Tramps_mate

Can I spend Pounds or Dollars there at all or just local currency?

No, I'v not got a credit card..

Dorothy

Most major airports will have a currency exchange. IIRC I needed Singapore dollars at Changi at the coffee shop but the bigger shops took American and Australian.

Have you had a look at the Dubai airport website yet? I've just booked a trip on Emirates to Canada so took a look at the site to see what to do for my 6 hour layover.

perth tiger

last time i was there the major shops took any currency but you got your change in the local stuff

Tramps_mate

Yeah I looked online. Didn't see anything about currency's. Looked fancy though! lol

Cheers too Perth tiger!

Dorothy

That's really handy to know. Thanks.

EvannTel

If you are buying anything of value or plan to, then i would change up some dirhams in advance. The exchange rate the shops give is terrible.

DC10

Slightly unrelated, but my (numerous) experiences of Dubai Airport are as follows:

*Uncomfortable 20 minute bus rides from plane to terminal (seems not to happen so much in reverse)

*Long walks for transiting

*Consistently long queues for to use even the mens' WCs (just to enter them). Dunno about the ladies', but presume worse.

*Consistently long queues for transit security (which is then a hit-and-miss affair, with barking guards)

*Limited selection of food and drink outlets

*Extremely narrow and crowded shopping concourse

*Limited seating

Apart from the above, it's a delightful place to while away a few hours.

Tip: There is more seating, and better access to WCs, in the actual airside lounges, which tend to open several hours before the flight.

chris955

Every major airport takes just about every major currency, just watch the exchange rate they give you.

verystormy

Totally agree with DC10. I go through it a lot and probably the only worse place is Perth airport. The only plus to the place for me is that you can smoke in a couple of the bars. Apart from that its a crap hole. Oh, and make sure you leave long enough for your connection as a lot of passengers are disembarked a long way from the terminal and are bused to it. Then you can have a very long walk to the next gate.

Dorothy

I've got 2 hours between PER to Dubai and Dubai to Toronto. That should be plenty, eh?

verystormy

It may be tight. If you come in at one of the ones they have to bus you on then make sure you get off the bus and head like a rocket through to security before the ques form. Then check your gate and head off there.

Dorothy

Thanks for that. Seeing how Emirates only flies to Toronto 3 times a week I better not miss that connection! Otherwise I'll have to be in Dubai for 2 days.

Dorothy

Oh wait - just looked at the ticket again and it's 4 1/2 hours.

verystormy

Then you are fine.

Tramps_mate

Iv got 3 hours odd between flight. I would guess that's plenty?