3 Money-Saving Tips for Traveling to Dubai
Shayan Afzal
March 05, 2008
It's a typical dilemma. Each year the question of where to go on vacation requires a good deal of consideration. Over the last decade, the world's attention has focused on a previously lesser-known city called Dubai. Thanks to some ingenuity and boatload of money, this town has been transformed from a refueling pit stop into a luxurious, ultra-modern city that rivals all others worldwide. You might assume this playground for the rich and famous would cost vacationers thousands or tens of thousands per week. Not always.
In fact, according to a recent inTravel Magazine article, "…Even for those on a budget, there is plenty to do and see in this growing city-state on the horn of Arabia. Dubai is more than a playground for the super-rich."
The exchange rate currently favors the U.S. dollar and British pound heavily. At the time of this writing, one U.S. dollar equates to $3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and one British pound converts to only £ .13. Exchange rates of over three to one and almost ten to one (respectively) allow you to get much more for your money than if vacationing in your home country.
U.S. travelers thinking of visiting Europe should consider this: The pound and the euro are doing the U.S. dollar no favors with exchange rates of about two to one. That means it will cost you twice as much to holiday in Europe as it will the U.S. It is clear that Dubai offers an enormous savings over other popular destinations.
If that weren't enough, here are three money-saving tips to help you have even more fun for less while on holiday in Dubai.
1. Enjoy Cafes More Often than Restaurants
The food in Dubai is as exceptional as the views. While you are encouraged to experience a few of the delightful five-star restaurants throughout the city, many visitors prefer to eat the majority of their meals at local cafes.
Dubai cafes are famous for the amount of food they serve. In addition to your entrée, a typical cafe might also offer olives, pickles, bread, salad and other goodies. It is not at all uncommon for a party of two to eat a delicious meal - including beverages - for around $25US (not including gratuity).
2. Rent a Villa or Apartment Instead of a Hotel Room
Oftentimes travelers mistakenly think staying in hotels will position them in the midst of everything they want to see and do. While this may be true, renting an apartment or villa can be just as convenient and a great deal less expensive.
For instance, a premium, one-bedroom, furnished (self-catering) apartment within just a few miles of beaches, town center, golf and other attractions costs around $227US per day. This includes 900 square feet of space with a full kitchen, living room and facilities. A premium hotel, such as a Marriott or Hyatt, will run $367US per day for a 344-square foot room with a king-size bed. Especially if you have children, villas make much better economical sense than hotels.
3. Use Taxi Services Instead of Renting a Car
An average-size car (such as a Toyota Corolla) will cost approximately $250US per week to rent in Dubai. On the other hand, taxi rates are relatively inexpensive, usually with a base rate of around $3.50US plus $1.50US per kilometer.
In addition, the traffic in Dubai is usually something travelers aren't well equipped to deal with. Much like a major metropolis in the U.S., Dubai is heavily populated and has road traffic equivalent to that of Los Angeles or New York City. With plenty of taxis available, you'll not only save money using this mode of transportation, but you'll also save your sanity!
The next time someone mentions a holiday in Dubai, don't discount the opportunity because you assume the cost will be too great. Even in the land of luxury and excess, budget-conscious couples and families can thrive!
Shayan Afzal operates DubaiApartments.biz, the number-one renter of short-term, self-catering Dubai villas. Whether you seek economical or ultra-luxurious accommodation for your next trip to Dubai, visit http://www.dubaiapartments.biz today. © 2008, All Rights Reserved
In fact, according to a recent inTravel Magazine article, "…Even for those on a budget, there is plenty to do and see in this growing city-state on the horn of Arabia. Dubai is more than a playground for the super-rich."
The exchange rate currently favors the U.S. dollar and British pound heavily. At the time of this writing, one U.S. dollar equates to $3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and one British pound converts to only £ .13. Exchange rates of over three to one and almost ten to one (respectively) allow you to get much more for your money than if vacationing in your home country.
U.S. travelers thinking of visiting Europe should consider this: The pound and the euro are doing the U.S. dollar no favors with exchange rates of about two to one. That means it will cost you twice as much to holiday in Europe as it will the U.S. It is clear that Dubai offers an enormous savings over other popular destinations.
If that weren't enough, here are three money-saving tips to help you have even more fun for less while on holiday in Dubai.
1. Enjoy Cafes More Often than Restaurants
The food in Dubai is as exceptional as the views. While you are encouraged to experience a few of the delightful five-star restaurants throughout the city, many visitors prefer to eat the majority of their meals at local cafes.
Dubai cafes are famous for the amount of food they serve. In addition to your entrée, a typical cafe might also offer olives, pickles, bread, salad and other goodies. It is not at all uncommon for a party of two to eat a delicious meal - including beverages - for around $25US (not including gratuity).
2. Rent a Villa or Apartment Instead of a Hotel Room
Oftentimes travelers mistakenly think staying in hotels will position them in the midst of everything they want to see and do. While this may be true, renting an apartment or villa can be just as convenient and a great deal less expensive.
For instance, a premium, one-bedroom, furnished (self-catering) apartment within just a few miles of beaches, town center, golf and other attractions costs around $227US per day. This includes 900 square feet of space with a full kitchen, living room and facilities. A premium hotel, such as a Marriott or Hyatt, will run $367US per day for a 344-square foot room with a king-size bed. Especially if you have children, villas make much better economical sense than hotels.
3. Use Taxi Services Instead of Renting a Car
An average-size car (such as a Toyota Corolla) will cost approximately $250US per week to rent in Dubai. On the other hand, taxi rates are relatively inexpensive, usually with a base rate of around $3.50US plus $1.50US per kilometer.
In addition, the traffic in Dubai is usually something travelers aren't well equipped to deal with. Much like a major metropolis in the U.S., Dubai is heavily populated and has road traffic equivalent to that of Los Angeles or New York City. With plenty of taxis available, you'll not only save money using this mode of transportation, but you'll also save your sanity!
The next time someone mentions a holiday in Dubai, don't discount the opportunity because you assume the cost will be too great. Even in the land of luxury and excess, budget-conscious couples and families can thrive!
Shayan Afzal operates DubaiApartments.biz, the number-one renter of short-term, self-catering Dubai villas. Whether you seek economical or ultra-luxurious accommodation for your next trip to Dubai, visit http://www.dubaiapartments.biz today. © 2008, All Rights Reserved