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New to Dubai? You need these life hacks

Dubai - You can also save a lot of money with these expat tips

By Keith Pereña

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Published: Thu 19 Oct 2017, 2:21 PM

Last updated: Fri 20 Oct 2017, 12:27 PM

If you're new to Dubai, knowing all the secrets of the city is a huge task. These include understanding the way things work, trying to communicate with other cultures and even finding the best and cheapest spots to get things done.
These nuggets of 'expat knowledge' will be unknown to you as soon as you land at Dubai International Airport.
The learning curve to adjusting to life in a new city varies from person to person, but knowing all the tips to make expat life easier is a long process. That's why we're giving you some tips on how to make your life here in Dubai a breeze.

These items are important and necessary

Make sure that you keep your Emirates ID/Labour Card with you at all times. If it's under process, make sure you keep a photocopy of your visa AND passport with you at all times.

Know your Nol Card

Red, Blue, Silver, Gold - the Nol card is one of the most essential things you must carry with you if you want to go around town on the cheap. The Nol card can be used to pay for the Metro, the tram, the bus and even the cab! Different colours denote different perks and priviliges the card have to offer as well as their value. You can read more on that here.
 
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Affordable alterations

Get a great deal by going to the rows and rows of tailors in Satwa who will happily make your ill-fitting clothes look fabulous for as low as Dh15. You can also haggle with them for the price by the way. Shoes broken? Get it done by a local cobbler for only Dh25.
 
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Buy groceries. without standing up

Several small groceries around Dubai deliver items straight to your door for a small fee. Need coffee? Just call up their number!

Know when the bus will arrive

Download RTA's Wojhati app, and save yourself from having to spend time standing in the bus stop under the searing summer heat. 

The Metro closes around 11PM

Dubai Metro has become a popular affordable mode of transport in Dubai, used by millions of residents and tourists. Fact: the Metro just celebrated 1 billion riders since its opening.

Buying souvenirs

Go buy your miniature Burj Khalifas from the many Dh20 stores in Bur Dubai where you can get them for prices lower than what you would see in malls.
 
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Stock up your wardrobe without breaking the bank

Remember that sales in Dubai work as such - winter clothes are cheaper during summer and vice versa. You can also visit Dubai Flea Market for some amazing deals on clothes that would usually command sky high prices.

Save up on your food binge

Forget brunch - which would normally cost you above Dh100. Enjoy a wide variety of food in the many buffets around Dubai, some of which will only set you back by Dh45.


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