Twice vs Botim: calling and messaging in the UAE
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Short answer: Both Twice and Botim let you make voice and video calls in the UAE without a VPN. Botim is a widely used calling app that also offers payments and money transfers, while Twice focuses on meeting and staying in touch with the people around you.
Twice and Botim at a glance
| Criterion | Twice | Botim |
|---|---|---|
| Voice and video calls in the UAE without a VPN | Yes, designed to work on UAE networks without a VPN | Yes. Botim is listed among the VoIP apps approved for use in the UAE |
| Messaging | Yes | Yes |
| See people around you | Yes, in real time, with an interactive map (exact location never shown) | Not part of Botim's main advertised features |
| Find people you crossed paths with | Yes, with the place and date | Not part of Botim's main advertised features |
| Digital business card | Yes, shared in one tap | Not part of Botim's main advertised features |
| Call someone who does not have the app | Yes, with a call link opened in a web browser | See Botim's official website |
| Payments and money transfers | No | Yes: wallet, money transfers and bill payments, according to Botim |
| Platforms | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Price | Free, optional Premium subscription | Free to download, some services are paid |
Information about other apps comes from their official websites and public sources listed below. Features and regulations can change: check the official sources for the latest status.
Can you call without a VPN in the UAE with Twice and Botim?
Yes. In the UAE, internet calling is regulated by the TDRA, and only licensed operators and approved services can offer it. Botim is widely reported as one of the approved calling apps. Twice voice and video calls are designed to work in the UAE without a VPN.
What is the main difference between Twice and Botim?
Botim has grown into an everyday app that combines calls and chat with financial services such as transfers and bill payments. Twice is built around people: it shows you who is around you, remembers the people you crossed paths with, and keeps their details in a digital business card so you never lose a contact.
Which one should you choose?
It depends on what you need most:
- Choose Botim if you want calls together with payments, transfers and other everyday services in one app.
- Choose Twice if you want to meet the people around you, find people you crossed paths with, and call them without a VPN.
- You can also use both: many people keep several calling apps on their phone.
Can someone without Twice join a call?
Yes. With Twice you can send a single use call link, and the other person joins from their web browser without installing anything. Guest calls are time limited; for unlimited calls, they can install Twice for free.
Sources
- TDRA, UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (official website)
- Khaleej Times: internet calls in UAE, VoIP apps that are legally allowed
- Gulf News: voice and video calling apps you can use in the UAE
- Botim (official website)