Quote:
Originally Posted by JD
Canadian credit cards are fine for things like hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc. But for taxis and venturing into the "low end" of Dubai, you will need cash. In the UAE, only dirhams are accepted. The dirham is tied to the USD at a rate of 1 USD/3.67 AED. Bring USD with you and you'll find currency exchange shops all over the place that give a decent rate. Don't bring your CAD because you'll get murdered on the rate. Alternatively, I've withdrawn money from my Canadian accounts here and it might cost you $5 on a couple thousand dirham withdrawal.
For 4-5 days I doubt you'd need much more than 1-2 thousand dirhams cash, especially if you're also using your credit cards. But the UAE is a land of luxury and there is no ceiling to what you can spend your money on.
As for hotel choices, I've stayed in literally dozens of hotels in Dubai and I can give advice on anything you're looking at.
The Marina View that scrambler mentions - I've stayed there, and he's right, it's a great location, and it's good value. BUT, it's missing some of the amenities and it is a bit run down compared to others. You can find similar types of hotels in Al Barsha for maybe less money, but Al Barsha is not as good a location. Marina View is in the thick of the marina action.
Anyway, without knowing a few of your particulars, it's hard to make a good recommendation. Who are you traveling with (wife, gf, buddies)? What budget suits you? Are you a drinker? Sightseer? Beach bums? etc....
Feel free to send a PM.
As for a meet up for a Flames game, I'm in for that!
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I checked just to be sure since I'm 98% sure I am going to be there on those dates.
Saturday Nov 27, Flames vs Yotes at 6am
Sunday Nov 28, Flames vs Sharks at 7am
If the Fairmont Palm has agent rates available (400 AED/night, can't pass on that), that's where I'll be staying. If not (Nov is busy), I'll likely be back at Marina View again.