Introduction
When traveling to any destination, it is vital to always be connected to the internet. Unless the main purpose of your trip is to be off the grid.
Choosing an eSIM is one of the travel checklist items that needs to be ticked off.
You have probably heard of the term eSIM. But what exactly is it? An eSIM or embedded SIM, is a digital version of the traditional SIM that is directly embedded into a mobile device and can be added either through scanning a QR code, downloading an app or entering a code provided by a courier.
Why Would You Need an eSIM?
There a couple of reasons why you would need an eSIM. Let us have a look at some of them:
- To search for destinations to go to such as theme parks and restaurants, finding out opening times or ticket prices
- Ordering an uber or any other ride hailing app – Is Uber available in Dubai?
- Checking bus/train times and routes if using public transport
- Calling family and friends back home
Benefits of Having an eSIM compared to a Physical SIM
- You can hotspot to other devices
- You do not need to remove your existing physical SIM(s)
- The process of installing an eSIM is faster and seamless
- If you are a frequent traveller and are choosing an dedicated eSIM brand, you download the app once and buy data plans on the go
It’s important to note that eSIMs from online stores (Airalo, Nomad, Saily) and not telecommunication companies (du, Etisalat) do not offer local calls in their plans. The plans only offer calls using mobile data. This would be the biggest drawback of eSIM stores.
Related: Best Alternatives to WhatsApp For Video Calls in Dubai and UAE.
What to Consider When Choosing an eSIM
Cost – The price of the plans is important to keep in mind.
Network Coverage – One, you need to ensure that the eSIM option you choose is available in the region you are traveling to, and secondly, that the coverage is great.
Ease of Use – You want to choose a service provider that makes it easier to purchase a plan.
List of Some of The Best eSIMs to Use While in Dubai
Airalo
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store offering different data plans in over 200 regions worldwide. It was founded in 2019 and has had over 10 million users.
Cheapest package: 1GB for 7 days costing $4.50
Has 24/7 support
Related: Travel Hack – Using Airalo
Saily
Saily is an eSIM brand owned by the creators of NordVPN. It is also a very reliable eSIM brand that is available in more than 180 destinations.
It is quite affordable and easy to use as well.
Cheapest package: 1 GB for 7 days costing $3.99
Has 24/7 support
Nomad
Nomad is the third eSIM store we will recommend. Same as the other two, easy to use and covers more than 190 destinations.
The only drawback is the price. It is quite expensive compared to the other two. Almost double the fee.
Nomad eSIM primarily uses the du network in UAE.
Cheapest package: 1 GB for 7 days costing $8
Has 24/7 support
du Tourist eSIM
du has a free Tourist eSIM that comes with 10 GB free of charge.
You, however, need to authenticate by scanning your passport and providing a short video for self-authentication. Once you do this, you will then install the eSIM on your device.
As much as it might be tedious to authenticate, the benefit of the du Tourist eSIM is the free 10 GB as well as the option to buy minutes and make local calls.
Get more information by visiting the du Tourist eSIM page.
Etisalat Tourist eSIM
Etisalat, UAE’s largest telecommunication company, also has an option for an eSIM for tourists.
However, the process of getting one is a bit different from the rest based on our research. Firstly, you need to be in the UAE, and secondly, you can choose between getting a physical sim or getting an embedded one.
Just like the du eSIM, you also have the chance to buy minutes to make local calls.
Get more information – Etisalat Tourist Line
Conclusion
If making calls to local numbers is not a priority, we would recommend choosing from one of the three eSIM stores (Airalo, Saily, or Nomad).
