While going to Dubai, you need to have good cellular phone service in order to be able to stay in touch and roam this extremely large, high-tech city. Etisalat is a provider of telecom services in the UAE. It provides tourists with good network coverage, speedy connection, and low-cost prepaid SIM and eSIM plans. This is a comprehensive guide on how to use Etisalat SIM cards and eSIM plans when you are in Dubai.

Etisalat sim card featured image

I. Quick Facts about Etisalat

Etisalat, also known as Emirates Telecommunications Group, has been the dominant telecom operator in the UAE since 1976. Some key facts about Etisalat include:

  • Largest mobile network in UAE with over 12.4 million subscribers
  • Provides 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE networks
  • Owns and operates fiber optic backbone in UAE
  • Major investor in 5G technology and infrastructure
  • Received multiple awards for fastest network speeds
  • Official telecom partner of Expo 2020 hosted in Dubai

With over four decades of telecom expertise focused specifically on the UAE market, Etisalat has established the most extensive and technologically advanced mobile network in Dubai and the other Emirates.

II. Why Etisalat When You’re Exploring Dubai – Coverage and Speed

When visiting anywhere in Dubai – from the skyscrapers Downtown to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa to attractions on the Palm Jumeirah and theme parks – Etisalat provides the best connectivity.

1. Etisalat Coverage in Dubai

Etisalat Coverage
  • Over 2,400 LTE towers across Dubai for extensive 4G coverage
  • 5G network reaches nearly 90% of populated areas
  • Downtown Dubai and other main tourist districts have excellent 4G and 5G
  • Outdoor and even indoor areas get strong mobile signals
  • Few coverage gaps exist in Dubai’s expansive metro

You can depend on Etisalat’s 4G LTE and rapidly developing 5G networks to deliver seamless high-speed service when using apps, maps, and websites.

2. Etisalat Speed

In independent tests throughout 2022, Etisalat consistently ranked as the fastest mobile network in the UAE with average download speeds exceeding 290 Mbps on 5G.

With Etisalat SIM cards, you can expect extremely fast data performance when streaming videos or music, using social apps, and any activities requiring high bandwidth. The low-latency 5G network also provides a responsive, real-time connection for gaming, AR/VR apps or other data-intensive uses.

III. Etisalat Connectivity Options for Travelers to Dubai

Etisalat offers several flexible and affordable prepaid connectivity options for visiting Dubai without a long-term contract. The primary choices are:

Connectivity Option Pros Cons
Etisalat Prepaid SIM Card - Easy to purchase at airports or shops in Dubai- No commitment or contracts required- Pay only for what you use - Requires topping up credit when balance runs low- Data allowances may be limited compared to postpaid plans
Etisalat Visitor Line - Valid for up to 30 days- Pay-as-you-go rates for data, calls, texts- No long term commitment - Must purchase new SIM card after 30 days- Daily data allowances could be exceeded for heavy users
Etisalat Postpaid Plan - Unlimited data, calls, texts on many plans- Device payment plans available- No topping up required - Requires credit check and deposit- Monthly subscription fee even if not in UAE long-term- Early termination fees if cancelling before contract ends
WiFi Hotspots - Free basic usage at many locations- Convenient for quick internet access - Speed/reliability can vary- Not suitable for streaming or heavy use- No cellular connectivity outside hotspots

 Etisalat’s prepaid plans allow picking the right data amounts, calling minutes, text allowance, and validity timeframe to match your travel schedule. 

IV. Best Etisalat SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Etisalat’s Visitor Line provides the best SIM card options tailored specifically for Dubai travelers. Etisalat Visitor Line prepaid plans 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

Plans can renew automatically by topping up your account or you can switch to another prepaid pack. Compared to normal prepaid, the Visitor Line has simplified options without compromising on 4G LTE data speeds, calling, and network reliability.

V. Does Etisalat Support eSIM in Dubai?

Yes, Etisalat launched eSIM support in 2019 across the UAE making it one of the first carriers globally providing this technology. Any device with embedded eSIM functionality – like newer iPhones, Google Pixels, or Samsung Galaxy phones – works with Etisalat’s prepaid eSIM plans.

Etisalat’s eSIM offering mirrors its latest Visitor Line physical SIM card options for fast 4G LTE/5G data, local UAE calling, texting, and 30-day validity periods. Moreover, if you have a plan to Dubai for 30 days, choose data packages from Dubai eSIM to get the best value with high-speed data and additional service. Explore more plans here.

VI. Where can You Buy an Etisalat SIM card and eSIM?

It’s quick and convenient to purchase Etisalat SIM cards and eSIM plans when you arrive at Dubai International Airport or from Etisalat stores across the city.

1. Where to Buy Etisalat SIM for Dubai?

Etisalat store in Dubai

You can pick up an Etisalat prepaid SIM at:

  • Etisalat stores – Located in major malls and metro stations
  • Dubai Airport – Etisalat Traveler SIM counter in Arrivals halls
  • Hotel concierge desks – Many hotels sell packs for guests
  • Authorized resellers – Small phone shops, supermarkets, etc.

Bring your passport when buying a standard Etisalat SIM card. Pick the prepaid plan matching your usage needs and travel dates.

2. Where to Buy Etisalat eSIM in Dubai?

Etisalat’s eSIM plans can be purchased through:

  • Etisalat reseller – Dubai eSIM, offers eSIM for over 200 countries including Dubai, price starts from $5.9 for 30 days travel
  • Etisalat app – Download, register, and activate eSIM with stored payment method
  • Etisalat website – Create account and directly buy eSIM pack
  • Etisalat stores – Staff can assist with digital eSIM purchase in-store

No passport is needed when you order an Etisalat eSIM online. Activation is instant after completing payment.

VII. How to Activate Etisalat SIM/eSIM in Dubai?

Activating both physical Etisalat SIM cards and eSIM plans is quick and easy in Dubai.

1. How to Use Etisalat SIM Card in Dubai?

Etisalat sim card

To start using your Etisalat Visitor Line SIM card:

  1. Insert SIM in unlocked device
  2. Power on phone and enable mobile data
  3. Automatic configuration texts confirm your number
  4. Enter SIM PIN when first prompted
  5. You’re ready to start using it immediately

2. How to Activate Etisalat eSIM?

After purchasing your Etisalat eSIM plan:

  1. Select eSIM option on device and scan QR code provided
  2. Download configuration profile and install
  3. Enter details from Etisalat account used for order
  4. Activation completes in under a minute
  5. Enjoy high-speed data, calls and texts

Both options connect quickly so you have working phone and internet during your Dubai trip.

VIII. Dubai Etisalat Call & SMS Rates

Etisalat prepaid plans include bundled local minutes and texts, but additional usage draws from your account balance. Cost per minute/text:

  • Standard UAE calls – $0.14 per minute
  • Texts to UAE numbers – $0.01 per text
  • Calls to other countries – From $0.27 per minute
  • SMS internationally – $0.08 per text 

Rates get discounted for calling or texting other Etisalat mobile numbers. Making affordable calls requires paying attention to prefixes and number formatting.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Etisalat SIM/eSIM

Etisalat uses USSD codes – dialed like a phone number – to check balances, reload your account or change prepaid plans.

Handy USSD codes include:

  • 100# – Check remaining plan balances
  • *135*rechargePIN# – Enter recharge PIN to top-up
  • *135*newplannumber# – Switch between prepaid packs

Etisalat provides SMS updates on usage and expiration dates. But USSD codes give real-time access to account details.

X. How to Top-up Etisalat SIM/eSIM

When your prepaid balance runs low or data allotment nears expiration, adding more credit is easy:

  • My Etisalat App: Download the app and log in to your account. Click “Top Up” and select your recharge amount. Pay via credit/debit card.
  • Etisalat Centres: Visit any Etisalat centre and make a cash or card payment to recharge your number.
  • ATMs: Use ATMs at UAE banks like ENBD, ADCB, etc. Select “Etisalat Recharge” and enter your number.
  • Online: Log into www.etisalat.ae, select “Top Up”, enter number and payment details.

Auto-pay can also be configured to take payment when balances drop to a set limit.

Monitoring usage notifications allows sufficient time for topping up your Etisalat SIM/eSIM.

XI. FAQs about Etisalat in Dubai

1. How long is an Etisalat SIM card valid for?

Etisalat Visitor Line SIMs and eSIM plans aimed at tourists are valid for 28 days. You can renew by manually topping up your account again. Longer 180 and 365 day prepaid packs are also sold by Etisalat but best suit longer stays.

2. Can you use Etisalat SIM cards in other countries?

Etisalat prepaid SIMs and eSIMs only provide service inside the UAE. Roaming must be activated to use them internationally. Subscribing to Etisalat roaming before leaving Dubai carries high costs for data and calls abroad. Instead, purchase a local SIM at your destination.

3. Is there a 5G network in Dubai?

Yes, Etisalat began rolling out 5G coverage in Dubai in 2019 and now reaches around 90% of populated areas. Speeds exceed 290 Mbps down/30 Mbps up based on OpenSignal tests.

XII. Final Words

Using an Etisalat SIM card or eSIM while visiting Dubai gives a fast, reliable connection on the region’s most advanced network. Visitor Line prepaid plans perfectly meet tourists’ mobile data, calling and texting needs for 30 days. Just decide if you want. Leverage Etisalat’s 4G LTE and 5G during your Dubai travels for smooth connectivity across this world-class destination.