Introduction: Remaining Connected Without Going Broke
If you’re residing in the UAE—whether as an expat, worker, or student—you already understand that remaining connected to loved ones back home is more than a luxury, but a necessity. But let’s be real: international calls have a tendency to drain your balance.
Now here’s the best part: one of the UAE’s leading telecom operators, Etisalat, has an international calling package that’s difficult to resist—9 fils a minute. Too good to be true? Let’s examine what this deal really entails, how to obtain it, and if it actually saves you money.
In this blog, we’ll spell it all out in plain English—no technical terms, no confusing fine print. Just what you need to know.
What Is the Etisalat 9 Fils Per Minute Offer?
Etisalat’s 9 fils/min International Call Offer is a dedicated prepaid calling tariff that caters to users who call abroad very often to certain countries. It’s particularly popular among expats in the UAE—imagine individuals calling India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and other places.
Who Is Eligible?
This offer is available to Etisalat prepaid users only. If you’re using a postpaid line, this specific offer won’t apply. That said, Etisalat has other postpaid-friendly options (which we’ll touch on later).
Key Advantages of the Etisalat 9 Fils Offer
- Affordable Calling Rates: Call India and Pakistan at only 9 fils per minute—one of the lowest international call rates in the UAE.
- Simple to Activate: Activate the offer via the Etisalat app or by sending a straightforward SMS.
- For India & Pakistan Only: This offer is designed specifically for individuals calling India or Pakistan.
- Great for Both: Be it a frequent caller or an occasional caller, this plan is adaptable and saves both.
Why Should This Offer Be Your Pick?
If you are a frequent caller to India or Pakistan from the UAE, this plan can help you save a significant amount. Here’s why it’s a good pick:
✅ Robust Network: Etisalat provides you with a clear and stable connection, with hardly any call drops.
✅ Huge Savings: You’ll pay much less than with regular call rates.
✅ Easy to Use: You can easily turn on the plan with a simple SMS or through the app—no hassle.
✅ Convenient for Everyone: It’s great whether you’re calling for business or simply catching up with friends and family.
Countries Covered by the 9 Fils Offer
Here’s the catch. 9 fils per minute doesn’t cover calling any country. This is only for special destinations. Up to 2025, here are the best countries covered (note: always confirm with Etisalat for the latest list):
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Egypt
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
✅ Pro Tip: If your home country is on this list, you’re in luck. These are some of the most commonly dialed international destinations from the UAE.
How to Enable the 9 Fils Per Minute Offer
Enabling this Etisalat promotion is as easy as anything. You do not have to wait in a queue or call a customer representative. Here’s your choice:
Option 1: Through USSD Code
Call *135*90# from your Etisalat prepaid number.
Choose your preferred country from the selection.
Confirm your activation.
Option 2: My Etisalat UAE App
Open the My Etisalat UAE application (free for iOS and Android).
Go to “International Offers” under “Promotions.”
Click on “9 fils offer” and turn on.
Method 3: SMS
Certain customers can also activate the offer through SMS by sending a keyword (such as the name of the country or a short code) to 1010, depending on the ongoing promotion. Always ensure you cross-check with Etisalat for the latest SMS activation codes.
Cost of the Offer
Yes, there is a small weekly charge related to the 9 fils/minute offer.
What You Pay:
AED 5/week (adjustable)
This fee is automatically deducted from your Etisalat prepaid balance.
Important Considerations:
After activation, the offer automatically renews every 7 days.
You need to have sufficient balance for automatic renewal, or it gets expired.
If expired, manually reactivate.
How to Activate the Offer?
There are two simple ways to activate the offer:
✅ Option 1: Via SMS
- Send IDD to 1012
- You will get a confirmation message after the package is activated.
✅ Option 2: Via Etisalat UAE App
- Open the My Etisalat UAE application.
- Proceed to “International Offers”.
- Choose the 9 fils per minute offer and activate it.
Validity
- The offer is usually valid for 24 hours once activated.
- You can reactivate it daily as needed.
- (Note: Sometimes Etisalat runs weekly or monthly versions — check in the app or on the website for updates.)
Can It Be Renewed?
- Yes, but it’s a daily pack.
- You’ll need to re-activate it every day, unless Etisalat offers an auto-renew option.
Who Can Use This Offer?
- All Etisalat prepaid and postpaid customers can activate this plan.
- Why Use This Package?
Benefits
- Low-cost international calls
- Simple activation
- Consistent network quality
- Ideal for daily chats with loved ones or business partners
Things to Keep in Mind
- Only usable when calling India or Pakistan.
- Available for a limited time, only next 24 hours per activation.
- Normal international rates apply after the offer expires.
📞 Need Help?
- Dial 101 to speak with Etisalat customer service.
- Or visit www.etisalat.ae for more support and information.
Real-Life Example: Is It Worth It?
Let’s compare briefly.
Without the Offer
- Regular international call rate to India: ~AED 1.20/min
- 10-minute call = AED 12
With 9 Fils Offer
- Weekly fee: AED 5
- 10-minute call = AED 0.90
- Total weekly cost (if you made only a single 10-min call): AED 5.90
But if you call often, say:
- 30-minute call = AED 2.70
- Total cost (including weekly charge): AED 7.70
- That’s a tremendous saving over the normal rate!
✅ Conclusion: If you use international calls regularly, this deal is a bargain.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Etisalat’s 9 Fils Offer
Let’s be real. Here’s what’s good and not-so-good.
✅ Pros
- Cheap: One of the lowest per-minute rates in the UAE.
- Simple activation: No paperwork, no hassle.
- No internet required: Unlike apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
- Good quality: Clear calls with no delay.
- Perfect for non-tech users (like parents/grandparents).
❌ Cons
- Limited countries: Only for chosen destinations.
- Weekly fee: Not free, despite the low cost.
- Prepaid only: Postpaid customers can’t use this particular offer.
- Auto-renewal surprises some when they don’t keep an eye on balance.
Who Is This Offer Best For?
This offer is best for:
- Expats who call home frequently.
- Employees who wish to stay in contact with loved ones.
- Non-technical users who don’t use internet calling programs.
- Parents or seniors who like traditional voice calls.
If you’re making more than 10 minutes’ worth of calls back home per week, this offer will nearly always be the cheaper option.
How It Compares to Other Calling Options
| Feature | Etisalat 9 Fils Offer | DU Int’l Offers | Internet Calling (VoIP) |
| Per minute rate | 9 fils | 12–38 fils | Free (but needs Wi-Fi) |
| Call quality | High (mobile network) | Good | Varies |
| Internet required | No | No | Yes |
| Suitable for all users? | Yes | Limited | Not ideal for all |
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
These are some handy tips to make the most of your 9 fils/min offer:
Keep an eye on usage: Track call time to prevent wastage of balance.
Use Wi-Fi for chatting, not for calling: Reserve calls for essential conversations.
Top-up every week: Ensure you have sufficient balance for renewal.
Use in conjunction with Etisalat recharge bonuses: Occasionally, recharges include bonus minutes—check the My Etisalat app.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely—if you make international calls very often and your country is on the list, Etisalat’s 9 fils/minute offer is the best value for money without sacrificing the quality.
It’s easy, hassle-free, and specifically designed for the UAE’s multi-cultural expat community. Whether calling to check in on the family, catch up with friends, or simply for that weekly phone call to your parents, this plan has you covered with the cost low and the connection good.
If you’re in the UAE and frequently call Pakistan or India, this Etisalat 9 fils per minute deal is an excellent option to save your money. It’s affordable, simple to activate, and takes the assistance of a dependable network so that your calls remain clear and smooth.
Want to get started? Simply download Etisalat’s app, text an SMS, or contact their customer service if you need help.
FAQs (Quick Answers)
Q: Can I apply this promotion to a postpaid plan?
A: No, it’s available for prepaid customers only.
Q: Can I discontinue the weekly auto-renewal?
A: Yes, you can cancel through USSD (*135*90#) or the Etisalat application.
Q: Does it work outside the UAE?
A: No, it’s a UAE-exclusive offer.
Q: Is this better than using WhatsApp/Zoom?
A: If there is good internet on both sides, apps may work. But for voice calls that are guaranteed—especially to non-smartphone owners—this offer is superior.
