United Arab Emirates eSIM

Yes, WhatsApp calls, FaceTime video/audio, Messenger calls, Instagram calls, and Telegram calls are blocked in Dubai (UAE) due to government regulations. The UAE government's regulations specifically block all video and voice calls over IP (VoIP), meaning services like WhatsApp calls, FaceTime video/audio, Messenger calls, Instagram calls, and Telegram calls will not connect. Even iMessage calls are affected by these restrictions.

However, your high-speed data plan will work perfectly for almost everything else you need to do online. You'll be able to stay connected and navigate your trip with ease:

• Text Messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram) works perfectly.
• Sending Voice Notes works perfectly.
• Google Maps, Uber, Careem, and all navigation apps work.
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and all social media browsing/posting work.

If you absolutely must make a voice or video call, you will need to use a VPN. It's highly recommended to install your VPN application and set it up before you arrive in the UAE.

Planning the trip? See our Dubai eSIM plans, install in one tap before you fly, and land online. Free VPN included.

Yes, 100% easier. Buying a physical "Tourist SIM" at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) airport requires you to find the Du/Etisalat kiosk, wait in very long queues, and go through a mandatory passport and biometric (fingerprint/face scan) registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration or biometrics, and can be installed before you fly. You will be connected the moment you land, ready to order an Uber. 

No, absolutely not. The UAE is NOT part of the EU, UK, or US domestic plans. Most home carriers (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or UK's Vodafone/O2) will charge you their highest "Rest of World" international "Day Pass" rates (e.g., $10-$15 per day). A Cellesim eSIM is a one-time prepaid fee that is significantly cheaper. 

 This specific plan is valid only within the UAE. This is a critical point. If you are on a multi-country Gulf trip and drive to Oman or fly to Saudi Arabia/Qatar, your connection will stop at the border. For this, we highly recommend our Middle East Regional eSIM to stay connected seamlessly in all countries. 

Yes, in key areas. Our eSIM connects to the premium networks (Du/Etisalat), which have excellent 4G/5G coverage that extends far from the cities. You will have a strong signal at all major desert safari camps (for uploading your sunset photos) and along the main highways. You may only lose signal temporarily if you drive into the deepest remote dunes, far from any roads. 

 Yes. Careem and Uber are the primary ways to get around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and reliable data is essential to book rides safely without cash. 

 Yes. Coverage is surprisingly good even at the "At the Top" observation decks of the Burj Khalifa, allowing you to livestream the view from the world's highest building. 

 Yes. The United Arab Emirates has one of the fastest mobile networks in the world, and our eSIM connects to high-speed 5G in downtown Dubai and Marina. 

 Yes. You will have excellent coverage throughout Abu Dhabi, including inside Ferrari World on Yas Island and at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. Cellesim works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like Cellesim. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.