Medical Insurace
Make sure you are fully covered for medical treatment. Although pharmacies provide medicines quite accessibly, treatement, hospitalisation and evacuation can add up to a large amount. Only emergency treatment is free.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you are covered for unexpected losses or expenses such as cancelled flights, lost luggage, lost passport, stolen cash, or credit cards, as it can be difficult to request necessary doucmentation without it. Keep all your valuables in a safe place
Funds
Bring enough funds, for your stay and return. Although you can use credit cards, and withdraw fom ATMs, bank transfers can take about a week. Use a proper teller to transfer your money rather than on the streets.
Drugs
Don't even think about getting involved with drugs. Penalties are severe, and with any proof in your bloodstream, even before you were in the UAE constitutes an offense of trafficking.
Visas
Make sure you have a visa, dependant on the country you are from. See here for more details.
Respect
Respect local laws and customs. Dress in a modest way, covering at least the tops of arms and legs, and not tight clothes. Although, in practice, anything goes, it's best to respect the culture of the land that you are visiting. Don't behave in a manner that might insult Muslim customs or beliefs. Don't swear - as you can get fined and sent to jail! Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Customs
Don't bring alcohol or pornography to the UAE. Videos and books are often checked and may be retained by customs officials.
Driving
On a visit visa, you can drive on an international driving licence, but this changes is you are a resident. Don't dribk and drive, ever. You'll go to jail. If you have an accident, remain with your car, in the exact place where the accident happened.
Photographs
Don't take pictures of governmental or miltary organisations. If you want to take pictures of the locals, make sure you ask first, especially with women.
ID
Carry some sort of ID with you, with a photo on it.
Overstaying
Don't overstay your visa period, as you will be charged per day.
Muslim Holidays
Be aware when the Muslim holidays are. Don't eat in Public during the day during Ramadan
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