Few apps to make your Dubai trip easier!

Travelling to Dubai was something that came at a short notice and hence needed a lot of planning & preparation for me. This was my first literal international visit and I wanted to ensure that I know certain things before-hand and lead a hassle-free trip once I am there. In order to have the same - I researched and downloaded few apps in my phone. Giving you an insight to them below:

1) Careem

For normal commutation, all various types of taxi services can be availed & booked through Careem. It's very similar to the Uber & Ola apps that we use in India. Taxus of Careem run on meter too wherein the rates depend upon the surge, traffic and what baseline price the government has decided at that point in time. Usually the meter starts at the basic price of 5 ADE but you'll get this price rarely as most of the time there are surges.
Link to the app is -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.careem.acma

2) Moovit

Since Dubai will be absolutely new to you on your first visit and you would like to figure out other options than the high rated Taxis, Moovit can help you! All you need to do is put the point of origin, the point of destination and the time you want to start commuting and this app gives you various options to travel up to your destination. The options include various combinations like taking up a bus, going to certain metro station, then walking up to some bus stop, taking another bus from there and finally reaching to your destined stop.

Also this app helps you with the timings of the metro trains on your route along with specifying how much time the metro would take as well as the intermediate stations that the metro will cross.

In case it reflects the option of walking, it will specify how much distance you need to walk.

Link to the app is -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tranzmate

3) Headout

Once you are in Dubai, have my word that you'll never have the option of getting bored. There is so much to see and experience that you always look forward to what can be your next activity or where can you visit next. But mind you - nothing here comes at free. Tourism is massive here and every spot you visit has entry tickets most of which range from 100-250 ADE Now to book these tickets - you have to figure out which site or app to use in order to get a cheaper deal!

One of my friend had referred me to this app as she had got various combinational deals on this app like - Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Cruise at a definite cost. I personally though did not use it much. Just for one or two places but definitely there were cashbacks that were credited to my account on booking tickets from here and later the entry experience to the venue was also quiet smooth.

Link to the app is -

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tourlandish.chronos

4) Makemytrip

Makemytrip is actually my forever go-to app whenever I consider visiting any place. May it be hotel booking or flight or even train - I personally have always found it extremely user-friendly with good quality of customer support. 

This app can be used to apply your visa, checking and booking your flights as well as your hotel. On top of it - while in Dubai you can also book your entry tickets to various tourist places from here. You get multiple deals here for the entry tickets as they have multiple vendor-tie ups who facilitate these activities. The moment you make the payment, you get the invoice and whatsapp communication starts as well confirming the same. You also get to choose the option of availing the pick-up & drop services at some additional costs wherein mostly the vendors provide to shared transfers which are fully air conditioned. My recommendation would be to avail the shared transfer option especially to activities such as Cruise, Desert Safari, Dubai Frame, Abu Dhabi tours and Theme parks as commuting yourself to these places can be bit tricky as well as can burn your pockets a bit.

My advice still remains to compare the deals from Headout and from a website called Tripxtours ( https://www.tripxtours.com/) and then book that deal which seems better to you.

Carrying e-copy of the tickets to the venue would be enough. No need to get printed copies.

5) Uber eats

Uber eats  comes to rescue for booking your food for delivery since outside food seems to be allowed in hotels. Tracking your food works same as in India. The delivery charges apply mostly in the range of 10-15 ADE. 

6) Zomato

Zomato can be used to figure out the eateries nearby and ofcourse to check and access their menus as well as to do the booking of your food for delivery. But if you are a Gold Member and expect that you'll get to avail the Zomato Gold facilities in Dubai - just forget it. Your Indian Gold membership doesn't apply in Dubai - you'll have to purchase new membership using ADE.

Also - remember to keep the mode of payment as cash while booking food delivery as PayTM payments did not work for me there. Also if you use credit card payment option - some extra charges get added to that transaction later on when your credit card bill is generated.

7) Dubai Metro Guide and Subway Route Planner

To me, this app came as super useful during the first few days to understand which metro train to take for which station and in which line. Ofcourse you have to refer to Google maps at times to understand in which area the particular metro station is in or to undertand how much distance the metro station is at from your place of visit. Also the estimated metro ticket prices are also shown here.
Link to the app is -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.discoverukraine.metro.dubai

I really hope these apps turn out to be great appetisers on your trip's plate and give you a smoother and better experience. :)
Until next time - Happy Tripping!