Etisalat by e& sometimes runs a 5 fils per minute international calling promo for select destinations/networks. It’s not universal. To see if your line is eligible today, open the e& UAE app or dial the IDD menu (e.g., *101# / 13580#), pick your country, and confirm the displayed rate and validity.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the e& UAE app → Add-ons → International calling (or dial *135*80#) and pick your country/operator.
- Review the rate (fils/min), any setup fee, validity (daily/weekly/monthly) and confirm.
- Place a 10–15 sec test call and check usage/balance to ensure the promo rate applied.
What the Etisalat 5 fils/min offer actually is?
Select destinations, rotating promos
The 5 fils/min rate appears as a destination-specific discount (e.g., certain operators in South Asia or the Philippines). It can come and go, and often sits alongside other IDD packs.
Not every number qualifies
If your country/operator isn’t in the current promo list, you’ll see standard IDD packs instead (daily minutes, monthly bundles, or “call international, pay local” rates).
India focus
For India, the best value frequently shows up as daily or monthly IDD packs (e.g., 500–2000 minutes) rather than a universal 5 fils/min. Always check the current card for India in the app/USSD.
Eligibility & what you need?
Prepaid first, postpaid varies
Most 5 fils/min and daily IDD promos target prepaid (Wasel/FIVE). Some monthly IDD minutes also appear for postpaid.
UAE use only
These offers bill within the UAE (not while roaming). Keep KYC active and sufficient balance for one-time/daily fees.
Billing pulse
IDD promos typically charge per minute (or per second for specific plans). Some have a per-call setup—always check before calling.
How to activate Etisalat international 5 fils call offer?
Method 1: App path (most reliable)
e& UAE app → Add-ons → International calling (IDD) → choose country/operator → review rate/validity → Activate.
Method 2: USSD quick paths
- *135*80# → pick country → choose daily/weekly/monthly option → confirm.
- *101# → International/IDD → select offer → confirm.
Method 3: SMS (offer-specific)
Some destination packs add an SMS option (e.g., text a short code to 1012). The app/USSD menu shows the exact keyword if available.
Rates, destinations & how to dial?
What you’ll see in the menu
A stack of country-specific cards showing: rate (fils/min) or minutes for a fee, validity (e.g., 24 hours starting from first call), and eligible operators/prefixes.
Dialing format
Use 00 + country code + number (or **+**country code). If the promo is tied to an operator (e.g., Smart Philippines), ensure the prefix matches the listed range.
Validity, renewal & usage rules
Daily vs monthly
- Daily packs: often 24 hours from the first call to that destination/operator.
- Monthly packs: fixed minutes for 28–30 days; sometimes credited daily.
Auto-renewal & caps
Most daily IDD are one-time (no auto-renew). Monthly bundles may auto-renew. Minutes are usually per-minute pulse; unused daily credits (if any) are forfeited.
Check status, balance & deactivate
Check
- App → Usage for consumed minutes/charges.
- USSD short checks may appear in the card (after activation).
Deactivate
- Daily packs: lapse automatically.
- Monthly packs: stop via the app or the unsubscribe USSD shown in the card (varies by pack).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“I don’t see 5 fils/min”
It’s a limited, destination/operator-specific promo. If it’s not visible, pick the best current IDD pack for your country.
“My call billed at normal rate”
Confirm the operator/prefix matched the card, the validity hadn’t expired, and no conflicting plan took priority.
“Setup fee?”
Some promos add a per-call setup; others don’t. The card/app page will show it—always read the fine print before calling.
Best alternatives if 5 fils/min isn’t offered
Monthly IDD packs (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt…)
These give hundreds to thousands of minutes (e.g., AED 49/99 packs) and are usually the cheapest effective rate for regular callers.
Daily international minutes
Handy for short bursts (e.g., to specific operators) at a small one-time fee with per-minute charging.
“Call international, pay local”
Occasionally lets you call selected countries at local-call rates (per-second billing + small setup fee).
Pro Tip: Activate the pack right before your longest call, and call the correct operator prefix listed in the card. A 10–15 second test call confirms the rate is live before you commit to a long chat.
Step-by-step (example: checking India today)
- Dial *135*80# (or open the e& UAE app → Add-ons → International) and select India.
- Compare options: daily minutes vs monthly bundles; note any setup fee and pulse.
- Activate, place a test call, then review Usage in the app. If unavailable, repeat later—promos rotate.
FAQs on 5 fils Offer Etisalat
Is the Etisalat international call offer 5 fils per minute available for India?
Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed. If the 5 fils/min tile isn’t visible for India, choose the India monthly IDD minutes pack for the lowest effective rate this month.
How long does the daily offer last?
Daily promos typically last 24 hours from your first connected call to that destination/operator. Monthly packs last 28–30 days (see the card).
Is there a per-call setup fee?
Some cards include a small setup fee; others don’t. Always check the rate details shown in-app/USSD before you call.
Can I use it while roaming?
No. These rates apply only when calling from the UAE on the Etisalat network.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Team Dubaihowto (Telecom editor)
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers