Setting up on arrival

Getting around

One thing you will need to purchase when you get to Dubai is a car.  There is no real public transport system; although taxis are cheap and they are building public transport infrastructure..  Taxis, cars and petrol are very cheap but patience is the name of the game as you can find yourself stuck in traffic quite regularly.

C(r)ash Pad

To rent a property in the UAE, you will usually be expected to pay the entire year's rent in advance, either in cash or by cheque. The majority of letting agents will also charge a commission of around 5%, which you must pay directly to them. A municipal tax is payable on the annual rental paid for rented accomodation in Dubai, currently 5% of the annual rent for residential premises and this is added to your monthly water and electricity bill.

Generally, if you are an expat in Dubai, the contract for your apartment rental will be drawn up with your sponsor (your employer) named as the principal. This has the benefit of providing the owner with a contact who is not likely to leave the country, and who may also be a UAE or GCC national. The full year's rent is payable in advance and it is normal practice for your employer to make the payment, then deduct the charges from your salary each month.

Setting up a bank account

Banks, credit card companies, and other organisations may ask you to provide evidence of your salary.  Usually your firm will give you a salary certificate that you can pass on to the person requesting it.

Also bring with you at least the last six months of original bank and credit card statements as you will need these to open a bank account and apply for a credit card.

It's how we're drinking

If you want to buy alcohol, you will need to obtain a liquor licence, which is issued by the Dubai Police.  You can apply for this licence at the various (although inconspicuous) liquor stores around Dubai.  Generally, you can only hold a liquor licence if you are the owner of a property or the leaseholder/tenant.  Once you have a licence, you can purchase alcohol up to your allocated monthly limit (this limit is based on your salary).

Bonding with Dubai

When you apply for international roaming on your mobile phone, water, or electricity, etc, you are usually required to pay a bond to the service provider to guarantee payment.  This bond is refundable when you cancel the relevant service, but your will need to produce the original bond receipt to receive a refund.

Cashing in

Be prepared to carry around cash.  Dubai is not yet a "cashless society", and if you need to use your debit or credit card to purchase goods or services, you will still need to sign a receipt - there is no option for entering a PIN number.  Most banks only offer basic internet banking services.

Going postal

Mail can only be delivered to a PO Box - there is no street delivery.  Many firms will have a separate PO Box that staff can use.  If you receive large packages from overseas, you will need to go down to the main post office/customs to declare and pick up your package (hopefully containing goodies from the folks back home).

Finally, buy the Dubai Red Tape book by Explorer publishers.  This is a complete step-by-step handbook on how to do things in Dubai.

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