Using Dual Sim for UK and UAE

[Ketty]

Hello. I'm thinking of getting a local number in UAE, and using my eSim function for it (main number is UK). My iPhone 13 is locked to EE, so is there a specific UAE network I have to use?

[chistery · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ketty 

You will need it unlocked to use another SIM. EE has been selling unlocked phones for a while now, are you sure it's locked? Text unlock to 150, what do you get back?

If it is locked, can you unlock it?

https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/getting-started-and-upgrading/unlock-your-phone/unlock-a-ee-device-to... 

[Ketty]

Turns out it's not locked after all. Thanks Chistery.

[chistery]

You're welcome @Ketty 

Just make sure roaming is active on your EE SIM before you go too, if you've not used it abroad for a while. See here for some info.,

Have a nice day!

[Ketty]

I'm roaming on it now. Can you point me to anything that indicates the pros and cons of using dual sim for different countries?

[chistery]

Hi @Ketty 

It really depends on the country you go to. If you are off to the EU or one of the 5 countries that the roam abroad works in (USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand) then I'd stick with EE. 

Local SIMs can be a bit of a faff. You have to find somewhere selling them, top up, etc. but if you are going to need to call locally and use lots of data, it may be worth it.

There's also eSIMs for travellers, so you can add one before you go. They don't tend to be cheap but should work as soon as you land and give you limited data access.

So a bit vague, it all depends on your needs and usage for the country you are going to.