How travel eSIMs work

An eSIM is a digital SIM your phone downloads instead of a plastic card. You buy a data plan for your destination before you fly, install it in a couple of minutes, and switch it on when you land.

Buy before you fly

Install your eSIM while you still have Wi-Fi in the UAE. The QR code or activation link is emailed within minutes of purchase, and most plans only start counting down once the eSIM connects to a network abroad.

What you need

Three things make an eSIM work smoothly for a UAE traveller:

An eSIM-capable phone — Most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Samsung, Google and Xiaomi flagships.
A carrier-unlocked handset — Devices locked to a UAE operator cannot install a third-party eSIM.
Wi-Fi at install time — You need a connection to download the profile before departure.

Data only, in most cases

Travel eSIMs are usually data-only. Your UAE number stays active on your physical SIM or primary eSIM for calls and OTP messages, while data routes over the travel plan. Keep roaming data disabled on your UAE line to avoid unexpected charges from etisalat by e& or du.

When you land

Turn on the travel eSIM line, enable data roaming for that line only, and give it a minute to attach to a partner network. If nothing connects, select the network manually from the list of supported operators shown on your plan.