How to use an eSIM for UAE travel like a local

Tourists explore the UAE to see the architectural marvels of Dubai and other emirates. At the same time, many people explore desert safaris for exciting dune bashing and camel riding. Whether traveling to see the world’s tallest building in Dubai or soaking in the Abu Dhabi culture, you must stay connected in the UAE.

eSIM technology provides seamless connectivity in the UAE. No need to hunt for a local SIM to stay connected with friends back home. An eSIM carrier connects to local mobile networks, allowing you access to the internet.

We’ll explore how eSIM provides seamless mobile connectivity without dealing with expensive roaming charges. You’ll also learn how to use eSIM to navigate the bustling streets of Dubai, among other things.

Unsplash

Getting online the smart way at Dubai International Airport

Landing in the UAE can be overwhelming at first. But you’ll stay connected with an eSIM plan without buying a physical SIM at the airport. Your smartphone connects to the local cellular networks, allowing you to connect to the internet. eSIM technology helps in several ways:

• Instant connectivity: You’ll activate your eSIM plan at the airport and your phone will connect to Etisalat and Virgin Mobile UAE.
• User data security: eSIM can’t be swapped like a physical SIM, ensuring subscriber information is safe. Even more, you can cancel your plan if you lose your smartphone, protecting your data even further.
• Easy setup: You can activate your eSIM plan with the airport Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll be forced to buy a physical SIM at the airport without an eSIM plan, which can be inconvenient.

Holafly eSIM for UAE

Holafly eSIM carrier provides data-only services in the United Arab Emirates. Your smartphone will use the Holafly eSIM for UAE to access the internet and power essential navigation tools like Google Maps and local mobile apps. Holafly eSIM has the following features:

• Unlimited data: Holafly eSIM offers plans ranging from one day to 90 days. What’s remarkable is each plan provides unlimited mobile data. However, this carrier subjects the data to a fair usage policy.
• Data sharing: You can share your Holafly eSIM data with other devices via a hotspot. However, you can’t share more than 500MB per day.
• Instant activation: You’ll receive a QR code in your email to activate the plan instantly, allowing you to stay connected after landing at the airport.

How to avoid roaming fees with a UAE eSIM

Your home mobile carrier can charge roaming fees of up to $5 per MB in some foreign countries. The unexpectedly high roaming charges can make your exploration very expensive. eSIM carriers help you connect to local cellular networks without paying for expensive roaming fees.

• Multiple network profiles: eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles in a single device. This allows you to switch to a local network without buying a physical SIM. Holafly eSIM stores carrier profiles in the UAE, allowing you to connect to local networks without expensive roaming charges.
• Instant activation: The eSIM plan can be activated anywhere with a Wi-Fi hotspot. You don’t need to visit a physical SIM store to be connected to the local mobile networks.
• Flexible plans: eSIM carriers also allow users to choose a plan that lasts for the duration of their UAE travel. You can choose from plans ranging from one day to 90 days.

Your eSIM will ensure you don’t use your physical SIM for data, which can attract exorbitant roaming charges. You’ll connect to the local mobile network and access the internet with your eSIM mobile data.

Using maps, taxis, and translators without a local sim

Pixabay

eSIM mobile data can provide reliable internet for powering your navigation and translation tools. Holafly eSIM provides unlimited data for any plan you purchase to power the following top-ranking apps in the UAE:

• RTA Smart Drive: This mobile app is great for navigating the Dubai streets. It provides live traffic updates and alerts for key landmarks. Additionally, it provides offline maps.
• Waze: You’ll learn about the road conditions and alternative routes via this navigation app. Your eSIM data will help with navigation.
• Google Maps: You can also use a globally popular navigation app to navigate the UAE streets.
• Careem: This mobile app allows you to hail rides in the UAE. It supports cashless payment, and you can use it with your eSIM data.
• Dubai Taxi Corporation App: This mobile app allows users to book government-regulated taxis. The app guarantees safety and reliability while traveling in the UAE.
• iTranslate: Besides Google Translate, you can use this app to interact with the locals in the UAE. What’s more, this app has offline features for offline translation.

Best travel apps for exploring UAE with an eSIM

You’ll need the UAE tourism apps to explore Dubai and other emirates. Besides the navigation and ride-hailing apps, you need additional apps to explore the UAE. Your eSIM data will power these apps for an exciting experience.

Attraction Site Booking

• Visit Dubai: This is the official tourist app for the UAE. It features top tourist attractions in Dubai and everything travelers need to know.
• TripAdvisor: You’ll receive recommendations for the best attraction sites to visit. Additionally, you’ll read a review of the sites.
• GetYourGuide: You can book a tour guide before visiting the site via this mobile app.

Currency conversions

• XE Currency: This platform gives live currency conversion rates, allowing you to budget your travel expenses.
• Splitwise: You can plan for shared expenses with the help of this mobile app.

Cultural etiquette: stay connected, stay respectful

You want to respect the UAE culture and people for an exciting experience of the country. You’ll need to be culturally sensitive and observe normal communication and behavior.

Cultural sensitivity

• Modest Dressing: The UAE is conservative, and tourists must wear modest clothes in public spaces like government buildings and mosques. 
• Religious respect: In the UAE, you should respect the Muslim religion and avoid smoking in public spaces like mosques.

Communication and behavior

• Formal greetings: You’ll use the calm and polite greeting, “As-salamu alaykum.” You’ll use this greeting for the locals.
• Respect privacy: You want to respect people’s privacy and avoid taking pictures without consent, especially for women and families.

The UAE has many tourist attractions that make it an exciting place to visit. However, you’ll need to stay connected. eSIM provides seamless connectivity by providing internet services without buying a local SIM card. Therefore, purchase an eSIM plan to navigate the UAE with mobile apps.