Dubai in the UAE is one of the most flamboyant cities in the world. Exploring such luxury without breaking the bank is indeed an irony. But what if it could be the case? What if you could explore the city, have an authentic trip, and still hold onto those extra bucks in the bank? All you need to do is put your street smarts to use and work around a few hacks to enjoy a cheap but fun trip to Dubai. Let’s explore exactly these hacks!
Best Hacks For A Cheap Dubai Trip
1. Pre-book Activities Through Klook/Rayna Tours
There’s nothing like having a guide in Dubai who’ll tell you how to make the most of your trip. And it only gets better when they also save some money. Top tour operators in Dubai, like Klook and Rayna, do exactly that for you!
You simply need to go to either of their websites and pre-book all the activities that you’re looking forward to doing in Dubai. Pre-booking saves time, unnecessary cancellations, and a few thousand rupees that you can put to better use. Also, if you’re visiting Dubai for the first time, you wouldn’t want to get robbed of extra prices and not enjoy whatever it is you’re doing.
2. Check Local Airlines For Offers
A major chunk of your budget is already gone when you plan an international trip. Thankfully, airlines offer a lot more than just flying you to your destination. For a trip to Dubai, it’s best recommended that you look up the local airlines that are always running some offers and helping you save. Even the minimal packages are inclusive of a lot of fun activities you can do.
Check the Emirates website thoroughly and avail of the best offers, and you might just end up saving INR 10,000 or more! If that didn’t entice you enough, some of the Emirates offers even include a trip to the Museum of the Future, along with the flying price.
3. Use Careem Instead Of Uber
For a city as expansive as Dubai, being an explorer on foot isn’t your best option. And with the high Uber prices, you’d end up shelling out quite a bit of money. A cheaper yet comfortable option for travel would be Careem, which is the local equivalent of Uber in the city. All you have to do is download the Careem app to book a ride, and there it is, comfort at much cheaper prices!
4. Don’t Forget To Claim VAT Refund
Paying taxes is painful, and you must have thought of claiming your tax multiple times. You can claim your VAT in Dubai! After having the trip of your life in Dubai, you can have a few extra moments of joy by claiming your tax refunds. Most of the stores give you a tax refund on electronics, gold, and clothes that you can claim at the airport.
To claim a VAT refund at the airport, all you need to do is submit the tax invoices of your purchases along with a copy of your passport and credit card, and CHA-CHING! Your money’s back in your bank!
Remember to check which outlets offer a tax refund from the ‘Tax Refund For Tourists’ scheme.
5. Consider A Service Apartment Or Airbnb
Your trip to Dubai is likely going to be for longer than 3 days which is ideal if you want to explore the city at length. On the flip side, a stay longer than 3 days in hotels in Dubai is going to hit you where you don’t like it, in the pockets.
For a longer trip, consider staying in a serviced apartment or Airbnb. With Airbnb, you even get to cook your meals and have a home-like stay. By choosing a service apartment or Airbnb, you not only save on expenses but also get the convenience of looking after your needs your way, making your trip to Dubai both cost-effective and customizable.
6. Travel In The Off Season
Plan your trip a tad bit strategically and consider traveling to Dubai in the off-season months of April to October. This way, you can dodge the inflated prices for hotels and flights. You can also explore the city a little bit more without straining your budget.
With this hack, you can still explore Dubai, make the most of your visit, and hold onto the sound of cha-ching! Remember, there’s always a way you can savor the Dubai experience while keeping expenses in check.
7. Go For Street Food Instead Of Fancy Diners
To make your Dubai trip worth it and still save some pennies, try cutting back on fancy meals and drinks. Alcohol, especially, carries a hefty price tag, with even a casual night out costing you anywhere between 200 to 300 AED.
Think of it this way. You save money and get to eat authentic Arabian cuisine when you hog on the street food instead of the lavish restaurants that might sway from quality. If you want to experience a fancy dinner, make it a one-time thing by booking the Dhow Cruise instead.
8. Use The Dubai Metro
Hailing a taxi each time you want to travel somewhere in Dubai might be one of the reasons you go broke before making it back home. While taxis undoubtedly provide comfort and are faster, choosing the Dubai metro can be more pocket-friendly.
To enjoy travel in the Dubai Metro, all you need to do is purchase an NOL card for 7 days in which gives you unlimited metro rides. Your NOL card will apply to all forms of public transport except cabs. Not only will the metro show you breathtaking city views, but the hygiene in the train will enhance your overall travel experience. It’s the perfect Dubai travel hack, allowing you to save and explore the city at the same time.
9. Carry Your Water
Do yourself a favor and carry your water, please! You WILL thank us later. In Dubai, if you want water, you’re sadly going to have to purchase it because you won’t find free drinking water anywhere.
You can fancy ordering bottled drinking water from restaurants, albeit with potentially higher prices. So it’s recommended that you carry the water provided in your hotel.
10. Visit During Happy Hours
Dubai boasts a plethora of bars that offer happy hours. You know happy hours truly represent the lifeblood of any seasoned drinker, letting you drink while saving a pretty penny.
You can pay as little as AED 30 for selected drinks in Dubai and have a trippy time. Visiting bars during happy hours is a great money-saving hack while you’re in Dubai because alcohol can be quite expensive here.
11. Check Warehouse Sales
It’s unlikely that you visit Dubai and not shop, especially if you’re into electronics, clothes, or gold. With all the best designs, up-to-date fashion trends, and the aroma of diverse spices, it can be hard to resist spending.
But you know, there is a way you can buy all the stuff you want and not get broke. You can visit the factory outlet stores where the prices are a steal! Another place you can shop from is the Burjuman Mall, which offers amazing discounts on top brands!
12. Be Your Chauffeur (BYOC)
Apart from local taxis and the metro, there’s another option for you that’ll save you money. You can drive yourself around Dubai and explore the city at your own sweet pace. But there are certain rules you must know.
You need to have a valid international driver’s license and must be an excellent driver because the driving laws in Dubai are super-strict. Also, you can’t borrow a car from any acquaintance that you may have in the city. If you’re a tourist who wants to drive, your only source for a car is the rental operators. Remember to be within a speed limit of 100 km at all times and follow other rules religiously because a fine can cost you anywhere between 500 – 1,000+ AED.
Summing Up
Dubai is a must-visit destination especially if you want to experience luxury and adventure in the same place. The only thing that would make your trip more exciting by multiple folds is if you manage to save your travel budget from emptying out. These Dubai travel hacks will help you with just that!
FAQs
What Is The Minimum Budget For A Dubai Trip?
The minimum budget you can expect for a trip to Dubai is between INR 60,000 and INR 1 lakh.
Which Month Is Best To Visit Dubai?
You can visit Dubai between November and March as the climate is comparatively cooler, making it pleasant to explore.
Do You Tip In Dubai?
Tipping in Dubai isn’t a norm but most tourists prefer to tip the attendants. Anywhere between 10-15% of your bill is fine for a tip but it’s completely up to you.
Can You Drink Tap Water In Dubai?
You can drink water from the tap in Dubai. However, if you’re still skeptical, boil the water once before consuming it.
