Practical Information
Everything you need to know for a smooth Dubai experience
Free SIM at Airport! Both du and Etisalat offer free SIM cards with 1GB data at airport arrivals. Just show your passport. Dubai also offers 10GB free eSIM on arrival.
du
- • Tourist SIM: AED 49-299 (7-28 days)
- • Includes data, local calls, intl minutes
- • Available at airport, malls, du stores
- • Easy activation with passport
Etisalat (e&)
- • Visitor Line: AED 47-300 (7-28 days)
- • Unlimited data option: AED 200 (7 days)
- • Available at airport & retail stores
- • Smiles app discounts included
Important: VoIP Calls
Voice/video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc. may be blocked on local UAE SIMs. Consider using an international eSIM or hotel WiFi for VoIP calls.
Tips for Mobile Connectivity
- • Pick up free SIM at airport arrivals (1GB included)
- • Both networks offer excellent coverage in Dubai
- • Top-up at any supermarket, petrol station, or online
- • Max 2 SIMs per passport allowed
Free Public WiFi
Available in Dubai Metro, malls, cafes, and many public areas. Look for "Dubai WiFi" network.
Hotel WiFi
Most hotels offer free WiFi. Budget hotels may charge AED 50-100 per day.
Internet Speed
Dubai has excellent internet infrastructure with speeds up to 1 Gbps available.
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
USD
EUR
GBP
INR
AED is pegged to USD at ~3.67. Other rates fluctuate.
ATMs
Widely available. Most accept international cards. Withdrawal fees: AED 10-20 per transaction.
Credit/Debit Cards
Widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard preferred. Inform bank before travel to avoid blocks.
Currency Exchange
Available at airports (higher rates), malls, and exchange houses. Best rates in city exchange houses.
Tipping
10-15% in restaurants (check if service charge included). AED 5-10 for taxi drivers, hotel staff.
Standard Details
- Voltage:220-240V
- Frequency:50 Hz
- Plug Type:Type G (UK-style)
What You Need
- • Three-pin rectangular plug (UK type)
- • Bring universal adapter if from US, EU, or Asia
- • Most hotels provide adapters on request
- • Available at airport shops and electronics stores
Summer (May-Sep)
Very hot & humid
35-45°C (95-113°F)
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Pleasant & mild
14-28°C (57-82°F)
Rainfall
Very rare
Occasional winter showers
What to Pack
Summer (May-Sep):
- • Light, breathable clothing
- • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- • Sunglasses & hat
- • Light jacket for air-conditioned places
Winter (Nov-Mar):
- • Light layers
- • Light jacket for evenings
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunscreen still recommended
Time Zone
Gulf Standard Time (GST)
UTC +4 (No daylight saving)
Weekend
Saturday & Sunday
Working days: Mon-Fri
Official Language
Arabic (English widely spoken)
Useful Arabic Phrases
- Marhaba - Hello
- Shukran - Thank you
- Afwan - You're welcome
- Min fadlak - Please
- Ma'a salama - Goodbye
Getting Around
- • English signage everywhere
- • Most service staff speak English
- • Translation apps helpful in traditional areas
- • Hindi, Urdu widely understood
- • Taxi drivers usually speak basic English