Calling customer care while roaming abroad normally means paying international rates just to ask a question — Etisalat has a specific code that avoids this entirely, and it’s one of the more genuinely useful features buried in this whole guide.
Quick answer
Dial *177# to browse and activate destination roaming packages before you travel.
The free-callback code while abroad
Dial *145*8002300# from anywhere in the world and Etisalat calls you back — sidestepping the international rate you’d otherwise pay to reach customer care from a foreign network. Worth saving before you leave, since it’s not something you’d think to search for mid-trip.
Before you fly
- Call 101 to verify roaming status (often already active for postpaid)
- Dial *177# to browse packages by destination
- Purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly bundle for the best rate
While abroad
Turn on Data Roaming in settings, and track usage at roam.etisalat.ae rather than repeatedly checking via a method that itself might incur charges.
Need your regular balance too? See checking your Etisalat balance.
Verified against e&’s official roaming guidance, August 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Check roaming status
Call 101 before traveling to confirm roaming is active on your line.
- 2
Subscribe to a package
Dial *177# and select your destination to browse and activate roaming bundles.
- 3
Enable on your phone
When abroad: Settings > Mobile Data > Data Roaming > ON. Restart if no signal appears.
Alternative Methods
Dial *177# from your phone dialer.
e& App > Roaming > Manage Packages
roam.etisalat.ae
Troubleshooting
No signal abroad
Enable Data Roaming in phone settings. Try manual network selection: Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operator > select available network.
Unexpected high charges
You may be using pay-as-you-go rates. Subscribe to a roaming package immediately via *177# to cap costs going forward.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Etisalat roaming on by default?
Usually yes for postpaid; prepaid may need activation — call 101 to confirm.
How do I avoid bill shock?
Subscribe to a package via *177# before travelling — standard rates without one are expensive.
How do I reach customer care without paying international rates?
Dial *145*8002300# from anywhere abroad for a free callback from Etisalat.
What if I have no signal abroad?
Enable Data Roaming and try manual network selection in your phone's settings.
Where can I track my roaming usage?
Log in at roam.etisalat.ae, which is designed specifically for monitoring roaming packages while travelling.