Are you looking for the most affordable way to stay connected with your loved ones abroad? As an expat in the UAE, international call costs can quickly add up, making it essential to find a budget-friendly solution.
Etisalat’s international call offer at just 5 fils per minute provides an excellent way to make high-quality calls without worrying about excessive charges.
This offer is designed for frequent international callers who need a reliable and cost-effective way to stay in touch. Whether you’re calling family, friends, or business contacts, this plan ensures significant savings compared to standard rates.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Etisalat’s 5 fils per minute international call offer, including activation methods, eligibility, terms, and cost-saving tips.
What Is the Etisalat International Call 5 Fils Per Minute Offer?
Staying connected with loved ones abroad can often be expensive, but Etisalat has introduced an international calling offer that allows users to make calls at just 5 fils per minute. This offer is designed primarily for expats in the UAE who frequently communicate with their families and friends overseas.
What Does This Offer Include?
The Etisalat 5 fils per minute plan provides international calling at a reduced rate, making it one of the most affordable options in the country. Users can benefit from:
- Lower calling costs: The 5 fils per minute rate significantly reduces international call expenses compared to standard rates.
- Daily validity: The offer is usually activated on a daily basis, ensuring flexibility without long-term commitments.
- Multiple activation methods: Users can activate the plan via USSD code, SMS, or the Etisalat mobile app.
Which Countries Are Covered Under This Plan?
Etisalat offers this plan for several popular international destinations, catering to the UAE’s large expatriate community. While the exact list of countries may change periodically, it generally includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Egypt, and the Philippines, among others.
It is always advisable to check the latest list of eligible destinations before activating the offer to ensure your country is covered.
This plan is particularly beneficial for individuals making frequent and long-duration calls to these countries, as it helps them cut down on monthly phone expenses while maintaining uninterrupted communication.
How Can You Activate the Etisalat 5 Fils Per Minute Call Offer?
Activating the Etisalat international call 5 fils per minute offer is simple and can be done using multiple methods. Users can choose the most convenient activation process depending on their preferences.
What Are the Different Activation Methods?
Etisalat SIM provides three main ways to activate this offer:
1. USSD Code
- Dial *135# on your Etisalat mobile number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select the 5 fils per minute offer.
- Confirm activation.
2. SMS Activation
- Send a specific keyword (such as “IDD” or “5FILS”) to the designated Etisalat number (e.g., 1012).
- You will receive a confirmation message upon successful activation.
3. Etisalat Mobile App
- Open the My Etisalat UAE app.
- Navigate to the International Call Offers section.
- Select the 5 fils per minute plan and confirm activation.
4. Cost of Activation
- While the offer allows calls at 5 fils per minute, a daily activation fee applies.
- This fee varies but is typically around AED 1 to AED 2 per day.
- Charges are deducted from your prepaid balance or added to your postpaid bill.
Users should ensure they have enough balance before activating the offer, especially for Etisalat prepaid connections.
Who Is Eligible for This Offer?
Before subscribing to the Etisalat 5 fils per minute international call offer, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria.
Can Prepaid and Postpaid Users Avail of This Plan?
Yes, customers with both prepaid and postpaid plans can access this offer. However, the activation process and charges may vary slightly between the two types of users:
- Prepaid users: The daily activation fee is deducted from the available mobile balance. Users must have sufficient balance before activating the offer.
- Postpaid users: The fee is added to the monthly bill, making it more convenient for customers on contract-based plans.
Are There Any Restrictions on Usage?
- Limited to select countries: This plan is only applicable for international calls to specific destinations. Always check the latest list before activation.
- No roll-over minutes: The offer provides discounted rates but does not include free minutes. Unused minutes do not carry over to the next day.
- Fair usage policy (FUP): Excessive usage may lead to restrictions or suspension based on Etisalat’s FUP guidelines.
This plan is ideal for users who frequently make international calls but prefer a flexible, pay-per-use model rather than committing to a monthly package.
Why Is This the Best International Calling Offer for Expats?
Etisalat’s 5 fils per minute offer is one of the most affordable international calling plans in the UAE, making it highly attractive for expats. Here’s why this offer stands out:
Comparison With Other Etisalat International Call Plans
Etisalat provides various international calling options, but most come with fixed-minute bundles or higher rates. For example:
- Etisalat Monthly IDD Plans: Offers set minutes per month but requires a higher upfront cost.
- Per-second billing plans: More flexible but often costlier per minute compared to the 5 fils plan.
Unlike these alternatives, the 5 fils per minute plan offers:
- Lower call rates: Ideal for users who frequently make long calls.
- No long-term commitment: Pay only when you need to make a call.
- Easy activation and cancellation: No need for a contract or fixed monthly fee.
How Does This Benefit Frequent Callers?
For expats in the UAE, maintaining regular contact with family and friends abroad is essential. This plan allows:
- Significant cost savings compared to standard international call rates.
- Greater flexibility to activate the offer only when needed.
- Affordable long-distance communication without relying on VoIP apps, which are often blocked in the UAE.
This makes the Etisalat 5 fils per minute plan the best choice for expats looking for reliable, low-cost international calling without restrictions.
What Are the Terms and Conditions of This Offer?
Before subscribing to the Etisalat 5 fils per minute offer, it is important to understand its terms and conditions to avoid unexpected charges or service limitations.
1. Daily Validity and Renewal
- This offer is valid for 24 hours from the time of activation.
- It does not auto-renew; users must manually activate it each day they want to use it.
- If the activation process is repeated within the same 24-hour period, additional charges may apply.
2. Fair Usage Policy (FUP)
- Although the plan offers discounted calling rates, Etisalat enforces a Fair Usage Policy to prevent excessive use.
- If a user exceeds the maximum daily limit (which varies), Etisalat may suspend access to the discounted rate or apply standard international call charges.
3. Call Destinations and Restrictions
- The 5 fils per minute rate only applies to specific international destinations. If a call is made to an ineligible country, standard rates will be charged.
- It is essential to check the latest list of eligible countries before making a call.
4. Additional Charges and Fees
- A daily activation fee applies, typically ranging between AED 1 to AED 2.
- If the account balance is insufficient, the activation will not proceed.
- Taxes or service fees may apply based on Etisalat’s latest pricing policies.
Understanding these terms and conditions will help users maximize savings while avoiding any unexpected costs.
How Does This Offer Compare to Other UAE Telecom Providers?
In the UAE, Etisalat competes with Du and Virgin Mobile in offering international call packages. To determine whether the 5 fils per minute offer is the best, it is useful to compare it with similar plans from these providers.
Comparison of UAE Telecom Providers’ International Call Offers:
| Feature | Etisalat (5 Fils per Minute Offer) | Du International Calling Offers | Virgin Mobile UAE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-Minute Rate | 5 fils per minute | Higher than 5 fils per minute | Higher than 5 fils per minute |
| Plan Type | Pay-as-you-go (daily activation) | Fixed-minute bundles | Monthly subscription required |
| Auto-Renewal | No (manual activation required) | Varies by package | Yes (for monthly plans) |
| Activation Flexibility | Daily activation | Prepaid packages with expiry | Requires a monthly commitment |
| Best For | Expats making frequent international calls | Users who prefer fixed-minute bundles | Users looking for long-term plans |
| Hidden Charges | No hidden charges; only daily activation fee applies | Possible extra fees based on plan | Monthly charges apply |
| Call Destinations | Limited to select international destinations | Limited to specific countries | Limited to specific countries |
Why Etisalat’s 5 Fils per Minute Offer Stands Out?
- Lower per-minute cost compared to standard international rates.
- No long-term commitment, unlike Du and Virgin Mobile.
- Flexible daily activation, allowing users to pay only when needed.
For expats and frequent international callers, Etisalat’s 5 fils per minute plan remains one of the most cost-effective and flexible solutions in the UAE.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings on International Calls
Even with Etisalat’s low-cost 5 fils per minute offer, there are ways to further optimize call expenses. Here are some useful strategies:
1. Check the Eligible Countries Regularly: Etisalat updates the list of supported countries periodically. Before making a call, confirm that your destination is included to avoid standard charges.
2. Activate the Offer Only When Needed: Since this is a daily plan, activate it only when you plan to make a call. If you do not need to call daily, avoid unnecessary activation to save on daily fees.
3. Monitor Your Call Duration: Keep track of call times to stay within fair usage limits. Exceeding the usage limit may lead to standard international rates being applied.
4. Use Wi-Fi for App-Based Communication When Possible: For casual conversations, consider using Wi-Fi-based apps (where available) to reduce reliance on mobile networks. Use the 5 fils per minute plan for longer or more important conversations.
5. Combine With Other Etisalat Offers: If you make frequent international calls, check if Etisalat’s monthly IDD plans provide better long-term value. Some users might benefit from bundled plans that include both local and international minutes.
By following these cost-saving strategies, users can maximize the benefits of Etisalat’s affordable international call rates while ensuring they stay connected without overspending.
Conclusion
Etisalat’s 5 fils per minute international call offer is one of the best choices for expats in the UAE who need an affordable and flexible way to stay connected. With low per-minute rates, easy activation, and no long-term commitment, this plan provides an excellent alternative to costly international calling options.
By understanding the activation process, eligible countries, and fair usage policies, users can make the most of this offer while avoiding unexpected charges. Compared to other UAE telecom providers, Etisalat’s plan stands out for its cost-effectiveness and convenience.
If you frequently make international calls, activating this offer can help you reduce expenses while maintaining seamless communication with your loved ones abroad. Start saving today by activating Etisalat’s 5 fils per minute international call offer and enjoy budget-friendly international calling.
FAQs
How do I check if my country is covered under the 5 fils per minute offer?
You can check the list of eligible countries by dialing *135# or visiting the Etisalat website or mobile app. The list may be updated periodically, so always verify before making calls.
Can I activate the Etisalat 5 fils per minute offer multiple times a day?
No, this offer is valid for 24 hours from activation and cannot be activated multiple times within the same day. If you attempt reactivation, additional charges may apply based on your plan.
What happens if I exceed the fair usage limit for the offer?
If you exceed the daily fair usage limit, Etisalat may switch your call rates to standard international rates. To avoid extra charges, monitor your usage and follow the policy guidelines.
Does this offer apply to both prepaid and postpaid users?
Yes, the 5 fils per minute offer is available for both etisalate prepaid and postpaid users. However, prepaid users need sufficient balance, while postpaid users will see charges added to their monthly bill.
Will my offer renew automatically every day?
No, the Etisalat 5 fils per minute plan does not auto-renew. You must manually activate it each day if you want to continue using the discounted international call rates.
Are there any hidden charges in this offer?
The only charge involved is the daily activation fee (AED 1–2) and the per-minute call cost. There are no hidden charges, but ensure you are calling eligible destinations to avoid standard rates.
How can I deactivate the Etisalat 5 fils per minute offer?
To deactivate, dial *135# and follow the prompts or use the Etisalat mobile app. Since the offer doesn’t auto-renew, it will expire automatically after 24 hours if not reactivated.
