20 Tips to save money in dubai as Tourist

20 tips to save money in dubai as tourist

A Detailed Guide on Tips to save money in dubai as Tourist with dubai lifestyle Examples to let you understand in better way.

Dubai, known for its luxurious lifestyle and breathtaking attractions, is a popular tourist destination that captivates visitors from around the globe. While Dubai offers an array of opulent experiences, it’s also possible to explore this city without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will uncover How to save money as a tourist in Dubai while still enjoying the essence of its vibrant lifestyle.

20 Tips to save Money in Dubai as Tourist | Tips to save extra cash in dubai as Tourist

Stay in an apartment instead of a hotel

Apartments are often much more affordable than hotels, and they give you more space to spread out. You can find apartments to rent on websites like Airbnb or Booking.com. [Example: You can rent an apartment in the Bur Dubai for as little as AED 1,000 per night.]

Use the metro instead of taxis

The metro is a great way to get around Dubai, and it’s much cheaper than taxis. You can buy a day pass for AED 20, or you can pay per ride. [Example: A taxi from the airport to the city center costs around AED 100. The metro costs AED 5.]

Cook your own meals instead of eating out

Eating out in Dubai can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to cook your own meals if you can. There are plenty of supermarkets in Dubai where you can buy groceries at affordable prices. [Example: A meal at a fine dining restaurant in Dubai can cost upwards of AED 1,000. You can cook a delicious meal at home for a fraction of the cost.]

Visit free attractions

There are a number of free attractions in Dubai, such as the Dubai Museum, the Jumeirah Mosque, and the Dubai Creek. You can also visit the beach for free, or take a walk through one of the city’s many parks. [Example: The Dubai Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Dubai. Admission is free.]

Take advantage of discounts and deals

 There are a number of websites and apps that offer discounts and deals on things to do in Dubai. You can find discounts on everything from restaurants to attractions to shopping. [Example: The Entertainer app offers discounts on over 1,000 things to do in Dubai. You can get a one-year pass for AED 299.]

Visit Dubai during the off-season

Dubai is a popular tourist destination, so prices can be high during the peak season (December to February). If you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to visit Dubai during the off-season (May to September). [Example: Hotel prices in Dubai can be as much as 50% cheaper during the off-season.]

Use public transportation

Dubai has a good public transportation system, so you can get around without having to rent a car. The metro is the cheapest option, but there are also buses and taxis available. [Example: A single metro ride & bus ride costs at Aed 3.50 minimum and maximum Aed 7.50 for longer routes .A taxi from the airport to the city center costs around AED 100.]

Walk or bike

If you’re staying in the city center, you can easily get around by walking or biking. This is a great way to save money and get some exercise. [Example: The Burj Khalifa is a 163-story skyscraper that offers stunning views of Dubai. You can walk to the Burj Khalifa from many parts of the city center.]

Visit the desert

The desert is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dubai, and it’s a great place to experience the unique culture of the UAE. You can go on a desert safari, camp in the desert, or simply drive through the desert. [Example: A desert safari costs around AED 500 for a group of four people.]

Shop at local markets

You can find great deals on souvenirs and other items at the local markets in Dubai. The Souq Madinat Jumeirah is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. [Example: You can find a traditional Arabic coffee set at the Meena Bazaar for around AED 50.]

Get a local SIM card

If you’re staying in Dubai for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card. This will give you access to cheaper calls, text messages, and data. [Example: You can get a local SIM card for as little as AED 25 .]

Use free Wi-Fi

There are a number of places in Dubai where you can get free Wi-Fi, such as malls, coffee shops, and libraries. This is a great way to save money on your data plan. [Example: You can get free Wi-fi at bus stops & metro station to check the messages for 1 hour and you can actually save money from not buying data in dubai as it’s quite expensive ].

Bring your own reusable water bottle

 You can refill your water bottle for free at most restaurants and hotels in Dubai. This is a great way to save money on bottled water. [Example: A bottle of water can cost around AED 5 in Dubai. You can refill your water bottle for free at most restaurants and hotels.]

Avoid expensive tourist traps

There are a number of tourist traps in Dubai that are designed to take advantage of tourists. These places often charge inflated prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs. [Example: The Burj Khalifa observation deck is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. However, tickets can be quite expensive. You can get similar views for free from the Dubai Frame.]

Negotiate prices

 It is customary to negotiate prices in Dubai, especially when you are shopping at local markets. Don’t be afraid to haggle and try to get the best price possible. [Example: You can often get a better price on souvenirs and other items if you negotiate with the seller.]

Be aware of the exchange rate

The exchange rate between the UAE dirham (AED) and your home currency can fluctuate. It is a good idea to check the exchange rate before you go to Dubai so that you know how much your money is worth. [Example: The exchange rate between the AED and the US dollar can change by a few cents every day. It is a good idea to check the exchange rate before you go to Dubai so that you know how much your money is worth.]

Ask for discounts

 Many businesses in Dubai offer discounts to students, seniors, and members of the military. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount when you are making a purchase. [Example: You may be able to get a discount on your hotel room, admission to attractions, or even on your meals if you ask.]

Be flexible with your plans

If you are flexible with your plans, you can often find better deals on flights, hotels, and activities. For example, if you are willing to travel during the off-season, you can often find great deals on flights and hotels. [Example: If you are willing to travel during the off-season, you can often find great deals on flights and hotels.]

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is expensive in Dubai, so it’s a good idea to avoid it if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of other things to do in Dubai that don’t involve alcohol. [Example: A beer at a bar in Dubai can cost upwards of AED 50. You can save money by drinking tea or coffee instead.]

Pack your own snacks and drinks

Eating out in Dubai can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to pack your own snacks and drinks. You can find affordable snacks and drinks at supermarkets and convenience stores. [Example: A bottle of water in a restaurant in Dubai can cost around AED 5. You can buy a bottle of water at a supermarket for around AED 1.]

Dubai’s extravagant reputation doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to enjoy your visit. By following these 20 money-saving tips, you can make the most of your time in Dubai without straining your budget.

Embrace the vibrant lifestyle, explore the city’s diverse attractions, and savor its unique flavors while keeping your wallet happy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Are there any affordable accommodations in Dubai ?

Yes, Dubai offers a range of budget accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and hostels that cater to different budgets.

Are there any free attractions in Dubai ?

Dubai has several free attractions, such as the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall Aquarium, and Jumeirah Beach Park, where visitors can enjoy without any entry fee.

How can I save money on dining in Dubai ?

You can save money on dining in Dubai by exploring affordable street foodoptions, local cafes, and small eateries that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices

How much money required for Budgeted dubai trip for 7 days ?

Approximately Aed 3000 for 7 days for expenses excluding your flight and visa booking cost.In this budget you can actually enjoy with planning.

Are there any discount passes available for Dubai attractions ?

Yes, You can check passes on disocunt coupon websites like platinum list ,viator,etc..you can consider purchasing a Dubai Pass, which provides discounted access to popular attractions, tours, and experiences, helping you save money while enjoying multiple activities.

12 Money saving Ideas and Tips for low income families in UAE

12 money saving ideas for low income families in UAE

12 Money Saving Ideas and Tips for low income families in UAE – Uae living Tips and Ideas

Money ! Money ! Money ! A big problem for many families and individuals on how to save it.Yes,it becomes a big challenge if you dont know how to handle your life with money.

UAE,country of dreams comes with a cost to almost everything where you need proper Planning, Budgeting, Saving and many more things to be a successfull living family in UAE.All these factors are always challenging for families who lack in proper financing solutions.To give a helping hand to all of them ,we have brought 12 tips to save more money in UAE.

These points will actually help you out in understanding your major expenses too in UAE.

So let’s jump directly there.

Sharing Wifi

Internet have been the livelihood of many families in UAE.We may use it for Surfing , for connecting to our families or for many other purposes but it holds the maximum amount of time we spend in our daily life .

Internet in Uae has been the tough and expensive part for the low income families in UAE which might cost Aed 200 to Aed 400 per month for WIFI and Approx Aed 100 for Data.This doesn’t include the set up cost and contract base cost.

The families who are earning less , it becomes little difficult to adjust with Internet consumption prices in UAE.

To Minimize the cost of Internet in UAE , we have following advices for the low income families and Bachelor’s to Save more money in UAE :

  • Use free Wifi in Public Transportation like Metro,Buses , Taxis or Bus Stops.
  • Use Data Pay as You Go service from the Telecommunication providers to avoid excessive consumption of data.
  • Use Sharing WIFI in your Flats or Executive Room sharing .You can request to your neighbors to share WIFI with you in UAE and you can pay some amount for doing so.
  • Use BIG DEALS for data consumption to avoid excessive charges on smaller consumption.
  • Use Free WIFI in Business Centres, Malls , Stores or any outlet ,etc.

Used Furniture

What if we say you can actually save some money by using Used Furniture or Second Hand Furniture (in simple terms) in Dubai or UAE .

Yes, That’s True. There is an actual Market place for Second Hand Furnitures in Al Naif,Dubai and even in Abu Dhabi also which is the only hope for many families to get good Quality Used furniture in less prices.

By this, You can actualy save more than 1 month rent from your actual expenditure of buying new products.

You can also check Dubizzle-Place for all type of Products (New,Used or free)

Save Before Spend later

This is one of my Favourite strategy I have been using all of my life specially after coming to UAE from 10 years .

The Glamorous world of UAE have always excited me for buying new things which sometimes can land us into over expenditure or debts.

However,To overcome this I follow SAVE BEFORE SPEND LATER strategy. In this Plan, I actully start to save from the day I make plan to buy something and wait for the time it actually covers up 70% of the Total cost of the product.

By that , I don’t compromise with my Monthly and Quartely Budgets additionally I save for my emergency Fund too.

Want to Know what is Emergency fund ? The next article will be on that.

This startegy will build a Financial literate personnel inside you and you will not be affected by any type of financial crisis in UAE.

Free Library

What a great Initiative taken by the UAE government to open PUBLIC LIBRARY in different locations for people to get knowledge and resources in free of Cost.

There are many Public Libraries open in different locations of Dubai , I have personally been to UMM SUQIEM .

You can actually read any books available in Hard copy or E-books available to read on their offical portals. If you want to rent a book ,You will need to take a subscription and get enrolled.

It will actually help you in getting advance knowledge and resources in free.

Free Attraction & Tour Places

One of my Favourite things to do in UAE. Being the centre of attraction for tourists ,UAE has long list of attractions and hang around spots.

What if I say, there are many which are Free of Cost.

You can actually save money from going to places which are free of cost to tour around or cheapest to afford.

From My list, You can enjoy at :

  • DUBAI MALL WATER FOUNTAIN SHOW (Everyday evening)
  • Shingdagha Boat Ride in Aed 1
  • Roam free on Jumeirah and Marina Open beach for everyone
  • Sun set view from Palm Jumeirah
  • La Mer
  • City Walk
  • Yas Island

and many more places to enjoy free of cost in Uae.

Read this also : Top 10 Free Video calling apps in Uae 2022 to call any country | Top 10 internet calling apps in Uae

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Watch Online

When it comes to entertainment who doesn’t want to go for Movie show. However, You can actually save some money in Uae by using OTT Platforms for watching movie or series.

OTT Platforms which are available in UAE are Amazon Prime Video,Netflix,etc.

Use Festival Deals

Shopping, One of the most happening thing to do in dubai. Dubai is most Popular shopping Hub In Middle East.

When it comes to shopping, the deals and offers becomes so attractive that we couldn’t able to hold up ourselves from shopping.

To Save more from our expenditure, We need to plan and wait for the Festival or big season deals .

From which you can actually save up to 50 %- 90 % in many cases.

There are some Popular shopping festivals like :

  • DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival)
  • DSS (Dubai Summer Surprises)
  • EID Shopping Festivals
  • National Day Celebrations
  • Gitex (For electronics)

All the emirates in UAE have their own sale seasons also , in which the items become more cheaper than the usual. Then ,why not use this opportunity to save more money in UAE.

Food Offers

Food is the one of the basic necessity for all the people. Food in Uae has many levels where you can actually enjoy something in Aed 2 or spend Aed 1000 plus for fine dining services.

It totally depends on the your pocket how you want to spend your money on food .

In my experience ,I have seen the highest quality products from the gourmet stores to low cost product in Grocery stores too.

When it comes to save money on food expenditure , Sometimes We don’t recognize that it becomes over budget while buying groceries for the month.

For Low Income families in Uae ,I consider buying fresh vegetables in Bulk for 1 week and Groceries for maximum 15 days.

When we buy in bulk from the cheap stores , it actually reduces our expenditure.

There are many places like :

  • UNION COOP
  • AL MADINA HYPERMARKET
  • LABOUR MARKETS

and many local grocery stores who provide cheaper rates than big Hyper or Supermarkets.

This strategy can actually save you upto Aed 500 or more in bulk buying.

Public Transportation

Travelling can become more stressfull, If it goes above your budget . Yes,very true if you don’t plan your travel expenses for a month , it can actually scare you with the over expenditure in the last.

Uae has a feasible transportation system , however, it is still on the devloping phase for many places as the Uae government has also introduced Rail system which will help the current transportation system.

Let’s come to the point, how you can acatually save money in UAE from Public Transportation (Dubai,Abu dhabi,Sharjah ,etc.).

  • Plan your Journey earlier before you actually start the journey so that you are well aware about the places you need to visit .
  • Use Bus instead of Taxi as it will reduce the fare in bigger amount.
  • Plan your time accordingly to save more in Transportation.
  • Use Authorized Car Pooling or Car Lift system to travel to Work Places.
  • Do not use unauthorized Car taxis as it can cost you hefty Fines.
  • Keep some extra cash always for emergency purposes.
  • Check estimated fare before you take any transportation means.
  • Use passes instead of Daily recharge travels.
  • Check the route to avoid extra charges in Taxi or Buses.

These are some points on which you can actually save money in UAE while using transportation.

Use Vouchers or Coupons

Vouchers, Coupons or Promo code help people of Uae in getting more discount in less. Uae is a shopping hub for all ,however,not everyone has that much money to afford everything in your pocket. The best way is to use Coupon code or sales discount . There are some of the ways from where you can actually get the discounted rates are :

  • Groupon.ae
  • Coupon.ae
  • Hyper Markets
  • Dubizzle

Keep checking the official website of your favourite store and you will get all the information about offers on their promotion page.

Budgeting

Budgeting is the important part of all hosuehold in any country . It is also a part of UAE lifestyle that if you dont budget yourself, it might land you up in stressful situation.

  • Plan your Rental bills every month and Keep them seperately from monthly expenses.
  • Plan your monthly expenses too with a fixed amount and stick to it.
  • Segregate your expenses into category like for grocery,fun,movies,hang out ,etc according to your needs.
  • Make a Long term goal to reduce your monthly budgets slowly slowly .Do not try to change things in faster pace.
  • Preplan your Family fixed expenses like school fess,rental contract,Emi ,Insurance ,etc.

Avoid OverExpenditure

Why I have put this in the last of the list because it seems to many people that they don’t have money so how are they even overspending .

Lets make it simple and staright, Before jumping into Personal Finance Knowledge.

Over expenditure is actually spending on the needs which you don’t require urgently or desperately. In the world of saving money, sometimes you need to be strict to yourself for adapting Saving Techniques. I will list some of them below and you try to fit yourself into one of them.

  • Fix one small amount which you will save every month, start from very less ( It can be aed 100 to any amount suitable for you). Repeat this for next 3 months and now increase the amount by some percentage .Keep repeating the procedure every 3 months.
  • Make a list on which items your are spending the most from highest to lowest and then filter out the things which you don’t need.
  • Make short term and Long term financial goals to fulfill your dreams.
  • For 1 Month don’t Buy the thing which you like the most and analyse how you are spending more money on that.

All the above points might not work out for you in 100 %,However,the above points are not there to teach you on how to control Yourself . They will basically teach you to be in Discipline with Your Money and Life .

That’s how you lead your life even in UAE.

I believe this article might have given you some idea on How to save money in UAE and tips for Low income families in UAE.In future,We will be adding more problem solving articles for you . Keep following #dxbify and Leave your question to us on ask@dxbify.com .