City, United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Easy, polished global hub with huge nomad and expat communities, beaches, malls and fast metro. Pricey and car-centred; summers are brutal, and rules on behaviour, alcohol and speech are strict.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,000–4,630Comfortable, one person · Dh11,000–17,000Details
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Aug, 39°CDetails
- Air quality50.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet385 MbpsFixed broadband, United Arab Emirates medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–136Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCareemYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards, Apple Pay and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Dubai
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Dubai Marina and JLT | Expats and nomads: tram, beach, restaurants, coworking nearby |
| Downtown and Business Bay | Central, Burj Khalifa, metro, higher rents |
| Al Barsha and Al Satwa | Cheaper flats, local food, near metro |
| Deira and Bur Dubai | Old Dubai: souks, budget hotels, creek crossings |
Apps that work in Dubai
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp (messages); Botim for calls
- RTA Dubai: Nol card top-up, metro and bus routes
- Botim: Voice and video calls that aren't blocked
- Taxis: Official RTA taxis are metered and trustworthy. Skip unlicensed cars; apps remain the easiest way for pickups.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United Arab Emirates.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards, Apple Pay and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small notes for souks, abras and tips.
- Currency: Dirham (AED). US$1 ≈ Dh3.67 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs are everywhere; some banks add a fee for foreign cards. Always decline conversion to your home currency.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. About 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis; small tips for delivery riders and hotel staff.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are accepted at almost every contactless terminal.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many passports get a free visa on arrival; others apply online through ICP, GDRFA Dubai or their airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai).
- Passport must be valid at least six months on arrival.
- Codeine, tramadol, some ADHD and sleep medicines need advance approval via the ede.gov.ae portal.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
du and e& sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and in malls; passport needed. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United Arab Emirates
Going to Dubai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Dubai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.