Your Easy Guide to Etisalat Tourist SIM: Where to Buy & Best Packages

Traveling to the UAE? Need internet for maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, or calling? Getting an Etisalat Tourist SIM is the smartest way to stay connected without crazy roaming charges. This guide explains exactly where to get it and which package is best for you – all in simple, easy English. No confusing tech talk!

Why Choose Etisalat Tourist SIM?

• Great Coverage: Works everywhere – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, deserts, malls, beaches.
• Easy for Tourists: Plans made just for visitors (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 30 days).
• Cheap Calls & Data: Much cheaper than using your home SIM.
• Fast 4G/5G Internet: For maps, videos, social media.
• English Help: Staff speak good English.

What You Need to Buy It:

1. Your Passport: They MUST scan it (UAE law).
2. Your Phone: Must be unlocked (works with any SIM card).
3. Money (AED): Cash or credit/debit card. SIM cost + package cost.

Where to Buy Your Etisalat Tourist SIM (Easiest Spots)

Forget stress! Get your SIM fast at these places:

1. Dubai Airport (DXB) – BEST PLACE!
   • Where? Look for Etisalat kiosks in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. They are right after you get your bags, before you exit into the main airport. Bright signs, hard to miss!
   • Why? Get connected IMMEDIATELY. Staff help you choose, activate, and put the SIM in your phone. Open 24/7.
   • Cost: Same as in the city (no airport extra charge!). Tourist prices are fair.
2. Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
   • Where? Etisalat kiosks in the Arrivals Hall after baggage claim.
   • Why? Same as Dubai – super convenient when you land.
3. Official Etisalat Stores
   • Where? Inside big shopping malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates (Dubai), Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi), and city centers. Find stores on Google Maps (“Etisalat near me”).
   • Why? More package options. Staff can answer all questions. Sometimes have special offers.
4. Authorized Shops
   • Where? Big supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, some electronics shops.
   • Why? Many locations. Good if you see one while shopping.
   • Tip: Ask “Is this an authorized Etisalat seller?” to be safe.

Etisalat Tourist SIM Packages (Simple Choices!)

Etisalat offers easy “Visitor Line” plans. You pay once, get data + calls for a set number of days. Prices are fairly fixed for tourists.

What You Get First:

• The SIM Card: Costs around 55 AED.
• Starter Credit: Usually 5 AED for emergency calls/texts.
• Your UAE Phone Number: On a receipt or SIM pack.

You MUST then buy a DATA PACKAGE. Here are the main tourist options:

Package Duration	Approx. Cost (AED)	Data Allowance	Local Call Minutes	Validity	Best For
1-Day Pass	20 AED	1 GB	20 mins	24 hours	Very short stays, quick stopovers
3-Day Pass	50 AED	2.5 GB	40 mins	3 days	Weekend trips, short city breaks
7-Day Pass	100 AED	5 GB	60 mins	7 days	1-week vacations, moderate users
30-Day Pass	150 AED	10 GB	120 mins	30 days	Month-long stays, digital nomads

Key Perks (ALL Packages Include):

• FREE Incoming Calls: Anyone calls you? No charge!
• FREE Incoming SMS
• Hotspot/Tethering Allowed: Share internet with laptop/tablet.
• Good Speeds: Fast 4G/LTE data until you use your GBs.

How to Pick the BEST Package for You?

Don’t guess! Think about your trip:

1. How Long is Your Stay? Match the package days to your trip length.
2. How Much Internet Do You Need? Be honest!
   • Light User (1-2 GB/week): Maps, WhatsApp, some social media. Good for: 1-Day or 3-Day Pass.
   • Medium User (3-5 GB/week): Lots of social media (photos/videos), web browsing, email. Good for: 3-Day or 7-Day Pass.
   • Heavy User (5+ GB/week): Streaming music/videos (YouTube), video calls, big app downloads. Good for: 30-Day Pass or buy extra data.
3. Making Local Calls? Need to call hotels, taxis, tours? Choose a package with more minutes (like the 30-Day).
4. Budget: The 30-Day Pass offers the best value per GB if staying long.

Example:

• “I’m in Dubai for 5 days. I’ll use Google Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, and check email.” → 7-Day Pass (100 AED) is perfect! Enough data and days.

Buying & Activating Your SIM: Step-by-Step

1. Go to Kiosk/Store: Airport or city.
2. Say: “I want an Etisalat Tourist SIM for [number] days.”
3. Give Passport: They scan it.
4. Choose Package: Tell staff “1-Day”, “3-Day”, etc. Ask if they have current offers.
5. Pay: SIM cost (55 AED) + Package cost (e.g., 100 AED for 7-Day) = ~155 AED total.
6. Get SIM & Receipt: Receipt has your UAE number! Save it.
7. Staff Activates It: They usually put the SIM in your phone and make sure it works. You get SMS confirming your package.
8. Done! Your internet and calls start working immediately.

Pro Tip at Airport: Let the staff put the SIM in your phone and check it works before you walk away.

Using Your SIM: Important Info

• Checking Balance/Data: Dial *101# and press CALL. Shows balance and data left. You’ll also get SMS warnings when data is low.
• Topping Up (Recharge): Need more credit after your package ends?
  • Buy a Recharge Card: At supermarkets, small shops, Etisalat stores. Scratch PIN, dial *121*<PIN>#.
  • Etisalat App: Download “Smiles” app. Top up with card.
  • Shop/ATM: Staff can recharge, or use ATM “Mobile Top-up” option.
• Calling Home: Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype over data! International calls cost extra. Ask staff for rates.
• Your SIM Expires in 30 Days! If staying longer, top up at least 5 AED BEFORE 30 days end to keep your number active. If you don’t, you lose the number.
• Lost SIM? Go to Etisalat store with passport. They block old SIM and give you a new one with same number (small fee ~25 AED).

FAQs: Etisalat Tourist SIM

Q1: Can I buy the SIM before arriving in UAE?
A: No. You need to be in UAE with your passport to register it.

Q2: Can I use eSIM with Etisalat?
A: Yes! If your phone supports eSIM (most new iPhones, Pixels, Samsung Galaxy), you can buy an Etisalat Tourist eSIM online before you travel. Activates when you land. Check Etisalat website.

Q3: What if my phone says “SIM locked” or asks for PUK?
A: You entered wrong PIN 3 times. Find the PUK code on your SIM pack receipt or ask staff. Dial **05*PUK*NewPIN*NewPIN# (Replace PUK with 8-digit code, NewPIN with new 4-digit PIN).

Q4: Is there unlimited data?
A: No. Tourist packages have set GBs. Buy extra data via *101# or Smiles app if needed.

Q5: Can I keep my UAE number for next trip?
A: Very difficult. You must top up before each 30-day expiry. Easier to get a new SIM next visit.

Q6: Where can I get help?
A: Call Etisalat: Dial 101 (free from your Etisalat SIM). Visit any store. Use Smiles app chat.

Final Tip: Enjoy Your UAE Trip!

Getting an Etisalat Tourist SIM is quick and easy, especially at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports. Pick the package that fits your trip length and data needs. Within minutes, you’ll have fast, cheap internet to explore, share photos, call rides (Careem/Uber), and stay in touch.

No more getting lost. No more expensive bills from home. Just simple, reliable connection across the UAE. Have an amazing adventure! 🌞📱✈️

Key Tips:

• Airport kiosks = fastest activation.
• Use WhatsApp for int’l calls (saves money!).
• Dial *101# to check data/balance anytime.
• Lose your SIM? Visit any store with your passport for a replacement (~25 AED fee).

Safe travels! 🌍📱