Trip prep: France → Dubai
A complete checklist for traveling from France to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in United Arab Emirates: Tip 10-15% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance) — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Excellent healthcare. Major hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai) are world-class.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Voltage matches but plug shape differs. Pack a Type C adapter.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for United Arab Emirates — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
24°C / 14°C
warm · dry
May
38°C / 25°C
hot · dry
September
39°C / 27°C
hot · dry
- Light breathable clothes (linen, cotton)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ and a hat
- Refillable water bottle (1L+)
- Electrolyte tabs — heat exhaustion is real
6 Once you're in Dubai
- Public transit: Dubai Metro + Tram + Bus + Water Taxi — single fare AED 3-7.50, day pass AED 20 (all zones). Dubai Metro is brand-new, fully air-conditioned, and connects the airport to the city in 45 minutes. Gold-class cars and women/children-only cars are at the END of each train.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Downtown Dubai — Burj Khalifa + Dubai Mall + Fountain — tourist heart. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Mosque + Louvre), Hajar Mountains + Hatta, Desert safari (Dubai outskirts). Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Few. UAE has very strict laws. Don't drink in public, don't take photos of military/government buildings, public displays of affection are restricted.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for United Arab Emirates in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation