If you are planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates, the last thing you should be worrying about is your internet connection. There are several ways of connecting to the internet abroad, but the best option for modern travelers is an eSIM for the United Arab Emirates.
The eSIM is the most reliable option for a cheap and fast internet connection – and setting up is as easy as scanning a QR! Let’s learn more about this revolutionary technology.
We’ll compare the best companies that offer an eSIM for the UAE, so you can be sure you’ll get the best deal.
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What you should know about the Emirates eSIM card:
The eSIM (short for “embedded SIM“) is a virtual SIM card taking the tech world by storm. With an eSIM for your trip to the UAE, you can enjoy cheap and fast internet on multiple devices.
eSIM technology is still relatively new, so not all phones are compatible. Here’s everything you need to check before you buy:
- Your cell phone must be compatible with an eSIM card. Check if your phone is compatible now.
- You need an email address to receive your eSIM.
- You need internet connection to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the provider after scanning the QR code or installation code.
- Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for Europe)
Cellular eSIM card providers for travel to UAE
Let’s take a look at the companies that sell international eSIM cards:
- Holafly
- Truphone
- TravelSim
Let’s compare these companies deals:
Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to UAE
Holafly plans and prices in the United Arab Emirates
- Unlimited data for 5 days at USD 19
- Unlimited data for 7 days at USD 27
- Unlimited data for 10 days at USD 34
- Unlimited data for 15 days at USD 47
- Unlimited data for 20 days at USD 54
Truphone Plans and pricing for the United Arab Emirates
- 100 Mb for 1 day at free trial
- 1 GB for 1 day at USD 10
- 2 GB for 30 days at USD 20
- 5 GB for 30 days at USD 35
TravelSim plans and pricing for the United Arab Emirates
- 5GB for 30 days at $87
- 3GB for 30 days at $53
Comparison of eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates
| Provider | Data | Days | Price (USD) | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 5 | $19.00 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 7 | $27.00 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 10 | $34.00 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 15 | $47.00 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 20 | $54.00 | Web |
| Truphone | 2 GB | 30 | $20 | Web |
| Truphone | 5 GB | 30 | $35 | Web |
| TravelSIM | 5 GB | 30 | $87 | Web, App Store, Google Play |
| TravelSIM | 3 GB | 30 | $53 | Web, App Store, Google Play |
eSIM features for travel to the United Arab Emirates
To get the most out of your eSIM card, we’ve prepared some important information to bear in mind so that your trip to the United Arab Emirates is worry-free.
- Most eSIM cards do not offer voice calls, only data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
- eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card do not remove it from your cellphone and contact your eSIM provider instead.
- Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
- You can add several data plans on your iPhone, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
- With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to Arab Emirates.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
eSIM coverage for travel to UAE
You want an eSIM with strong coverage throughout the country. A cheap card may not offer the best coverage, so make sure to buy one of our recommended options.
The best operators in the UAE are du Mobile and Etisalat Mobile, so we recommend buy a virtual SIM for eSIM carriers that use these providers.
Below are operators’ coverage maps for the United Arab Emirates.
4G and 5G coverage map of du Mobile carrier in the UAE
4G and 5G coverage map of the carrier Etisalat Mobile in UAE
4G and 5G coverage map of Virgin Mobile carrier in the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM in the UAE
See below for the most common questions you might have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to the United Arab Emirates.
It is not necessary to present a passport, but some suppliers do require your address.
With some eSIM you can share your data by turning on your mobile hotspot or WiFi zone. Always confirm with your supplier before trying. See your cell phone’s manual for more instructions. Your travel companions can connect through the WiFi settings on their phones. Sharing is caring, right? So let your friends and family get online!
Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, chose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on cellular data and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company if you have any issues.
Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.
