Etisalat SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024

Do you need a reliable SIM for your travels in the UAE? Etisalat, the leading telecoms provider, offers various options for an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM for tourists.

Etisalat SIM card & eSIM provide travelers with access to high-speed internet and affordable call rates across the United Arab Emirates. However, finding different plans and activation processes can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. This post aims to guide tourists through the best Etisalat connectivity solutions, highlight the costs involved, and explain how to purchase and activate a SIM easily.

I. Quick Facts about Etisalat

Etisalat is a leading telecommunications company based in the United Arab Emirates, known for its extensive network and innovative services. Here’s a rundown of what makes Etisalat stand out:

• Founded in 1976.
• Full company name is Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC
• Provides fixed line and mobile telephony, Internet services, and digital television
• Has 155.4M subscribers.
• Covers the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, Afghanistan, Mauritania, Mali, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Niger, and the Central African Republic
• Has retail stores in the UAE and partners with other companies for sales and distribution
• Offers customer support through phone, email, and online chat
• Has won numerous awards for its services and innovation.

II. Why Etisalat When Traveling Dubai – Coverage and Speed?

When traveling to Dubai, choosing the right mobile operator can make a big difference in your travel experience. With a reliable network, you can stay connected with your loved ones, navigate the city, and share your adventures on social media. Etisalat is one of the top mobile operators in Dubai, offering excellent coverage and speed.

1. Etisalat Coverage in Dubai

Etisalat shows an impressive coverage experience in Dubai. According to Opensignal Report (November 2023), Etisalat:

• Wins the Coverage Experience award with an impressive score of 9/10
• Offers 5G Coverage Experience with a score of 4.1 points
• Has an Availability score of 98.8%, ensuring you stay connected most of the time

2. Etisalat Speed

Etisalat also offers impressive speeds, making it perfect for data-hungry travelers.

• The overall download speed is 45.1 Mbps
• The overall upload speed is 10.6 Mbps

The average speed is fast and reliable, ensuring you can upload your travel memories quickly.

III. What are Etisalat’s best Connectivity Options for Travelers to Dubai?

Here are Etisalat’s best connectivity options for travelers to Dubai:

• SIM Card: Insert an international SIM card for data and calling throughout your stay.
• Pocket WiFi: Rent a portable wifi hotspot to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
• Roaming: Use your international plan and rely on roaming access when in Dubai.

Each connection form has different pros and cons:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
SIM Card	– Affordable data and calling rates. – Keep your mobile number.	– Need to purchase the SIM card upfront.
Pocket WiFi	– Connect multiple devices at once without changing SIMs. – Portable for travel.	– Higher daily rental fees than SIM. – Limited to wifi hotspot range.
Roaming	– No need to change devices or buy other plans. – Familiar service.	– Expensive roaming rates can incur high charges. – May have reduced speeds.

► Recommendation: The best option depends on your trip length and connectivity needs:

• For short trips, renting a pocket wifi is convenient for sharing the internet across devices without changing SIMs.
• For longer stays, buying an affordable international Etisalat SIM card provides full access at reasonable data rates.

Roaming should be a last resort if you can’t switch SIMs because roaming charges are much higher than international plans.

IV. Best Etisalat SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Etisalat’s Visitor Line offers various packages for travelers in Dubai. The prepaid plans from Etisalat Visitor Line include:

Plan Name	Data	Call/SMS	Validity	Price (USD)
Visitor Line	2GB	30 Minutes, 30 SMS	28 Days	~$13
Visitor Line+	4GB	30 Minutes, 30 SMS	28 Days	~$21
Visitor Line Premium	8GB	120 Minutes, Unlimited SMS	28 Days	~$34
Visitor Line Premium +	22.5GB	525 Minutes, Unlimited SMS	28 Days	~$54
Visitor Line Unlimited Data	Unlimited Local Data	300 Minutes	14 Days	~$86

V. Does Etisalat Support eSIM in Dubai?

Yes, Etisalat supports eSIM in Dubai. In fact, Etisalat was one of the first global carriers to introduce eSIM technology in 2019. Travelers have two main options for obtaining an Etisalat eSIM in Dubai:

1. Directly from Etisalat: This typically requires presenting your passport and visiting an Etisalat store or airport counter.
2. Through eSIM providers: This option is often more convenient, as it doesn’t require passport presentation and can be done entirely online.

For travelers, purchasing through an eSIM provider like Gigago is highly recommended for its simplicity and convenience. Seasoned globetrotters are well aware of Gigago, a top-rated eSIM provider known for its unbeatable prices. Below are key points about it:

• Offers eSIMs for >200 countries
• Over 100,000 positive reviews
• More than 500,000 eSIMs sold
• Instant delivery via email
• 24/7 customer support
• Competitive pricing
• No need for a physical SIM card or store visit

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 are and how long your trip is in Dubai. There is always an option for you with Gigago.

VI. Where to buy an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM?

You can easily buy an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM plans at Dubai International Airport or stores throughout the city. Let’s check them out!

1. Where to buy an Etisalat SIM Card for Dubai?

Here are some of the best places to get your SIM card:

• Dubai International Airport – Etisalat kiosks at all terminals offer SIM cards upon arrival.
• Etisalat Stores – The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Centre Deira.
• Authorized Retailers – Available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and electronics shops like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Sharaf DG.

When getting a regular Etisalat SIM card, bring your passport. Then, choose a prepaid plan that fits your use and travel dates.

2. Where to buy an Etisalat eSIM for Dubai?

Here’s where you can find one:

• Etisalat Stores: Visit Etisalat stores like The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates for eSIM activation.
• Etisalat Reseller: Use eSIM Gigago; register, scan the QR code from email, and activate.
• Mobile App: Download My Etisalat UAE app to buy and activate eSIM on your phone.
• Airport Kiosks: Get eSIM services at Etisalat kiosks in Dubai International Airport.

When ordering an Etisalat eSIM online, you don’t need a passport. It’s activated right after you pay.

VII. How to Activate Etisalat SIM card & eSIM in Dubai?

The process of activating an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM is not difficult. Please follow these steps:

1. How to Activate an Etisalat SIM Card in Dubai?

• Put the SIM card in an unlocked phone
• Turn on the phone and turn on mobile data
• You’ll get texts to confirm your number
• Enter the SIM PIN when asked
• You’re ready to use it right away

2. How to Activate an Etisalat eSIM?

• Choose the eSIM option on your device and scan the QR code given.
• Download and install the profile.
• Enter the details from your Etisalat account.
• Activation finishes in less than a minute.
• Enjoy fast data, calls, and texts.

Both options give you a working phone and quick internet access for your Dubai trip.

VIII. How to Top-up an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM?

Here’s how to top-up your Etisalat SIM or eSIM in a few simple steps:

1. Online:

• Visit the Etisalat website.
• Log in to your account.
• Select “Top-up” and choose the amount.
• Complete the payment using a credit/debit card.

2. My Etisalat UAE App:

• Download and open the app.
• Log in to your account.
• Select “Top-up” from the menu.
• Choose the amount and pay using your card.

3. Recharge Card:

• Buy a recharge card from an Etisalat store or authorized retailer.
• Dial 120, followed by the 15-digit recharge number and #.
• Press the call button.

4. SMS: Send an SMS with the 15-digit recharge number to 1204.

5. ATM:

• Visit any participating ATM like ENBD, ADCB, etc.
• Select the “Etisalat Recharge” option.
• Follow the instructions to complete the transaction.

6. Etisalat Stores:

• Visit any Etisalat store.
• Provide your phone number and the desired top-up amount.
• Pay at the counter.

IX. FAQs about an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM in Dubai

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, getting an Etisalat SIM card & eSIM in Dubai is super easy. Tourists can get one at various spots with the right documents. Activation is quick, and Etisalat has flexible plans. You can switch between physical SIMs and eSIMs, check balances, and manage accounts via the app. When traveling, consider validity periods for tourist SIMs and roaming charges.