Essential UAE Travel Guide: Tips You Must Know Before Visiting
Planning a trip to the UAE (United Arab Emirates)? There are some essential basics you should know. We've compiled all the information you need in an easy-to-understand format, covering currency exchange rates, local currency, regional climates, the best time to travel, what to pack, tipping culture, etiquette, and even basic travel conversation. Knowing these tips before you depart will ensure a more enriching and enjoyable journey to the United Arab Emirates.
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Essential Information Before Your UAE Trip |
UAE Basic Knowledge
- Time Difference: The UAE operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4.
- Weather: It has a hot desert climate year-round, with average summer temperatures exceeding 40°C.
- Voltage: The voltage in the UAE is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. A Type G adapter is necessary as Korean plugs are not compatible.
- Visa: South Korean passport holders can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
‘UAE’ is an abbreviation for the United Arab Emirates, called ‘al-Imārāt’ (الإمارات) in Arabic.
Currency Types
The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED). The main banknote denominations are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Dirhams. Coins are rarely used.
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From top left: 5 Dirhams, to bottom right: 1000 Dirhams |
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| New banknotes - from left: 5, 10, 500, 1000 Dirhams |
Card payments are common, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for markets or small shops where cards may not be accepted. It can be easy to overspend with AED because the value might be hard to gauge at first. Prices in Dubai are generally similar to those in South Korea, with some exceptions. Commonly used denominations are 100 AED and 20 AED. Since tourists rarely stay for extended periods, it's common to have leftover currency, so it's important to exchange only what you need.
- Local Currency Value
- 10 AED: approx. $2.70, enough for a simple snack or drink
- 50 AED: approx. $13.60, can cover a meal at a small restaurant
- 100 AED: approx. $27.20, suitable for a hotel buffet or a meal at a well-known restaurant
Exchange Rate & Currency Exchange
The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 3.67 AED. You can exchange money at major airports or currency exchange offices in the city; bringing US dollars to exchange is advantageous. Most shops accept international credit cards, and you can withdraw Dirhams from local ATMs. We recommend preparing a travel card like Travel Wallet to save on fees and for convenient transactions.
Quick mental math: 10 AED is roughly $2.70.
Average Airfare & Flight Time
Airfare prices can vary depending on the travel season, airline, and time of booking. Chinese carriers like China Southern or China Eastern Airlines tend to be slightly cheaper, while UAE national carriers like Emirates or Etihad Airways, and Korean Air are priced similarly.| City | Flight Time | Average Airfare (Round Trip) |
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| Dubai | Approx. 9h 30m | $580 - $1,100 |
| Abu Dhabi | Approx. 9h 20m | $620 - $1,160 |
| Sharjah | Approx. 9h 30m | $540 - $1,020 |
Regional Climate and Best Time to Travel
The UAE has a desert climate, meaning it's hot 365 days a year. The best time to travel is between November and March when it's relatively cooler.
| Region | Winter (Nov–Mar) | Summer (Apr–Oct) |
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| Dubai | Average 18°C ~ 28°C | Average 30°C ~ 45°C |
| Abu Dhabi | Average 17°C ~ 27°C | Average 32°C ~ 48°C |
| Sharjah | Average 16°C ~ 26°C | Average 31°C ~ 46°C |
City Features and Attractions
Dubai
Dubai is the UAE's most iconic city, famous for its modern architecture and luxurious lifestyle. It boasts numerous attractions, including the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the world's largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah. Popular activities include desert safaris, the Dubai Fountain show, and skydiving.
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| Dubai |
Abu Dhabi
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a city where tradition and modernity coexist. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a landmark representing Abu Dhabi, boasting magnificent architecture and offering a chance to experience Arab culture that is hard to come by in South Korea. You can also enjoy cultural spaces like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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| Abu Dhabi |
Sharjah
Sharjah is the cultural and artistic heart of the UAE, home to various museums and exhibition halls. The Sharjah Art Museum, the Museum of Islamic Civilization, and the traditional market (souq) are representative attractions. It's a quiet and relaxed city, recommended for family travelers.
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| Sharjah |
Al Ain
Al Ain is known as the "Garden City" and is famous for its lush greenery and cultural heritage. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, and the local traditional market.
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| Al Ain |
Fujairah
Fujairah is a port city in the eastern UAE, bordering the Arabian Sea. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and marine activities like diving and snorkeling. You can also visit historical sites like the Fujairah Fort.
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| Fujairah |
Pre-Travel Checklist
Passport Check (at least 6 months validity)
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. If your passport has less than six months of validity, you could be denied entry, so be sure to check.
Currency Exchange
Airport currency exchange counters offer poor rates, so it's better to exchange a minimum amount of Dirhams in Korea and the rest locally in the UAE.
Adapter
The UAE uses Type G outlets, so prepare a compatible adapter in advance.
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| The power outlet is Type G |
Travel Insurance
Medical costs can be high, so it's advisable to get travel insurance to prepare for unexpected accidents.
Roaming & SIM Card
Using a local SIM or portable Wi-Fi is more economical in the UAE. Major providers include Etisalat and du, and you can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport.
Airport Pickup Service
UAE airports are large and can be confusing, so booking an airport pickup service in advance is convenient. Luxury taxi services are common, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, if you're flying with Emirates or Etihad, check for shuttle bus services that might align with your destination. Some routes may even be free of charge.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is widespread in the UAE. It is customary to tip for various services, including at restaurants, hotels, and in taxis.
Appropriate Tip Amounts by Situation
- Hotel Bellboy: 10 AED (approx. $2.70)
- Housekeeping: 10–15 AED per night
- Restaurants: 10% of the bill amount
- Taxis: Around 5–10% of the fare
UAE Travel Etiquette
- Dress Code: The UAE is relatively open for an Arab country and tolerant towards tourists. However, it is polite to avoid overly revealing clothing in public places. Modest attire is required when visiting religious sites.
- Public Places: Public displays of affection should be avoided, and alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas.
- Conversation Topics: It's best to avoid sensitive topics such as religion and politics.
A Personal Touch: The Power of a Simple Greeting
While Arabic is the official language, communication is widely possible in English. Learning a few simple Arabic phrases can leave a good impression on locals. I recall an episode during a trip to Abu Dhabi. I had a tight connection at the airport and was lost looking for my transit gate. An airport staff member helped me. In my haste, I offered a word of thanks with the common Muslim greeting, 'As-salamu alaykum' (Peace be upon you). The staff member, who had seemed stern, broke into a bright smile and replied, 'Wa alaykumu s-salam.' In that moment, I felt a warm connection through this simple exchange. No matter which country you visit, learning a few simple greetings in the local language can create a connection that transcends words.
- Hello: As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم)
- Thank you: Shukran (شكراً)
- You're welcome / Excuse me: Afwan (عفواً)
- How much is it?: Kam thaman? (كم الثمن)
- Where is the restroom?: Ayna al-hammam? (أين الحمام)
- It's delicious: Ladhidh (لذيذ)
This concludes our summary of essential information to know before traveling to the UAE. The UAE is a captivating destination where modern cities and traditional culture blend harmoniously. Plan a fulfilling trip with this information in hand.
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