Find the best Dubai SIM card with our guide

Dubai is where the future meets tradition — sky-high towers, luxury shopping, and endless desert adventures.

It’s a destination that begs to be explored, whether you’re snapping a selfie from the top of the Burj Khalifa or diving into the spice-laden aisles of the souks.

But, no matter how epic your itinerary is, there’s one thing you’ll need: a reliable way to stay online. You don’t want to be left without maps when hunting for that must-try shawarma or miss out on sharing those jaw-dropping skyline shots with friends back home.

With options from local providers and international data plans, finding the best Dubai SIM card can feel like a mini adventure of its own.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard part for you.  In this guide, we break down the top SIM cards for Dubai and offer you an alternative — eSIMs — to keep you online without the fuss of physical cards.

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Where can I buy a Dubai SIM card?

You can buy a SIM card for Dubai before you travel or after you touch down at the airport. Let’s take a closer look at both options.

Buy your SIM card before you travel

If you want to stay connected the moment you land — whether it’s for business calls, booking rides, or checking into your accommodation — this option is for you. It’s especially useful if you have a tight schedule — no time wasted looking for SIM card kiosks or standing in line!

You can order travel SIM cards online from marketplaces like Amazon, which offer various international options with fast shipping.

Some carriers, such as T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, also sell prepaid travel SIM cards on their websites. If you prefer buying in person, stores like Best Buy and Walmart often stock travel SIM cards.

One big advantage of buying in advance is the time it gives you to compare plans and find what best suits your needs. Based on the length of your stay, you can look into different data packages, talk time options, and validity periods. 

However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind for this option. When you order a SIM card before traveling, you’ll often need to factor in shipping costs, which can add to the overall price.

And, if you’re cutting it close to your departure date, there’s always the risk of the SIM card not arriving on time. These risks could leave you scrambling for a last-minute solution.

It’s also worth considering that you might miss out on local deals or promotions offered by providers directly in Dubai.

Sometimes, the SIM cards sold at airports or local stores come with special tourist packages that might include local calls, extra data, or short-term solutions.

But, if your priority is convenience and a smooth arrival, pre-purchasing a SIM card might be worth the slight trade-off.

Buy your SIM card in Dubai

This option is great for those who don’t mind browsing different plans and deals for your prepaid Dubai SIM cards in person.

Just remember you must be over 18 years of age and have your passport for registration. There are a couple of options to consider if you’re going to buy once in the country.

Buying a SIM card at the Dubai International Airport (DXB)

The Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the only airport that offers SIM cards. If you’re arriving at another airport, such as the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) or the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), you will need to get into the city to purchase your SIM card.

While the main currency in Dubai is the dirham (AED), stores at the airport often accept cards and major currencies like US dollars and Euros, making transactions easier if you haven’t exchanged money yet.

Most stores are open 24/7, so you can get connected no matter when your flight arrives. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of where you can find stores selling SIM cards in each terminal at DXB:

Terminal 1 handles most international flights except for Emirates and Qantas.

• Etisalat store: Located in the arrival hall after clearing immigration and customs
• Du store: Found near the baggage claim area.
• Virgin Mobile kiosk: Available in the arrival area
• Kitmytrip shop: Situated inside the terminal near the baggage claim area
• BookMyWifi: Located in the arrivals area

Terminal 2 primarily serves FlyDubai and other low-cost airlines.

• Etisalat store: Available in the arrivals area
• Du store: Located in the arrivals area
• Virgin Mobile kiosk: Found in the arrivals hall

Terminal 3 is dedicated to Emirates and Qantas flights.

• Etisalat store: Located in the arrivals area
• Du store: Found near the baggage claim area
• Virgin Mobile kiosk: Available in the arrivals hall
• Kitmytrip shop: Situated inside the terminal near the baggage claim area

While the Dubai International  Airport is huge, these SIM card stores are strategically placed in high-traffic areas — typically near baggage claim or the main arrival halls. They are relatively easy to find once you’ve cleared immigration and customs.

Buying a SIM card from city stores in Dubai

While it can take a little more time than getting a SIM at the airport, you might find better data packages and prices outside the airport.

Major telecommunications providers have stores in shopping malls, metro stations, and other locations around the city.

Here’s a quick look at where you can find these prepaid SIM card stores: 

• Major shopping malls like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
• Large electronic stores like Sharaf DG, Jumbo Electronics, and Virgin Megastore
• Convenience stores and supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Zoom
• Axiom Telecom in Deira City Centre
• Mobile Plus on Al Rolla Street in Al Raffa
• Sim zone mobile and Extel Mobile Phone Trd. LLC in Dubai Investment Park
• Speed Tell Mobile Shop in Barsha Heights
• PHONE TO GO in Business Bay, Bay Avenue Center
• Mobicare in Umm Hurair

You’ll need to present your passport and be over 18 to purchase a SIM card. The staff can assist with registration and activation, so you’re set up and ready to go. 

How much does a Dubai SIM card cost?

SIM card plans in Dubai typically range from as low as $10 to as high as $85, depending on the data plan you need.

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai usually have a validity of up to 28 days, though some can last as long as 90 days, depending on your chosen plan. 

You can recharge or top-up your SIM card if you need more data or time. This can be done through the provider’s app, at retail stores, or online, allowing you to keep using the same SIM card without interruptions during a longer stay. You are also allowed to purchase up to two SIM cards in Dubai.

Which SIM card for Dubai is the best?

Now that you know where to look for SIM cards, the next question is: which one should you choose? It’s time to focus on the top three contenders: Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile. 

We’ll dive into what each provider offers, including data packages, call minutes, and user reviews, so you can make the best choice for your needs.

1. e& (formerly Etisalat)

Etisalat, now known as e&, is one of the largest and most well-established telecom providers in the UAE. It offers coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and remote areas like Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and the Hatta region.

Etisalat offers prepaid plans with the following options:

• 500 MB data for AED 71.42د.إ. (around $19.45 USD) with 30 minutes
• 1 GB data for 71.42د.إ. (around $19.45) with 60 minutes
• 2 GB data for 142.85د.إ. (around $38.90) with 90 minutes
• 3 GB data for 214.28د.إ. (around $58.35) with 120 minutes
• 5 GB data for 309.52د.إ. (around $84.25) with 180 minutes

Daily Packages:

• 75 MB data for 2.5د.إ. (around $0.68)
• 150 MB data for 4د.إ. (around $1.09)
• 250 MB data for 8د.إ. (around $2.18)
• 500 MB data for 15د.إ. (around $4.08)
• 1000 MB data for 30د.إ. (around $8.17)

Weekly Packages:

• 525 MB data (75 MB daily) for 15د.إ. (around $4.08)

It’s important to note that all prices above exclude 5% VAT.  They also provide a free SIM card with a 10% bonus credit and 1 GB of data for 7 days on the first recharge.

However, you must buy a plan online and recharge it with at least 35د.إ. (around $9.53) if you want to enjoy this offer.

Please note: Some users complain about the difficulty in reaching human customer service representatives, often being redirected to automated systems or payment options. 

2. Du

Du is another major telecom provider in the UAE, launched in 2007 as a competitive alternative to Etisalat. Du’s coverage extends across the UAE, including Fujairah and Hatta​. 

Du offers unlimited data plans with different validity: 

• 400 flexi minutes for 499د.إ. (around $135.87), valid for 28 days. 
• 200 flexi minutes for 299د.إ. (around $81.42), valid for 14 days. 
• 100 flexi minutes for 199د.إ. (around $54.19), valid for 7 days.

There are also limited data plans with 30 flexi minutes and 28-days validity like:

• 20 GB data for 189د.إ. (around $51.46)
• 10 GB data for 139د.إ. (around $37.85)
• 6 GB data for 99د.إ. (around $26.96)
• 2 GB data for 49د.إ. (around $49)

Please note: Some users say that free tourist Du prepaid SIM cards given at the airport typically have a validity of 30 days with 2 GB of data, after which they stop working and cannot be renewed. (More on free tourist SIM cards in the next section!)

According to some users, the Du app sometimes fails to complete the activation. When this happens, users must rely on an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code like *122# to manually start the registration. 

This means you need to enter your passport number and date of entry, and the activation can take a few hours to process.

The extra steps and waiting time can be frustrating, especially when you expect a quick setup right after your arrival.

3. Virgin Mobile UAE

Virgin Mobile UAE operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means it uses Du’s infrastructure to provide its services.

While both Virgin Mobile and Du share the same physical network, they are separate brands.

You can purchase these SIM cards at Virgin Mobile kiosks, Virgin Megastores, or through the online app with a valid passport. 

Virgin Mobile UAE offers three tourist plans: 

• Unlimited data for 300د.إ. (around $82), valid for 10 days
• 75 GB data (5 GB per day) for 300د.إ. (around $82), valid for 15 days
• 21 GB data (3 GB per day) for 150د.إ. (around $41), valid for 7 days

The prices listed include 5% VAT and offer access to both 4G and 5G networks, depending on your device compatibility.

Please note: Many users praise Virgin Mobile for offering cheaper plans compared to other providers. However, they also report issues with Virgin Mobile’s customer service in the UAE.

Common complaints include long wait times for support and unresponsive customer service through the app.

Do tourists get free SIM cards in Dubai?

Yes! You can get a free SIM card upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB). These are typically available at the immigration counters or telecom operator stands after passing through immigration. 

• What you need: To get one, you must be 18 or older, have a valid tourist visa, and present your passport.
• What’s included: Typically, you get 1 GB of data valid for 24 hours, with the SIM itself remaining active for up to 90 days. 
• Activation process: Once you insert the SIM, you’ll receive a verification message. Respond with your birth year to complete activation and start using your free data.

If you’re looking for more flexibility, or want to skip the hassle of a physical SIM, you might consider opting for an eSIM. Let’s explore how eSIMs work in Dubai and what they offer.

Grab an eSIM for Dubai: A great alternative to physical SIM cards

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. It’s a convenient solution for travelers as it eliminates the hassle of inserting cards or hunting down stores.

When you purchase an eSIM plan online, the provider sends you a QR code via email.

You scan this code with your phone’s camera, and the eSIM activates automatically, connecting you to a local mobile network and giving you instant access to data.

Holafly offers flexible eSIM plans tailored for travelers. The eSIM plans can be purchased and activated online through Holafly’s website or app, available for both iOS and Android devices. They can be activated before or during your trip.

Holafly offers destination-specific plans for over 200 locations, including Dubai, just select the UAE eSIM.

Holafly also offers regional eSIM plans, including Asia or Europe, making it a great option if you’re hopping between countries. 

How much does a tourist eSIM for Dubai cost?

Holafly offers the best eSIMs for Dubai, starting at $5.90 with unlimited data and a data sharing allowance of 500 MB per day. 

When buying your Holafly eSIM, you choose the number of days (any number between 1 and 90)  it will be active. Here are the prices for some popular options.

Explore Dubai with Holafly by your side

Dubai offers plenty of ways to stay connected, whether you choose to grab a SIM card before you travel or pick one up from the many stores around the city.

Providers like Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile give you solid coverage with flexible prepaid plans, and you can even snag a free tourist SIM upon arrival at the airport.

But if you’d rather skip the hassle of SIM cards altogether, a Holafly eSIM might be the way to go. With five minutes of installation time, you can switch plans or buy top-ups easily with the Holafly app.

Whether you’re booking a ride or sharing those epic Burj Khalifa selfies, Holafly eSIM keeps you connected wherever you go. 

Plans that may interest you

United Arab Emirates

From

$6.90

USD

Asia

From

$6.90

USD

Olly Keell

Olly is a writer based in Manchester who grew up on the islands of the Bahamas on the smallest Island, Bimini. He discovered a great passion for writing while running an e-commerce store with his sister. He followed his passion and talent for writing and armed himself with a great understanding of SEO which led him to write for some amazing startups. When he’s not writing, he’ll often attend writers' meetups or travel to new places with his partner.

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