Dubai & Hong Kong in the same trip - what do I need to know?
Discussion
Hi folks,
I have a work trip involving Dubai (3 days, including 1 day off), and Hong Kong (3.5 days, including an afternoon and a morning off). Evenings are off.
Looking for suggestions for
- things to do in time off
- places to buy presents for wife/daughter
- things like phone coverage (I gather Dubai will be very expensive, HK is a "feel at home" destination so I think phone/data all good on 3.), availability of WiFi etc.
- dos and don'ts - I know Dubai are hot on covered legs and arms and no booze, and there also very harsh drugs laws - no ibuprofen so no mitogen, bit how about paracetamol, immodium, usual sort of stuff.
- any other stuff!
On my day off in Dubai I was thinking about going up the Burj thingy as I am there, or is it silly expensive? I have about £500 expenses while I'm out there with some meals included so I can't go too silly!
Also thinking about the malls for shopping - I am staying very near the Ibn Batutta shopping Mall.
In HK I am staying at the Intercontinental which I understand is top notch. Have been told I should go to the evening market.
Also wondering how much I should take in cash or whether I can get away with using cards for most stuff (obviously not the market in HK). Don't want to have to change too much back again if I can avoid it - but then don't want to be withdrawing money from cash points at vast expense!
Anyway, fire away!
I have a work trip involving Dubai (3 days, including 1 day off), and Hong Kong (3.5 days, including an afternoon and a morning off). Evenings are off.
Looking for suggestions for
- things to do in time off
- places to buy presents for wife/daughter
- things like phone coverage (I gather Dubai will be very expensive, HK is a "feel at home" destination so I think phone/data all good on 3.), availability of WiFi etc.
- dos and don'ts - I know Dubai are hot on covered legs and arms and no booze, and there also very harsh drugs laws - no ibuprofen so no mitogen, bit how about paracetamol, immodium, usual sort of stuff.
- any other stuff!
On my day off in Dubai I was thinking about going up the Burj thingy as I am there, or is it silly expensive? I have about £500 expenses while I'm out there with some meals included so I can't go too silly!
Also thinking about the malls for shopping - I am staying very near the Ibn Batutta shopping Mall.
In HK I am staying at the Intercontinental which I understand is top notch. Have been told I should go to the evening market.
Also wondering how much I should take in cash or whether I can get away with using cards for most stuff (obviously not the market in HK). Don't want to have to change too much back again if I can avoid it - but then don't want to be withdrawing money from cash points at vast expense!
Anyway, fire away!
Dubai doesn’t care about covering arms and legs. You can walk around in shorts and t shirt to your hearts content.
The burj is ok, if you decide to go book a slot online, it’s not cheap but it’s not ridiculous.
There are dozens of good restaurants and bars. I quite like the Observatory for sunset, it’s happy hour at that time as well.
The burj is ok, if you decide to go book a slot online, it’s not cheap but it’s not ridiculous.
There are dozens of good restaurants and bars. I quite like the Observatory for sunset, it’s happy hour at that time as well.
Yeah pretty much everything you say about dubai is incorrect. Dont been to sound obtuse but use the search function there have been several Dubai threads recently.
You're staying at the movenpic or the premier inn. Pretty bad location in all fairness but close to jlt/marina/jbr for better dining options. Taxis abound but also download the uber app if you dont already have it, not much more expensive than a regular cab offpeak but way better in all respects.
You're staying at the movenpic or the premier inn. Pretty bad location in all fairness but close to jlt/marina/jbr for better dining options. Taxis abound but also download the uber app if you dont already have it, not much more expensive than a regular cab offpeak but way better in all respects.
shirt said:
Yeah pretty much everything you say about dubai is incorrect. Dont been to sound obtuse but use the search function there have been several Dubai threads recently.
You're staying at the movenpic or the premier inn. Pretty bad location in all fairness but close to jlt/marina/jbr for better dining options. Taxis abound but also download the uber app if you dont already have it, not much more expensive than a regular cab offpeak but way better in all respects.
With regards to taxis. If you get a taxi don’t get the Lexus’ they are a rip off. Only get the RTA taxis or Uber. If getting an RTA taxi often the driver will ask if you live there, the answer is either yes/until recently/I’m here on business a lot. If you answer no you’ll often get the magical mystery tour.You're staying at the movenpic or the premier inn. Pretty bad location in all fairness but close to jlt/marina/jbr for better dining options. Taxis abound but also download the uber app if you dont already have it, not much more expensive than a regular cab offpeak but way better in all respects.
Thanks guys - bit harsh though shirt, the only things I said were about booze / dress / nurofen etc. and those were the things I have been told (by my travel company) specifically to be careful about! I can live without a beer for a couple of days and I don't mind wearing trousers and long sleeves (I'll be working inside air conditioned schools most of the time), but was worried about paracetamol etc.
Anything on using UK phones in dubai (specifically on 3 UK)?
I know there are other threads, maybe I am a bit lazy but I was hoping to get specific info as I just don't have the time to read loads at the moment...
Anything on using UK phones in dubai (specifically on 3 UK)?
I know there are other threads, maybe I am a bit lazy but I was hoping to get specific info as I just don't have the time to read loads at the moment...
NiceCupOfTea said:
Thanks guys - bit harsh though shirt, the only things I said were about booze / dress / nurofen etc. and those were the things I have been told (by my travel company) specifically to be careful about! I can live without a beer for a couple of days and I don't mind wearing trousers and long sleeves (I'll be working inside air conditioned schools most of the time), but was worried about paracetamol etc.
Anything on using UK phones in dubai (specifically on 3 UK)?
I know there are other threads, maybe I am a bit lazy but I was hoping to get specific info as I just don't have the time to read loads at the moment...
I’m on O2 and with O2 there’s a fixed travel package for a few quid a day which includes unlimited calls/texts/data. Not sure about 3.Anything on using UK phones in dubai (specifically on 3 UK)?
I know there are other threads, maybe I am a bit lazy but I was hoping to get specific info as I just don't have the time to read loads at the moment...
Dubai is absolutely swimming in booze, probably one of the easiest places in the world to be a functioning alcoholic thanks to dirt cheap taxis. Go somewhere like the Marina Social on a Friday for brunch and you wouldn’t know you were in a Muslim country, women wearing barely anything and everyone knocking back drinks like it’s their last day on earth.
Didnt mean to sound harsh sorry. But the dress code assertion is wrong (its permanent tit monday here), booze is everywhere and ibuprofen is sold in every pharmacy. You can even get things like tramadol and other opiate based meds with prescription.
Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates are a bit more reserved but Dubai is pretty much vegas without the gambling and strip joints.
Go to brunch at atlantis then onto barasti and the york hotel. Then tell me if your perceptions have been somewhat altered
Eta: you can get free wifi pretty much everywhere. If you want dining prompts then let me know your preferences. Food is one thing Dubai excels at.
Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates are a bit more reserved but Dubai is pretty much vegas without the gambling and strip joints.
Go to brunch at atlantis then onto barasti and the york hotel. Then tell me if your perceptions have been somewhat altered
Eta: you can get free wifi pretty much everywhere. If you want dining prompts then let me know your preferences. Food is one thing Dubai excels at.
Edited by shirt on Tuesday 24th April 06:57
I'm in Dubai just now.. I've visited four times now, and was sure it used to be a Feel At Home destination with Three, but not anymore!
From 3: Welcome to the UAE. It's max of £3.00/min to call, £1.25/min to receive a call, 35p to send SMS & £6.00/MB to use web & email.
Wi-Fi is readily available, or you can pay £5/day for Three's data passport.
From 3: Welcome to the UAE. It's max of £3.00/min to call, £1.25/min to receive a call, 35p to send SMS & £6.00/MB to use web & email.
Wi-Fi is readily available, or you can pay £5/day for Three's data passport.
djc206 said:
With regards to taxis. If you get a taxi don’t get the Lexus’ they are a rip off. Only get the RTA taxis or Uber. If getting an RTA taxi often the driver will ask if you live there, the answer is either yes/until recently/I’m here on business a lot. If you answer no you’ll often get the magical mystery tour.
Taxi from the airport last week to Al Naseem on Jumeirah Beach 100 aed including a tip.Lexus Taxi contracted to AN to airport this morning fixed price of 90 aed. Heart broken listening to his life story ended up giving him 120 aed instead.
Like everything get a fixed price before the start of the journey.
Buster73 said:
Taxi from the airport last week to Al Naseem on Jumeirah Beach 100 aed including a tip.
Lexus Taxi contracted to AN to airport this morning fixed price of 90 aed. Heart broken listening to his life story ended up giving him 120 aed instead.
Like everything get a fixed price before the start of the journey.
Definitely. All of my encounters with them they’ve tried to charge insane money. When I went out last time to a wedding a few of the Dubai virgins in the group had fallen victim.Lexus Taxi contracted to AN to airport this morning fixed price of 90 aed. Heart broken listening to his life story ended up giving him 120 aed instead.
Like everything get a fixed price before the start of the journey.
NiceCupOfTea said:
Thanks guys - bit harsh though shirt, the only things I said were about booze / dress / nurofen etc. and those were the things I have been told (by my travel company) specifically to be careful about! I can live without a beer for a couple of days and I don't mind wearing trousers and long sleeves (I'll be working inside air conditioned schools most of the time)
This is Dubai, not Riyadh. Booze is free flowing here, with an endless option of licensed bars and restaurants on your doorstop should you wish to indulge.
You do not need to wear trousers and long sleeves when out and about. The temp is close to 40C now!
Relax and Enjoy.
Buster73 said:
Taxi from the airport last week to Al Naseem on Jumeirah Beach 100 aed including a tip.
Lexus Taxi contracted to AN to airport this morning fixed price of 90 aed. Heart broken listening to his life story ended up giving him 120 aed instead.
Like everything get a fixed price before the start of the journey.
Uber black from the palm to the airport last saturday was 72dhs. Lexus Taxi contracted to AN to airport this morning fixed price of 90 aed. Heart broken listening to his life story ended up giving him 120 aed instead.
Like everything get a fixed price before the start of the journey.
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