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Home / Features / Moving Tips for Living in Dubai

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Moving Tips for Living in Dubai

Are you looking to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? There is much to learn about the UAE and its capital city, Dubai. There is more to the city than the scorching summer heat. In fact, Dubai is home to over 8 million expatriates. These expats represent various nationalities. They comprise around 80% of the city’s population.
But if you are seriously considering becoming an expat, you need to familiarize yourself on what it’s like living in Dubai. You also need to know how to move there the proper way.
Continue reading below as we discuss some of the most essential moving tips.

The Essentials for Moving and Living in Dubai
You finally decided to move to the UAE. You already threw your house in the homes in Boise for sale list. But there are important items you need to know to expedite your move to Dubai.
Let’s take a look at the essentials that will help make your move a smoother one.

1. Focus on Your Documents
First thing you need to do is to get all your documents in. Keep in mind that securing a residence visa in Dubai involves several processes and procedures. These procedures require piles of documents.
Secure your educational degree certificates. These should include your diplomas and certifications in all the courses you took in the past. Your country of origin must also attest to all of these documents.
Other documents you need to secure include your marriage certificate (if married); your divorce certificate (if divorced); and your professional qualification certificates. You also need to present your original passport with at least 6 months validity.
Your passport should also have at least one empty page for your visa. The same thing goes for the rest of your family members who are coming with you.
Moreover, you need to secure all of your children’s school records. The same thing goes for your medical and dental records.
Prepare at least two dozens of passport size photos. Photocopy all of the documents above. Prepare 5 sets of each.

2. Money Matters
Once you’re done with the documents, you need to know how much money to bring. The goal is to bring enough that will last you three months. This is the rule of thumb for people using a visit visa while searching for work in Dubai.
Prepare around AED 7,200 for every month. This is enough to cover your food and drinks, phone bills, car rental, and accommodation.
There are a number of ways to bring in your funds into UAE. If you decide to leave your money in your mother country, you can withdraw directly from the ATMs. You can also withdraw from Dubai’s banks.
You may also try the foreign exchange houses to exchange your money.

3. Learn About the City
As an expat, expect some major adjustments in terms of lifestyle. It is normal for expats to go through culture shock. Hence, you need to proactively learn as much about the city as you can.
You may even have bouts with depression. Knowledge is what you need to battle the blues. Go online and visit different forums about Dubai living. There are informative sites that list key locations within the city.
Dubai is full of restaurants and entertainment spots. If you wish to unwind, there are several spas and leisure destinations.
If you have some extra cash to spend, buy a couple of books that teach about the history of the UAE. It is important to note that the locals of the UAE are very proud of their culture.
They also appreciate if you already know a thing or two about their heritage once you set foot on Dubai soil.

4. Get a Driver’s License
Life in Dubai is easier if you have your own car. And the first step is securing a driver’s license.
For starters, you may opt for an international driving permit. You can secure this from your home country. By the time you secure your residence visa, you can apply for a UAE driver’s license.
Interestingly, there are over 30 countries that allow transferring their original driver’s license. These include Germany, France, Greece, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the US, among others.

5. Prepare for Apartment Living
When it comes to the places to stay, prepare to live in an apartment. It is a sad fact that real estate is expensive in Dubai. Majority of its residents choose to stay in apartments.
But don’t fret, as most of the city’s apartments are relatively new developments. Moreover, they come with key amenities like gyms, banquet halls, and parking.
If you’re looking to stay in Dubai for a longer time, expect to see a boom in sustainable living in the next few years.

6. Open a Bank Account
Even before you secure a residence visa, you can already open a bank account. But take note that you can only open a non-resident account. This type of account limits you to only savings and deposits.
But once you secure your residence visa, you can open a checking or current account. Make sure to study the service charges that come with the account. Familiarize yourself with the different locations of your bank.
Learn about the different services your bank offers.

7. Check out the Schools
Do you have children? Then you need to look into the different schools that are close to your place. Do this as early as possible. Some of the best schools in the city have long lists in terms of applications.
Compare several schools. Mind their board ratings. Go for a reputable institution that is within your budget.
Keep in mind that the registration and administrative fees are non-refundable.

8. Start Socializing
After completing the tasks above, you can now start socializing. The good thing about Dubai is that the majority of its residents are fellow-expats. There are several hangout spots where you can connect with old pals and make new friends.

Learn More About Dubai
Living in Dubai is fun and exciting. But you need to go through all the lifestyle adjustments.
The key lies in getting to know the city better each and every day. Check out our interesting posts on how to live in Dubai. We have the latest news and information on what’s hot in the city.

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