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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: April 2026.
✈️ TourismTech✓ Verified Apr 2026

BOTIM and ToTok in 2026: Still Working or Replaced?

BOTIM is still the main UAE-approved VoIP in 2026. ToTok closed years ago. Here are the working apps, call rates, and cheapest options for visitors.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
Woman lying on bed with phone and balloons
Photo by Luan Fonseca on Unsplash

Current Status of BOTIM and ToTok in 2026

BOTIM remains the only officially licensed VoIP service in the UAE. ToTok stopped operating in 2023 and has no active servers or updates. Tourists who need reliable calls and video use BOTIM or switch to approved alternatives listed below.

Why BOTIM Still Works

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) renewed BOTIM's licence through 2027. The app runs on both iOS and Android, supports calls to UAE numbers at 0.15 AED per minute and international calls from 0.09 AED per minute. Registration takes under two minutes with a valid passport scan and local SIM or eSIM.

Approved Alternatives Tourists Can Use

Three other apps meet TDRA rules for voice and video. C3 Calling offers similar rates and works on hotel Wi-Fi. Microsoft Teams with UAE calling add-on charges 0.25 AED per minute to local mobiles. Zoom Phone requires a paid subscription but integrates with most business accounts already used by visitors.

Cheapest Options for Short Stays

  • BOTIM top-up of 25 AED covers roughly 160 minutes to India or Pakistan.
  • C3 Calling daily bundle at 10 AED gives 60 minutes to GCC countries.
  • WhatsApp and FaceTime still work over Wi-Fi for person-to-person calls outside the UAE, though they cannot dial local numbers.

Practical Tips While Travelling

Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports for instant data. Enable roaming only if you need mobile data outside hotels. Keep BOTIM updated through official app stores to avoid connection drops. If you lose signal, switch to hotel Wi-Fi and restart the app; most issues resolve within 30 seconds.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Calls fail when VPNs are active. Turn VPN off before opening BOTIM. Low balance shows as a red banner; top up inside the app with any international card. Background refresh must stay enabled in phone settings for incoming calls to ring.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ToTok still available in the UAE?▾

No. ToTok shut down in 2023 and has no working servers in 2026.

How much does BOTIM cost per minute?▾

BOTIM charges 0.15 AED per minute to UAE numbers and 0.09 AED to many international destinations.

Can tourists use BOTIM without a local number?▾

Yes. Registration works with any passport and hotel Wi-Fi or a tourist SIM.

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