Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you have an accident, even a small one, you must call the police ( 999) and wait at
the scene. If it's a minor accident, move your car to the side of the road. You cannot file
an insurance claim without a police report.
If you are swimming at an unpatrolled (ie public) beach, be very careful. Despite the
small surf, there may be dangerous rip tides and drowings are not uncommon.
Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only
are these goods illegal in the many countries, purchasing them is a violation of local law.
TELEPHONE
The UAE has an efficient communications system that connects callers with anywhere in
the world, even from the most remote areas. There are two mobile networks: Etisalat and
Du. Both are government-owned and there's little difference between the two, although
Etisalat's network is slightly bigger.
In April 2013, Etisalat unblocked Skype (it was previously blocked in the UAE), mak-
ing it possible to download the software within the UAE and to use all of its features.
Local calls (within the same area code) are free.
Mobile Phones
The UAE's mobile-phone network uses the GSM 900 MHz and 1800 MHz standard, the
same as Europe, Asia and Australia. Mobile numbers begin with either 050 (Etisalat) or
055 (Du).
If you don't have a worldwide roaming service but do have an unlocked phone, con-
sider buying a prepaid SIM card, eg at Dubai Duty Free, any Etisalat office or licensed
mobile-phone shops. The excellent-value Ahlan Visitor's Mobile Package lasts 90 days,
costs Dh60 and includes Dh25 of credit.
Recharge cards in denominations of Dh25, Dh50, Dh100, Dh200 and Dh500 are sold at
grocery stores, supermarkets and petrol stations.
Phone Codes
If dialling a UAE number from another country, dial the country code 971, followed
by the area code (minus the zero) and the subscriber number. To phone another country
from the UAE, dial 00 followed by the country code. For directory enquiries call
181, for international directory assistance call 151.
When making calls within the UAE, dial the seven-digit local number if already in the
city and using a landline. If dialling a number in another city - or using a mobile phone -
dial the two-digit area code provided throughout this topic first.
Phonecards
