Using a Galaxy S23 in UAE: eSIM Setup & Internet Guide
π¦πͺ Galaxy S23 works in UAE
- β Fully compatible with Etisalat (e&), du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications)
- β eSIM installs in 2 minutes β no SIM swap needed
- β US carrier models may be locked β confirm before traveling
- β Supports 2 active eSIMs β keep your home SIM active
Recommended eSIM Plans for UAE
See all plans βπ Global - 0.4883GB / 3 Days
Asialink
0.4883 GB Β· 3 days
π Global - 0.1953GB / 30 Days
Discover
0.1953 GB Β· 30 days
π Global - 1.0GB / 5 Days
Discover
1 GB Β· 5 days
π Global - 0.4883GB / 3 Days
Eurolink
0.4883 GB Β· 3 days
Prices shown for Free tier. Pro members save 7%, Premium save 12%.
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Galaxy S23 compatibility in UAE
Network band compatibility
Galaxy S23 supports LTE B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B17, B20, B25, B26, B28, B38, B40, B41, B66. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 modem. Strong global band coverage including B19 for Japan and B20 for Europe.
SIM configuration
Galaxy S23 supports nano-SIM + eSIM. US carrier variants may be locked β check before traveling or buy unlocked. Use Settings β Connections β SIM Manager to add an eSIM, not the regular Connections menu. Samsung's eSIM UI is different from stock Android.
Active eSIMs
2
Stored profiles
Up to 10
Physical SIM
Yes
Carrier lock risk
Check first
How to install your UAE eSIM on Galaxy S23
Complete these steps at home over Wi-Fi before your flight. Takes 2β3 minutes.
- 1
Open Settings β Connections β SIM Manager β Add eSIM
- 2
Select "Scan QR code from service provider"
- 3
Scan the QR code from your LTE.app order confirmation
- 4
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation
- 5
Set as your data SIM when you arrive at your destination
- 6
After landing in UAE, go to Settings and switch on your LTE.app eSIM line. Your phone connects to Etisalat (e&), du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications) automatically.
What happens when you land in UAE
- 1
Install your eSIM on Galaxy S23 before your trip
Scan the QR code from your LTE.app order at home over Wi-Fi. Takes 2β3 minutes. Your home SIM stays active and untouched throughout.
- 2
Land at Dubai International Airport
After your flight, disable Airplane Mode. Open Settings β Connections β SIM Manager and enable your LTE.app eSIM line.
- 3
Connect to Etisalat (e&), du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications)
Your Galaxy S23 automatically connects to UAE's LTE network. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have exceptional LTE and 5G. The UAE is small enough that most tourist destinations are within coverage. Desert safari areas have LTE from roadside towers. Hatta Mountain area has good coverage.
- 4
Maps, messaging, and apps work immediately
Navigation, translation, ride-hailing, and messaging apps all work the moment you exit the arrivals hall β no queuing, no SIM swap.
Roaming vs eSIM in UAE: cost comparison
Roaming your home carrier in UAE costs significantly more than a local eSIM.
UAE roaming is expensive for most international visitors β $15β20/day is common on US and EU carrier plans.
Dubai airport SIM kiosks from Etisalat and du are efficient and available 24 hours. Tourist SIM cards cost AED 50β100 for 10β30 GB. An LTE.app UAE eSIM on e& or du is competitive in price with the advantage of activation before landing.
LTE coverage in UAE for Galaxy S23 users
UAE uses LTE bands 1, 3, 7, and 20. Etisalat (e&) and du are the two UAE carriers. Both provide excellent 4G and 5G coverage across the country.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have exceptional LTE and 5G. The UAE is small enough that most tourist destinations are within coverage. Desert safari areas have LTE from roadside towers. Hatta Mountain area has good coverage.
Frequently asked questions β Galaxy S23 in UAE
Is the Galaxy S23 compatible with UAE's mobile network?
Yes. Galaxy S23 supports LTE B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B17, B20, B25, B26, B28, B38, B40, B41, B66. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 modem. Strong global band coverage including B19 for Japan and B20 for Europe. UAE uses LTE UAE uses LTE bands 1, 3, 7 β all supported by the Galaxy S23.
Can I keep my home SIM active while using a UAE eSIM on my Galaxy S23?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 supports 2 active eSIMs simultaneously. You can keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS while your LTE.app UAE eSIM handles data. Set UAE eSIM as your data SIM in Settings.
Is my Galaxy S23 carrier-locked? Will it work in UAE?
Galaxy S23 supports nano-SIM + eSIM. US carrier variants may be locked β check before traveling or buy unlocked. Use Settings β Connections β SIM Manager to add an eSIM, not the regular Connections menu. Samsung's eSIM UI is different from stock Android. To use an eSIM in UAE, your device must be unlocked. Contact your carrier or check Settings β if you can add an eSIM from another provider, it is unlocked.
When should I install the UAE eSIM on my Galaxy S23?
Install it at home over Wi-Fi before your flight. The process takes 2β3 minutes using the QR code from your LTE.app order. UAE requires the eSIM to be installed before arrival in some cases β never wait until you land. Dubai International Airport has free Wi-Fi if you forget, but pre-install is strongly recommended.
How many eSIM profiles can I store on my Galaxy S23?
The Galaxy S23 can store up to 10 eSIM profiles, with 2 active at once. You can buy and install eSIMs for multiple countries in advance and switch between them without deleting old ones.
Other devices in UAE
More UAE resources
Ready to use a Galaxy S23 in UAE?
Install your eSIM before your flight. Works the moment you land at Dubai International Airport.
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