Moving Tips for USA Expats Relocating to Dubai
Relocating from the USA to Dubai can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help make your transition smoother.
Research and Preparation
So it is very important to prepare and know a lot about the subject before taking action. Learn about different culture, weather, politics and salary in Dubai. This preparation will assist you in finding out whether Dubai is suitable for you and your family.
Visa and Documentation
For short visit of up to 30 days, Americans can get the tourist visa on arrival. But if you are planning to work or live in Dubai you must get the required visa before traveling to the country. This process also involves a compulsory medical examination that has to be done in Dubai and this involves a HIV/AIDS test.
Transporting Belongings
Transporting your belongings can be a process which is quite complicated. It is advisable to seek the services of professional movers or global logistics firms for the shipping, store and setting up services.
Financial Management
To open a bank account a foreigner has to provide the passport with the residence permit and a no-objection certificate from the employer. It is also advisable to also consider the aspect of international money transfer in order to help you better manage your money during the process.
Driving and Transportation
One cannot drive in the streets of Dubai without a proper local drivers license. It has set down procedures that must be observed and an evaluation to be done. Dubai being one of the developed cities in the UAE has a good network of transport system in form of Dubai Metro and taxis which can be easily, safely and cheaply used by individuals who do not own a private car.
Healthcare
Heath care services in Dubai are excellent, but they are not cheap. Ensure you take a health insurance cover because it is compulsory for all the expats. Some of the employers provide Health cards that are used to get a discount on the services that you may need.
Education
Education in Dubai is divided into two; public and private and international schools. The size of the school should also be looked at because it has to be within one’s means as far as the location is concerned. Tuition fees differ on an annual basis, so expect the unexpected.
Coming to a new country, first things first, you have to find a place to live. Whatever your choice between a high rise or villa, you will find an excellent home in Dubai. When choosing the houses for living there are some issues which should be taken into account and among them is the distance from the workplace and schools for children.
Cultural Adjustments
Dubai has shift its work from Sunday to Thursday while Friday and Saturday are the weekends. The currency used here is the United Arab Emirate Dirham and the exchange rate remain constant at 1 USD=3.6 AED. It is also necessary to be aware of the people’s customs and regulations in a certain place so that one will not have any misunderstanding.
Leisure and Entertainment
Dubai is a city that is open and operational round the clock; there is always something to do and to watch in Dubai. Malls and fun centers are not left out; they include amusement parks as well as architectural wonders such as the Burj Khalifa as well as the Museum of the Future and you will never have time on your hands.
With these tips and from this guideline, your move to Dubai will be as easy and fun as can be.