If you are going to Dubai on exchange, it is important to know what options you have to stay connected throughout your stay. Having an internet service on your mobile phone is useful when you go off campus or want to talk to family members.
eSIM card
When travelling to Dubai you have the option to buy an eSIM card. This is an electronic card that activates your data plan via a virtual chip. With this option you can keep your phone number and have internet access throughout the country.
It is worth mentioning that not all mobile phones are compatible with this card, so it is important to do your research before signing up for this service at your exchange.
SIM card
If the eSIM card is not the best option for you, you can still connect to the internet via a traditional SIM card. At Dubai airport you can purchase a free prepaid sim card from the operator. Du. As a benefit you get 1GB free for the first 24 hours of your stay in Dubai. You will be able to recharge your card again virtually.
In terms of pricing, a 2 gigabyte data plan for 28 days is worth approximately 12.60 euros.
Operators operating in Dubai
To buy a sim card you can go to the operators' stands at the airport. You can also top up and buy a sim card there. The three most recognised phone companies in the UAE are:
- Du
- Etisalat
- Virgin Mobile
Wifi in Dubai
If you want to access the internet in Dubai, you can connect to a wifi network in the following ways
Portable Wifi
By buying a portable wifi router you can have internet connection quickly, securely and conveniently, as you can carry it with you. Some options are:
WifiVox is a compact device that makes it easy to connect up to five devices simultaneously. If you use up all the gigabytes included in your plan, you will continue to browse at a reduced speed without incurring additional costs.
Wifi Travelers provides you with internet access throughout the UAE on a daily rental basis, allowing you to be charged according to the length of your stay.
Public Wifi
You'll find open wifi networks all over Dubai, but beware that they have no protection against cyber-attacks and can be very slow and unstable. Note that to access them, you must register with a local phone number, i.e. you must have a UAE sim.
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