United Arab Emirates

Navigating the United Arab Emirates is a breeze thanks to its world-class infrastructure, blending futuristic public transport with easy ride-hailing. In Dubai, hop on the driverless Dubai Metro— the longest automated system globally—with 49 stations linked to buses, taxis, and even electric bikes. A single ride starts at just 3 AED (~$0.80 USD), perfect for zipping between Burj Khalifa and the Mall of the Emirates.

Abu Dhabi offers efficient buses and water taxis, while ride apps like Uber or Careem are everywhere and super affordable—a trip across Dubai might cost 20-30 AED (~$5-8 USD), with drivers expecting a 5-10 AED tip by rounding up. For flexibility, rent a car if you have a valid license (around 150 AED/day or $40 USD); roads are impeccable, fuel is cheap at about 3 AED/liter ($0.80 USD), and signs are clear.

Outside cities, drive to rugged Ras Al Khaimah for mountain hikes or Fujairah's forts. Use the Hello app to plan your itinerary, track your budget in AED as you go, and split taxi fares with companions effortlessly. Stay connected with Hello's eSIM—no roaming shocks while booking that spontaneous desert safari.

The UAE's cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Bedouin traditions, Arabian spices, and global influences, best enjoyed at bustling souks or desert camps. Start your day with balaleet—sweet vermicelli with omelet—or grab shakshuka for a hearty brunch in Dubai's old quarter.

For lunch, dive into Al Ustad Special Kabab in Dubai's Bur Dubai for succulent lamb kebabs and Iranian-style grills (mains ~40 AED or ~$11 USD). Evenings call for a traditional dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek, feasting on fresh seafood, machboos rice, and dates stuffed with nuts amid twinkling lights.

In Abu Dhabi, try Emirati classics like harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat) at local eateries near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Don't miss luqaimat, crispy date syrup dumplings, from street vendors. Vegetarians love mutabbaq pastries or foul bean stews.

Pro tip: Meals are generous, so use Hello's expense splitting to divide that group Bedouin feast bill. Track spending in AED to stay on budget while indulging—perfect for foodies plotting their next souk spice haul in your trip planner.

Beyond Dubai's glitz, the UAE's seven emirates offer diverse thrills—from desert dunes to mountain peaks. In Dubai, scale the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views, then ski indoors at Mall of the Emirates.

Head to Abu Dhabi for the ethereal Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry; modest dress required), adrenaline at Ferrari World (tickets ~350 AED or ~$95 USD), or Yas Waterworld's 43 rides. Sharjah charms with conservative vibes: catch fountain shows at Al Majaz Waterfront and admire Al Noor Mosque's architecture.

Adventure seekers, drive to Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais zip-lines (world's longest at 2.8km) or hikes, and Fujairah for Al Bidyah Mosque (UAE's oldest) and Wadi Wurayah waterfalls. Cap it with a camel trek and Bedouin dinner in the dunes.

Organize these gems in Hello's trip planner, budgeting for tours like Abu Dhabi day trips (~200 AED or ~$55 USD per person). With eSIM connectivity, share live updates from the Palm Islands without data worries.

The UAE runs on the Dirham (AED), pegged at ~3.67 to 1 USD—ATMs are everywhere, and cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for souks and tips. Exchange at Dubai International Airport or use fee-free cards; expect 5% VAT on most purchases.

Shopping savvy: Haggle at gold souks (Deira's Gold Souk gleams with 24k pieces) or spice markets—bargain 30-50% off starting prices. Malls like Dubai Mall offer luxury tax-free via Global Blue refunds.

Dining and activities add up: a desert safari runs 200-400 AED ($55-110 USD), metro day pass 20 AED ($5 USD). Fuel is a steal for road trips.

Make it painless with Hello: track every Dirham spent on shawarma or Ferrari World tickets in real-time AED budgets. Split that 150 AED group abra boat ride on Dubai Creek instantly with friends. No more math headaches—focus on the fun, like snagging spices without overspending.