Are you heading to Dubai, one of the world’s premier luxury hotspots? That’s awesome news; and hopefully, you’ll stay long enough to experience everything the city has to offer at a laid-back pace. Between all the prep and planning, there’s a thing you want to figure out early, and this is how you’ll stay connected all throughout your journey.
Because roaming can be truly hard on your wallet, and leaving it to chance can cost you even more when you’re in the middle of the crowd needing GPS direction, or losing access to your Uber app. Needless to say, you’ll rely on a handful of mobile apps to get around Dubai efficiently and make your trip smoother.
Down below, we’re analyzing some of the best and most common options to stay connected while visiting Dubai, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. Let’s go!
International roaming – convenience at your expense
If you’ve ever traveled abroad without the smallest care about how you’ll pay for the data you use, you’ve probably ended up experiencing the “bill shock” – and you’re not alone. Accepting that a used megabyte can cost as much as £25 can be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s a lesson many travelers learn the hard way. International roaming can be a convenient option to stay connected while visiting Dubai if you don’t care a dime about your budget. But if you don’t want your bill to skyrocket into the triple digits, then international roaming should be off your menu. In the UAE particularly, roaming charges are among the highest worldwide. You can even incur costs even while inactive, for automatic updates, emails, app refreshes, and other activities running silently in the background quickly add to the bill.
A pocket Wi-Fi – if you don’t mind carrying a device around
Technological advances in communication gave way to this small and lightweight pocket device named a “pocket WiFi”, aka portable router, mobile hotspot, or shortly, MiFi. It’s basically a battery-based device that collects 4G and (preferably) 5G signals and converts them into a private wireless internet network you get access to whenever your mobile phone is connected to it. The pros? You can connect more devices to it – think your spouse’s mobile, your laptop, and so on, depending on how many devices the router supports. The cons? You’ll have to research providers, compare prices, analyze plans, and choose the service that’s best suited for your needs. Then, the logistics: you’ll have to order the item, find a collection point, be sure to keep it constantly charged, and remember to return it before you fly out. Clearly, you have better things to worry about while traveling and visiting one of the world’s most iconic, coveted cities than taking care of yet another device.
eSIM – the best value-for-money option
For those looking to keep internet costs in check while not stressing over bulky devices, connection limits, the security risks of public networks, and the hassle of swapping physical plastic cards, there’s the eSIM. An eSIM acts like a digital SIM that’s activatable online and eliminates completely the need for carrying a physical card around. How’s that look in practice?
You choose a reputable eSIM provider – preferably one that doesn’t force clients into pre-planned packages but one that allows you to customize your plan based on your requirements, like the duration of your trip. With Holafly eSIM for your trip to Dubai, you can do exactly so, choosing the number of days you need to cover, with the algorithm adjusting prices based on your daily needs. You’ll receive a QR code via email which, once scanned, will walk you through the rest of the setup. You’ll then enjoy unlimited data, no hidden fees, connectivity wherever you may go, and blazing-fast internet speed, as well as the sweet peace of mind of never being forced offline.
The Tourist SIM card, Dubai’s welcome gift
Even if this card offers only 1GB of mobile data and expires after 24 hours after activation, it bears mentioning that you can have one of the first days upon arrival covered. Travelers can be offered a free “Tourist SIM card” upon arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB), which can be picked up at the immigration counters. Unlike an eSIM, you’ll have to slot the physical card into your phone, and send a reply to the verification number that’ll require you to share your birth year. It’s not a long-term solution, but it’s safe to say that having a backup card can eliminate the landing-day anxiety one may feel when stepping off the plane unprepared.
Public Wi-Fi – free, but at a cost
For the ultra-budget-conscious traveler, relying entirely on public Wi-Fi networks might seem like just the best idea. Dubai boasts a reputation as one of the most connected cities on earth, with the city’s internet usage standing at ~99%, so it’s not surprising that you’ll be able to find public internet at almost every corner. Big tourist hotspots, like The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, public beaches, and even metro stations, offer this amenity. But there’s a catch.
First, there’s the hassle of constant logging in. You’ll often need a local phone number to receive an SMS code, which is counterproductive if you don’t have service yet. Second, and more importantly, is cybersecurity. Public networks are cybercriminals’ soft spots because they’re not encrypted, which makes highly important information, like your personal data, bank passwords, and private emails, vulnerable. If you do choose to use public Wi-Fi, whatsoever, make sure to also use a robust VPN. After all, the few dollars you might save aren’t worth risking your digital security when there are other safer, more reliable options around.
Closing note
Hopefully, by now, you already have an idea of which option is best for your Dubai trip. Just make sure to use public Wi-Fi safely if you will, and avoid the steep costs of roaming if you care about your budget.
