Staying in in Dubai may seem quite cheap simply because no-one has to pay any tax, however, there are a lot of expenses that you may not have accounted for. If you’re thinking of going on vacation to Dubai you may be interested in some money-saving tips.
Save Money on your Apartment
- When you’re on the hunt for luxury apartments in Dubai to stay in, try to find a bargain or two. There are usually some great deals on offer, and prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year you visit. If you can postpone that 2-week visit during the long hot summer months, think about visiting this part of the world when the weather is a little cooler. You could find yourself staying in the same great place but for a lot less money.
Transportation
- A great way to save quite a bit of cash overall is to fly to Dubai when the cost of getting on a plane is considerably lower. When is the cost of flying to Dubai lower? When all of the students are at school or college. Fly to this incredible city after September 15th, and before June 15th, or thereabouts, and save quite a bit of cash.
- If you plan to hire a vehicle so you can get around the city easily be aware that you won’t need to keep the car’s engine running for long as it tends to warm up quite quickly. Cars very rarely need to be warmed up in this part of the world, so keep the maximum amount of warming-up time to 30 seconds, and you won’t be wasting any fuel.
- Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to turn your AC off when you’re not in the city. When the weather is a little cooler, switch that AC off, wind the windows down a little, and enjoy some fresh air.
- If you don’t want to hire a car on your travels or you simply want to save as much money as possible, use the Dubai Metro. Tickets usually cost as little as 8 AED, which is approximately $2 USD, and therefore so much cheaper than hiring a car and paying for fuel or getting a taxi. If you do need to hop in a taxi, you may have to pay 40 – 60 AED, which is approximately $11 – 16 USD, which still works out cheaper than the price of a taxi ride everywhere else in the world.
Shopping
- If you love to do a spot of shopping on your holiday you could potentially end up spending a little too much cash. Here’s what you should do to lower your spending: Avoid visiting the large shopping malls that sell well-known brands, and are nothing short of tempting. Save money by visiting the local markets (Also known as a ‘Souk’). These markets not only sell a wide range of products, but they also tend to be a lot cheaper too.
- If you’re shopping for groceries, one of the best things you can do is pick up a small cart, rather than using a trolley cart. A bigger cart means you’re more likely to buy a lot more food and therefore spend a lot more money. Use a small cart, carry it around with you, and only buy what you need. If the cart is getting heavy chances are you have too much in it, so put a few things back, and save your cash.
- Another grocery shopping-related tip for you is: Compare the price per unit, for whatever you happen to be buying. You may be surprised to learn that buying in bulk is not always the cheapest option. Work out how much the products cost per unit, and buy the cheaper option, even if it means you have to go back to the same store a few days later to pick up more supplies.
Dining Out
- Dubai is full of many wonderful places to eat. There are so many restaurants and cafés here that there really is something for everyone. Whilst you’re on your travels you may find that many eateries are full of expats who love to eat out a few times a week, but you shouldn’t follow their example if you want to save some money. Cooking food in your rented apartment or hotel can save a lot of cash, but if you must eat out, try to limit your spending by eating in a few of the cheaper places. Local establishments that offer meals for less usually offer dishes that are local to the area. Forget dining in those international restaurants, opt for somewhere a little less well-known, and enjoy eating local meals, or those that are inspired by many different cultures.
- If you’re planning to spend a day at the beach or you simply want to walk around the city and see where your stroll takes you, why not take a packed lunch? Buy the food from a local supermarket and make up a meal and some snacks for everyone. Not only will you save a bit of cash but you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a meal outside in the sunshine without paying too much for it.
It is possible to save money on your vacation if you’re careful, and you know where and how to find those bargains. Get ready to have an amazing time in Dubai at a price that will not break the bank.