Dubai mobile data plans

Living in Dubai has been a fantastic choice for us at this stage of our lives, and we’re here for the long haul – no regrets about it! However, there’s one aspect that occasionally causes a bit of frustration, and that’s dealing with Dubai mobile data plans.

To provide some context, back in the UK, where we spent a significant portion of our lives, there’s a wide array of mobile providers. The competition is fierce, and you can find cost-effective data and call plans for approximately £10 a month (about DHS 50). They even used to offer reasonably priced international roaming – although that became less favourable after the whole Brexit situation (who saw that coming, right?).

 

Dubai’s Mobile Plan Providers

Now, Dubai’s a different ball game. We’ve got only two players in the field: Du and Etisalat (E&). They seem to have this unspoken agreement to keep their prices consistently not-so-great. On Du, a prepaid SIM with 60 minutes and 4+4 (thanks to a promotional offer), GB of data costs you DHS 89. If you’re a data-hungry chatterbox, the bills start adding up pretty quickly. But hey, there’s a 50% discount when you prepay for the year. Additionally, in the typical efficient Dubai style, you can expect your SIM card to be delivered to your location within an hour for added convenience.

 

Dubai Mobile Data Plans- Tips for Tourists

Tourists, here’s a practical tip for you: your usual data plan won’t do the trick in Dubai, even if you’ve got international roaming. To spare your wallet from a shocker, remember to switch off that ‘Roaming’ feature on your phone before you land.

But don’t fret! When you touch down at the airport, make a beeline for passport control where they hand out free SIM cards. It’s like a little gift from Dubai, honestly. Just follow the straightforward instructions, top it up, and you’re all set.

Sure, there’s Wi-Fi aplenty, but imagine the horror of being data-less when you’re desperately trying to hail an Uber or snag a Careem ride. Oh, and here’s the clincher – some fantastic local apps like Careem App require a local number, Careem offers affordable local taxis similar to Uber. So, grab that free local SIM card? It’s your ticket to hassle-free travels!

 

Mobile Data Plans Restrictions and VPNs

Yes, the rumours are true, FaceTime and WhatsApp calling can be a bit tricky to access in Dubai. No worries, though. Just install a VPN on your phone before you arrive, and you’re all set. Dubai welcomes VPNs, as long as you keep it clean online! Even with those mobile data challenges, we’ve got you covered with widespread 5G connectivity.

 

Phone Shopping in Dubai

Oh, and while you are here, phones, including fancy iPhones, tend to be priced more economically in Dubai, so if you are looking to buy one, don’t hold back (we get them from http://Amazon.ae for even better pricing)

 

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