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Although Dubai is one of the few countries that provide free Wi-Fi in hotels and public places, it is recommended to get yourself a Tourist SIM card in Dubai for your travels, making sure you get to post your travelogues on time. Here is how you can stay connected with an unlimited network even while visiting Dubai for the first time with a reliable Dubai Tourist SIM.
This is the complete guide to how you can get a Tourist SIM Dubai, where to get one, how to activate an existing UAE Tourist SIM, and some of the best recommendations for when you are planning your next trip to Dubai.
How and where to get a Tourist SIM card in Dubai?
Tourists visiting Dubai have easy access to acquiring a SIM card Dubai Tourist. Visitors above the age of 18 will receive a complimentary Tourism SIM once they cross immigration and step out of Dubai International Airport.
The Dubai International Airport features several telecom stores like Du, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile, all offering services tailored to tourists. These kiosks specialize in prepaid packages including talk time, internet services, and text bundles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Tourist SIM at DXB:
- Arrive at DXB Terminal 1, 2, or 3
- Complete immigration procedures
- Visit a telecom counter (Du, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile)
- Present your passport + UAE tourist visa
- Choose your preferred plan (eSIM or physical SIM)
- Activation usually takes 2–5 minutes
Dubai is now offering 10GB of free eSIM upon arrival, ensuring seamless connectivity from the moment you land.
Who is eligible to acquire the Tourist SIM?
With endless tourist attractions and great shopping experiences, Dubai is a hub of tourists. Tourists visiting Dubai over the age of 18 can avail of the complimentary Tourist SIM from any of the telecom service providers in the airport. This service can only be availed with a passport or ID card along with your valid UAE tourist visa.
The service also extends to people
- A valid passport and tourist visa
- GCC citizens arriving in Dubai
- Transit/visitor visa holders (receive 1GB valid for 24 hours)
How long is the Tourist SIM valid?
All the tourist SIMs are valid till the Visa period while the packages provided or opted by the visitor will have varying validity.
- Du: Valid for up to 90 days
- Etisalat: Valid for 28 days
- Virgin Mobile: Valid for package duration (7–30 days).
Plans can be renewed or repurchased based on your length of stay. Options include:
- Voice and data bundles
- Pay-as-you-go
- Rechargeable prepaid cards
Comparison Table of Dubai Tourist SIM Providers
| Provider | Free SIM/Data on Arrival | Cheapest Plan | Most Popular Plan | Unlimited Data Plan | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Du Visitor Line | Yes + 1GB (24h) | AED 49 (28d) | AED 189 (28d) | AED 499 (28d, Postpaid) | 7–28 days |
| Etisalat | Yes + 10GB (24h) | AED 49 (28d) | AED 125 (28d) | AED 319 (14d) | 1–28 days |
| Virgin Mobile | No free SIM | AED 143 (7d) | AED 262 (15d) | AED 500 (30d) | 7–30 days |
Recommended & Popular Visitor Line services
Du
Du is one of the top two popular recommendations for tourist SIM in Dubai with multiple packages for the visitors to take advantage of on their first time in Dubai.
- This also includes AL SAADA benefits in retail, hotels, dining, and many more.
Step-by-Step Guide | Al SAADA for Tourists
- Download the AL SAADA app from Google Play or Apple Store
- Enter the date of arrival and the number of the passport to receive the AL SAADA Card.
- Log-in using your passport number as the username and password.
Packages provided by Du
Du provides services starting from 7 days to 28 days as packages with talk time, internet calls and AL SAADA discounts.
- The price range for a Du Tourist SIM package is AED 99 to AED 499, which may vary depending on your native currency. Checking the equivalent currency from AED to USD, Euro, Rupees, and so on is always recommended.
- Pre-booking of a tourist SIM in Du for 7 days to 28 days is also available for the price ranging from AED 47 to AED 299.
Du Tourist SIM Plans for prepaid
| Validity | Price (AED) | ~USD | Data | Local & Intl. Mins | Internet Calling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Days | 49 | ~13.35 | 4GB | 30 mins | – |
| 28 Days | 99 | ~26.98 | 10GB | 60 mins | Unlimited |
| 28 Days | 139 | ~37.87 | 15GB | 60 mins | Unlimited |
| 28 Days | 189 | ~51.50 | 20GB | 60 mins | Unlimited |
Du Tourist Postpaid SIM Plans
| Plan | Validity | Price (AED) | ~USD | Data | Local & Intl. Mins | Internet Calling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value | 7 Days | 199 | ~54.22 | Unlimited | 100 mins | Unlimited |
| Best Value | 14 Days | 299 | ~81.47 | Unlimited | 200 mins | Unlimited |
| – | 28 Days | 499 | ~135.97 | Unlimited | 400 mins | Unlimited |
Etisalat
Etisalat is a top contender of Tourist SIM providers in Dubai with great packages and plans that are of great use to the visitor. This also includes packages for talk time, unlimited data, and voice minutes apart from the AL SAADA benefits.
- The Prepaid packages for Tourist SIM start from AED 49 to AED 319 for the time period of 7 days to 28 days with varying package benefits like talking minutes, offers on rides, and many.
- The Prepaid Tourist SIM can also be availed as a physical SIM or eSIM and can be recharged upon the end of the validity.
Etisalat Visitor Line Plans
| Validity | Price (AED) | ~USD | Data | Flexi Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours | 0 | ~0.00 | 10GB | – |
| 28 Days | 49 | ~13.35 | 4GB | 30 mins |
| 28 Days | 79 | ~21.52 | 6GB | 30 mins |
| 28 Days | 99 | ~26.98 | 10GB | 60 mins |
| 28 Days | 125 | ~34.06 | 13GB | 120 mins |
| 7 Days | 200 | ~54.42 | Unlimited | 100 mins |
| 28 Days | 200 | ~54.42 | 22.5GB | 525 mins |
| 14 Days | 319 | ~86.77 | Unlimited | 300 mins |
Virgin Mobile
One of the top local telecom service providers is Virgin Mobile with services from activation of SIM to great packages for prepaid services. Virgin Mobile prepaid plans start from AED 142 to AED 500 for the validity of 7 days to 30 days.
Virgin Tourist SIM Plans
| Data | Validity | Daily Limit | Price (AED) | Intl. Mins/SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 GB | 7 Days | 3 GB/day | 142.86 | 20 mins/SMS |
| 40 GB | 10 Days | 4 GB/day | 190.48 | 20 mins/SMS |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | Unlimited | 209.52 | 20 mins/SMS |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | Unlimited | 261.91 | 20 mins/SMS |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | Unlimited | 500 | 20 mins/SMS |
Virgin Mobile, while providing minimal package options has some important non-serviceable options such as any Virgin Mobile Tourist SIM is not delivered but to be picked up at their stores from Dubai International Airport and at Sharjah Airport.
Quick Tips for Tourists
- Free 1GB UAE Tourist SIM available at DXB (valid for 24 hours)
- Plans are available for 7 to 30 days
- Activation requires a valid passport + visa
- Du Tourist SIM and Etisalat offer eSIM options
- Best for short stays: Etisalat (AED 49)
- Best for heavy users: Virgin Mobile (Unlimited plans)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tourist SIM free in Dubai?
Yes, a free Tourist SIM card Dubai (with 1GB for 24 hours) is available for tourists above 18 years old at DXB.
Can I use the SIM card in other UAE cities?
Yes, all SIM cards work across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman.
Can I get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM?
Yes, Du and Etisalat offer eSIM options. Check device compatibility before purchase.
What documents are required?
A valid passport and UAE tourist visa are needed.
Which is the best SIM for a 1-week stay?
Etisalat AED 49 plan (2GB, 28 days) or Du AED 49 Tourist SIM plan (7 days, 30 mins) are great picks.
Where can I recharge?
Top up via provider apps, websites, or physical recharge cards in supermarkets.
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