Visa-free entry, AED exchange rate, dress code rules and practical info
UAE visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival, while others must obtain an e-visa beforehand. Check the official requirements for your country at icp.gov.ae before you travel. Where an e-visa is needed, it can usually be arranged online through airlines (Emirates, FlyDubai and others) or authorised travel agencies; a 30-day single-entry tourist visa typically costs around 115-150 USD and is processed in 3-5 business days (faster for urgent applications). In all cases your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
The e-visa is not stamped in your passport; it arrives as a PDF to your email. Applying at least 7 days before your flight is recommended.
The UAE currency is the Dirham (AED). 1 USD is about 3.67 AED (a fixed rate). For current TL and other rates, use the currency selector at the top of the page. Airport exchange offices usually give poor rates — Al Ansari Exchange or UAE Exchange in the city are better. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere — even in small shops and taxis. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widespread.
You can withdraw AED from ATMs, but check your bank's international commission. Wise or Papara cards can withdraw commission-free.
Dubai is a modern city and normal everyday clothing is fine outside the beach/pool. Shorts and a t-shirt are accepted in malls. HOWEVER, at mosques (including Sheikh Zayed) women must wear a headscarf + long sleeves + a long skirt/trousers (a free abaya is usually provided). Dressing more conservatively is advised during Ramadan. A dress code may apply in nightlife venues — trainers and shorts may not be accepted.
The Dubai Metro is clean, fast and cheap (4-8 AED). The Gold Class carriage offers extra comfort. Taxi apps (Careem, Uber) are widespread and cheap. For airport transfers you can book a private vehicle from Turlio — flight tracking and 60 minutes of free waiting are included. Car rental starts from 100+ AED/day, and an international driving permit is valid.
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Healthcare is expensive, so be sure to get travel insurance. Pharmacies are open 24/7. The water is drinkable but bottled water is preferred. Watch out for sunburn — use SPF50+. Alcohol is sold only in licensed venues (hotel bars/restaurants) — drinking in the street is prohibited.
You can get an Etisalat or du SIM card at the airport (tourist package ~100 AED / 2GB + calls). WiFi is free at hotels. WhatsApp calls may require a VPN — normal messaging works fine. VPN use is a legal grey area, so be careful. Roaming packages from your home operator are generally expensive.
A du tourist SIM card at the airport is the most practical solution — it activates instantly with your passport.
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