Dubai

Download the RTA Dubai app and get a Nol Card immediately - it's the rechargeable card you'll use for metro, buses, and trams. The Red Line metro connects most areas teachers live in (like JLT, Marina, and DIFC) to major school locations. A silver Nol Card costs AED 25 (about USD 7) including AED 19 credit.

Open a bank account with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, or ADCB within your first month - your school's HR can provide the salary certificate you'll need. Most banks require a minimum salary of AED 5,000 to waive monthly fees, which most teaching positions meet.

Shop at Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, or Union Co-op for groceries - they're significantly cheaper than Waitrose or Spinneys. A week's groceries for one person typically costs AED 200-300 (USD 55-80) at the budget-friendly stores versus AED 400+ at premium ones.

Explore the diverse food scene in areas like Karama, Deira, and Satwa for authentic, affordable meals. A filling meal at these neighborhood restaurants costs AED 15-30 (USD 4-8) compared to AED 80-150 at Dubai Mall restaurants.

Expect to pay rent annually in 1-4 cheques (post-dated cheques you give your landlord upfront). Most landlords prefer fewer cheques. Budget areas for teachers include International City, Discovery Gardens, and Mirdif, where one-bedroom apartments range from AED 35,000-55,000 annually (USD 9,500-15,000).

Dress modestly in public areas, especially in older neighborhoods like Deira and Bur Dubai - shoulders and knees should be covered. While Dubai is more relaxed than other Emirates, respect for local customs is expected, particularly during Ramadan when eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.

Your school should provide health insurance as it's mandatory in Dubai - verify what's covered before arriving. Most schools use networks like Daman or AXA. Keep your insurance card with you always, as healthcare is expensive without it.

Dubai is extremely safe with very low crime rates - you can walk around at night in most areas comfortably. However, traffic accidents are a concern, so always use pedestrian bridges and designated crossings rather than jaywalking.

Get a local SIM card from du or Etisalat at the airport or any mall. Expect to pay around AED 100-150 monthly (USD 27-40) for plans with sufficient data. You'll need your passport and Emirates ID (once issued) to register.

Prepare for extreme heat from June through September when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) with high humidity. Your electricity bill will spike from AC usage, and outdoor activities become nearly impossible midday. Most teachers leave Dubai during the summer break for this reason.

You can only purchase alcohol from licensed stores (like MMI or African+Eastern) with a personal alcohol license, which requires your Emirates ID. However, you can drink at licensed venues like hotels, restaurants, and bars without a license. Drink prices are high - expect AED 40-60 (USD 11-16) for a beer in most venues.