Its spectacular hotels, Guinness records and exotic atmosphere have turned Dubai into a destination that attracts thousands of travelers every year. If you are thinking of visiting this city in the United Arab Emirates, here you will have the The most complete and up-to-date Dubai guide*.
*All information is based on my experience in Dubai on different trips since 2015.
Dubai Basic Information
🛏 Where do I stay in Dubai?
💰 How much does it cost to visit Dubai?
😷 Health and immigration requirements to travel to Dubai
🕌 Book tours and activities in Dubai
🚁 Dubai Helicopter Tour available here.
🤑 What to do for free in Dubai?
📱 SIM card with internet and calls for Dubai
🤕 Travel insurance with 10% discount available here.
How much does it cost to travel to Dubai?
Dubai is one of the trendy destinations, however, many travelers are stopped by thinking that it is too expensive and out of their means. Although it is not exactly a cheap destination, it is possible to travel through the most famous city in the United Arab Emirates without breaking the bank. You can meet a Detailed budget for a trip to Dubai here.
Dubai free
Dubai doesn’t have to wipe out your savings. Although it is not characterized as a cheap destination and offers quite expensive experiences, there are several activities that you can do for very little money or even for free, such as visiting the typical souks, markets where you can find typical products of the country such as spices or souvenirs. If you want to know all the things you can do for free in Dubai click here.
Where do I stay in Dubai?
A good point to start your visit and stay, if your budget allows, is the downtown. In downtown Dubai there are attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in Dubai and the world. From downtown it is easy to get to any point in the city, although the disadvantage is that the hotels in the area are usually luxury and, therefore, the prices are high, so moving away a little may be advisable.
Just one metro station from Dubai Mall is Financial Station, an area with a good variety of hotels with a very good price and quality ratio. Also close to the metro station Dubai Internet Station you can find one of the best quality-price ratios. In this area I recommend the hotel: Towers Rotana – Dubai. More information and reservation here
➡️ I stayed in the 4 star hotel TRYP by Wyndham Dubai paying 150 USD per night for two people with half board included (breakfast and lunch/dinner). It has very good service, cleanliness, staff and the location is very good, a few steps from the Dubai Internet City metro station. More information and reservation here.
If what you are looking for is very cheap accommodation and you even prefer to stay in a hostel, click here to see where to stay cheap in Dubai.
What to see in Dubai?
In Dubai there is a lot to see, starting with the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Miracle Garden and Global Village. Here is the complete list of what to see and do in Dubai.
Travel tip. If saving is your thing, here is a list of things to see and do for free in Dubai.
⚠️ Important
Insurance is an essential requirement for traveling. You can get it from 20 USD and if you use my code and you receive 20% discount. Get an insurance quote here.
What currency is used in Dubai?
The official currency of Dubai is the dirham, but the American dollar is widely accepted in all tourist areas, even in the markets. If you are only going to be in Dubai you can easily make your entire trip paying with credit or debit cards, but if you decide to go out to other neighboring emirates you will need cash. There are exchange houses and ATMs throughout the city.
What religion is there in Dubai?
Dubai is a Muslim destination, but with a strong Western influence. Therefore, a place open to other beliefs and ways of life. Therefore, you can not worry about finding a closed society. If you want to know what is prohibited in Dubai click here.
Can women travel alone to Dubai?
Women can travel alone. Traveling to Dubai is completely safe and women can walk the streets alone without having any problems. Also, if you prefer, there are pink taxis driven by women. If you want to know what my experience was like traveling alone in Dubai Here I leave you the details.
Dubai map
Below I leave you a map with the location of the main attractions in Dubai and if you want more information click here to read what to see and do in Dubai.
Immigration requirements to travel to Dubai
Mexican citizens do not need a visa to travel to Dubai, however, that does not mean that there are no immigration and health requirements to enter the country. Here the details.
What language is spoken in Dubai?
The official languages are Arabic and EnglishHowever, it is possible to visit Dubai only by speaking Spanish. To see the complete list of things to know before traveling to Dubai click here.
How do I get around in Dubai?
In Dubai you can get around by metro, bus, taxi and Uber. Getting around Dubai by public transport is quite simple and cheap. Here I explain how to use the metro, tram and public bus.
Day Trips from Dubai
If you visit Dubai you cannot miss the opportunity to visit other neighboring emirates. There are two getaways that you cannot miss: Abu Dhabi and the Dubai desert.
1. Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Abu Dhabi is the capital and richest city of the United Arab Emirates. It is located 90 minutes by bus from Dubai and has impressive attractions such as: the mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Ferrari World. Complete guide to Abu Dhabi here.
🚌 If you are looking for a day tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai click here.
2. Dubai Desert
Visiting the desert is a staple in Dubai, although it is not actually located in this city, but in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. It is a 45-minute journey and the best way to visit it is to take an organized tour. Consider that driving in the desert requires a license and a special car, so it is not advisable to do it on your own.
🏜️If you are looking for a desert tour you can book it here.
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