Getting Started with the digital NOL Card as a tourist

When it comes to transportation services, Dubai is the best example. The government has introduced a meticulous transportation system, making travel seamless for all. Even the tourists prefer to use the infamous Digital NOL Card. Are you thinking about exploring Dubai City? But how would a first-time visitor know about the travelling modes in Dubai? Worry not, we bring the blog to help you identify how to use the Digital NOL card in Dubai. Therefore, without any further ado, let’s get into it.

What is a NOL Card?

It is a card used by Dubai residents while travelling. The NOL Card promotes cashless transactions for using public transportation. One can even access this card from their smartphones. Most people prefer this version of the NOL card as it is hassle-free. There is too much risk involved in using the physical card. The said risks such as losing the card, having to go through manual top-up procedures.

Recharging the NOL Card

Traveling through Dubai’s public transportation system is made easier if you keep your Digital NOL Card fully charged. Recharging your NOL card can be done in a number of ways, including online banking, metro station vending machines, and the RTA app. A thorough guide to the available techniques can be found below:

RTA App

1. On your smartphone, launch the RTA Dubai App.
2. If you are a new user, sign up or log in to your account.
3. Choose Top-up NOL Card after navigating to NOL Services.
4. Either choose your Digital NOL Card from the list or enter your NOL card number.
5. Decide how much you wish to add.
6. Choose a payment option, such as a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another.
7. The balance will be added immediately after the transaction is confirmed.

Advice: When using the app to recharge, make sure your internet connection is active.

Vending Machines

You can use the self-service kiosks and ticket vending machines found at bus and metro stations if you would rather top up your NOL card in person.

How to Use a Vending Machine to Recharge?

1. Go to any RTA service center, bus stop, or metro station in Dubai.
2. Find the NOL ticket vending machine.
3. From the touchscreen menu, choose “Top Up NOL Card.”
4. To identify your digital card, put your smartphone close to the machine’s NOL reader.
5. Select the recharge amount, then pay with cash or a debit or credit card.
6. Your balance will be updated after you wait for the confirmation message.

Note: Digital NOL cards may not yet be supported by certain older vending machines. Use the RTA app in its place if this occurs.

Issues with NOL Card

Processing Delay: Top-ups can occasionally take a few minutes to take effect.

App Cache Problem: The balance might not have been updated by the RTA App.

Remedies to fix

• Navigate to NOL Services in the RTA App, then manually refresh the balance.
• Either log out and then back in, or restart the application.
• Get in touch with RTA customer service if the problem persists.

Phone being lost

Has your phone been lost or stolen? How to Switch to a New Device and Disable the Digital Card

You should disable your Digital NOL Card right away to stop illegal use if your phone is lost or stolen.

How to Turn Off the Digital NOL Card?

• Open the RTA Dubai App on a different device.
• Go to Manage Cards under NOL Services.
• To stop additional transactions, choose Deactivate Card.
• Log in and restore the card as soon as you receive a new phone.

As an alternative, block the card and move the balance to a new digital card by getting in touch with RTA Customer Support.

You can use the Digital NOL Card right away after it has been activated by tapping your phone at NOL readers located in parking meters, buses, metro stations, and water transportation.