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Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (not it's capital), has a culture and history behind it. But what is most striking is its Guinness record-worthy figures: the tallest building in the world, the largest shopping centre and the musical show fountain in the world. Everything in Dubai attracts tourists.
However, every traveller should consider specific points such as travel insurance, visa requirement, affordable hotels in Dubai before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. For this reason, we bring you the following list of tips for traveling to Dubai.
A safe destination for trips
In recent years, Dubai has become one of the major international tourist destinations: 16 million tourists visited the emirate during 2017. The figure will reach 20 million in 2020 according to assumptions. Only with these numbers, one can conclude that Dubai is a safe destination. They say the strict laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made robberies virtually non-existent.
Documentation needed for traveling to Dubai
Citizens of countries in the European Union need a passport valid for six months to enter the United Arab Emirates. Only with this will they give you a 30-day stay permit in the country, for which you do not have to pay anything. One can extend this period for another 60 days by paying an additional fee.
If you travel from another place, we recommend that you consult the UAE embassy in your country. Better make sure of this before visiting and don't take surprises at customs.
Travel insurance for Dubai
Wherever you fly to Dubai, you must have the right travel assistance insurance. Remember that health in that country is private and has exorbitant rates. Any assistance you require in this destination can be costly. For this reason, one should always travel with insurance.
The best time to go to Dubai
The climate in Dubai is arid and subtropical, very hot, very humid, and (depending on the season) sandstorms. In summer, temperatures rise to a stifling 50º C, with a minimum of 30º C at night. In winter, temperatures are much milder, with a maximum of 25º C and a minimum of 15º C.
Knowing this, the best time to travel to Dubai is undoubtedly winter: from December to March. You can walk through the city without too much stress from the heat and enjoy pleasant days of sun and beach.
Another thing to keep in mind is the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. During that time, the activity of Dubai reduces to a minimum. Keep in mind that during Ramadan, you cannot eat or drink publicly during the day. Not even in hotels. You can only eat and drink inside your room. As every year the date of Ramadan varies (since it depends on the lunar calendar) we advise you to check when Ramadan is before organizing your trip.
Areas where you can find the best hotels in Dubai
Here are details about some of the best areas to stay in Dubai.
Airport area: The best alternative if you are only going to make a stopover in Dubai or if your flight arrives too late to the airport or leaves very early.
Deira Zone: This is the most commercial area of Dubai and where you will find the best value for money accommodation. Also, from this area, it is easy to move to outstanding visits to Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah Area: If your trip to Dubai is to enjoy the beach, choose this coastal area. It is one of the most expensive but with the best access to the beach.
Downtown area (Old Dubai): If you prefer to save part of the budget on accommodation, look for your hotel in the old part of the city. It is not that you are going to find great bargains, but you will be able to save some money.
Iconic hotels: As we have already said, in Dubai, all excess is little. Therefore, in this city you will find some of the most luxurious hotels in the world and that you will surely recognize by just looking at a photo.
How to get around Dubai?
It is quite easy to get around Dubai by public transport. The investment in transport infrastructure made in recent years by the government is noted. Some of the alternatives at your disposal will be:
Traveling by subway: The subway network is fully automated and connects virtually all essential points of Dubai. The price is affordable, about 3.5 dirhams per ticket (about 80 euro cents). Of course, we do not recommend that you use it at peak times. The wagons are filled with workers who travel to/from their jobs. It will seem to you that you go inside a can of sardines!
Traveling by bus: The nearly 80 bus lines usually connect the metro stops with those areas of Dubai, where the latter does not arrive. The price is about 2 dirhams per ticket (about 50 cents) that you must pay to the driver when you get in the vehicle.
Hire a taxi: It is, without a doubt, the most comfortable system in Dubai. Its price is quite low, and for about 15-20 dirhams (3'50 - 5 euros) it will take you anywhere in the city. You can pay the amount in cash, and the tip is not mandatory. We recommend that you ask to turn on the meter and carry it loose to pay the exact price. Otherwise, the driver may try to keep the change with the excuse that he does not have to give it to you.
What currency is used in Dubai?
The official currency used in the Arab Emirates is Dirham. You will find tickets of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams. The coins are 1 dirham (divided into 100 fils), 50 fils, and 25 fils.
These were some tips that we recommend keeping in mind during a trip to Dubai. Women can even travel alone since Dubai is among the safest city for women.
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