Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Jul 8th 2008, 8:16 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Hi Guys,
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
Jul 8th 2008, 9:47 pm
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,553
Re: Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Hi Guys,
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
Dubai will be asleep now (nearly 2am there) so you may not get much response until morning (I'm in Saudi, nearly 1am here - gosh! aren't time zones an exciting topic!!!).
From my perspective - Dubai is now VERY expensive (think London in some ways) and the 'global' property price/rental slump hasn't reached there yet (many think it will but that won't help you in the short term).
Phones are cheap to buy here (my basic mobile that does calls and text but nothing else because that's all I need) cost me about 15 quid.
Financial sector? IndieGirl is the best source of info there on salaries etc but I'm not sure what you mean by 'financial district'? Dubai doesn't really have one single area where all the banks, brokers, insurance firms, etc, are located, unless you mean the DIFC (but even then, many member firms are located elsewhere while they are on a waiting list to move in).
However there is a "Bank Street" (nickname) in downtown Bur Dubai, which is close to good value apartments, so that might be a good place to look for a place to live.
Off to bed, I am - more tomorrow, but others will hopefully have added some good ideas by then.
Night night.
Jul 9th 2008, 3:53 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 18,187
Re: Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Hi Guys,
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
taxis are dirt cheap, but a bloody nightmare trying to get them, do you not drive...?
loads of things get blocked on the internet, but there are ways round it via vpns etc...again, do a search here and you'll find the info you need...
make sure your uk mobile is unlocked, and you'll have no problems using a local sim card...
MM, xx
Jul 9th 2008, 4:10 am
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: narangba, qld
Posts: 45
Re: Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Hi Guys,
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a managerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a managerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
Moving to Dubai ..what a joy..I don't live there anymore but did do for 30 odd years so will give you what info I can.....
40-45 k a year..looking at a out 25,000dhs a month..thats ok and you can survive..think you will struggle to find anywhere near the financial district thats less than 90,000 dhs ( could be more by now)a year and you will probably be best furnishing your own place as furnished accommodation is quite pricey. Bur Dubai ( bank street etc ) is also quite pricey these days.another area that is fairly close to fd is satwa where there are some reasonable rents, if you can get your foot in the door.i can put you in touch with a friend who is into the rental market and perhaps they can give you a better idea...One thing you could also look at when you arrive is opting for a room in a shared villa, that will save on the pennies but i guess depends on what you prefer, how old you are etc......
You will need to consider the following set up costs...
apartment security deposit ( approx 5%)
real estate agent fee ( normally about 5% of the rent)
Electricty and water connection ( used to be 2000 dhs but could have gone upto 3000??)
you will also have to pay a tax( of course its not called tax its some kind of housing fee) on your rent which is 5%
Bills for water/electricity aren't too bad...generally cheaper in winter when you don't need the ac as much. we were in a two bed villa with small pool and most we paid at height of summer was Dhs2000.
Internet..best connection was about 250 dhs per month for adsl..don't be fooled though its not as great as uk..
then of course on top of all that you have food, tranport etc...anyways i know people who survive on a lot less..you may just find the set ups a bit of a struggle and finding a place..but you will get there in the end
As for internet...Etisilat the local service provider has what we call the Internet police..lol...services are run through a proxy which do limit what you can look at , download etc..buts its not too bad...of course they ban things like skype etc so that they make the money on calls.
as for phone as long as yours isn't barred you should be able to get yourself a sim and get mobile pretty quick.
Taxi's and taxi share...ummm you will probably have to see whos around at work living near by, most people have a car to be honest , but parking at the fd is a total nightmare so taxi will be best..can be a bit of a taxi shortage in the morning and evening with too few taxis to handle the needs. with any luck the new monorail system will be up and running in the next year...
anyways hope that helps somewhat!! good luck on your new adventure...once you are settled you will most likely love it...a
Jul 9th 2008, 4:48 am
#5
Bored liberal
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Over there ----->
Posts: 13,713
Re: Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Rent is usually payable annually, in advance, on new rentals so you'll have to budget for that.
If you could clarify that you mean DIFC when you say financial district, we can help some more regarding areas to live. Forget Satwa as apartments there are mainly rather ropey and much of it will be demolished before too long. Bur Dubai is fine, if a pain regarding traffic, but also consider Oud Metha and Healthcare City.
We don't have any issues downloading films and TV using standard Etisalst broadband.
If your UK handset isn't barred you can pick up a UAE SIM card at the airport on landing. You'll have to have a pay as you go set up until you have residency. Note you will also have a problem renting until you have your residency formalised.
Taxis are cheap compared to the UK, assumin you can get one in rush hour. Even if you are not intending initially to drive, get an International Driving Permit before you leave the UK. They are valid for a year and are required to hire a car.
If you could clarify that you mean DIFC when you say financial district, we can help some more regarding areas to live. Forget Satwa as apartments there are mainly rather ropey and much of it will be demolished before too long. Bur Dubai is fine, if a pain regarding traffic, but also consider Oud Metha and Healthcare City.
We don't have any issues downloading films and TV using standard Etisalst broadband.
If your UK handset isn't barred you can pick up a UAE SIM card at the airport on landing. You'll have to have a pay as you go set up until you have residency. Note you will also have a problem renting until you have your residency formalised.
Taxis are cheap compared to the UK, assumin you can get one in rush hour. Even if you are not intending initially to drive, get an International Driving Permit before you leave the UK. They are valid for a year and are required to hire a car.
Jul 9th 2008, 5:00 am
#6
why ayeeeee man!
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Disco Gardens...
Posts: 11,370
Re: Complete newbie to Dubai, seeking help.
Hi Guys,
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I am scheduled to move out to Dubai in mid-August, have done alot of research on living costs, general socialising, expenditure etc, but just wanted to stop by here to gain some 'hands on' experience.
I wanted to know realistic costs of living. Im not looking for anyhthing fancy, just a 1 bed flat/apartment, nicely furnished, suiting a single male, and was wandering the general costs of this. In terms of location I am not looking for a swanky beach side villa, just somewhere as close as possible to the financial district as possible. I will be in a mangerial sales role over there, and am realistically looking at between 40-45 k earnings per annum in GBP. Is this a healthy wage, I frequently hear that its only worth moving out there if your getting paid at least 30,000 Dirhams a month minimum.
I also will require a taxi or a taxi share pretty much everyday to get to work, any rough costs on this? I know it will depend on distances etc, but monthly Im trying to see how much of a hole in my pocket it will burn.
Also another picky question. I hear the internet is highly restricted out there. I use newsgroups to download various films and games etc. are there tight bans on any form of direct downloads or p2p software?
In terms of phones, I have a UK mobile, will it simply be a case of getting a Dubai sim and starting a contract there on my existing handset?
I will try to think of some other things, but if you guys could post some honest feedback, experiences etc that would be great.
I don't drive and get a cab to and from work everyday, there's loads around, in some places they can be hard to find but you can ring them in the morning and flag one down after work, I pay about £5 each way,so £200 a month for me, but the traffic is a pain so I read my book and listen to my iPod whilst everyone else gets stressed out in the traffic - it's not bad really,
Download a VPL and you can look at anything you like, download anything you like, that's what most of us do - I get films, music etc etc every night, we have 1MB broadband and its about £35 a month, not cheap for the UK but its pretty fast really and all I need,
Take your phone to a little phone place, or ring up virgin, t-mobile etc and tell them you're coming over, for £15 or so you'll get it unlocked then just pick up a SIM card over here for next to nowt - DON'T use your UK phone when you first get here without a new simcard, I did that, cabs, texts and picture messages back home - got a monthly bill of £250, almost shit myself...
good luck fella.
