Dubai International Airport - WiFi and/or Data SIM Card

Forums › Travel (planes, train, cruise) › Dubai International Airport - WiFi and/or Data SIM Card

nzkiwiman

2585 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 390

Subscriber

#238271 10-Jul-2018 08:49

As part of my trip to Europe, I am passing through Dubai for a few hours each way.

Since I will be in the area, I want to be able to try and get a regional exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Go - this requires me to have an active internet connection.
I've asked people over on Reddit, and they have advised while there is free WiFi, it frequently cuts out and therefore isn't reliable.

My search for a SIM card to use in Dubai has hit a wall; to purchase one from the telcos I need to have a visa and exit into the country (which I am not) and my Google searching is not finding a travel SIM card that doesn't scream "dodgy"

Has anyone here recently travelled to Dubai International Airport and can advise on the WiFi situation and/or how to get a data SIM card for use over there?

(mods, move is not in correct section)

PeterReader

6028 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 461

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2052392 10-Jul-2018 08:49

Allow me to introduce you folks to our new travel community: TravelTalk NZ.

We hope to see you there!

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

trig42

5889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2094

ID Verified

#2052399 10-Jul-2018 09:03

I found the WiFi at DXB fine.

It is a massive airport though, and just trasiting one plane to another can take some time moving between gates.

How long have you got there? It took us an hour of our two hour layover LHR-DXB-AKL to get from one plane to another - we only had about 15 minutes of sitting at the gate before they called us for the next boarding - you will need to go to the bathrooms, get a drink etc as well.

nzkiwiman

2585 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 390

Subscriber

#2052678 10-Jul-2018 13:48

^ Maybe I won't have enough time to play then. I have approx ~2 hours between flights (one could be closer to 3 hours)

Flight is Auckland - Dubai - Budapest and then London (Gatwick) - Dubai - Auckland

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2052687 10-Jul-2018 13:57

You will not be able to get a SIM card between connecting flights unless you clear customs and exit, No one is going to sell SIM's airside

The Wi-Fi works well as advised in the other thread

John

Senecio

2853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3162

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2052697 10-Jul-2018 13:59

Dubai terminal 3 is spread across A, B and C gates. If you land and leave from the same set of gates you'll have a little time to play but if you need to transfer, particularly from A <-> B/C via monorail, you'll need to allow extra time. I don't think you'll have an issue with Wifi.

Goosey

3016 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 871

Subscriber

#2052731 10-Jul-2018 14:18

Agree with others you might only have 30mins to play.

After arrivals, you will have to get to the departing terminal (lucky for you if its the same building), but you will have to go through actual security again if moving between A B C terminals and sometimes 'manual' security just after boarding gate.

Im sure the vast size of the terminal will entice you to explore. Duty free for miles.

Quick tip, the bathrooms actually have proper toilets as well as their bidet things.

I had to hold my breath and do number 1s thinking WTAF, trying to not take a wiff of the hole in the ground. Little did I know the stall next to it was a traditional toilet.

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2052743 10-Jul-2018 14:45

If there are any delays you might end up running between gates. Two hours is very tight, especially if they're not on the same airline. I read somewhere that insurance won't pay out for missed connections with different carriers if you don't leave at least 12 hours between flights - that may or may not be true.

nzkiwiman

2585 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 390

Subscriber

#2052750 10-Jul-2018 14:58

All flights are with Emirates (thought I had mentioned that, but it seems not)
Not sure if the flights are booked in such a way that if there are any delays getting to Dubai, that the onward flight will a) wait or b) we can find another flight

Fingers crossed I do have some time to play .. I want to find the exclusives!

MurrayM

2502 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 742

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2054157 11-Jul-2018 10:14

When are you going? I might be going through Dubai in September/October and I too are interested in catching some regional Pokemon!

nzkiwiman

2585 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 390

Subscriber

#2054199 11-Jul-2018 11:35

Late October to Europe

Mid November to New Zealand

Handle9

11925 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9675

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2054200 11-Jul-2018 11:36

DXB has good free wifi.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2054289 11-Jul-2018 12:41

Handle9:
DXB has good free wifi.

Same experience I have had walking around for 3 hours no issues

John

Mattmannz

471 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 88

#2054292 11-Jul-2018 12:49

Goosey:

Quick tip, the bathrooms actually have proper toilets as well as their bidet things.

I had to hold my breath and do number 1s thinking WTAF, trying to not take a wiff of the hole in the ground. Little did I know the stall next to it was a traditional toilet.

Wait until you need to use a rest room at a service station or similar out in the desert, there's no traditional facilities and the heat amplifies things significantly!