Dubai Travel Guide for Chinese Citizens

Dubai holiday brings a lot of mixed emotions, with so many things to do that it is common to feel lost or confused about making itineraries. For Chinese travelers, this city also offers several familiar conveniences like Chinese signage in major malls and WeChat-based visitor services. We are presenting this Dubai travel guide for Chinese citizens to help them understand the best of the city before arriving and making the holiday easier to plan!

Entry Requirements & Visa Rules

When we go on a foreign vacation, everything feels exciting but what puts us on the spot is the thought of applying for visas. Well, this is good news for all Chinese citizens who hold ordinary mainland passports. You don’t have to apply for a tourist visa in advance for short stays in Dubai. Here are the Dubai visa rules and stay duration, that you must know for your trip:

• You are eligible for a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
• You are also eligible to extend your stay once for an additional 30 days. However, you will need to local fee before the first month ends.
• If you plan to stay for more than 60 days in total, you must obtain a tourist or long-term visa before traveling.

Now if you want to apply for Dubai Visa from China then there are also a few general entry requirements that you must meet:

• Passport validity should be for at least six months past your arrival date.
• Always carry a confirmed return flight ticket.
• Also, keep your hotel reservation details or the address of family or friends handy.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

1. Winter

This is what we call the peak tourist season when travelers come to explore the city because of comfortable outdoor experiences in daylight and slight cool breezes that set the vibe. If you want to experience the best of the city without feeling irritated because of too much heat, then winter is definitely the best time to visit Dubai.

• Temperature: 24°C to 30°C
• Months: October to March

2. Spring

Although the temperatures start rising at this time of the month, you can still plan a fun day for outdoor activities. Moreover, you also get to enjoy attractions – with relatively fewer crowds than the peak season.

• Temperature: 30°C to 38°C
• Months: April to May

3. Summer

The thought of summer vacations is always fun but exploring Dubai in this season becomes even harder. However, this is still the best time for those who want to explore the city in a budget-friendly manner. You can easily plan your day trips to indoor attractions – while keeping the outdoor activities for the evenings after sunset.

• Temperature: 38°C to 42°C
• Months: June to September

Top Places to Visit in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

This makes for a great start to your trip because of the beautiful panoramic view from its top deck, which is accessible with Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets. However, be sure to book your tickets in advance – especially if you don’t want to waste time in queues.

• Location: Downtown Dubai
• Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
• Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours

2. Dubai Mall

Next, you should explore the biggest mall that houses hundreds of shops and restaurants. You also have the option to go for entertainment like Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo tickets and VR park tickets that add the thrill to your mall exploration day.

• Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
• Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
• Duration: 3 to 5 hours

3. Palm Jumeirah

The reason why you should never forget to explore this man-made island is because of the uniqueness of the whole island. Not only do they have luxury hotels, villas and beaches but also the most popular attractions like the Lost Chambers and the Aquaventure waterpark. They easily cover your whole day and you won’t even regret it.

• Location: Palm Jumeirah Island
• Timing: Open 24 hours but attractions’ timings vary
• Duration: 3 to 5 hours

There are several more places that you can explore in Dubai but these three always top the list for the Dubai travel guide for Chinese travelers. Another part of the city that you should never miss is the Dubai Creek and the Al Fahidi district which houses the most beautiful traditional pathways & heritage.

Getting Around Dubai

You can easily get taxis in Dubai to travel from one place to another in a hassle-free way. However, they’re quite costly if you keep taking them throughout your trip. Although they are the best choices when it comes to traveling with shopping bags and luggage, the Dubai travel guide for Chinese travelers recommends a few alternatives to save well and still travel comfortably in the city:

• You can get a Nol card and use it to travel by metro. They will easily take you across the city and even have a way to the airport.
• Buses are also useful for reaching popular destinations that are beyond the metro network.
• You can also opt for private transfers or packages like Dubai City Tour which include transfers for you and make it easy for exploration.

Money, Payments & Shopping

• Currency: UAE dirham (AED)
• Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, restaurants and attractions.
• Always carry AED cash for smaller shops and local transport.
• A few tourists are also eligible to request VAT refunds on qualifying purchases through participating retailers.
• You can find Chinese signs, WeChat-based guides & visitor assistance in major shopping areas.

Food, Language and Local Customs

• You can easily find Chinese restaurants but there are also cuisines from several other continents like (their own) Emirati, Indian, Lebanese & others.
• Although Arabic is the official language, English is also widely spoken by the people.
• You can wear anything you are comfortable in but when you visit religious places, you need to wear attire that covers you from head to toe.
• Kindly avoid public loud behavior and always be careful about photography around people and sensitive locations.
• If you are visiting during Ramadan, there is local guidance on eating, drinking & public behavior that you should be aware of and follow.

Practical Tips for Chinese Travelers

• You should arrange a mobile data package before you leave your country or buy a tourist SIM after arrival.
• You also have access to free Wi-fi in many hotels, malls & public areas.
• Please note that Dubai uses UK-style three-pin sockets.
• Always keep these apps ready with you: Maps, translation, transport & attraction booking apps.
• Please carry sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing & a reusable water bottle.
• Police 999, ambulance 998 and fire 997.
• We recommend taking travel insurance in case of unexpected travel problems.

Takeaway

Dubai is a fantastic place and always leaves you with memories that you will be fond of long after. This Dubai travel guide for Chinese travelers will help you prepare well in advance and avoid the last-minute stress. So, the only thing – that remains for you is to enjoy the trip to the fullest!