United Arab Emirates eSIM

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.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a Cellesim plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A Cellesim travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a Cellesim plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

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.

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. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing. 

 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.