Are you planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates and wondering which Indian SIM card to use? With so many options available, choosing the right SIM card can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the best Indian SIM cards to use in UAE, including Airtel, Vodafone, Jio and BSNL.
We will compare their plans, rates, and features to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, we will also provide tips on how to activate international roaming, how to buy an Indian SIM card in UAE, and how to use it effectively during your stay in UAE.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning a one-time visit, this guide will help ensure that you stay connected while in UAE.
Choosing the right Indian SIM card when traveling to UAE is important for several reasons:
- Cost: Choosing the right SIM card can help you save money on international roaming charges, data and call rates, and other fees. If you don’t choose the right SIM card, you could end up paying much more than you need to.
- Network coverage: The network coverage of your Indian SIM card provider will determine how well you can stay connected while in UAE. So, it’s important to choose a provider that offers good coverage in the areas you will be visiting.
- Convenience: Having a reliable and affordable Indian SIM card in UAE will make it easy for you to stay in touch with friends and family back home, and to make calls and send messages as needed. Without a reliable SIM card, you may find it difficult to communicate with people in UAE or back home.
- Data and internet access: Having a good data plan is important for staying connected to the internet, using maps and navigation apps, and staying up to date with news and social media while in UAE.
- Customer service and support: Having a good customer service and support is also important, in case you have any issues with your SIM card while in UAE, you will have someone to assist you.
Choosing the right Indian SIM card when traveling to UAE is important for staying connected, saving money, and ensuring a smooth and convenient experience while in the country.
Top Indian SIM Card providers in UAE
- Airtel
- Vodafone
- Jio
Airtel
Airtel is one of the top Indian SIM card providers in UAE. They offer a range of plans and rates for both prepaid and postpaid customers. Some of the key features and benefits of Airtel’s plans include:
- International roaming: Airtel offers international roaming plans that allow you to use your Indian SIM card while in UAE, with competitive rates for calls, texts, and data.
- Data plans: Airtel offers a range of data plans for customers in UAE, including daily, weekly, and monthly plans, with varying amounts of data.
- Call rates: Airtel offers competitive call rates for both local and international calls, with discounts for customers who opt for postpaid plans.
- SMS packs: Airtel also offers SMS packs that allow you to send a large number of text messages at a discounted rate.
- Customer service and support: Airtel has a dedicated customer service team that is available 24/7 to assist customers with any issues or questions they may have.
- Airtel Thanks: Customers who opt for Airtel postpaid plans can enjoy extra benefits and perks like free subscriptions to streaming services, discounts on OTT apps, and priority customer service.
It’s worth noting that Airtel’s plans and rates may vary depending on the specific location and package details of the customer, So, it’s always recommended to check the plans and rates from the Airtel website or from the nearest Airtel store in UAE.
Vodafone
Vodafone is another top Indian SIM card provider in UAE. Like Airtel, they offer a range of plans and rates for both prepaid and postpaid customers. Some of the key features and benefits of Vodafone’s plans include:
- International roaming: Vodafone offers international roaming plans that allow you to use your Indian SIM card while in UAE, with competitive rates for calls, texts, and data.
- Data plans: Vodafone offers a range of data plans for customers in UAE, including daily, weekly, and monthly plans, with varying amounts of data.
- Call rates: Vodafone offers competitive call rates for both local and international calls, with discounts for customers who opt for postpaid plans.
- SMS packs: Vodafone also offers SMS packs that allow you to send a large number of text messages at a discounted rate.
- Customer service and support: Vodafone has a dedicated customer service team that is available 24/7 to assist customers with any issues or questions they may have.
- Vodafone Passport: Customers who opt for Vodafone international roaming plans can enjoy free incoming calls, discounted outgoing calls and texts, and affordable data rates while traveling in UAE.
It’s worth noting that Vodafone’s plans and rates may vary depending on the specific location and package details of the customer, So, it’s always recommended to check the plans and rates from the Vodafone website or from the nearest Vodafone store in UAE.
Overall, Airtel and Vodafone both are good options for Indian SIM card in UAE, as they both offer a range of plans and rates, with competitive call rates and data plans, as well as good customer service and support.
Jio
Jio is one of the top Indian SIM card providers in UAE. They offer a range of plans and rates for both prepaid and postpaid customers. Some of the key features and benefits of Jio’s plans include:
- International roaming: Jio offers international roaming plans that allow you to use your Indian SIM card while in UAE, with competitive rates for calls, texts, and data.
- Data plans: Jio offers a range of data plans for customers in UAE, including daily, weekly, and monthly plans, with varying amounts of data.
- Call rates: Jio offers competitive call rates for both local and international calls, with discounts for customers who opt for postpaid plans.
- SMS packs: Jio also offers SMS packs that allow you to send a large number of text messages at a discounted rate.
- Customer service and support: Jio has a dedicated customer service team that is available 24/7 to assist customers with any issues or questions they may have.
- Jio apps: Customers who opt for Jio plans can enjoy complimentary subscriptions to Jio apps like JioTV, JioCinema, JioNews, and JioSaavn, which offer a wide range of movies, TV shows, live news and music.
- Jio International Roaming: Jio offers very affordable international roaming packs that are very useful while traveling to UAE.
It’s worth noting that Jio’s plans and rates may vary depending on the specific location and package details of the customer, So, it’s always recommended to check the plans and rates from the Jio website or from the nearest Jio store in UAE.
Overall, Jio is a good option for Indian SIM card in UAE, as they offer a range of plans and rates, with competitive call rates and data plans, as well as good customer service and support, and complimentary access to a wide range of Jio apps.
Important: if you are using Jio sim which is registered in Northeast India or Kashmir, that Sim will not work in UAE. Jim has disabled international roaming for Kashmir and Northeast India users. So, make sure you take proper precaution, as you can’t be able to use for making calls and using mobile banking apps like (BHIM, PayTm, PhonePe etc.). You will not receive any OTP also.
Tips for using Indian SIM card in UAE
When using an Indian SIM card in UAE, there are a few tips that can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Some of the key tips to keep in mind include:
- Check for network coverage: Before leaving India, check with your service provider to ensure that they have good network coverage in UAE. This will ensure that you are able to make calls and access the internet without any interruptions.
- Activate international roaming: Make sure to activate international roaming on your SIM card before leaving India. This will ensure that you are able to use your SIM card in UAE without any additional charges.
- Check rates: Before using your Indian SIM card in UAE, check with your service provider for the rates for calls, texts, and data. This will help you budget your expenses and avoid any unexpected charges.
- Use WiFi: To save on data charges, make use of free WiFi networks whenever possible. Many hotels and cafes in UAE offer free WiFi, which can be used to access the internet without incurring data charges.
- Keep your SIM card safe: Always keep your SIM card in a safe place, as losing it can be a hassle to replace. Make sure to keep a copy of the SIM card number, as well as the contact details of your service provider, in case of loss or theft.
- Keep your phone updated: Keep your phone updated with the latest software and apps. This will help ensure that your phone is compatible with the network in UAE and also will prevent any security issues.
- Use a local number: If you plan on making a lot of calls or sending text messages, consider getting a local number in UAE. This can save you on international roaming charges and make it easier for local contacts to reach you.
- Check the plans and rates before buying: Make sure to check the plans and rates of the Indian SIM card providers in UAE before buying, this will help you choose the best plan that suits your needs and budget.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your experience using an Indian SIM card in UAE is as seamless and hassle-free as possible.
Why Airtel is the best Indian sim to run in UAE
Airtel is considered one of the best Indian SIM cards to use in UAE due to its competitive roaming prices and extensive network coverage.
Firstly, Airtel offers competitive roaming prices for calls, texts, and data in UAE. They have different plans for international roaming which can be activated before leaving India. This will help you budget your expenses and avoid any unexpected charges.
Secondly, Airtel has a wide network coverage in UAE which makes it easier for customers to access the internet and make calls without any interruptions. Airtel also has a good network partnership with the local operators of UAE which makes it easy to use the network without any interruption.
In addition, Airtel provides customer support services which is available 24/7, in case of any issues or queries.
Overall, Airtel’s combination of competitive roaming prices, extensive network coverage, and customer support make it a top choice for Indian travelers in UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian SIM card to use in UAE?
Airtel, Vodafone, Jio and BSNL are among the best Indian SIM cards to use in UAE. Each of these providers offer competitive roaming prices, extensive network coverage and customer support services.
How do I activate international roaming on my Indian SIM card in UAE?
You can activate international roaming on your Indian SIM card by contacting your service provider’s customer care or by online
Will my Indian SIM card work in UAE?
If your Indian SIM card is enabled for international roaming, it should work in UAE. However, it’s always best to check with your service provider to confirm their coverage in UAE. Note that Jim sim which has been registered in Kashmir and Northeast India will not work in UAE
Can I buy an Indian SIM card in UAE?
No, you can’t.
Is it better to buy a local SIM card or use my Indian SIM card in UAE?
It depends on your usage needs and budget. If you will be making mostly international calls, it may be more cost-effective to use your Indian SIM card. However, if you will be using your phone primarily in UAE, a local SIM card may be a better option. Also, most probably you will get a free local sim in the Airport.