Guide and How to Buy Different SIM Cards in Dubai

If you intend to travel to Dubai, one of your first needs upon entering this modern city is to obtain a local SIM card so that you can access the internet, make domestic and international calls, and use online services. Considering that many urban and tourism services in Dubai are provided through the internet, having fast and reliable internet is very important. Fortunately, in Dubai, reputable operators like Etisalat, DU, and Virgin Mobile offer various services for tourists and residents. In this article, we will examine all the details related to the process of purchasing a SIM card in Dubai, prices, internet costs, activation methods, and important tips before buying so that you can make the best choice according to your needs and length of stay.

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Where to buy a Dubai SIM card?

Upon arriving in Dubai, the best and fastest place to buy a SIM card is Dubai International Airport. In the arrivals section and after the passport control gate, there are official booths of the two main operators, Etisalat and DU, which provide services specifically for international travelers. In addition to the airport, SIM cards can also be purchased throughout the city, especially in large shopping centers such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and mobile phone stores. The prices and services of each operator differ from one another; therefore, it is better to inquire about their internet and calling packages before purchasing to choose a SIM card that suits your needs and duration of stay.

Steps to buy a SIM card in Dubai

The process of buying a SIM card in Dubai is very simple, but it requires the presentation of identification documents. In the first step, you must present a valid passport and, if staying longer, your entry visa. Then, by choosing the desired operator, you specify the type of SIM card; usually, prepaid options are more suitable for tourists. After registering your details and signing the form, the SIM card is activated in less than a few minutes, and a confirmation message will be sent to you. Most sales centers also provide activation and internet setup services right there so you can immediately use your SIM card.

How much is a SIM card in Dubai?

The price of a SIM card in Dubai varies depending on the type of operator and the level of services. Tourist SIM cards usually start from around 50 to 75 dirhams and include an internet package and initial calls. Some plans are designed specifically for short-term travelers and have a one-week or ten-day validity. If your stay is longer, you can use permanent SIM cards or monthly plans, which range in price from 100 to 200 dirhams. It is worth mentioning that in most cases, SIM cards are activated at the time of purchase and do not require a separate fee for activation.

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Cost of internet for Dubai SIM card

The cost of internet in Dubai is relatively diverse and is determined by the amount of consumption and duration of use. The operator Etisalat offers daily, weekly, and monthly internet packages; for example, the daily package is usually available for 20 to 30 dirhams and the weekly packages with a volume of 2 to 3 gigabytes cost around 70 to 100 dirhams. Operator Du also offers similar packages at competitive prices. The important point is that if consumption exceeds the specified volume, the internet speed is reduced or additional charges are incurred. Therefore, it is better to choose a package that matches your daily usage.

Important points that we should pay attention to:

• Make sure the phone is unlocked: Before traveling, ensure that your phone is not network locked (SIM Lock) so you can use SIM cards from the UAE.
• Passport is required: To purchase a SIM card, presenting a valid passport and sometimes a visa is essential.
• Choose a tourist SIM card: If you have a short stay, SIM cards specifically for tourists are a more economical and simpler option.
• Check the internet package: Choose the volume and duration of the internet package according to your needs to avoid extra charges.
• Keep the purchase receipt: In case of issues with activation or charging, the purchase receipt is necessary for follow-up.
• Use free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in public places in Dubai such as shopping centers and stations; use it to save money.

Read on: Critical rules: 1. Translate all words to Persian - do not keep any English words 2. Technical terms must be translated into Persian 3. Proper names must be written in Persian script 4. Use Persian numbers 5. Do not add any quotation marks or extra characters 6. For addresses: use Persian format (Street, Neighborhood, City, Country) 7. Return only the translation, without quotes, without explanations

Activation of Hamrah Aval roaming in Dubai

To use the Hamrah Aval SIM card in Dubai, you need to activate your international roaming. This can be done before the trip via the code *10*291# or by visiting the "Hamrah Man" app. After entering Dubai, the phone automatically connects to one of the local operators like Du or Etisalat. It is recommended to activate internet or call roaming packages before traveling to reduce costs, as the pay-as-you-go rates are very high. If it does not activate automatically, turn the phone off and on once or manually select the operator. Please note that Hamrah Aval roaming in Dubai is stable and offers good speed.

Free internet in Dubai

Dubai is one of the advanced cities in the Middle East that provides extensive access to free public Wi-Fi for citizens and tourists. You can connect to free internet in almost all shopping centers, airports, metro stations, cafes, and even some streets. This Wi-Fi is usually displayed with names like Dubai Wi-Fi or du Wi-Fi UAE. To connect, you just need to enter your mobile number or email to receive a verification code. Despite these facilities, it is better to also get a SIM card with a suitable internet package to ensure a stable and fast connection, especially if you need navigation or work calls.

DU operator of the Emirates

Du operator is one of the two major telecommunications companies in the UAE that offers a variety of services including tourist SIM cards, internet packages, international calls, and roaming. Du SIM cards are particularly suitable for short-term tourists, as they have prepaid plans with high internet volume and reasonable costs. Activating the SIM card takes less than a few minutes, and the official Du app allows for package management, consumption tracking, and online top-up. Du's network coverage throughout Dubai is very good, and 5G internet speed is available in central areas and shopping centers. This operator is highly popular among travelers due to its fast services and reasonable prices.

Etisalat SIM card

Etisalat is the oldest and largest mobile operator in the UAE and has a very extensive network coverage throughout Dubai. The company's SIM cards are available in various versions including tourist, prepaid, and postpaid. Etisalat's internet packages offer high speeds and options for daily, weekly, and monthly usage. Tourists can receive a special SIM card for travelers by presenting their visitor passport, which includes internet, local, and international calls. The Etisalat app also provides easy account management, package renewal, and consumption tracking. Overall, Etisalat is considered a reliable and professional choice for both short and long-term stays in Dubai.

Read on: Critical rules: 1. Translate all words to English - do not keep any English words 2. Technical terms must be translated into English 3. Proper names must be written in English 4. Use English numbers 5. Do not add any quotation marks or extra characters 6. For addresses: use English format (Street, District, City, Country) 7. Return only the translation, without quotes, without explanations

International roaming packages of Irancell

Irancell offers special international roaming packages for subscribers who plan to travel to Dubai. By activating these packages, you can use the internet, calls, and SMS at a much lower rate compared to the standard rates using the Etisalat and Du networks. To activate, simply dial *111*3# or use the "Irancell My" app. Roaming packages are usually available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and by activating them, automatic connection to local operators is established. Irancell also has a "Smart Roaming" option that automatically selects the best network in the destination country to provide a better user experience.

Required documents for purchasing a SIM card in Dubai

To buy a SIM card in Dubai, presenting valid identification documents is mandatory. All operators such as Etisalat, DU, and Virgin Mobile are required to register the buyer's identity to prevent potential misuse. If you are a tourist, the only thing you need is a valid passport. In case of a longer stay or residence in the Emirates, you may also be asked for a residence visa or Emirates ID. The registration process takes less than 5 minutes, and usually, the seller makes a copy of your passport and enters the information into the system. Please note that without valid documents, purchasing a SIM card in the Emirates is not possible, and using someone else's SIM card is also considered an offense.

• Presenting a valid passport with an entry stamp is mandatory for all tourists. In long-term stays, a residence card or visa must also be provided. Your identity information will be registered in the operator's system and the SIM card will be activated in your name. Purchasing a SIM card without documents or with someone else's documents is illegal. Be sure to keep the purchase receipt and activation sheet with you. In case of SIM card loss, you can obtain a new SIM card by providing the same documents.

How to activate Irancell roaming in Dubai

Hamrah Aval offers special roaming packages for subscribers who plan to travel to Dubai or other countries to reduce the cost of using the internet and making calls. These packages are available daily, weekly, and monthly and can be activated through the "Hamrah Man" app or by dialing *10*291#. Upon arrival in Dubai, your phone will automatically connect to one of the reputable networks in the UAE. Activating the roaming package before traveling will significantly reduce costs. Hamrah Aval has strong coverage in Dubai, and the call quality and internet speed are satisfactory.

The most famous mobile operators in Dubai

In Dubai, there are two main operators and one new operator: Etisalat, DU, and Virgin Mobile. Etisalat has the oldest and most extensive network and is a reliable option for those who want complete coverage and stable internet. DU offers diverse services at competitive prices and special packages for tourists. Virgin Mobile also operates mostly online and provides the option to purchase and manage a SIM card through an app. All three operators support 5G internet and are suitable for use throughout Dubai and the UAE.

How to recharge a Dubai SIM card

Recharging a SIM card in Dubai is very easy and you can use several different methods. If you are using the Etisalat or Du operator, the simplest way is to visit their official website or app, which allows online recharging with an international bank card. Also, in most stores, supermarkets, and ATMs, paper or electronic recharge cards are available. You just need to dial the code on the card for the recharge to be applied instantly. In tourist SIM cards, there is usually the option to renew packages via SMS or the app. Note that the SIM card recharge will only be active for the specified validity period.

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