Choose the right SIM card based on your stay duration, usage type and budget
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Tourist SIM Card
Prepaid Tourist SIM — 14-30 Days
Most Popular
Best option for tourists and short-term travelers. No residence visa or Emirates ID needed. Available at airports, malls and operator stores. Includes data, calls and SMS packages.
check_circle No residence visa or Emirates ID needed
check_circle Includes data, calls and SMS
check_circle Instant activation at airport
check_circle Validity 14 to 30 days
warning Non-renewable — must buy new SIM after expiry
Available operators:
duEtisalat (e&)
payments
AED 55 — 100
Including initial data package
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Prepaid SIM Card
Pay-As-You-Go — For Residents
Residents
For UAE residents with Emirates ID. Pay-as-you-go system with no monthly contract. Monthly data plans available from AED 50. Can recharge online or at stores.
Monthly contract with better rates and more data. Requires credit check. Includes device financing options and family plans. Ideal for high usage and professional use.
check_circle Better rates and more data volume
check_circle Device financing available
check_circle Family and group plans
check_circle Discounted international roaming
warning Credit check required
Available operators:
duEtisalat (e&)Virgin Mobile
payments
AED 100 — 500 / month
Depending on data volume and services
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Data-Only SIM Card
Data Only — Tablets, MiFi, Routers
Data Only
Designed for tablets, MiFi devices and routers. No voice capability, data only. Ideal for remote workers, business travelers and as backup internet.
check_circle High data volume at reasonable cost
check_circle Compatible with tablets, MiFi & routers
check_circle Ideal for remote working
check_circle Daily, weekly and monthly plans
warning No voice calls or SMS capability
Available operators:
duEtisalat (e&)
payments
AED 75 — 200 / month
Depending on data volume
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eSIM
Digital SIM — Instant Activation
Digital
Digital SIM with no physical card needed. Instant activation via QR code scan. Supports Dual SIM on compatible phones. Same prepaid and postpaid plans at identical prices.
check_circle Instant activation via QR code
check_circle No physical card needed
check_circle Dual SIM support
check_circle Same price as physical SIM plans
warning Compatible phones only (iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, etc.)
Available operators:
duEtisalat (e&)
payments
Same as Prepaid / Postpaid
Plan cost unchanged
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SIM Recharge / Top-Up
Online Recharge — du & Etisalat
Instant Top-Up
Online recharge for du and Etisalat SIM cards. Denominations: AED 30, 55, 100 and 200. Recharge via app, website or stores. International calling cards also available.
check_circle Instant online recharge
check_circle AED 30, 55, 100 and 200 denominations
check_circle Recharge via app, website or stores
check_circle International calling cards available
Supported operators:
duEtisalat (e&)
payments
AED 30 — 200
Available recharge amounts
SIM Recharge / Top-Up
Online recharge for du & Etisalat — select amount and operator
bolt Quick Recharge
Select recharge amount and enter your phone number
SIM Card Types Comparison
Feature
Tourist
Prepaid
Postpaid
Data-Only
eSIM
Visa Needed
cancel
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Plan based
Monthly Cost
AED 55-100
AED 50+
AED 100-500
AED 75-200
Same as physical
Data Included
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Contract
cancel
cancel
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Optional
Optional
Activation
Instant
Same day
1-2 days
Instant
Instant
Which SIM card is right for you?
Submit a consultation request — our experts will recommend the best option based on your needs
