Guide to buying a SIM card in Dubai 2024: the cheapest and best options for tourists

When traveling to Dubai, having access to the Internet and calling is a must for many travelers. Whether you want to find your way or call friends and family, buying the right SIM card in Dubai can meet your needs. Despite the many options that exist at the airport and in the city, knowing the best and cheapest SIM cards can help you optimize your expenses and enjoy your stay.

The cheapest SIM card in Dubai

You can get the cheapest tourist SIM card in Dubai from the “Du” operator at the price of 139 dirhams (38 US dollars), which is valid for 28 days with 10 GB of internet. Although this company also provides you with two other cheap options; It is possible to buy a 6 gig package at a price of 99 dirhams and a 2 gig package at a price of 49 dirhams.

Comparison of SIM cards in Dubai

One of the positive points of Dubai SIM cards is their excellent internet and data connection; Unless you go to the desert or remote areas. Even so, the internet connection is very good in most parts of the cities. Also, hotels and shopping centers have free Wi-Fi. The best way to connect to the Internet continuously in Dubai is to buy a credit SIM card so that you can easily access the Internet at any time and place. Our suggestion is to buy a SIM card at the Dubai airport; Because the prices and packages are similar to official stores.

There are two main operators in Dubai which are Du and Etisalat. Both operators have similar packages and prices and are also excellent in terms of coverage.

Du Dubai tourist SIM card

Du Prepaid SIM is the cheapest option in Dubai and has the same coverage as Etisalat. You can get a Du SIM card for 139 dirhams ($38 USD) and 10 GB of data which is valid for 28 days.

Etisalat sim card Dubai

Etisalat SIM cards come with similar coverage nationwide. The Etisalat Tourist SIM card is priced at AED 125 (US$34) and includes 10GB of data for 28 days. The data volume of this SIM card is low compared to other Asian and European countries due to its price.

Virgin Mobile Dubai SIM card

Virgin Mobile Dubai SIM cards using the Du network offer higher data packages than Du and Etisalat. You can get a Virgin prepaid SIM card for AED 200 (US$54) and 40GB of data that is valid for 10 days.

Get a free SIM card at Dubai Airport

At Dubai International Airport, you will be provided with a free SIM card upon arrival. This sim card from du company includes one gig of free internet for 24 hours and after that you can charge it in different ways. This SIM card will be delivered to you by the airport agent at the same time as you stamp your entry into the UAE; But if you use smart gates, you can get this SIM card from du booth. du SIM card has 5G connection and has very high speed and nationwide coverage.
Using this SIM card, you can use the “Careem” application, which is an online taxi and food ordering service in Dubai. Also, be careful that this SIM card is registered with your information and it will ask for your birthday by SMS to activate it. If you do not use this SIM card, do not give it to others. This SIM card will be active until you are in the UAE and will be deactivated minutes after registering the exit stamp from the UAE.

Where can I get a Dubai tourist SIM card?

You can get a Dubai SIM card almost anywhere, from the airport to shopping malls and mobile stores. Be sure to bring your passport and find out about their prices and packages. Dubai Tourist SIM packages are valid for seven, 14 or 30 days and you should choose the package that suits your length of stay and data needs.

All in all, it is suggested to get the free Du SIM card at the airport and then recharge it for 139 dirhams with 10 GB internet for 28 days. If you’re staying longer in Dubai, a Virgin Mobile prepaid SIM card that offers more data might be a better option. If you don’t want to buy a SIM card in Dubai, roaming is also an affordable option.