Are You Visiting Dubai? Here Are Six Things’ Tourists Must Know, From Free SIM Cards To Shopping Refunds

If you are a first-time visitor, you are in for a treat.

Dubai always has novel things to entice its visitors worldwide, leaving them wanting more from the emirate that screams vibrant life and energy. If you are considering visiting Dubai, you are in for a treat. Not only will you experience unique adventures and the city's diverse culture, but you will also enjoy all the perks of being a Dubai tourist.

Free SIM Card

You can collect your free SIM card from the counter for telecom operations when you cross the immigration at Dubai International Airport. Du, a telecom operator in Dubai, gives out a free Tourist Du SIM valid for 90 days. The free SIM card comes with 1 GB of free mobile data valid for 24 hours, thus allowing you to navigate the city easily, especially if travelling alone.

Local operators like Etisalat and Virgin Mobile also provide SIM cards tailored to your specific needs as a tourist. Etisalat offers a 28-day option, while Virgin Mobile offers a seven- or 15-day option. You can decide according to what you may need for your stay.

Tourist discount card

Same for your SIM card, you can get a free discount card when you cross the immigration at the Dubai Airport. Scanning the barcode lets you download the ALSAADA Torusit card on your phone. When you have successfully downloaded the app enter the relevant information such as date of arrival in Dubai and passport number. The app will then generate the discount card under your name. With the discount card, you can take advantage of special offers on car rentals, money exchange bank promotions, and savings on products and services related to health and beauty.

Tax-free purchase

Tourists across the UAE are eligible for a tax-free purchase when they spend a minimum of Dh250. While at the store, look for the Planet logo when purchasing and ask for the Planet Tax-Free form. Before paying, just present your pleasant passport to be scanned on the payment system. The shop assistant will then fix a Tax-Free tag on the sales receipt. Remember to validate your transaction at the airport within 90 days of the purchase date. However, you must leave the country within six hours of completing the validation process; otherwise, your transaction will be cancelled.

VAT Refund

When you shop at a planet partner store, you can request a refund on VAT you paid on a purchase you made during your stay in the country. You can validate your purchases at the airport by submitting your tax invoices. Present a copy of your passport and credit card to claim your refund in cash in UAE dirhams or refund it to your credit card. However, you must note that anything you consume fully or partially in the country will not be refundable. Likewise, when leaving the country, you can not request a refund for products not in your possession.

Free Parking taxi discount

Tourists with special kind of needs or people of determination (PoD) can then take advantage of free public parking across Dubai for up to three months. You can apply for the service via RTA's website or app or at any RTA customer happiness centre.

You can also enjoy a 50 percent discount on taxi fares when you apply for a Sanad card, a smart card issued by the authorities for PoD residents and tourists.

You can apply for the card through the Community Development Authority (CDA) official website or CDA Customer Happiness Centre. Make sure to present your passport, clear personal photo, and a copy of the medical report or disability card from your home country.


#uaenews #travelupdate #uaetourism #dubaitourism #dubaitourist #dubainews