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Optus roaming in Dubai: Charges and activation guide
Learn all about Optus roaming in Dubai, including the eligible plans for $5 and $10 roaming passes, international roaming packs, and standard PAYG rates.
If you are an Optus customer in Australia travelling to Dubai, you can use your existing SIM card, as Dubai is on the list of eligible Optus roaming zones. So, you can use Optus roaming in Dubai.
This guide covers all you need to know about Optus in Dubai, including the $5 and $10 roaming passes, prepaid roaming packs, standard roaming charges without a pass, and activation steps.
In the end, if you would like an alternative to Optus in Dubai with more flexible plans and unlimited data, consider the Holafly Dubai eSIM. It offers 5G connection, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Dubai. Use local networks at local rates.
Can you use Optus roaming in Dubai?
Yes, Optus international roaming works in Dubai for eligible postpaid and prepaid customers. Dubai, which is part of the UAE, is included in Optus roaming zone 1, and coverage is provided via local partner networks.
So, instead of purchasing a Dubai SIM card, you can use your current SIM. When you land in Dubai, your Optus SIM automatically connects to one of the UAE’s two major local telecom carriers, Etisalat or du.
Optus Postpaid Roaming Pass for Dubai
Optus offers two daily roaming plans to its postpaid customers — $5 and $10 roaming passes. The availability depends on their Optus plans.
Optus $5 Roaming Pass for Dubai
The $5 roaming pass is a daily plan available for Optus Choice Plus, Optus Plus Family, Optus Plus Promo, Optus Choice Plus Data, Optus Plus Kids, Business Choice Plus, Business Choice Data Plus, Business Teams Plus, and Qantas plans.
The plan gets you 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and SMS for AU$5 per day. It will be charged only on days you use Optus roaming in Dubai. You can turn off data roaming on days you don’t want to use roaming to avoid extra charges.
How it works:
- $5 per 24 hours.
- 5 GB data per day.
- Unlimited standard talk and SMS.
Note: If you run out of data before 24 hours, another 5 GB will be automatically added for an extra $5. This will be only valid for the current day and won’t carry over.
Optus $10 Roaming Pass for Dubai
The $10 roaming plan is available for Older postpaid plans and Non-Choice Plus plans. The main difference is that on this plan, you can only use 1 GB of data per day. The unlimited talk and SMS remain the same.
If you have to use this roaming pass, make sure 1 GB of data is enough for your daily usage because if it is finished before the time limit, another 1 GB will automatically be added for an extra $10. So, if you use 5 GB of data during a day on this plan, you will end up paying $50 for that day.
How it works:
- $10 per 24 hours.
- 1 GB of data per day.
- Unlimited standard talk and SMS.
Optus prepaid international roaming packs for Dubai
Prepaid customers must purchase an international roaming pack before or during travel to avoid high standard roaming charges.
Optus offers the following prepaid international roaming packs categorized based on your plans, budget, and data usage during your trip.
| Pack Type | Duration | Included Data | Standard Talk | Standard SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 International Roaming | 1 Day | 1 GB | 25 Mins | 50 SMS |
| $25 International Roaming | 14 Days | 5 GB | 50 Mins | 50 SMS |
| $45 International Roaming | 28 Days | 10 GB | 100 Mins | 100 SMS |
| $75 International Roaming | 186 Days | 15 GB | 100 Mins | 100 SMS |
You can always use the My Optus app to purchase another pack if you run out of inclusions on your plan. Make sure to download the latest version of the app before your trip.
You can also use our data usage calculator to figure out how much data you’ll need for your trip, helping you choose the best data pack for your needs.
Optus roaming in Dubai pay-as-you-go charges
If no roaming pass or pack is activated, standard roaming rates apply.
Postpaid standard roaming rates
The standard pay-as-you-go roaming rates for postpaid plans are as follows:
- Data: $1.00 per MB.
- Talk: $1.50 per minute of making or receiving calls.
- SMS: $0.50 per text.
Warning: Be aware that at $1 per MB, casual data use, such as scrolling through Instagram or other data-heavy apps, could quickly add up to over $100 daily.
Note: If you’re not eligible for Optus roaming passes, buying an eSIM might be cheaper than using pay-as-you-go rates.
Prepaid standard roaming rates
The standard roaming rates for prepaid customers are applied as follows:
- Data: $0.50 per MB
- Talk: $1.00 per minute
- SMS: $0.50 per text
Warning: Your prepaid credit will be used to cover PAYG rates. At $0.50 per MB, you might spend at least $50 daily for basic app usage such as Google Maps or brief Instagram sessions. Always purchase an international roaming pack to reduce this cost.
How to activate Optus roaming for Dubai
Both postpaid and prepaid users can activate Optus roaming using the My Optus app.
Postpaid users
- Open the My Optus app.
- Check your eligibility for the $5 or $10 Daily Roaming Passes.
- Go to Settings and turn on International Roaming.
Prepaid users
- Open the My Optus app.
- Purchase an International Pack from Add-ons.
Note: Turn on data roaming in your phone settings once you arrive in Dubai.
Stay connected in Dubai with Holafly
Optus roaming in Dubai is a convenient way to stay connected while in the UAE. However, some limitations and restrictions can make it a costly choice for customers, particularly those without a qualifying Optus plan. To avoid high roaming costs in Dubai, consider Holafly eSIM. It offers unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support.
Holafly Dubai eSIM has flexible plans from 1 to 20 days, ranging from AU$10 to $4.80/day. So, you can purchase the eSIM based on your trip duration. And if you ever exceed your plan, Holafly’s Always-on feature is available to help you stay connected using 1 GB of backup data.
Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations, making it easier for frequent travellers and digital nomads to continue their trip to another country without worries about purchasing a local SIM card.
Avoid hidden data costs
Get the full price upfront with a Holafly eSIM for Dubai. Enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of June 19, 2026, and is subject to change.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
