For Dubai and Abu Dhabi trips, transit and work visits. Data from $3.69, QR by email in minutes, your Sri Lankan number stays on.
Travellers from Sri Lanka can get online in the UAE with a Slashtel data eSIM from $3.69 (about Rs 1,223), across 7 plans; 5GB for 30 days is $13.49, about Rs 4,471. Buy it in Sri Lanka, scan the QR at home and the data starts when you land on Du or Etisalat. Your Sri Lankan SIM stays in the phone for calls, texts and bank OTPs.
| Data | Days | Price (USD) | About, in LKR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 | $3.69 | Rs 1,223 |
| 3GB | 30 | $8.89 | Rs 2,946 |
| 3GB | 15 | $10.99 | Rs 3,642 |
| 5GB | 30 | $13.49 | Rs 4,471 |
| 10GB | 30 | $24.09 | Rs 7,984 |
| 10GB | 60 | $24.89 | Rs 8,249 |
| 20GB | 30 | $42.79 | Rs 14,182 |
You pay in US dollars or your card's currency; LKR amounts are a guide at today's rate. UAE is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Sri Lanka.
You don't need one, but it is usually the cheapest way to have data in the UAE. Plans start at $3.69, and you avoid roaming charges on your Sri Lankan number.
Yes. The eSIM is data only and sits next to your Sri Lankan SIM. Keep your own line switched on for calls, SMS and bank OTPs, and use the eSIM for data.
Install it in Sri Lanka before you fly, on Wi-Fi. Validity starts when it first connects in the UAE, not when you install it.
Yes. Debit and credit cards from Sri Lanka and most other countries are accepted, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. Your bank may ask you to confirm the payment.
Any eSIM-capable phone that is not locked to a network, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer and most recent Samsung Galaxy models. Check yours on our compatibility page. See the full list.
For most trips a 5GB to 10GB data eSIM valid for 30 days is the right size: Slashtel's 5GB plan for the UAE is $13.49 on Du and Etisalat. Install it before you fly, keep your home SIM on for calls and bank texts, and top up the same eSIM if you run low.
If your phone supports eSIM, an eSIM is simpler than a local SIM card: nothing to collect at the airport, no passport registration, and your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and OTP texts. A physical SIM only makes sense for long stays where you need a local phone number.