Cell Phone Data in UAE
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: UA 1K, DL Gold, IHG Diamond AMB, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National EE
Posts: 1,083
Cell Phone Data in UAE
Hello,
I'll be in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a few weeks, and my AT&T International Day Pass isn't available there. AT&T sells international packages, but with small amounts of data (300MB). I'm looking for an option where I can have unlimited data -- or close to it -- for the whole time I'm there so that I can use my cell phone to look stuff up, for directions, etc.
Can anyone recommend any options where I can use my own phone. Are there SIM cards I can buy? Does anyone recommend a certain product or company?
Thanks in advance!
I'll be in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a few weeks, and my AT&T International Day Pass isn't available there. AT&T sells international packages, but with small amounts of data (300MB). I'm looking for an option where I can have unlimited data -- or close to it -- for the whole time I'm there so that I can use my cell phone to look stuff up, for directions, etc.
Can anyone recommend any options where I can use my own phone. Are there SIM cards I can buy? Does anyone recommend a certain product or company?
Thanks in advance!
#2
Why don't you switch to Tmobile? I also had ATT but switched to Tmobile about 6 years ago. Free data pretty much everywhere around the world (the only 2 countries where I couldn't use Tmobile free data were Vietnam and Oman).
Forget about switching SIM cards, it's not 2003 anymore. Get Tmobile One plan which includes Intl text and data. Also, when you are on wifi you get free calls to US.
I still don't understand why people use Verizon or ATT as a cell phone providers. And no, they don't have better coverage comparing to Tmobile. In 2003 maybe, but now there is no way.
Forget about switching SIM cards, it's not 2003 anymore. Get Tmobile One plan which includes Intl text and data. Also, when you are on wifi you get free calls to US.
I still don't understand why people use Verizon or ATT as a cell phone providers. And no, they don't have better coverage comparing to Tmobile. In 2003 maybe, but now there is no way.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: UA 1K, DL Gold, IHG Diamond AMB, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National EE
Posts: 1,083
Why don't you switch to Tmobile? I also had ATT but switched to Tmobile about 6 years ago. Free data pretty much everywhere around the world (the only 2 countries where I couldn't use Tmobile free data were Vietnam and Oman).
Forget about switching SIM cards, it's not 2003 anymore. Get Tmobile One plan which includes Intl text and data. Also, when you are on wifi you get free calls to US.
I still don't understand why people use Verizon or ATT as a cell phone providers. And no, they don't have better coverage comparing to Tmobile. In 2003 maybe, but now there is no way.
Forget about switching SIM cards, it's not 2003 anymore. Get Tmobile One plan which includes Intl text and data. Also, when you are on wifi you get free calls to US.
I still don't understand why people use Verizon or ATT as a cell phone providers. And no, they don't have better coverage comparing to Tmobile. In 2003 maybe, but now there is no way.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Au, QR, TK, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt, Shangri-La
Posts: 4,520
There are two local providers, du and Etisalat. You can buy a SIM card for pre-paid service cheaply (they were actually giving away etisalat SIM cards at airport arrivals the other day) though they need to scan your passport. Both have various packages that change all the time. You can buy a voucher worth a certain AED value at retail shops or recharge online. I presume that some of the packages allow unlimited data for a certain period, like a day.
In general, the packages are confusing and don't always seem to work. I'm sure it's not that complicated but I can't be bothered. I find Etisalat to be slightly more user-friendly.
In general, the packages are confusing and don't always seem to work. I'm sure it's not that complicated but I can't be bothered. I find Etisalat to be slightly more user-friendly.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,804
Tourists, on arrival to Dubai, can pick up a free sim card from the passport control officer at the airport, according to gulf news.
https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-touri...rds-1.64640403
https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-touri...rds-1.64640403