SIM card is always one thing that we need all the time while going to a new place. If you also want to know about this while going to the United Arab Emirates, then read this post completely so that you do not face any kind of difficulty later.
Many people want to know whether they should buy a SIM card at the airport while travelling to the United Arab Emirates or later. This is a problem that every newbie faces when they are on a budget or looking for a particular service.
When you arrive at any international airport in the UAE, you will find several SIM card-selling stalls within the airport terminal. These stalls are usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Etisalat and Du, the two largest mobile phone operators in the UAE, have a large number of stores across the country. You can buy SIM cards anywhere in the country as their points are available everywhere.
If you check the prices of these two sims, there is not much difference between them. DU also does provides the same prices as Etisalat charges customers for new connections.
Now the question is Where to buy a tourist SIM card at the airport or in the city?
You can buy the tourist sim card in the city if you are on budget. Buying a SIM card at the airport has some advantages and some disadvantages too. If you buy a SIM card at the airport, you get limited plans and SIM cards there. If you want to buy more data sim card at lower price then you have to visit sim card franchise or different stores in the city to compare.
Apart from DU and Etisalat, Virgin Mobile is also widely used in the UAE for data usage. But Virgin could end up with a faster 5G network. You should check their plans and then buy it. Free SIM cards are available at both Etisalat and DU at airports. If you are looking for a free SIM card, ask the Etisalat or DU staff at the airport for a free SIM card.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Al Ain International Airport (AIN) and Fujairah International Airport (FJR) all these places you can buy a free traveler SIM card.
Benefits of buying a SIM card in the city:
1. Cities usually have more telecom operators and resellers. This means you will have more choice to compare different plans and prices. If you find SIM card prices of one network too high or data too low, you can check SIM plans of other networks on the stores.
2. It is possible that you will not get the SIM card for free at the airport. If you buy a SIM card from a store in the city, you get a variety of plans as well as a free SIM card option.
3. If you have any problems setting up or using your SIM card, you can go to a local store and get help.
Disadvantage of buying a SIM card in the city:
Buying a SIM card in the city may take some time, mostly due to rush hour. You may also face language problems as there may not be staff there who understand your language and you may have to get help from another person.
To buy a SIM card from stores in the city, you may need a ride like find bus or Taxi and may have to search for a store. If you go to buy a SIM card at a low price, you may get the SIM card at the same price as at the airport along with the fare.
Benefits of buying a SIM card at the airport:
- When you buy a SIM card at the airport, you will find staff who speak English and there are also people who speak other languages.
- After landing at the airport, you can buy a SIM card immediately, which saves you time and makes the journey easier.
Disadvantage of buying a SIM card at the airport:
- Airports usually have a limited number of telecom operators and plans available. This can make it difficult for you to find an operator of your choice.
- The prices of SIM cards here can be higher than the usual SIMs.
- You may have to visit the company office or a store to activate the SIM card or resolve any other issues as there is limited support at the airport.
In the end, the best place to buy a SIM card in UAE will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want the most choice or best prices, buying a SIM card in the city is the best option. If you need ease and convenience, purchasing a SIM card at the airport is a better option. Before buying a sim card from airport or any retailer in city, must read our guide best sim cards in UAE.
Buying sim card on airport is best for tourist because tourist cannot buy sim on Passport on other places. You described well, Only Tourist Sims can be purchased from Airport.
To buy local prepaid or postpaid service sim need a Emirates ID.