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DOCUMENTS
EU citizens will get a visa at any international
airport without any visa fee. We exited UAE to Oman
at Wajaja land border point, reentering at Buraimi
one, in both the cases without paying anything.
MONEY
The currency is the UAE Dirham (Dh)
(1€= 4,74 Dh). US$ seems still to be the most
convenient currency to be changed, but also euros
are well known.
HEALTH
I had the usual vaccinations: ephatite
A, B, typhus and tetanus. Hygienic conditions seemed
quite good but tap water is still a risk
GUIDE
BOOK
I used Lonely Planet (in Iitalian 3rd
ed, translated from 2nd ed, Sept 2007), as usual it's
a good support, although too superficial on the transport
details and a surprising total lack of info about
highlights as the Palm Jumeira or the construction
of the high skyscraper in the world (see tips below)
GENERAL
TIPS
ON THE URBAN BUSES
- Pay attention when staying in the
urban buses with your girlfriend. Women are not
allowed to seat with men and they have a reserved
area in the front of the bus. The amazing thing
is that any woman on the bus must sat, at cost of
being even three per seat. In case their area is
full, the driver won't allow any other girl to get
on.
In case the men are squeezed like hell in the back
and the women area is free, the driver won't allow
any man to come in the front.
YOUTH HOSTEL
- The Youth Hostel we were (Dubai
Youth Hostel) was 30€ for a double with private
bathroom and breakfast included. It's clean and
high standard compared to the Hostel in Europe.
If you wish some refresh, there's even a swimming
pool with a nice view on the city.
Full booking seems an issue at the Youth
Hostel of Dubai and there's a long debate on the
LP
forum about this. My suggestion is to give a
call few days in advance to book, since they accept
phone -reservation. Don't write email, since many
people reported neither they answer to the email,
nor they took into account the booking even having
confirmed by mail.
Honestly take into consideration staying in one
of the dodgey but cheap hotels around the souk,
since the 6km distance of the Youth Hostel from
the centre will quickly be a pain.
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