In Dubai, a DU SIM card (Data-Only SIM) offers a cost-effective way to stay connected, providing data-only internet access for devices like Phone, tablets, laptops, and hotspots. Key benefits include affordable data plans from DU, seamless connectivity across Dubai’s network, and the flexibility to use the SIM in various devices without a dedicated phone number. Related terms: data-only SIM, internet SIM, mobile broadband SIM, prepaid data SIM, 4G/5G SIM, tablet SIM, MiFi SIM, and Dubai internet SIM.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to du prepaid SIM cards, covering where to buy them, available packages, pricing, and call and text rates.
Table of Contents
I. Compare du sim cards and other ways to connect in Dubai
du offers several connectivity options for short-term visitors to Dubai:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| Physical SIM Card | - Easy to find at airports and stores- Familiar technology | - Need nano-SIM slot on phone- Requires inserting SIM card |
| eSIM | - Convenient digital activation- No physical SIM needed | - Limited device compatibility- May need to enable eSIM in settings |
| Travel Pass/SIM | - No commitment, pay as you go - Easy activation | - Limited data allowances |
| Prepaid Plans | - Affordable daily/weekly plans - Roll over unused data | - Must remember the expiration date |
| Postpaid Plans | - Large data allocations - No limit on usage | - Require credit check- Long term contract |
| WiFi Packages | - Cost effective for casual browsing | - Depend on available hotspots- No reliability like cellular |
| Roaming Packages | - Continues home country number | - More expensive than local SIM- Carrier fees may apply |
With these du options, tourists have the flexibility to choose connectivity plans based on their Dubai trip duration and specific needs.
II. Best du SIM for tourists & cost
Let’s compare the top Du tourist plan options for visitors to Dubai and their pricing:
| Plan Name | Data Allotment | Calls/SMS Allotment | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexi Lite | 250MB | 100 minutes/100 SMS | 7 days | $3 |
| Flexi Start | 500MB | 200 minutes/200 SMS | 30 days | $7 |
| Flexi Easy | 1GB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 30 days | $12 |
| Easy | 750MB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 14 days | $6 |
| Easy Plus | 1.5GB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 30 days | $10 |
| Easy Prime | 3GB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 30 days | $14 |
| Flexi Prime | 10GB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 30 days | $25 |
| Flexi Supreme | 25GB | Unlimited calls/SMS | 60 days | $35 |
III. Does du Dubai support eSIM?
Yes, du offers eSIM support in the UAE. Instead of using a physical nano-SIM, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM profile installed directly on the device. du launched eSIM capability in 2018 for select Apple Watch models. This was later expanded to also support dual SIM iPhones.
As of 2023, du eSIM in Dubai can be used on iPhone XS/XR models and newer iPhones that support dual SIM. This allows using one physical nano-SIM card along with a secondary digital du SIM.
Because of its coverage, Dubai eSIM doesn’t supply eSIM from du but Etisalat with the price of $5.9 for 30 days. Dubai eSIM will bring you the best satisfaction during your trip without hassle connection. Please note, not all devices support eSIM. Please refer to the list of supported devices.
IV. Where can you buy a du prepaid plans and eSIM?
Visitors have several convenient options to purchase sim du and eSIMs while in Dubai:
1. Where to buy du SIM cards for Dubai
Tourist SIM du are readily available at:
- Dubai International Airport Terminal Arrivals
- Major malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates
- Select hotels, convenience stores, and travel shops
In addition, standard prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at:
- Official du stores in malls and commercial areas
- Numerous authorized du dealers across Dubai
- Select grocery stores like Carrefour sell du top-up vouchers
When buying in-person, you need to show your passport to register the SIM card.
>> See more: Where to Buy a Dubai prepaid SIM card?
2. Where to buy Dubai du eSIM
To get a du eSIM for your iPhone, you can:
- Visit any du store in Dubai with your iPhone
- Use the du app to generate a QR code to scan and activate eSIM
Currently, most third-party retailers and airports do not offer eSIMs. So you need to visit a du shop directly or use the du app for eSIM provisioning.
Show staff your passport when adding an eSIM line just as you would for a physical SIM purchase. After purchasing, you need to proceed with the installation according to the following instructions: How to Install Dubai eSIM: Full Guide
VI. How to activate du Dubai SIM/eSIM?
Activating your new du SIM or eSIM is quick and convenient:
1. How to use Dubai du SIM card
Follow these steps when inserting your new du SIM:
- Turn off your phone and insert the du SIM
- Power phone back on and wait for automatic configuration
- A welcome message will confirm SIM activation
- Enter PIN when prompted and SIM is active!
If data does not work automatically, try manually selecting du from network options.
2. How to activate du Dubai eSIM
To activate a new du eSIM profile:
- Install du app and login to your account
- Request new eSIM via app and scan QR code
- Follow on-screen prompts to install new plan
- Congrats! eSIM now ready to use
You can swap between physical SIM and eSIM without reconfiguring. Enjoy dual SIM capabilities!
VI. Dubai du Call & SMS Rates
Here are the standard voice call and text rates when using du in Dubai:
Local mobile charges:
- Calls to du numbers – 44 fils/minute
- Calls to other UAE numbers – 49 fils/minute
- Outgoing SMS – 15 fils
International charges:
- SMS to most countries – 50 fils
- Calls to South Asia – 99 fils/minute
- Calls to Egypt – 1.50 AED/minute
- Calls to Philippines – 1.50 AED/minute
- Calls to UK/USA – 1.99 AED/minute
Rates get reduced with add-on bundles or special offers. Calls made using apps like WhatsApp are charged as data. In addition, you can see more Dubai Etisalat Call & SMS Rates and compare the rates of the two networks to choose the best SIM type.
The above information covers the basics of tourist a du SIM card in Dubai. It addresses questions tourists might have, such as: Where in Dubai can I buy a prepaid sim Du? What are the costs involved, including call and text rates? How do prepaid SIM cards stack up against other methods of staying connected.
