Our Recommended Abu Dhabi Hotels
Abu Dhabi Information
General information
Language -the official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and hotels have staff speaking a wide range of other major European languages.
Currency - the monetary unit of the UAE is the Dirham. There are no foreign exchange restrictions and the currency is freely convertible. Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive network of local and international banks aswell as ATM's, to be found in shopping malls, petrol stations and the airports. Cards accepted include American Express, Cirrus, Global access, Mastercard, plus System and Visa.
Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major credit cards. Money exchanges can be found all over Abu Dhabi offering reasonable rates. Hotels also change currencies and cash traveller's cheques on behalf of guests.
Electricity - the electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. The socket type is the square 3-pin system (as used in the UK), and most hotels will have adapters for different kinds of plugs.
Customs - the duty free allowance for each visitor entering the country is 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2Kg of tobacco, a reasonable amount of perfume and for non muslim adults, two litres of spirits and two litres of wine. Visitors are not charged customs duty on personal effects they bring into Abu Dhabi.
Shopping - Abu Dhabi is a shopper's paradise and the range of products and prices is unbeatable. Whether you choose to flex your plastic in designer boutiques or haggle in the local souks, the Emirate's shopping options will not dissapoint. Popular souvenir purchases include carpets, rugs and textiles from the region, gold, Arabian coffee pots, prayer beads, shisha pipes, antique silver jewellery, inlaid jewellery boxes, miniature dhows, brass items and traditional wooden furniture.
