This is a very late post about my family trip to Dubai. I went there in Feb 2025 and learnt a few things along the way. By sharing it here, I am hoping it might help a fellow info scout or simply a prospective visitor.

1. Exchange Rates: Go beyond the airport counters

While Dubai International Airport offers multiple currency exchange counters, they’re not the wisest option. Although the exchange rates (like USD to AED) appear close to what you’d find online; they often come with a hefty commission fee—ranging from 50 to 60 AED.

Instead, once you step out of the airport, head to agencies like Al Ansari Exchange or LM Exchange, where fees can be as low as 3.50 AED for transactions up to 20,000 USD for the same exchange rates. Furthemore they often have branches across the city especially in malls. But bear in my mind that as the exchange rate changes daily, so does the commission but it will still be less than 7 AED and considerably less that those at the airport.

2. Nol Card & Dubai Metro: Budget-Friendly and Efficient

If you’re looking to explore Dubai affordably, the Dubai Metro is your best friend. As per my wife’s suggestion, I planned most of my days around the metro lines, and it worked out brilliantly.

To use public transport(dubai metro, buses, trams, water buses), you’ll need a Nol card—there are several types available, but I went for the Silver Nol Card, which comes preloaded(19 AED balance when purchasing the card for 25 AED) and is ideal for tourists.

You can check and recharge your card balance via the RTA app, use top-up machines available at every station or go to the counters near the station entrance. Just remember to tap in and tap out when using the metro. And if you are at your end of your Dubai trip, you can use the leftover balance in your card to buy at the following:

• Pharmacies (Aster, Medcom)
• Supermarkets (Carrefour, All Day convenience store)
• Dubai attractions (Etihad Museum, ING world of Adventure
• Food places (Burger King, Pavo’s Pizza, London Dairy)

*full list available here…

But these regulations can often change, so it doesn’t hurt to ask prior to starting your purchase.

The RTA staffs are awesome <3

Big thanks to the metro staffs, I have had 1 or 2 moments where i needed their help and their level of friendliness and professionalism was really impressive.

3. Getting Around with Careem: Convenience on Demand

Careem is like the Uber of Dubai. It offers everything from standard taxis to private and electric cars, and even 7-seater SUVs (Max rides), which came in super handy if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group..

One great feature? You can pay however you like—cash, wallet top-ups, or credit card (my choice). I used the app several times during my stay and except for one minor hiccup (which was swiftly handled by Careem support), I had smooth rides every time. Speaking of smooth ride, kudos to that very comfortable trip in the Lexus ES300h in the executive ride mode from Global Village back to my hotel.

You can schedule rides ahead or book them instantly. Availability was never a problem within the city.

4. Data Package

Having an internet connection as a tourist helps you out in many ways:

• looking at taxi & hotel bookings
• researching places of interest
• communicating with your family/friends

Turns out when you are going through customs you, you can request your free e-sim card which you can connect to your phone and get a minimum balance to be used for connecting online. You have to connect to the airport open wifi first and then get on with the registration. Unfortunately it did not work in my case. For me, what was not working is the authentication as the page kept loading endlessly without ever completing successfully. Consequently, I purchased a data plan online(holiday.com) for around 10 USD and I was able to use it for the week I was visiting.

You can also use WIFI found in malls, airports but for me the connection speed was not good enough for online videos or video calls.

5. Local Markets: Shop Smart, Bargain Smarter

Dubai Malls, Deira City centre or mall of Emirates! Dubai’s glitzy malls are famous with loads of options at good prices, but if you want real deals, local markets and souqs are where the action is. Be sure to carry cash, as many smaller shops don’t accept cards—and cash gives you better bargaining power.

I visited the Deira Gold Souq, Deira Asian winter markets, and a few hidden alley stores near Deira, and came away with quality items at unbelievable prices.

One of my proudest moments? Bargaining for authentic perfumes and getting them at a steal. These perfumes are often local and were what made me really love Dubai.

6. Global Village: A World Tour in One Evening

Definitely the highlight of my trip! Located around 40-45 minutes from Deira, Global Village is a cultural theme park that brings together experiences from around the globe. Think of it as a cross between a food festival, cultural fair, and shopping carnival.

Each section is themed by country—Europe, Iran, Thailand, Kazakhstan, India, and more—with food, souvenirs, and traditional wear. While the entry fee is just 25 AED, do note that most items start from 30 AED, so it’s not the cheapest night out, but definitely one of the most unique.

My personal highlight? Trying everything from London-style strawberries to Japanese tamagoyaki and Indian chaats all in one evening

7. Tax Free Shopping

Another interesting service you get is the tax-free shopping facility in Dubai. For any purchase you do that goes at least 250 AED, you can claim the tax on it by asking at the cashier. You will need to provide your passport information and the cashier will enter your purchase details on the tax refund system called Planet and will stamp the back of your receipt.

How to get your tax refund? You can only do that on your last day in Dubai at the airport. So at the entrance of your terminal, you will spot the tax refund booths:

And you can scan your passport on the system which will then output the list of refunds you are entitled to.

To note that, at times, certain claims don’t appear and then you may need to key in the id of your receipt but there are also cases where even that doesn’t work and the authorities then ask you to contact the shop which frankly speaking, is not something I would be doing when I am taking my flight back. Nevertheless, most of the time, your refunds do get listed and you then are presented with a receipt that you can use after checking in and claim your refund in either USDs or AEDs at the currency exchange. And you get to use the refund at the duty free shop prior to taking your flight 🙂

8. Planning in Advance: Your Trip’s Best Investment

Like any memorable journey, planning makes all the difference. A bit of online research helped me shortlist must-visit locations like the Deira Gold Souq, Global Village, and more.

Tools like Google Maps and the Dubai Transit App were essential for mapping out my itinerary and figuring out travel times. Surprisingly, TikTok became a secret weapon—it gave me a sneak peek into local attractions, hidden gems, and cultural dos and don’ts. Visual insights really helped me prepare better than any guide could.

Final Thoughts

Dubai truly has something to offer every type of traveler—but the key lies in knowing how to navigate it wisely. Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or splurging a little, the city gives you the flexibility to shape your experience. Overall, it was a memorable trip filled with culture, convenience, and culinary delights.

A special shoutout goes to Landmark Restaurant, located just opposite Al Rigga Park, where I enjoyed breakfast—and sometimes dinner—almost every day.

The food was not only delicious and reasonably priced, but the kadak tea was a daily highlight. A heartfelt thanks to Maya and Irfan, whose warm hospitality and friendly service made every visit feel like home.