Essentials

Medical

Clients are advised to seek current information from NHS Direct: Tel No: 0845 4647 or contact your local GP.

Information is also provided online at: http://.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk. No vaccinations are compulsory however it is wise to check as health restrictions can change.

Remember not to underestimate the strength of the sun – sun cream, a good hat and sunglasses are recommended.

Electricity and Water

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts. The socket type is the same as the three – point British system. Most hotels and homes have adaptors for electrical appliances.

Tap water is safe to drink, but most people prefer bottled mineral water.

Local Currency

The monetary unit is the “Dirham” (Dhs) which is divided into 100 “Fils”. Notes come in denominations of Dhs 5, Dhs 10, Dhs 20, Dhs 50, Dhs 100, Dh2 200, Dhs 500 and Dhs 1000. Coins are in denominations of 25, 50 and 100 Fils (Dhs 1).

The Dirham has been pegged to the US Dollar since the end of 1980, at an approximate rate of US $ 1 = Dhs 3.67.

Airport

Dubai International Airport has two terminals, which are a 15-30 minute taxi drive apart. Major airlines use Terminal 1. Both terminals offer car rent, hotel reservation and Bureau de Change services. There is no airport departure tax. Duty free shops are located in both the arrival and departure halls. All travellers have the opportunity to enter the prestigious Dubai duty free raffle to win a luxury car, which will be shipped anywhere in the world.

Taxis

If you don’t have a car, taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered taxis are run by the Dubai Transport Corporation (beige taxis), Car taxis (white) Metro taxis (beige) and National taxis (silver). The fare is Dhs 3 for pick ups and the rest of the journey is metered at Dhs 1.25 per kilometre.

Taxis are plentiful and you can hale them almost anywhere in Dubai.

Following a recent visit, a three lined queue of travellers was efficiently dealt with in a quiet manner by an airport representative who dealt with each queue of people in rotation, within about 5 – 10 minutes. Whilst queuing at the taxi rank, we were cooled by large fans, which was a blessing. We found the taxi drivers able to speak some English and were friendly and obliging when asked to stop for photographs.

Credit Cards

The major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa) are all accepted, although smaller venues may prefer cash.