Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to mast parts of the world. Some
restaurants include service charge, otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but ii is considered offensive
to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission
before photographing men.
Taxis
The fleet of sand-coloured taxis operated by Dubai Transport Corporation
is equipped with fare with fare meters. Other taxis are not and fares
are negotiated between driver and passenger, starting at a minimum of
around Dh5 - Dh10 for short local journeys.
Car Hire
Self drive cars are available and the rental company will arrange
temporary local driving licenses for visitors. Renters must produce
their passport, two photographs and either a valid international license
or national license from most developed countries.
Currency
The monetary unit is the dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. Its
exchange rate against the US dollar is approximately $1 = Dh 3.67.
Banks
Both local and international banks in Dubai provide full commercial
banking services. There is no exchange control and the dirham is freely
convertible. Bank hours are 8 am to 1 pm, Saturday through Wednesday,
although some also open from 4.30 to 6.30 pm. (Thursday, 8 am to noon).
Exchange houses are open from 8.30 am to 1 pm and 4.30 to 8.30 pm.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card etc., are generally
accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer
better bargains for cash.
Shopping hours
Normal shopping hours in Dubai are from 9 am to 1 am and 4 pm until 9 pm
or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30
or 10 am. Shopping Malls: 10 am -10 pm. Most supermarkets stay open
until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open
24-hours-a-day. All shops close for prayers on Friday from 11.30 am to
1.30 pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until
late.
Barganing
While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and
supermarkets may operate on a fixed price basis, most other outlets
consider friendly negotiation a way of life.
Weights and measures
Officially the metric system is followed, although British and American
standard weights and measures are understood by most merchants.
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