Roaming or local SIM? UAE travellers, prep phones before flying overseas

Etisalat, du, Virgin Mobile offer roaming packs—but UAE users must choose wisely

Last updated: June 25, 2025 | 18:04

2 MIN READ

Visitors can get a Sim card from the airport or any of the phone service providers in the UAE.

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Dubai: With summer holiday prep in full swing, UAE residents are being urged to plan their mobile usage abroad carefully—or risk returning home to a hefty roaming bill.

Also Read: UAE residents regain summer travel confidence as they await full airspace reopening

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) often warns users about so-called “bill shocks” caused by unexpected roaming charges, often triggered by background apps or unmonitored data use.

Checklist: Stay connected without overpaying

Here’s how UAE residents can avoid unexpected roaming charges and keep trips budget-friendly:

Turn off roaming before you land: Roaming charges start the moment your phone connects to a foreign network.
Buy a roaming pack in advance: Avoid pay-as-you-go charges by purchasing a bundle tailored to your trip. Activate via your telecom app or USSD codes before departure.
Consider a local SIM card: For longer or single-country trips, buying a local SIM on arrival offers better rates and faster data.
Use an eSIM for flexibility: Many newer phones allow you to install a digital eSIM for travel. These can be set up instantly via QR code—ideal for multi-country trips.
Rely on Wi-Fi where possible: Switch to Airplane Mode and connect to Wi-Fi for free calls and messages via WhatsApp. Just avoid unsecured public networks.
Monitor your usage: Track how much data or minutes you’re using through your provider’s app to avoid exceeding limits.

UAE telecom providers offer roaming plans

To help UAE travellers stay connected affordably, local telecom providers—Etisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile—offer multiple roaming plans tailored for short trips and longer stays:

Etisalat: If you're an Etisalat customer, roaming is likely already activated on your line. If not, you’ll need to call 101 to enable it. Once active, it’s highly recommended to purchase a roaming add-on before travel.
du: du users should send ‘roaming’ to 5102 to check if the service is activated. Roaming bundles depend on destination, and du urges travellers to verify partner networks to avoid out-of-bundle charges.
Virgin Mobile: Virgin Mobile users can use UAE data and minutes in over 140 countries—no extra SIM or add-on needed, or opt for customisable roaming data and minutes, based on travel destination and duration.

How to decide between local SIM, roaming

It depends on your preference and destination:

Prefer to keep your UAE number? Roaming packs offer convenience.
Visiting the same country often? A local SIM might save you more.
Multi-country trips? Try an international eSIM.

Always manually select your UAE provider’s partner network abroad.

Bottom line

Whether you choose a roaming pack, a local SIM, or Wi-Fi-only access, a few quick checks before takeoff can help you avoid unpleasant surprises—and keep your phone bills as light as your luggage.

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

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