Dubai Complete Travel Guide - Budget, Visa Process, Do's & Dont's, Itinerary & More

Summary

Join Kinjal and her husband as they guide you through an A-to-Z travel experience in Dubai, perfect for first-time international travelers, couples, and families. From the best time to visit, flights, visas, and accommodation options to local transport, SIM cards, shopping tips, and must-see attractions, this video covers it all. Discover iconic spots like Burj Khalifa, The View at Palm, Dubai Mall, La Mer Beach, Global Village, and thrilling adventure activities. The guide also includes practical budget advice, dos and don’ts, and links for booking major attractions, enabling viewers to confidently plan a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable Dubai trip on their own.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dubai is a great destination for first-time international travelers, offering activities for individuals, couples, and families.
• 😀 The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, while budget-friendly 'shoulder months' are late October and early April.
• 😀 A typical round-trip flight from Mumbai to Dubai costs around INR 22,000 per person, with Emirates being a comfortable choice and Indigo as a budget option.
• 😀 Dubai has two airports: Dubai International and Sharjah Airport, but Dubai International is more convenient for tourists.
• 😀 Indians require an e-visa for Dubai, which can be processed within 48 hours, and COVID insurance is required.
• 😀 Dubai’s currency is the Dirham (AED), with widespread card payment acceptance; carrying some cash in AED or USD is recommended for emergencies.
• 😀 Accommodation options range from luxury hotels in Downtown and Palm Jumeirah to budget stays in Bur Dubai and Old Dubai, with Airbnb being cost-effective for families.
• 😀 Key attractions include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Global Village, Dubai Creek, and adventure activities like skydiving and dune bashing.
• 😀 Shopping tips: buy gold at Meena Bazaar, perfumes, dry fruits, and spices in Old Dubai; avoid expensive clothes in malls and keep receipts for tax refunds.
• 😀 Transportation in Dubai is convenient with metro, taxis via Kareem app, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours; NOL cards are recommended for metro travel.
• 😀 Travel insurance is optional but recommended, costing around INR 700–800, and sim cards can be purchased at the airport for better connectivity.
• 😀 The video guide is divided into four parts covering planning, attractions, shopping, and dos & don’ts, with time stamps and links provided for convenience.

Q & A

What is the ideal time to travel to Dubai for pleasant weather?

The ideal period to visit Dubai for pleasant weather is from November to March. However, for budget-friendly travel, the shoulder months, such as the end of October or beginning of March to April, are recommended, as the weather will be milder and more bearable.

How long should one stay in Dubai to cover the major attractions?

If you want to cover the major attractions in Dubai, 5 days are usually enough. However, if you're planning to visit Abu Dhabi as well, a trip of at least 10 days is recommended.

What is the average cost of a round-trip flight from Mumbai to Dubai?

The average cost for a round-trip flight from Mumbai to Dubai is around 22,000 INR per person. The cheapest airline for this route is Indigo.

What is the difference between Dubai International Airport and Sharjah Airport?

While Sharjah Airport is often perceived as cheaper for flights, the price difference with Dubai International Airport is minimal, typically around 2,000 INR. Moreover, if you're staying in Downtown Dubai or Bur Dubai, you'll spend the same amount on taxis from either airport.

What is the visa process for Indian travelers to Dubai?

Indians need to apply for an E-visa to travel to Dubai. The process is quick and straightforward, requiring only a scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and passport-size photos. Additionally, you need to purchase COVID insurance. The visa is usually processed within 48 hours but should be applied for at least 7 days in advance.

How can I exchange currency in Dubai and what should I be aware of?

The currency in Dubai is Dirham (AED). You can make card payments almost everywhere in Dubai, including taxis. For currency exchange, it's best to carry some AED or USD in cash. When using a forex card, ensure you select AED as the currency to avoid conversion fees. Avoid exchanging INR for AED if possible, as the conversion rate is less favorable.

What is the best way to stay connected in Dubai?

There are three main SIM card networks in Dubai: DU, Etisalat, and Virgin. It's recommended to purchase a SIM card at the airport. A 7-day plan with 21 GB of data is commonly available. Travel insurance is also suggested, which typically costs around 700 to 800 INR.

What are the best areas to stay in Dubai based on budget?

For a high-budget stay, opt for Downtown Dubai or the JBR area, which are close to major attractions like Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. For a mid-range budget, Al Jadaf is a good choice. If you're on a budget, consider staying in Bur Dubai or Old Dubai, where you can find decent hotels starting from 5,000 to 6,000 INR per night.

What are some good shopping options in Dubai?

Dubai is known for its electronics, perfumes, and high-quality spices and dry fruits, especially in Old Dubai. It's advisable to avoid buying clothes from malls as they are more expensive than in India. You can buy gold from Meena Bazaar, where you should keep all receipts for tax refunds. For luxury shopping, look for designer bags and shoes like Jordans.

How can I get around in Dubai using public transport?

Dubai has a well-connected metro system, though it doesn't reach all major destinations. To cover all attractions, you can use the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour. For taxis, use the Kareem app, which allows you to book taxis at a reasonable price. The minimum taxi fare is 8 to 12 Dirhams, and they charge around 1.8 Dirham per kilometer.