Thinking about how much to spend money in travel is not the most exciting part of traveling. But it is one of the most important things that has to be done. Depending on the destination you choose, you can either holiday on a budget or splash the cash. As Dubai is a relatively expensive city, it’s usually the latter.

As you probably know, Dubai hosts a number of record-breaking shopping malls as well as restaurants at every steps. And this is the reason why spending money in this city is an easy task.

For deep-pocket travelers, there are a variety of things to do in Dubai. But for the more conscious spender, traveling in Dubai on a budget, believe it or not, is still possible. So, this article is about how to travel in Dubai on a budget 2020. Read on to the end…

For those who decide to soak the rays in Dubai, there are a variety of outdoor options such as plenty of access public parks and also beautiful beaches. You can also find cheap eateries offering an authentic taste of the world in every part of the city. They won’t leave you broke…

If you plan smart for your travel to Dubai, believe me, your trip will just cost you as little as Dh2,500 for a week. Here’s how…

Transport in Dubai

Average cost per day: Dh50

I recommend you to always save a certain amount of money for travel when you arrive in Dubai. If you’re not on a package holiday, you’ll have to pay for airport transfer to your accommodation. If you’re staying at a hotel, your transfer will be free. It’s better to double check before your trip. It will save cash for you!

If you want to go out and see some parts of the city, catching the nearest public transport will be the best option. Buses, metros, taxis, and trams are just some of means of transport in Dubai. Using them can be cheap!

You can buy a nol card for your travels in the city. It is a contactless card that you can purchase at the airport as well as other groceries. You can use the card to travel by Dubai tram, Dubai metro and buses in the city, among others.

Food & Drink in Dubai

Average cost per day: Dh164

If you’re not staying all-inclusive, food and drink in Dubai can end up being costly. So, think about your daily intake of breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snacks. Eating out in Dubai can vary. According to budgetyourtrip.com, the average cost for food in Dubai is Dh164 per day.

A buffet breakfast at a hotel in Dubai can be something between Dh30 and Dh120, and it depends on the hotel and part of town. Small grocery stores are scattered throughout the city so you will save a lot of cash if you do a couple of supermarket visits to buy snacks and drinks.

A 500ml bottle of water costs less than Dh1 in a supermarket in comparison to almost triple the price in a hotel. Get some bottles of water as well as coffee for your daily need.

Dinners in Dubai offer a variety of prices. A hearty meal for a family of four can cost less than Dh100 if you opt for a small eatery in older parts of town like Satwa, Bur Dubai, or Deira. For something more elaborate in a hotel or mall, the same meal could set you back up to Dh300 or more.

Things to do in Dubai

Average cost per day: Dh150

Experiencing different activities is probably the most exciting part of traveling to a new place. Some things to do in Dubai might be expensive, but they are the experiences that make your trip.

If you’re interested in hiring a jet ski, water parks, or taking a trip into the desert for some dune bashing, you should check out the costs before you go.

You should get a daily plan before you arrive in Dubai. Remember that booking in advance can bring you bigger discounts. Booking with a local provider is also another good tip because they don’t charge commission like some tour operators. You can search in Google for discounts in Dubai.

Right now, camel ride as well as a morning desert safari with sandboarding can be snapped up for Dh148. If you are keen on soaring to the high floors of the world’s tallest building, tickets to Burj Khalifa cost from Dh129 per person.

I also recommend you to skip the tour bus and use public transport to go around. This will save you money on general sightseeing. The Dubai Metro system is more than 74km long. You can use it to go from old Dubai to new.

Shopping in Dubai

Average cost per day: depends on you

Just like budgeting for food and drink, you should decide on the money you set aside for shopping. Before you embark on your overseas adventure, calculate how much you want to spend on gifts and souvenirs.

You can find magnets, trinkets and fun keepsakes for as little as Dh3 each in the shops of old Dubai. So why not having a budget for each person.

As you probably know, Dubai is a paradise for luxury shopping lovers, and shopping malls in Dubai are among must-see attractions in this city. Again, if you are traveling to Dubai on a budget, you need to have a plan for how much you want to spend. Some travelers find the prices in Dubai more expensive than their home country, but it should be said that shopping in Dubai is something worth experiencing. So, get an idea of each item you need and buy them in Dubai!