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Getting Around |
People like to get out and about in Dubai and there is a good bus service as well as a massive fleet of taxis for hire. You can also rent or lease private cars quite cheaply.
See below for information about how to get around Dubai.
By Bus
Dubai's bus service is fantastically reliable with buses arriving at intervals of about 20 minutes in general. Although the service is not as comprehensive as in other major cities, it is still a great way of getting about. Fares cost about 1.50 AED and with a bus stand on every street, easy to read maps, route marks, bus numbers and a wealth of friendly, helpful local bus travel in Dubai is a cinch.The Big Bus Company offers a great "hop on hop off" service for tourists.
By Taxi
There are five main taxi firms in Dubai - Dubai Transport, National, Cars, Metro, and Arabian - but there is no difference in fares so just hail the first to come along. These official taxis are all metered so you don't need to haggle over prices. There is a standing charge of AED 26 from the airport and AED 3.50 for all other pickups. Just remember that driving standards in Dubai are appalling with taxi drivers rating amongst the wildest.By Car
There are a countless number of Rent-A-Cars that will provide a mode of transportation for very cheap rates and very little paperwork. An International Driving Permit is now being asked for. In the past this was only needed for travel outside of Dubai.Driving is often confusing with inconsistently spelt road names and junction numbers in no logical order. Also the massive amount of construction work going on can mean that temporary road layouts can change overnight and signs can be misleading or non existent.
Avoid driving at morning and afternoon rush hours as traffic can often slow to a standstill making even the shortest trip a long and frustrating experience. There is also a major shortage of parking spaces in the city.
Because of the multinational nature of the city's population driving styles are mixed and inconsistent. Dangerous driving is the norm and it is wise to bear in mind that Dubai has one of the highest per capita road death rates in the world. Stiff penalties, including jail or deportation are meted out to drivers found with any alcohol in their system.
Renting
The minimum hire period is 24hours and will cost about Dhs 90 for a small car. You will need to take the following documents:
- Passport + photocopy
- 2 passport size photographs
- Valid International or country of origin licence
Avis rent-a-car:
Tel. 2245219 etc. etc.
Leasing
Vehicles can be leased on a weekly or monthly basis with a small vehicle costing about Dhs 1,200 per month. You will need to supply the following documents:
- Passport + photocopy
- Credit card
- Valid International or country of origin licence
Autolease:
Tel. 2826565
Buying
If you are planning on buying a car you will first need to obtain a residents visa. Once this is in place you will be able to finance and register a car in your name. Cars then need to be re-registered every year.
When you go to re-register your car make sure you have enough money with you to cover any speeding or parking fines you may have outstanding. Contact Eppco Tasjeel (Tel. 2673940) for further information on car registration.
By Boat
By far the best way to cross the creek is by the ubiquitous abra. These small ferries can be found at stations located at regular intervals along the creek on both the Bur Dubai and Deira sides. A cross river trip costs 50 fils and is paid to the driver once the boat has set out. Not only is this a convenient and economical way of crossing the creek but it also offers fantastic, picturesque views of the city and the service is available 24 hours a day.Abra captains will also hire you their time for private tours and are a very cheap way of seeing the city from the water. Sunset on a clear day is a popular time for boat trips and there are a range of more comfortable boats for hire although prices rise accordingly.