International Calling Guide: Best Options for UAE Residents

Introduction: Staying Connected Across Borders

With a diverse expatriate population making up approximately 88% of residents, the UAE is truly a global melting pot. For most people living in the Emirates, staying in touch with family, friends, and business contacts abroad is an essential part of daily life.

While international communication has become easier than ever before, the variety of available options can be overwhelming. From traditional direct dialing to internet-based calling apps, each method comes with its own advantages, limitations, and costs.

This comprehensive guide explores the best international calling options for UAE residents, helping you make informed decisions based on your specific needs, budget, and calling patterns.

Traditional Direct International Calling

The most straightforward way to make international calls is through your mobile service provider's direct international dialing service.

Standard International Rates

Without any special packages, standard international calling rates from UAE mobile operators typically range from:

• AED 2.5 to AED 9 per minute for mobile calls
• AED 2 to AED 8 per minute for landline calls

These rates vary significantly depending on the destination country. Calls to neighboring Gulf countries tend to be less expensive than calls to distant regions like the Americas or Australia.

International Calling Packages

Both Etisalat and du offer international calling packages that can significantly reduce costs for frequent callers:

Etisalat International Packs

• International Freedom: Starting from AED 99 per month for 500-1,000 minutes to select countries
• Call Global: Country-specific bundles with reduced rates
• Budget Call: Pay-as-you-go option with discounted rates

du International Calling Plans

• World Calling Pack: From AED 20 for 60 minutes to select destinations
• Flexi Minutes: Bundles of minutes that can be used across multiple countries
• Country-Specific Packs: Tailored bundles for popular destinations like India, Pakistan, and Philippines

Virgin Mobile International Options

• Build Your Own Plan: Customize your plan with international minutes to specific regions
• International Add-ons: Flexible add-ons available on a monthly basis

Advantages of Traditional International Calling

• Reliability: Doesn't depend on internet connectivity
• Quality: Generally provides clear voice quality
• Universal Access: Can reach any phone number worldwide
• Simplicity: No apps or special setup required

Disadvantages

• Cost: Typically more expensive than internet-based alternatives
• No Video: Limited to voice calls only
• Monitoring: Call details appear on your phone bill

International Calling Cards

Calling cards remain a popular option for budget-conscious callers, especially those calling destinations with higher standard rates.

How Calling Cards Work in the UAE

1. Purchase a physical card or online credit from authorized retailers
2. Dial the access number provided
3. Enter your PIN and the international number you wish to call
4. The system connects your call at the discounted rate

Popular Calling Card Options in UAE

• Hello Card: Widely available with competitive rates to Asian countries
• One World: Good rates for calls to Europe and North America
• Five Star: Offers competitive rates to the Indian subcontinent
• Pinoy Card: Specialized for calls to the Philippines

Advantages of Calling Cards

• Cost-Effective: Often significantly cheaper than direct dialing
• No Commitment: Pay as you go without monthly subscriptions
• Privacy: Calls don't appear itemized on your phone bill
• No Internet Required: Works with any phone

Disadvantages

• Inconvenience: Multiple steps to place a call
• Hidden Fees: Some cards have connection fees or rounding policies
• Variable Quality: Call clarity can vary
• Expiration: Some cards have credit that expires after a certain period

Internet-Based Calling Solutions

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and messaging apps offer some of the most cost-effective ways to make international calls from the UAE, though there are important regulatory considerations to keep in mind.

Regulatory Environment in the UAE

In the UAE, only authorized providers can offer VoIP calling services. The regulatory framework has evolved over the years, with some previously restricted services now becoming available through official channels.

Officially Available VoIP Services

BOTIM/ToTok (Now YzerChat)

These UAE-approved VoIP apps allow video and voice calling to international numbers:

• Requires a subscription package from your mobile operator
• Etisalat offers "Internet Calling Plan" starting at AED 52.50/month
• du offers "Internet Calling Pack" starting at AED 50/month
• Both apps need to be installed by the caller and receiver

Smiles International Calling

Etisalat's Smiles app offers internet calling features:

• Available through the Smiles loyalty program app
• Offers competitive rates to international destinations
• Can call any phone number (doesn't require the receiver to have the app)

GoChat Messenger

Another locally approved app for voice and video calling:

• Requires subscription through your mobile operator
• Both parties need the app installed
• Offers additional features like messaging and file sharing

Microsoft Teams and Zoom

For business users, Microsoft Teams and Zoom are officially available in the UAE:

• Primarily designed for business meetings and collaboration
• Can be used for international voice and video communication
• Requires a business subscription for full functionality
• Both parties need to have the application installed

Advantages of Authorized VoIP Services

• Video Capability: Most offer both voice and video calling
• Additional Features: Messaging, file sharing, and group calls
• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than traditional calling for frequent users

Disadvantages

• Subscription Required: Monthly fees apply
• Internet Dependent: Requires good internet connection
• Compatibility: Both parties usually need the same app

Messaging Apps with Voice Features

Several messaging apps with calling features are accessible in the UAE and can be used for communication:

WhatsApp

While WhatsApp is primarily used for messaging in the UAE, its status has evolved:

• Messaging functionality works normally
• Voice and video calling features may be available through authorized VPN services for business use
• Widely used globally, making it convenient for international contacts

IMO

A messaging app that has been accessible in the UAE:

• Offers text messaging and media sharing
• Voice and video features may be restricted
• Popular in South Asian countries

Skype for Business

The business version of Skype is officially available:

• Part of Microsoft Office 365 business subscriptions
• Designed for professional use
• Requires corporate licensing

Business-Specific International Calling Solutions

Companies in the UAE have additional options designed specifically for business communication needs:

Corporate International Calling Plans

Both Etisalat and du offer specialized business plans with:

• Volume discounts for multiple lines
• Shared pools of international minutes
• Customizable packages based on calling patterns
• Centralized billing and management

Enterprise VoIP Solutions

Licensed enterprise VoIP services include:

• C'Me Business: Etisalat's enterprise VoIP solution
• du Talk: Business communication platform
• Avaya Cloud Solutions: Enterprise communication systems

Cloud PBX Systems

Cloud-based phone systems offer flexible international calling:

• Centralized management of multiple business lines
• Integration with CRM and business systems
• Advanced features like call routing, recording, and analytics
• Often more cost-effective for high-volume international calling

Special Considerations for Popular Destinations

Calling patterns and optimal solutions vary depending on where you're calling. Here are recommendations for the most common destinations called from the UAE:

India

With the largest expatriate community in the UAE, calls to India are among the most common:

• Best Traditional Option: Etisalat's India Calling Pack or du's India Calling Plan
• Best Internet Option: YzerChat or Smiles International Calling
• Best for Budget: Hello Card or Five Star calling cards

Pakistan

• Best Traditional Option: Country-specific bundles from Etisalat or du
• Best Internet Option: IMO (for messaging) or YzerChat
• Best for Budget: Five Star calling cards

Philippines

• Best Traditional Option: Etisalat Freedom International or du World Calling Pack
• Best Internet Option: YzerChat or GoChat
• Best for Budget: Pinoy Card or Hello Card

UK and Europe

• Best Traditional Option: International calling packages from any provider
• Best Internet Option: Smiles International Calling or business solutions like Microsoft Teams
• Best for Budget: One World calling cards

USA and Canada

• Best Traditional Option: North America bundles from Etisalat or du
• Best Internet Option: Business VoIP solutions or Smiles International Calling
• Best for Budget: International calling cards with good rates to North America

Tips for Optimizing International Calling Costs

Regardless of which method you choose, these strategies can help you minimize costs:

Time Your Calls Strategically

• Some calling plans offer off-peak discounts (typically late night/early morning)
• Consider time zone differences when planning calls

Choose the Right Package

• Analyze your calling patterns (frequency, duration, destinations)
• Compare packages specifically for your most-called countries
• Consider family plans if multiple family members call the same destinations

Combine Methods

• Use internet-based options when both parties have good connectivity
• Keep traditional options as backup for important calls
• Use messaging for brief communications, reserving calls for longer conversations

Monitor and Adjust

• Regularly review your bills and usage patterns
• Adjust your plan if your calling habits change
• Stay informed about new offers and promotions

Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Solution

There's no one-size-fits-all answer for international calling from the UAE. The best solution depends on your specific needs, calling patterns, and preferences.

For occasional callers, pay-as-you-go options like calling cards may be most economical. Frequent callers to specific countries will benefit from country-specific bundles. Business users should explore enterprise solutions that integrate with their workflow.

Internet-based options offer significant savings and additional features like video calling, but require both parties to have compatible technology and good internet connectivity. Traditional calling provides reliability and universal access but at a higher price point.

By understanding the full range of options available and matching them to your specific communication needs, you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues worldwide without unnecessary expense.