Dubai and Abu Dhabi

❮ Back To Message Board
Message Submitted by antoniacyrusdds on Sun, 09/21/2014 - 16:11
<p>I need all the information I can get re Dubai. &nbsp;Do I&nbsp;take AED currency with me or US$ and change it there or use credit cards? &nbsp;Do I tip? &nbsp;If so who and how much and can I do so in US$. &nbsp;I would like to get into the Burj Al Arab without spending a fortune - any ideas? &nbsp;I would like to take the desert safari but not in a jeep or dune buggy but on a camel. &nbsp;Any suggestions. &nbsp;Can tourist women wear pants. &nbsp;Can I be casual tho&#39;&nbsp;not sloppy? &nbsp;Is it worth going to the Dubai Mall? &nbsp;I am not a shopper and have been to the large mall back east. &nbsp;What things to avoid? &nbsp;Anything you can tell me would be much appreciated. &nbsp; &nbsp;Thanks.<br />&nbsp;</p>

Reply Submitted by Marian on Mon, 09/22/2014 - 09:10

You do not need to take AED currency.  There are ATMs everywhere.  Credit cards are also widely used.  A little bit of US currency as a back-up is always a good idea no matter where you travel.  Most restaurants add in a service charge in lieu of a tip but who knows if the waiter gets any of it.  Leaving a small tip in cash for good service would be appreciated.  There is no problem wearing pants.  I always wore travel slacks and a short-sleeved solid color top and carried a light -weight sweater. You can be casual. I never took a skirt and never felt conspicuous.  I saw some people  wearing Bermuda shorts, although we never take them.   Be sure to take a scarf for going into mosques.  We went to the Dubai Mall (which is very challenging to negotiate)  to be able to go to the Burj Kalifa which is accessed  by elevator through the lower level of the mall.  I doubt that I would recommend either but if you do decide to go to the Burj Kalifa observation deck be sure you buy your tickets online a month or so before you go.  They are significantly cheaper online but I think we still paid $USD 25 each or so.  The entrance to the Kalifa is on a timed entry and you will be there with a horde of other  tourists.  My understanding is that you must have a reservation for a room or a meal to be able to enter Burj al Arab or even get into the parking lot where guests are allowed to go.  There is a sentry box before the parking lot where we were told by our driver that you must show proof of a reservation (which is probably guaranteed by a credit card).