Practical tips from a local expert to help you prepare and enjoy every moment
So youāve decided to travel to Dubai?
š Skyscrapers, šļø desert adventures, š rich traditions, šļø world-class shopping, āļø beach lifeā¦ yes, Dubai has it all.
But before packing your bags, there are a few important steps you shouldnāt skip.
Hereās your essential travel checklist, written by someone who lives here and knows how to avoid surprises!
1. Make sure your passport is valid
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
ā”ļø This is required to enter the UAE ā even for short stays.
2. Check your airport of arrival
Many travelers think theyāre flying into Dubaiā¦ but end up landing at:
Sharjah (SHJ) or
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
ā These are not Dubai. They are other Emirates.
In that case, youāll need to book a private transfer in advance to reach your hotel.
š Estimated travel time:
From Sharjah: 45ā60 minutes
From Abu Dhabi: 1.5 hours
š Need a reliable transfer? We can arrange it for youĀ
3. Get travel insurance
Dubai hospitals are excellentā¦ but also very expensive.
Even a quick visit to the emergency room can cost several hundred euros.
ā We recommend an insurance that covers:
Medical expenses
Trip cancellations
Lost luggage
Personal liability
4. What to pack (insider tips)
āļø Must-have items:
Loose, modest clothing for mosque visits
A light jacket or scarf ā itās hot outside, but freezing cold in the malls and metro
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Closed shoes for desert and souks
š Do you need a power adapter?
Yes ā Dubai uses UK-type plugs (Type G).
If you’re coming from Europe, youāll likely need an adapter.
ā
Good news:
You can find adapters in every supermarket, pharmacy, and convenience store in Dubai.
So donāt worry if you forget yours ā itās easy to buy one locally!
5 . Must-have apps to download before arrival
These apps will make your stay easier:
Careem ā transport & ride hailing
ā”ļø Select “Hala Taxi” in the app for official government taxisTalabat ā order food (yes, even to the beach!)
Deliveroo ā also food
GetYourGuide ā for booking classic tours & tickets
MyGoDubai ā book only trusted and verified activities, private tours, or get help from a travel expert to build your itinerary
š” Want a personalized travel plan? Our local team can help ā [Insert your form or contact link]
Right after passport control, youāll find several counters for local SIM cards:
Providers: Du, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile
Prices are affordable and packages are tailored for tourists
Youāll be connected right away ā no need to depend on hotel Wi-Fi
Dubaiās metro is modern, clean, air-conditioned, and great for moving around the city.
Hereās a breakdown of the different Nol cards available:
| Card Type | Best For | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | Occasional visitors | 2 AED | Rechargeable up to 10 trips |
| Silver Card | Regular travelers | 25 AED (includes 20 AED credit) | Can be used on all public transport |
| Gold Card | Premium wagon | 25 AED + higher fares | Access to the quieter, luxurious Gold wagon |
šØ Important: If you enter the Gold wagon with a regular ticket, youāll be fined 150 AED.
š³ Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even in traditional souks.
ā ļø But note:
Most banks apply a 3% foreign currency fee in markets and small shops
You can withdraw cash from any ATM
Always keep small change for tips
š” Rule of thumb:
5 AED ā 1 Euro
So tipping just 1 AED thinking you’re being kind is often considered insulting.
ā Recommended tip: 5 AED minimum per service
9 . Public toilets: clean and free
Yes, really!
All public toilets in Dubai are:
Free of charge
Extremely clean ā sometimes cleaner than restaurants!
Available in malls, beaches, parks, and metro stations
It might surprise you, but you wonāt need to “hold it” during your adventures.
10 . Extra tips youāll be glad to know
EU citizens donāt need a visa for stays under 90 days
Water from the tap is technically safe, but bottled is better
No need to bring snacks ā supermarkets are everywhere
Always show respect for local culture
ā No public insults, no gestures, no rude comments onlineYou can party and have fun ā just do it discreetly and respectfully
Summary: prepare well and enjoy fully
Dubai can be one of the most magical trips of your life ā if you prepare the right way.
And if you want a safe, local, hassle-free experienceā¦
šÆ Let us help:
š Book your activities with a certified local agency ā [www.mygodubai.com]
š² Contact us on WhatsApp for help or adviceĀ
