Mobile Phones and Electronics

Etisalat SIM cards

Residents and tourists can apply for a local SIM card with a data plan.

NYU Abu Dhabi students are provided with a UAE SIM card from Etisalat (the major local telecommunications carrier) upon arrival to campus. Students are responsible for adding funds to their accounts. Additional credit can be done by phone, online, or by purchasing prepaid Wasel cards from the NYUAD Bookstore or grocery and convenience stores around Abu Dhabi.

It is very important that any phone brought to Abu Dhabi from another country isn't "carrier (or SIM) locked." If you do not have an unlocked phone, you can either purchase one at home or wait until you arrive in Abu Dhabi. Inexpensive phones are easily available at shops in Abu Dhabi.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available on the NYUAD campus. Free public Wi-Fi is not widely available in Abu Dhabi but you may occasionally find free wireless internet access in malls and cafes.

Voltage

The UAE uses the three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design with a 220 volts. A voltage adapter should be brought along if you have electronic goods that use a different prong and voltage.