How to Buy a SIM Card at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Discover how to easily purchase a SIM card at Dubai International Airport, including where to buy, pricing, and alternatives.

Buying a SIM card at Dubai International Airport can be straightforward if you know where to go and what to prepare. This guide will help you navigate the process, understand the costs, and explore alternatives. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to stay connected throughout your trip.

Highlights

• Buy a SIM card at the airport only if you really need it, as it might be more expensive than buying it in the city.
• Du and Etisalat are the 2 leading telecom providers available at DXB airport.
• Before you claim your baggage, you can find SIM card vendors at the airport in the arrivals area.
• Check the SIM card’s validity period and data allowance before purchasing.
• Consider buying a prepaid SIM card instead of a postpaid one to avoid unexpected charges.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Dubai International Airport (DXB)?

There are 3 main ways to get a SIM card at Dubai International Airport, and here are your options:

• Order online before and collect at the airport: Book your SIM card online before your trip and collect it at the airport upon arrival. This way, you can skip the queues and get connected immediately.
• Buy upon arrival: Head to one of the many telecom operator stores or kiosks at the airport and get a SIM card on the spot. The staff will help you set it up and answer any questions.
• Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a digital SIM card online before your trip or at the airport and activate it on your device. This is a convenient option.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Al Garhoud Dubai International Airport? 

At Dubai International Airport, SIM cards can be easily purchased from network operators’ counters or convenience stores like Duty-Free or Carrefour Market. Below are some signs and notes to help make the SIM-buying process more convenient.

• SIM card counters are in the arrivals halls, typically near baggage claim.
• After immigration, look for blue (du) or black-and-white (Etisalat) kiosks.
• Staff speak English and can help with activation.
• Have your passport ready for registration.

Below is detailed information on the Etisalat and du stores at DXB.

1. Buy Etisalat SIM Card at Dubai International Airport

Etisalat counters are located in terminals 1, 2, and 3 near the baggage claim area. Look for the green Etisalat logo on the signs above the counters.

• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Price: 49 – 319 AED (~ $13 – $87) for tourist packages

2. Buy SIM Card at Dubai International Airport

Locate du counters in the same areas as Etisalat: arrival halls and baggage claim area. Look for the blue du logo on the signs.

• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Price: 49 – 299 AED (~ $13 – $81) for tourist packages

Recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Etisalat because:

• Better coverage: Etisalat is known for having slightly better network coverage throughout Dubai.
• Reliable speed: Consistently fast internet speeds.
• Ease of purchase: Multiple counters make it easy to find and buy.
• Customer support: Highly rated for customer service and support.

III. Do SIM card shops at DXB Airport open after midnight?

Yes, SIM card shops at DXB Airport are open after midnight. The Etisalat & du shops within Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 are open 24 hours a day. This means you can collect your eSIM/SIM card anytime upon your arrival, even after midnight.

IV.  Al Garhoud Dubai International Airport SIM card Price

Here are the prices for Etisalat and du SIM cards, the 2 main mobile internet providers in the UAE:

Etisalat SIM card prices:

• 2 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 49 AED ($13 USD)
• 6 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 99 AED ($27 USD)
• 10 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 139 AED ($38 USD)
• 20 GB data + 20 flexi minutes = 189 AED ($51 USD)

Du SIM card prices:

• 2 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 49 AED ($13 USD)
• 6 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 99 AED ($27 USD)
• 10 GB data + 30 flexi minutes = 139 AED ($38 USD)
• 20 GB data + 20 flexi minutes = 189 AED ($51 USD)

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Dubai International Airport

To register for a SIM card at Dubai International Airport, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (make sure it’s not expired!)
• An unlocked phone (check with your phone provider to ensure it’s compatible)
• A payment method (cash or credit/debit card)
• Your phone’s IMEI number (find it on the phone’s packaging or dial *#06#)
• In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional identification or proof of address

Many tourists can find this process complicated, especially when sharing personal information. To avoid the trouble, consider buying an international SIM card online before your departure. This way, you can skip the registration process at the airport and have your SIM card ready to use as soon as you arrive.

VI. eSIM at Dubai International Airport – Alternative to Al Garhoud SIM Cards

Before arriving at Dubai Airport or even while there, you can buy an eSIM online and avoid the lines for a physical SIM card. You can get an eSIM from local network operators or retailers. For ease and convenience, we recommend buying from a retailer.

If you’re seeking the finest eSIM solutions, Gigago is a trusted eSIM retailer with an impressive track record:

• 1,000,000+ people trust Gigago for eSIMs.
• Works with many devices for easy connectivity.
• Get your eSIM by email in minutes.
• Activate with a simple QR code scan.

For Dubai, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 30 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Dubai eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 – $275.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you have and how long your trip to Dubai Gigago is.

VII. FAQ about SIM card at Dubai International Airport

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a SIM card at Dubai International Airport is easy and convenient for travelers. With 2 big telecom providers offering different plans, you can find one that suits your needs. The process is quick, ensuring you stay connected from the moment you land. Whether you need data, calls, or texts, buying a SIM card at this vast airport ensures a lucky start to your trip to Dubai.