Marshall87

Hi guys,

Just landed in Dubai and thought of registering in this forum to help get acquainted with all the other expats working here.

I've taken a position teaching at a university in Dubai, and I'm obligated to live on campus. I decided to go shopping for a mobile last night, and honestly, I was blown away.

Never have I seen so many mobile stores in one place! (Dubai Mall).

I want a smart phone, and I'm not sure where the best place to buy one is. I need a warranty of course and some decent services.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd like you to help me narrow my choices down, starting with the SIM: Du or Etisalat? What's known to be better over here?

Thanks!

Marshall

Robbies

Du... pay by the second, my experience of network quality was a number of dropped calls and calls that will not connect.

Etisalat... pay by the minute, and my experience is that network is more stable.

Plans on both networks are similarly priced, but I have seen far more offers/deals on Du phone packages (I think Axiom currently have a number of smart phone offers on the go with calls, texts and data included)

Brains1983

You need I'd to get a sim card here (not sure if it's your residence visa/labour card or just any id). Etisalat is marginally more reliable from what I have heard, however Du seem to be offering more deals.

I guess they are much the same.

Millhouse

We have one of each. They are pretty much the same.

Du offers cheaper renewal on their PAYG service than Etisalat.

Hello.Kitty

I'm with Du and haven't had any calls cutting out mid-call since I moved out of JBR... saying that, they've just put up a new mast in Amwaj/ JBR...

The PAYG option seems pretty good. Du does various "deals" that you can choose from on every top-up card - more time, more credit, more international... I use it for occasional calls and lots of texts and maybe get through about 50-75AED per month.

Marshall87

Thanks everyone!

I went to Axiom after reading Robbies reply and picked up an iPhone 4 with a Du SIM. Good offer, but yes, I am experiencing some dropped calls with Du's network. I was honestly tempted by the cheaper international rates.

Cheers everyone!

Robbies

Glad to be of help

I just got my iPhone 4 after year of wanting an iPhone but never taking the plunge.

Marshall87

Congrats! Where'd you get it? Price?

Btw, after switching to an iPhone you'll never want to use anything else!

benzonar

You sure? Just wait until the iPhone 5 comes out

Robbies

We're moving back to UK next month, so I have a Vodafone one... Needed a UK number sorted before we leave.

Roadking

Du are offering the 32GB Iphone 4 for 599 deposit and 200 per month for 12 months. 100 per month additional for the data package that gives 125 mins local, 125 mins international and unlimited data....

...allegedly!