make your trip much more enjoyable, especially in Dubai, which is a very modern city. Local calls and texts are possible. If you need directions or to make a reservation at a restaurant, this can be helpful.
  • It’s more practical. You will have a local number that people can use to contact you if you have a Dubai SIM card. Compared to attempting to arrange for international phone numbers to be used for texting or calling, this is far simpler.
  • Your data coverage will be improved. You might experience sporadic coverage or extremely slow speeds if you’re using the SIM card from your home country for data. You will have far better data coverage if you use a local SIM.

Requirements

When redeeming your SIM card, make sure you have your passport and, if necessary, your Visa on hand. A copy of your visa is also required if you are not a citizen of the United Arab Emirates.
Visitors must be at least 16 years old.
The UAE Telecom Regulation prohibits the use of multiple SIM cards per passport in the United Arab Emirates.

Where to Buy

Telecom Companies
There are a number of options available if you want to buy your SIM card from a city telecom provider. Although Etisalat and du are the two most well-known providers, the city is also home to several smaller providers. Comparing the various prices and services that each provider offers is crucial when selecting one.

You can buy your SIM card from one of the retail locations of the provider you’ve chosen. Finding one shouldn’t be difficult because the majority of telecom providers have multiple retail locations throughout Dubai.
Leading Telecom Companies in Dubai:

  • Etisalat
  • du

Airports
Tourists can purchase SIM cards from kiosks at the majority of Dubai’s airports. You can buy a SIM card at the Dubai International Airport in two main locations. The first is at one of the numerous kiosks spread out across the airport. The second choice is to buy your SIM card from one of the main telecom companies that are present at the airport.

How to Activate Dubai SIM Card 

You must put your SIM card into your phone in order to activate it. After inserting it, you will have to input a code that the provider will supply. Your SIM card will be activated and you will be able to use it after you have entered the code.

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