Dubai Tours FAQ
Section One: Booking
1. Why book with Memphis Tours ?
- There are many reasons to book your trip through Memphis Tours. We have been in the business of operating high quality tours since 1955 and pride ourselves on using this experience to create consistently high quality, personalized tour experiences. Our network extends throughout the Emirates and the Middle East so we are able to provide a level high of service anywhere you would like to travel in Dubai and beyond. Look here for more reasons why Memphis Tours is the best touring option for you and your group.
2. Is there a discount for booking my tour far in advance?
- Memphis Tours is happy to offer an "Early Bird" discount for clients who pay the full cost of their tour in advance. If full payment for your tour is received six months before the date of your arrival, we will gladly reduce the quoted cost of your trip by 5%. "Early Bird" rates require full, non-refundable pre-payment. Discounted tours will not be eligible for date changes or refunds.
3. Is there a special rate for private groups booking with Memphis Tours?
- Yes, Memphis Tours does provide a discount for private trips booked with large groups. For groups of ten or more people, there will be a discount dependent upon the nature and length of the trip. For groups of fifteen or more people, the total price of the tour will be reduced by the full cost for one person in the group.
4. How can I contact Memphis Tours to book a tour?
- Memphis Tours is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives.
- Our toll free number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage. You can submit a booking request form here.
5. What do I need to do to book a tour and confirm my reservation?
- Booking a tour is simple. All you need to do is contact our representatives via one of the methods listed above in question 4. You will receive a prompt response outlining the options available to you and then you can build a tour that will suit your needs in terms of budget, number of days, and points of interest with the help of one of our travel consultants. Once a plan has been decided, Memphis Tours will send you a detailed itinerary that includes all necessary information and plans for your trip. At this point, you will have to confirm your reservation with payment of a deposit. Your reservation will not be confirmed until payment of this deposit is received by Memphis Tours. The balance of payment will be due on arrival to begin your tour.
6. How much will I have to pay as a deposit? How will I pay it?
- The deposit required will be 25% of the total price of the tour, except during peak travel times around Christmas and New Years, when the deposit will be 50% of the total price. You can pay the deposit using a credit card (Visa and Mastercard are accepted) or a bank order directly to Memphis Tours. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment.
- If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact Memphis Tours to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.
7. Is there any surcharge on transactions completed using a debit or credit card?
- Memphis Tours does not charge any additional fees or surcharges on any debit or credit card transactions. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
8. If I am forced to cancel my trip with Memphis Tours will I receive a refund?
-Memphis Tours’s refund policy is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. The amount refunded depends on how far in advance we are notified about the cancellation.
- If you have booked a Shore Excursion from a cruise ship with Memphis Tours and weather conditions or circumstances otherwise outside of your control prevent the ship from coming into port then a full refund will be granted for whatever amount you have paid in advance.
- There are many reasons to book your trip through Memphis Tours. We have been in the business of operating high quality tours since 1955 and pride ourselves on using this experience to create consistently high quality, personalized tour experiences. Our network extends throughout the Emirates and the Middle East so we are able to provide a level high of service anywhere you would like to travel in Dubai and beyond. Look here for more reasons why Memphis Tours is the best touring option for you and your group.
2. Is there a discount for booking my tour far in advance?
- Memphis Tours is happy to offer an "Early Bird" discount for clients who pay the full cost of their tour in advance. If full payment for your tour is received six months before the date of your arrival, we will gladly reduce the quoted cost of your trip by 5%. "Early Bird" rates require full, non-refundable pre-payment. Discounted tours will not be eligible for date changes or refunds.
3. Is there a special rate for private groups booking with Memphis Tours?
- Yes, Memphis Tours does provide a discount for private trips booked with large groups. For groups of ten or more people, there will be a discount dependent upon the nature and length of the trip. For groups of fifteen or more people, the total price of the tour will be reduced by the full cost for one person in the group.
4. How can I contact Memphis Tours to book a tour?
- Memphis Tours is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives.
- Our toll free number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage. You can submit a booking request form here.
5. What do I need to do to book a tour and confirm my reservation?
- Booking a tour is simple. All you need to do is contact our representatives via one of the methods listed above in question 4. You will receive a prompt response outlining the options available to you and then you can build a tour that will suit your needs in terms of budget, number of days, and points of interest with the help of one of our travel consultants. Once a plan has been decided, Memphis Tours will send you a detailed itinerary that includes all necessary information and plans for your trip. At this point, you will have to confirm your reservation with payment of a deposit. Your reservation will not be confirmed until payment of this deposit is received by Memphis Tours. The balance of payment will be due on arrival to begin your tour.
6. How much will I have to pay as a deposit? How will I pay it?
- The deposit required will be 25% of the total price of the tour, except during peak travel times around Christmas and New Years, when the deposit will be 50% of the total price. You can pay the deposit using a credit card (Visa and Mastercard are accepted) or a bank order directly to Memphis Tours. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment.
- If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact Memphis Tours to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.
7. Is there any surcharge on transactions completed using a debit or credit card?
- Memphis Tours does not charge any additional fees or surcharges on any debit or credit card transactions. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
8. If I am forced to cancel my trip with Memphis Tours will I receive a refund?
-Memphis Tours’s refund policy is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. The amount refunded depends on how far in advance we are notified about the cancellation.
- If you have booked a Shore Excursion from a cruise ship with Memphis Tours and weather conditions or circumstances otherwise outside of your control prevent the ship from coming into port then a full refund will be granted for whatever amount you have paid in advance.
Section Two: Security and Safety
1. Is Dubai safe to visit? Are there any security concerns specific to Dubai or the rest of the United Arab Emirates?
- Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are very safe. Crime rates are very low and the number of tourists that come into contact with any type of theft or other crime is very small.
- It is important to note that the legal system in the United Arab Emirates is very different than in many other countries and the penalties for breaking the law may be significantly more severe than you are accustomed to. For instance, public intoxication and public displays of affection are both immediately punishable by imprisonment and drug laws are enforced extremely harshly.
- Laws may vary between Dubai and the other Emirates. Some are more conservative than other. It is recommended the you familiarize yourself with these differences before traveling between them.
2. Is there any special advice for women travelers while visiting Dubai?
-In Dubai and especially in some of the more conservative Emirates it is advisable that women keep cultural norms in mind when they are dressing in order to avoid extra attention. Dubai is an international city, but the society is still a generally conservative one so think about covering your shoulder and your knees and avoiding very low necks on shirts.
-This does not apply in private area and resorts.
- Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are very safe. Crime rates are very low and the number of tourists that come into contact with any type of theft or other crime is very small.
- It is important to note that the legal system in the United Arab Emirates is very different than in many other countries and the penalties for breaking the law may be significantly more severe than you are accustomed to. For instance, public intoxication and public displays of affection are both immediately punishable by imprisonment and drug laws are enforced extremely harshly.
- Laws may vary between Dubai and the other Emirates. Some are more conservative than other. It is recommended the you familiarize yourself with these differences before traveling between them.
2. Is there any special advice for women travelers while visiting Dubai?
-In Dubai and especially in some of the more conservative Emirates it is advisable that women keep cultural norms in mind when they are dressing in order to avoid extra attention. Dubai is an international city, but the society is still a generally conservative one so think about covering your shoulder and your knees and avoiding very low necks on shirts.
-This does not apply in private area and resorts.
Section Three: Visas and Arrival
1. How can I obtain my visa to visit Dubai?
-CItizens from the following countries do not need a visa to travel to Dubai or any of the Emirates: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
-Citizens of countries on the following list can obtain a free, 30 day visit visa at immigration upon arrival with no prior arrangements: Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, The Vatican. That visa can be extended for an additional 30 days for a fee.
-Travelers from other countries must arrange for a visa before they travel and will be required to have a sponsor for their visa application.
-Visitors to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from their arrival date. Other visa requirements may change and vary from country to country.
2. Can I extend the period of my tourist visa beyond its expiration?
-It is possible to extend your tourist visa in the UAE. The original 30 day visa can be renewed once for another 30 days.
3. Can I combine my visit to Dubai with another country?
-Many travelers choose to combine a trip to Dubai and the UAE with visits to other countries in the region. Memphis Tours is proud to offer a wide array of travel services and tours in both Egypt and Jordan. Please visit our homepage to find out more.
4. Are there direct flights from USA to Dubai?
-Dubai's airport is a major hub for international travel. There are flights arriving everyday from all over the world, including several destinations in the United States.
5. Can I travel to Dubai by sea?
-There are several cruise lines operating the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, which stop in Dubai. Memphis Tours is happy to offer short private tours for cruise passengers passing quickly through Dubai, who do not wish to use the tour services offered by the cruise companies. Passengers will be granted a visa by the port authorities at the point of their arrival and tours will begin from there. Please take a look at the Shore Excursions section of our website if you are planning a cruise that will come to Dubai.
-CItizens from the following countries do not need a visa to travel to Dubai or any of the Emirates: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
-Citizens of countries on the following list can obtain a free, 30 day visit visa at immigration upon arrival with no prior arrangements: Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, The Vatican. That visa can be extended for an additional 30 days for a fee.
-Travelers from other countries must arrange for a visa before they travel and will be required to have a sponsor for their visa application.
-Visitors to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from their arrival date. Other visa requirements may change and vary from country to country.
2. Can I extend the period of my tourist visa beyond its expiration?
-It is possible to extend your tourist visa in the UAE. The original 30 day visa can be renewed once for another 30 days.
3. Can I combine my visit to Dubai with another country?
-Many travelers choose to combine a trip to Dubai and the UAE with visits to other countries in the region. Memphis Tours is proud to offer a wide array of travel services and tours in both Egypt and Jordan. Please visit our homepage to find out more.
4. Are there direct flights from USA to Dubai?
-Dubai's airport is a major hub for international travel. There are flights arriving everyday from all over the world, including several destinations in the United States.
5. Can I travel to Dubai by sea?
-There are several cruise lines operating the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, which stop in Dubai. Memphis Tours is happy to offer short private tours for cruise passengers passing quickly through Dubai, who do not wish to use the tour services offered by the cruise companies. Passengers will be granted a visa by the port authorities at the point of their arrival and tours will begin from there. Please take a look at the Shore Excursions section of our website if you are planning a cruise that will come to Dubai.
Section Four: Purchasing Alcohol and Cigarettes
1. Can I bring a personal supply of cigarettes and alcohol with me when I am visiting Dubai?
- Customs regulations allow visitors to import alcohol and tobacco duty free up to the following amounts:
2. What happens if I didn't purchase my alcohol and cigarettes upon arrival, will I have the chance to buy them elsewhere in Dubai?
-Duty Free shopping is only available in the Dubai Airport. You will not be allowed to purchase alcohol at supermarkets or liquor stores in the UAE without a personal liquor license issued by the government; however, It is available for purchase in hotel bars and restaurants.
- Customs regulations allow visitors to import alcohol and tobacco duty free up to the following amounts:
- * 4 liters of alcohol or 2 cartons of beer (1 carton=24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml each)
- * 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams loose tobacco
2. What happens if I didn't purchase my alcohol and cigarettes upon arrival, will I have the chance to buy them elsewhere in Dubai?
-Duty Free shopping is only available in the Dubai Airport. You will not be allowed to purchase alcohol at supermarkets or liquor stores in the UAE without a personal liquor license issued by the government; however, It is available for purchase in hotel bars and restaurants.
Section Five: Languages
Do people in Dubai speak languages other than Arabic?
-Arabic is the national language, but other languages are commonly spoken in some area on Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is an international city with many foreign nationals from all over the world speaking a wide variety of languages. Most people in Dubai can speak and understand at least basic English.
-Arabic is the national language, but other languages are commonly spoken in some area on Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is an international city with many foreign nationals from all over the world speaking a wide variety of languages. Most people in Dubai can speak and understand at least basic English.
Section Six: Visiting Religious Sites in Dubai
Is there any special dress code to be followed during visiting a mosque in Dubai?
-Modest dress is required at all mosques in Dubai and the rest of the UAE in order to respect Muslim religious practices. All visitors must be covered. Men must wear long pants and sleeves and women must be covered as well from their ankle to their wrists. Tightly fitting clothes are also not allowed. Women must also cover their heads with a scarf that will be provided for them at major mosques if they do not have one.
-Modest dress is required at all mosques in Dubai and the rest of the UAE in order to respect Muslim religious practices. All visitors must be covered. Men must wear long pants and sleeves and women must be covered as well from their ankle to their wrists. Tightly fitting clothes are also not allowed. Women must also cover their heads with a scarf that will be provided for them at major mosques if they do not have one.
Section Seven: Hotels in Dubai
1. What is the check-in and check-out time in the hotels in Dubai?
- Check-out time is at 12 PM in most hotels in Dubai, but arrangements can be made to extend your check-out. Check-in is usually around 1 PM, but arrangements can be made for early and late check-in if you require it.
2. What different types of hotels are there in hotels in Dubai?
- Dubai offers a wide array of different accommodations. There are a wide array of reasonable hotel with 3 star ratings and up, but Dubai also offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the world like the famous Burj Al-Arab.
- Check-out time is at 12 PM in most hotels in Dubai, but arrangements can be made to extend your check-out. Check-in is usually around 1 PM, but arrangements can be made for early and late check-in if you require it.
2. What different types of hotels are there in hotels in Dubai?
- Dubai offers a wide array of different accommodations. There are a wide array of reasonable hotel with 3 star ratings and up, but Dubai also offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the world like the famous Burj Al-Arab.
Section Eight: Health Issues
1. Are there any health issues that I should worry about in Dubai?
-Dubai is one of the safest places for travelers to visit in terms of health issues. The government has sponsored a highly successful vaccination program to eliminate illnesses and also hold hotels to a very high hygiene standard.
-The weather is very hot. It is wise to take precautions against heat stroke and sunburn, especially in the hot summer months.
-Some medicines that are legal over the counter in other parts of the world are not legal in Dubai without a prescription. If you have any prescription medicine, be sure to bring the prescription with you and be sure that none of the medicine that you are carrying is banned. Anything containing codeine, for instance, is illegal to possess even in small amounts.
2. Are there certain vaccinations to be taken before traveling to Dubai?
- There are no required vaccinations before traveling to Dubai. However, if you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Dubai, you may be required to have medical testing done.
-Dubai is one of the safest places for travelers to visit in terms of health issues. The government has sponsored a highly successful vaccination program to eliminate illnesses and also hold hotels to a very high hygiene standard.
-The weather is very hot. It is wise to take precautions against heat stroke and sunburn, especially in the hot summer months.
-Some medicines that are legal over the counter in other parts of the world are not legal in Dubai without a prescription. If you have any prescription medicine, be sure to bring the prescription with you and be sure that none of the medicine that you are carrying is banned. Anything containing codeine, for instance, is illegal to possess even in small amounts.
2. Are there certain vaccinations to be taken before traveling to Dubai?
- There are no required vaccinations before traveling to Dubai. However, if you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Dubai, you may be required to have medical testing done.
Section Nine: Currency and Banking in Dubai
1. What is the official currency in Dubai?
-The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham. The dirham is currently valued at approximately 4 UAED to 1 US dollar or 5 UAED to 1 Euro.
2. Will I be able to exchange dollars, Euros, or other currencies in Dubai?
-Exchanging currency is very convenient in Dubai. There are no currency restrictions and any major currency is easy to exchange at exchange location that are easy to find in most central areas. All banks offer ATM facilities so that you can withdraw cash.
3. How common is the use of credit cards in Dubai?
- Credit cards can be used in almost any location in Dubai. If it is not possible to use a credit card in a given store, there are ATM locations commonly available where you can withdraw cash.
-The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham. The dirham is currently valued at approximately 4 UAED to 1 US dollar or 5 UAED to 1 Euro.
2. Will I be able to exchange dollars, Euros, or other currencies in Dubai?
-Exchanging currency is very convenient in Dubai. There are no currency restrictions and any major currency is easy to exchange at exchange location that are easy to find in most central areas. All banks offer ATM facilities so that you can withdraw cash.
3. How common is the use of credit cards in Dubai?
- Credit cards can be used in almost any location in Dubai. If it is not possible to use a credit card in a given store, there are ATM locations commonly available where you can withdraw cash.
Section Ten: Tipping in Dubai
Is it a common practice to give tips in Dubai?
- Tipping is common practice in Dubai, but it is not required. Tip hotel staff at your discretion. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included, but you may choose to add to this by tipping waiters directly, especially if this is not included. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but you should round up to the nearest dirham on the fare. Tipping a couple of dirhams to bellmen, baghandlers, supermarket baggers, and windscreen washers at gas stations is generally accepted.
- Tipping is common practice in Dubai, but it is not required. Tip hotel staff at your discretion. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included, but you may choose to add to this by tipping waiters directly, especially if this is not included. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but you should round up to the nearest dirham on the fare. Tipping a couple of dirhams to bellmen, baghandlers, supermarket baggers, and windscreen washers at gas stations is generally accepted.
Section Eleven: Transportation and Traveling Around Dubai
1. Will it be easy for me to find transportation from the Dubai Airport to other destinations in the city?
- Transportation from Dubai Airport is very convenient. The most common transportation are the plentiful taxis, which are metered and start at 25 dh. However, the airport is also served by the Dubai Metro and public buses, which cost 3 dh for trips into the central bus stations in the city.
2. Is it a good idea for tourists to use public transportation in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates?
- The metro and buses in Dubai are well-maintained and a very good option for transportation. The Dubai metro is considered to be the best in the Middle East. The city is still very car oriented and it is likely that you will need to use taxis at least some of the time to get around.
- Transportation from Dubai Airport is very convenient. The most common transportation are the plentiful taxis, which are metered and start at 25 dh. However, the airport is also served by the Dubai Metro and public buses, which cost 3 dh for trips into the central bus stations in the city.
2. Is it a good idea for tourists to use public transportation in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates?
- The metro and buses in Dubai are well-maintained and a very good option for transportation. The Dubai metro is considered to be the best in the Middle East. The city is still very car oriented and it is likely that you will need to use taxis at least some of the time to get around.
Section Twelve: The Most Remarkable Sights and Monuments in Dubai
What are the sights and activities that are not be missed while visiting Dubai and the United Arab Emirates?
-Burj Al Arab
-Burj Khalifa
- Musical Fountain
- Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium
-Dubai Creek
-Dubai Dhow Cruise
-Ski Dubai
-Shiekh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
-Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
-Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain Oasis
-Desert Safari
Additional Questions
If you have any other questions, which have not been answered here, please contact us by telephone, email, or by live online chat. You can find our email, telephone numbers, and a link to the live chat at the bottom of our homepage
-Burj Al Arab
-Burj Khalifa
- Musical Fountain
- Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium
-Dubai Creek
-Dubai Dhow Cruise
-Ski Dubai
-Shiekh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
-Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
-Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain Oasis
-Desert Safari
Additional Questions
If you have any other questions, which have not been answered here, please contact us by telephone, email, or by live online chat. You can find our email, telephone numbers, and a link to the live chat at the bottom of our homepage