United Arab Emirates Travel FAQ (2026)
Do I need a visa or travel authorization to visit United Arab Emirates in 2026?
Free 30-to-90-Day Visa on Arrival for 80+ Countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore)
What is the best way to travel between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah?
Travel seamlessly across United Arab Emirates on Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines), RTA Intercity E100/E101 Buses & Zayed Airport Express. Compare walk-up fares against advance promotional tickets and regional passes in AED (د.إ). For local buses, trams, and metro lines, use Dubai RTA Nol Card (Buy a Silver Nol Card (AED 25 at any Metro counter, comes preloaded with AED 19 credit) to pay AED 3.00 (1 zone), AED 5.00 (2 zones), or AED 7.50 (3+ zones), or upgrade to the Gold Nol Card (2× fare) to ride in the panoramic front Gold Class cabin. ALWAYS keep at least AED 7.50 on your Nol card before tapping in!).
Should I carry cash (AED) or use credit cards in United Arab Emirates?
Official currency is the AED (د.إ) (د.إ, AED; 1 USD ≈ 3.6725 AED). Contactless cards work widely across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but always carry small notes in د.إ for markets, bakeries, and rural transit.
How does tipping work in United Arab Emirates?
10% service charge + 5% VAT + 7% municipality fee are often itemized on hotel bills; leave AED 10–25 or 10% for attentive waitstaff, AED 5–10 for bellhops/valets, and round up taxi fares.
What power plugs are used in United Arab Emirates, and is tap water safe?
United Arab Emirates uses Type G (230V / 50Hz — British three-rectangular-pin socket) sockets at Type G (230V / 50Hz — British three-rectangular-pin socket). Tap water: Desalinated municipal tap water meets WHO standards, though most hotels and restaurants provide filtered or local bottled mineral water (Masafi / Mai Dubai).. Emergency numbers: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Civil Defence / Fire).