Internet access at Dubai airport?
I'll soon be transiting twice through Dubai Airport Terminal 3 and would like to make a quick Skype video call back home while there. What are my options, free or paid? I'm open to wifi, Internet kiosks, local SIM, anything that gets the job done and doesn't cost an arm and a leg (read: roaming mobile data).
The always useless official DXB website claims "reliable and fast" free wifi, but the last time I passed through (Dec 2012) it was flakier than a Kelloggs factory, to the point of being impossible to even send an email, much less stream live video. Personal recent experience of it being usable at DXB peak hours (middle of the night) would be welcome though!
Best Answer
I ended up going with Boingo as suggested by @karancan above. Specifically:
- I pre-purchased their $7.95/month "Mobile only" plan (this has to be done before you arrive in Dubai!)
- I paired my Android phone and Mac laptop
- On the phone, I turned on Bluetooth tethering (Settings > Wireless & Networks > Tethering > Bluetooth tethering)
- On the Macbook, I activated Bluetooth networking (System Preferences > Networks > Bluetooth PAN)
And ta-dah, full Internet access from laptop and mobile phone, at rather decent speeds too. The only minor wart is that you have to login again if you move from one hotspot to another.
Disclaimer: This is probably against the T&Cs ;)
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How can I get internet at Dubai Airport?
How you can access Wi-Fi internet at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC)? Guests can get unlimited, free, high-speed Wifi at both DXB and DWC. Simply select the \u201cDXB Free Wifi\u201d or "DWC Free Wifi" networks to connect.Is Dubai Airport Wi-Fi good?
Aptly called WOW-Fi, the service offers a top speed of up to 100 megabits per second (mbps), about ten times faster than what many internet users would get at home in the UAE. The service provides internet connection surpassing all other airports, according to a statement released here by Dubai Airports.How can I use WhatsApp in Dubai Airport?
If you want to use WhatsApp in Dubai, you'll need a VPN, because WhatsApp calls are banned there. For our money, ExpressVPN is the best, thanks to its extensive server network and reliability. However, you can also use cheaper alternatives like NordVPN and Windscribe.Is there free Wi-Fi in Dubai Terminal 3?
Is Wi-Fi available at Dubai International Airport DXB and DWC? Yes, free wifi is available at terminal 3 of the Dubai airports.How to Connect Free Wifi | Dubai International Airport | English
More answers regarding internet access at Dubai airport?
Answer 2
Update 13 Sep 2014. It took one hour twenty minutes to get access to Boingo when the airport was less than half full. Boingo is a joke and the sooner Emirates ditch their contract the better. I have used DXB for 10 years and it has always worked OK. Since Boingo took over the operation it is crap.
Answer 3
Just went through DXB and Boingo has a 60 minute free Wifi option. It worked pretty well, including sending iMessage, Skype Video calls and Facebook. Also, once my 60 minutes was up, I got another 60 minutes free and continued to use it.
This is 8 Feb 2016 at about 7:30pm
Answer 4
I will be travelling through Dubai Airport twice within next 4 weeks. It's not bad considering only 4.98$ for unlimited WiFi service on Mobile at airport (one month Boingo subscription which I can cancel anytime). Signed up for $4.98 plan and I will give update on service experience.
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