For people who visit the UAE for the first time, their first task is to contact their family, relatives, or friends. After arrival in UAE, people primarily need help getting a sim card. Which card should I choose? Which telecom company has the best signals all over the UAE?
Similarly, free Wi-Fi is available in all hotels, public areas, and many tourist attractions in UAE, but you still need Wi-Fi. So you can access the Internet and call your friends or family when booking hotel reservations or scheduling other tours.
We have discussed all these points that you should know about the best UAE tourist SIM card and Wi-Fi.
Here are the Best SIM Card and Wi-Fi for Tourist in UAE To Know About
Mobile Networks in UAE:
There are two main mobile networks in UAE, and the last one is MVNO in UAE:
- Etisalat
- DU
Where you can get a SIM card in UAE:
Getting a tourist sim card in UAE is an easy process. Tourists above 18 can get a tourist sim card when they cross immigration at Dubai Airport.
Travelers can get a Prepaid SIM card at the Airport or Duty-Free. People who arrive in UAE with a visit visa, transit visa, or GCC citizen can get a SIM card with 1 GB of free mobile data, valid for 24 hours.
This package would be for only those visiting the UAE for the first time.
After using the mobile data, you can select any other package you would like.
How long are Tourist SIM cards valid for?
Tourist SIM cards in the UAE have different validity periods. Etisalat SIM cards are valid for ten days or 28 days. DU sim cards are good for 90 days or until you leave UAE (if it is shorter than 90 days).
Similarly, Virgin offers tourist SIM cards valid for 7, 10, or 15 days.
Documents you need to get a Tourist SIM card:
To get a Tourist SIM card, you must be above 18. You also have to bring your passport and ID card.
Get Etisalat Tourist sim and Wi-Fi:
To purchase an Etisalat tourist sim, visit the nearest Etisalat outlet with your passport and resident ID.
From there, you can select the package according to your needs.
To order Online:
- You can order a SIM card online by dialing 101.
- Or you can browse www.etisalat.ae.
- The best thing about purchasing a sim online is that you can choose your favorite number but have to pay a fee (if you are buying online).
- You can get a new SIM card from any airport in the UAE.
- You can use the Wi-Fi wherever you want.
- To connect with wifi, enter your mobile number.
Etisalat Visitor Line Package:
The Etisalat Visitor Line Package is an exclusive package for visitors to the UAE.
The visitor Line pack allows you to connect instantly with your friends and family during your stay in UAE.
The benefits of this package are loads of data, Wi-Fi, and voice minutes. You may also get some discounts in restaurants and other attractions.
When purchasing the package, make sure you choose the Visitor Line package. The pack is valid for 28 days, but you can re-purchase whenever possible. At the time of re-purchase, the prices will be the same.
If you stay in UAE longer, you can convert it into Wasel Prepaid or Postpaid.
You can change this plan by visiting your nearest Etisalat franchise.
How to get DU tourist sim and Wi-Fi:
- Purchasing a DU sim card is the same as buying an Etisalat sim.
- Visit the shop.du.ae website.
- Select any plan that you like
- Select a physical SIM card and click "add to cart."
- You will see your free DU number. (You can also change it by clicking on change)
- Enter your address and debit card info to buy online
To activate the sim:
- Insert the SIM card into your phone.
- You will receive a verification (asking you to reply with your Year of Birth) and send an SMS to 1220.
- After they have received verification, you can enjoy 1 GB of free Wi-Fi. You will also receive your mobile number.
DU Visitor Lines Packages:
The DU Visitor Lines Pack is very similar to the Etisalat package. You get significant discounts on food, tours, and other sights. You can avail the free SIM at Dubai Airport or wherever you arrive in UAE. Go to the immigration counter, and you can get your free du SIM with 1 GB free Wi-Fi (valid for one day).
If you need to recharge, you can visit any DU store whenever you want. If you wish to get discounts on top attractions and dining restaurants, install the Al Saada app and find the deals on your tour of UAE.
Etisalat vs DU- Speed and Availability:
If we are talking about internet speed, Etisalat is faster than DU. The download speed of Etisalat is 46 Mbps, while DU is 34 Mbps.
If we look into which service provider has faster 5G internet speed, then Etisalat again beats DU with a high speed of 332 Mbps download speed, while DU's download speed is only 282 Mbps.
Now, let's see who has got the best 5G coverage. DU coverage is 99%, while Etisalat coverage is 98%. So, here, DU provides the best 5G coverage.
Conclusion:
If you are visiting UAE for the first time, you must buy an Etisalat tourist sim card or DU card.
If you are visiting UAE just for a few days and your primary concern is calling, then Etisalat would be the best free sim card for UAE visitors.
The basic package of Etisalat costs around 49 AED, for which you get 30 flexi minutes (so you can call wherever you want ). This package is valid for only 28 days(which can be purchased later).
You can order online by visiting their website, www.etisalat.ae. After that, you can collect your SIM card from any airport in the UAE.
