Miscellaneous advice - some info that may be useful for recent arrivals

[wadiman]

Hey there forum folk -

Here's a few things i've found out along the way that may be useful.

1. Border crossing back into UAE from Oman (Al Ain)
Expect to get your vehicle searched at this crossing - grog will be confiscated and you'll be delayed while paperwork is completed. Despite the fact that it may be legal to possess alcohol if you have an alcohol licence they will confiscate it from you at the border.

2. Du - socket activation for internet, landline and cable tv
Be aware that on their Home Plus package that Du permits you to have up to 6 sockets activated for these services. Unfortunately, despite my questioning of the technician at the time of installation, he insisted that i could only have three sockets activated as a part of the package and i'd have to pay extra for extra sockets to be activated. So - if this happens to you - get him to wait while you call the service centre and get them to explain it to him. Otherwise - you may have to wait for several weeks (and many phone calls to get the technician back!). Also - think very carefully about which sockets you want activated (and for what) before you pay for your Du service - getting a technician back will take some time.

3. Exchange rates on remittances back home
Carefully check the rates that banks or other exchanges will offer you. I bank with HSBC and they have a worse rate than Al Ansari Exchange and Ozforex (google it) has a better rate than them. For larger amounts even better deals may be negotiated through various providers i believe (do a search on this forum).

4. Courier services for cheque books and cards from banks
In my experience, it is far quicker to pick up the cheque book and cards from a bank branch rather than get a courier to deliver it to you. In my case, it took 4 days from the time the cheque book was ready from the bank before it was delivered to me by DHL. I know that people regularly get packages sent to them from the UK or US virtually overnight. Need i say that every day is crucial when you've found the accommodation you are after and want to sew up the deal with those cheques!

5. Plants
Wanting a reasonable selection of plants to give me a bit of visual respite from all the concrete i headed off to Dubai Garden Centre (Sheikh Zayed Rd) to investigate prices. The plants are great there but very pricey compared to the nurseries that used to be located near Garhoud Bridge but are now located somewhere (not sure exactly where) near International City. If you do go there be prepared to haggle hard. By way of example, i purchased 2 cycads (80cm diameter foliage spread with trunks 60cm high), 1 desert rose, a fan palm (1.8m high) and two small frangipannis (1.5m high each) for a total of 1000 dirhams delivered. Back home (in Aus) i would have paid that just for the cycads.

6. 'Snagging' a new apartment or villa prior to moving in
If you are moving into a previously unoccupied place be prepared to give it a thorough going-over before you move in to avoid inconvenience. I have moved into a great (high quality) apartment but here's what i had to sort out:
a. a/c didn't operate at all, then minimal flow
b. Hot water wasn't hot enough (adjustment on system sorted this out)
c. Dripping ceiling in the kitchen
d. Hole in roof where a vent hadn't been installed
e. Door to terrace didn't open properly
f. Water spouted from wall when the shower was turned on
g. Walls were cracked in several places
h. Water tap to dishwasher leaked


7. Alcohol licence application during ramadan
If you are unfortunate enough to put this in during Ramadan (boo hoo) then be prepared to wait double the normal time - say about 4 weeks - for it to be processed.

These are really minor issues but forewarning may help you avoid some frustrations and better enjoy your new Dubai experience.

Hope that's of some use!

Wadiman

[bubbles]

Very nice post! It would be great if other people could add to this thread. Personal experiences that are not covered in the what you should know thread.

[vhy]

good and informative post... really appreciated...

One issue to share with all the expats...
I read from the Dubai Explorer that a temporary driving license could be obtained if you arrive Dubai on visitor visa... then I checked that out at the RTA near Emairates Mall... however the lady at the counter said I could drive with my new zealand license and my new zealand passport with visitor visa... Conversion to the local UAE license later when get hold of the residence visa...

I report this to my employer and they temporarily give me a rent car from Thirfty...
I think you could drive with your home country license if you get a car from the rental company..

[Elphaba]

Sorry folks, but some of this is incorrect.

• It is illegal to take alcohol over the Oman border, even if you have a UAE alcohol licence.
  
  
• The law says that if you want to rent a car on an overseas licence you require an International Driving Permit. No matter what you are told elsewhere this is a fact and as I have said many times, it is foolish to think that anyone here (expats at least) are above the law.
  
  
• The service from banks varies depending on which ones you use and whether you are eligible for a 'status/premier' account. Certain ones wil give you a cheque book and ATM card at the same time as you apply for the account.

No point getting stroppy because something takes time in Ramadan. EVERYTHING takes longer in Ramadan, that is how it works here so get used to it.



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[bubbles]

Elphaba, Having a bad morning?

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Elphaba, Having a bad morning?

Nope!

I just get fed up with people giving the wrong information, or complaning because Dubai isn't like their home country.

When you have been here three years you'll know what I mean.

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[wadiman]

The intent of this post was to promote awareness and was not intended as a complaint. I'm having fun here!

As far as banking services/couriers, the comment here is based on my personal experience with 'a bank' and i am a 'status' customer. The issue is not with the bank per se but with the courier company.

Fair call re illegality of bringing alcohol into the UAE other than as duty free alcohol at the airports. It is not widely known and people should be aware.

Bestest to all!

[Helios]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Sorry folks, but some of this is incorrect.

The service from banks varies depending on which ones you use and whether you are eligible for a 'status/premier' account. Certain ones wil give you a cheque book and ATM card at the same time as you apply for the account.

Elphaba, can you please tell us more about the banks that are providing this service (issuance of cheque book and ATM cards at account opening) and what the conditions for such service are ?

Thanks

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Helios

Elphaba, can you please tell us more about the banks that are providing this service (issuance of cheque book and ATM cards at account opening) and what the conditions for such service are ?

Thanks

I know that HSBC can provide them immediately. You seem to get best service on account opening with them by using one of their service offices rather than the full branches. The one in Mercato is good.

NBD has been known to provide items immediately or very quickly, provided you deposit some monies immediately. Ditto Lloyds TSB.

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[Helios]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

I know that HSBC can provide them immediately. You seem to get best service on account opening with them by using one of their service offices rather than the full branches. The one in Mercato is good.

NBD has been known to provide items immediately or very quickly, provided you deposit some monies immediately. Ditto Lloyds TSB.

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Thanks Elphaba for your quick reply, what about islamic banks such as Dubai islamic bank or Noor islamic bank ? Does anyone have any feedback ?

Thanks