Well, I'm finally here in Dubai, had my medical test (waiting on the results - no reason I can think of why I should worry, but I guess you never know!) and I start work tomorrow (Sunday).

I've got a couple of questions that will hopefully make life easier (and cheaper) in the short term : firstly, does anyone know if and where I can get a local SIM card for my mobile before I get my visa stamp? I'm still using my Orange one at the moment. If I got a pay-as-you-go one, would I be able to make/receive international calls with it, and once I have residency, would I be able to switch to a pay-monthly account and keep the PAYG number?

Secondly, a bit of a long shot here, but does anyone know if it's possible to use AIM or iChat via the DataValet high-speed internet service offered by hotels? I've tried connecting and it keeps refusing, but I haven't been able to ascertain whether that's because I need to change the config or because DataValet simply blocks access to them.

Hi Gareth .... Can't help you Im afraid, though Im sure there is bound to be one or two folk that will be able to.

Welcome to the site, have sent you some Karma!

Heart

yes u can get a PAYG SIM before u get your Visa stamped and you can make int'l calls and recv the same.

If you get a pay monthly account, u still can keep your PAYG SIM

Hope this helps

Thanks for the Karma Nabs! How are you?

I'm surviving, what about you?

Surviving? Im well thanks, and enjoying my time away catchin up with family and close freinds

Hiya Gareth. Welcome to Dubai!

Sim cards are really simple to sort out. Just pay a visit to your nearest Etisalat office or Al Khaleej Centre in Bur Dubai and they can give you your pay as you go sim. I believe that some of the larger supermarkets also have pay as you go sims now.

Gonna have to admit that your second q is too technical, even for me. lol.
Perhaps it has something to do with the HiFi access offered by most hotels?

Have just PM'd you.