FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some common questions & answers about traveling to Dubai.

Why book Dubai group travel packages with SixThree8 Travel?

The best answer to this question is, Trust!

SixThree 8 Travel was birthed by a married expat couple who have lived and worked in Dubai since 2005. They pride themselves on utilizing their experience and connections in Dubai to make reliably high caliber, customized tours for those who dream of visiting the United Arab Emirates. They know the lay of the land and are always excited to show others how beautiful Dubai is. Their personal touch in organizing trips to “The City of Gold”, is not no other.

How can I contact SixThree8 Travel for inquiries?

The SixThree8 Travel organizers are available to receive your inquiries via different ways of communication such as email, WhatsApp, or on their social media platforms.

Email: Travel@sixthree8.com
WhatsApp: +971 52 805 9203
Instagram: @sixthree8travel
Facebook Messenger: m.me/Sixthree8travel

What are the steps to book my trip and confirm my reservation?

We make it very simple for our clients.

All you have to do is fill out the information requested upon checkout on our website, and a representative will contact you by email within 24hrs. You can also contact one of our representatives via one of the ways of communication listed above in question #2. Your reservation will not be confirmed until your deposit is received. SixThree8 Travel will send the necessary information and plans for your trip upon trip group purchase.

Are flights included in the purchase of my group trip package?

Not all SixThree8 Travel packages include flights unless indicated as in the below: 

  1. Group trip packages with flights (Full Package)
  2. Group trip packages without flights (Land Package)

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airline are our prefered airline partners. Sometimes their rates can be higher than some of the other carriers that fly to Dubai-UAE. We understand that some you may want to use your flight points to reduce the airfare even lower and that others may prefer book tickets with a preferred airline or ticket agency. Regardless, SixThree8 Travel is here to offer or arrange flights for you, if requested.

When should I purchase my airfare?

You should purchase your airfare as soon as you receive your group trip confirmation email after paying for your package.

What are the passport requirements to travel to Dubai-United Arab Emirates?

To travel to Dubai, you must have a valid passport. There is a Six Month Validity Passport Rule that states that your passport should have at least six months of validity before the expiration date before traveling internationally. Please renew your passport if it is due to expire six months or less before your travels to Dubai, or you will be in danger of not being allowed to enter or exit the country.

 

Are there visa requirements to visit Dubai?

Visas on arrival

If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit Dubai-UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International Airport and proceed to Immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-days visit visa free of charge.

Andorra 
Australia 
Brunei 
Canada 
Hong Kong, China  
Ireland 
Japan 
Kazakhstan 
Malaysia 
Mauritius 
Monaco 
New Zealand 
People’s Republic of China 
Russian Federation 
San Marino 
Singapore 
Ukraine 
United Kingdom 
United States of America 
Vatican City 
What is the arrival airport?

The arrival and departure airport is Dubai International Airport, airport code (DXB).

Will transportation be provided to and from the airport to the hotel upon arrive and departure?

Only full package travel purchases to Dubai are guaranteed transportation upon arrival and departure.

 Depending on your arrival and departure time, most hotels do provide a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. For land only purchased packages, we can arrange hotel transportation upon request.

 If you miss the transportation pickup times or decide to shorten or extend your trip, you will be responsible for arranging and paying your transportation to and from the airport.

 

Is Dubai a safe place to visit?

Dubai is safe to visit. In 2018-2019, Travel Magazine voted Dubai as one of the safest countries for tourism.  Person-on-person crime isn’t much of a concern to travelers here, because Dubai is a heavily monitored city. Violent crime affects tourists only very rarely.

 

Public intoxication and participating in a sexual act in public are both punishable with imprisonment. Getting caught carrying or using drugs is not tolerated and can lead to a life sentence in the United Arab Emirates

Are tourists with alternative lifestyles welcome to visit Dubai?

Dubai is very tolerant of tourists who live an alternative lifestyle. Dubai Tourism Authority’s priority is to make sure everyone feels welcome, protected and has an equally amazing experience.

However, it is highly frowned upon for men to dress in women’s clothing, and regardless of lifestyle, sexual acts in public places are considered a crime that could lead to being prosecuted or imprisoned.

What is the weather like in Dubai?

Dubai is very tolerant of tourists who live an alternative lifestyle. Dubai Tourism Authority’s priority is to make sure everyone feels welcome, protected and has an equally amazing experience.

However, it is highly frowned upon for men to dress in women’s clothing, and regardless of lifestyle, sexual acts in public places are considered a crime that could lead to being prosecuted or imprisoned.

Is there a dress code for men and women in Dubai?

Contrary to popular belief, Dubai tourists can wear almost anything they want. However, visitors should respect the cultural norms when they are dressing to avoid extra unneeded attention.  

Here are a few rules to remember:

  1. Men are not allowed to walk around without a shirt on unless they are at a pool or the beach.  
  2. Men cannot enter Government buildings, offices or Mosques/prayer areas in shorts. The legs must be fully covered. 
  3. Women are not required to cover their hair unless they are in a Mosque or prayer area.
  4. Women are not allowed to walk around in a bathing suit unless they are at a pool or the beach.  
  5. Women are not allowed to wear a bathing suit in public places unless is it appropriately covered up.
  6. Skimpy clothing, such as booty shorts, midriff tops and see-through garments are not advisable to wear, but it is not illegal to do so. 
  7. Sleeveless tops, short skirts and dresses are all fine to wear.
  8. Nudity, of any kind, is illegal and punishable by law. 

With all of that said, both men and women can dress comfortably in pretty much whatever they want but are expected to respect the modest culture of the country.

What is the dress code for entering religious buildings?

All visitors must be covered and dressed in modest clothing when entering mosques/prayer areas.

Men must wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves (long-sleeved is preferred).

Women must cover their hair with a scarf and wear a garment or clothing that covers their full-body, meaning their arms, and legs from the neck to the ankles before entering any mosque or prayer area. Tight-fitting clothing is not allowed.

In most cases, scarfs are available for ladies at most major mosques, but it is advised to bring one with you just in case.

Will there be transportation provided when going to the attractions and schedule outings.

 All tours and scheduled outings will have transportation provided with a driver and guide. Other than that, you will be responsible for transportation to other locations you would like to visit.

What is the official currency of Dubai?

The local currency of the United Arab Emirates is called the Dirham (Deer-hams). The dirham is currently valued at approximately 3.65 AED to 1 US dollar and 5 AED to 1 Euro.

You can visit any money exchange to convert your currency to the currency of the United Arab Emirates. You can exchange your money at the airport, hotels and the malls.

 

Will I be able to withdraw money from local ATMs in Dubai?

 

All banks in Dubai have ATMs making it easy for you to withdraw cash. To avoid issues when trying to withdrawing cash from an ATM or purchasing goods with your debit or credit cards, you should inform your bank that you will be travelling to Dubai before leaving your home country.

Are there taxes in Dubai?

Yes. 

Value Added Tax or VAT is a tax on the consumption or use of goods and services levied at each point of sale. VAT is a form of indirect tax and is used in more than 180 countries around the world. The end-consumer ultimately bears the cost. VAT is now imposed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the rate of 5% on all items other than basic food items sold in supermarkets and grocery stores, health care and education.

Is it a common practice to give tips in Dubai?

Tipping is a common practice in Dubai but is not mandatory. Some restaurants do add a10% government service charge, but this does not get distributed to the waiting staff.

Taxi, Careem and Uber drivers do not require tips, but you should round up to the nearest dirham on the fare when paying.

As a courtesy, it is recommended to tip bellmen, bag handlers, supermarket baggers and car washers.

What is the weather like in Dubai?

High Season (November through April): From late autumn through early spring, you’ll enjoy beautiful weather that’s ideal for a variety of outdoor entertainment. During this time, the days bring lots of sunshine and bright blue skies, with slightly cooler evenings as a gentle wind, and only occasional rain hits the city. The ideal conditions allow visitors to enjoy Dubai’s many outdoor activities, like picnics and lounging on the beach, embarking on desert safaris and strolling through the city.

Shoulder Season (May, September and October): May is the start of the summer in Dubai and sees temperatures ranging from 23 to 36 degrees Celsius, so it will be hot, although not nearly hot as it will be during the peak of summer’s heat in July and August. With sea temperatures around 28°C, this is a perfect time for swimming and you’re less likely to have to battle the crowds to enjoy it. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to cool. Although it’s generally too hot and sticky during the day in September, it’s often ideal for heading to the beach in the late afternoon. By October, people begin enjoying things like al fresco dining with more reasonable average temperatures hovering around 29°C. 

Low Season (June through August): Low season is summertime in Dubai. By June, temperatures begin with high levels of humidity, while July and August are the hottest months of the year. During this period, much of your time is likely to be spent indoors in air-conditioned buildings – a beach is a place only for the very brave, or those that don’t mind getting up in the wee hours of the morning. All hotels have pools, and many of the beach clubs have temperature regulated pools to enjoy.

Need more information?

Send us a message here, or contact us directly on Whatsapp or send us an email. Someone will reply back to you promptly.

WhatsApp: SixThree8 Travel
+971 58 548 6803

Email: travel@sixthree8.com

 

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