I've never left the US before but will be going to Dubai to study for the summer. I am just looking for any tips anyone has on getting around airports (I'm stopping over in Amsterdam for 6 hours) and visas once I arrive. Does airport immigration grant visas around 90-100 days or do most people just get a 30 day stamp and then deal with extending once in the country? I am going to Morocco for the fall so it would save me lots of money not flying back to the US.

Also, are there any tips on money? If I have US dollars, will vendors in the Amsterdam airport take them if I want a snack? What about using credit cards in Dubai? Which ones are best for low (or 0%) exchange fees and are accepted by most places?

Thanks.

Hi
Dubai is very well developed and you won't have a problem using any credit card there. I am not sure about the visa's etc but won't the school you are going to study at help you with that?

At the airport, immigration will give you a 60 day visa. If you need longer, your best bet is to go to Oman for the weekend to get another 60 day visa. You'll have no problems with credit cards but I'm not sure about the rates (3%?)

Great! So immigration actually allows people to keep entering and getting a new visa as long as he or she leaves for a few days?

Actually yes, but you have to pay to exit UAE from a land border and pay to enter Oman from a land border.But I think this can only be done once or twice.

Hi,

Here is a quote from the Visa Requirement section of www.dubaitourism.ae

Quote:
US Citizens

US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassies in the US for one to ten year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months a visit.

Unquote

I suggest you contact the United Arab Embassy in the US and also your place of study, as they will probably be the one which will sponsor you.

Regarding your question about using US dollars at Schiphol (Amsterdam) Airport: Euros are used there, so I think you'd be hard-pressed to get anyone to take your dollars. However, you can use your credit card with no problem. Given that a cappucino runs about US$5 there, a "snack" could get expensive!

would definately recommend going to Oman for a few days beyond just getting your visa extended - its far more interesting than Dubai

Loved Dubai and Oman both as I'm sure you will! As for credit cards, the card which is best for any foreign travel because there is NO charge or added fees is Capital One. At home (USA) I only use my AmEx but I have the Capital One which I use exclusively in any other continent.

Shay Tay -

I was about to hit the ATM or use my credit card for a snack at Schiphol when I found that (at least some) coffee shops take USD and Sterling. Our waitress just opened her multi-sectioned wallet and joila, all kinds of currencies. Even got change in USD.

Unless this has changed since last year. It seems to me many of these shops prefer not to accept credit card charges for less than $5... providing instead the service in various currencies.

Thanks everyone. I got a bit ahead of myself with my visa questions. My school sent me a letter to give to immigration a few days after i posted this.

Ive since decided to travel europe for 2 months between Dubai and Morocco, so for that reason and others I am getting some Euros and hopefully some AE Dirhams ordered from my bank here to have before I go. I dont want to have to deal with money changers at 1030pm to get my taxi from the airport.

If you need Euros don't get them from $ changers, get them from an ATM machine. It's much cheaper. We normally arrive without any and just get them first thing when we walk off the plane at the European airport. If you feel more comfortable, get some before leaving the USA even if it cost more and then replenish along the way via an ATM.

Hi thefirstme,
I used USD in Schiphol this past March thru-out the airport at a couple shops, the noodle stand and a pub (8 hr. layover). I imagine that they could be used elsewhere in the airport as well.
Good luck with your trip!
Sherry

Thanks for the info on using US dollars in Schiphol; that's good to know. Of course, an early-morning "snack" of cappucino and roll seems to cost well over $5! It's a great airport for a layover. I've even made use of the "nap" chairs upstairs.