Travel essentials for the United Arab Emirates
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Power & adapters
Type G adapter required
The UAE uses the British Type G plug. You need an adapter; voltage matches Australia.
230V, 50Hz
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is desalinated and safe, though most residents drink bottled or filtered water because of building storage tanks.
Staying connected
Excellent everywhere, including the metro and desert highways.
Important detail: WhatsApp and FaceTime voice and video calls are blocked on UAE networks regardless of which local eSIM you buy. An international roaming eSIM that routes through a foreign gateway may keep them working - check with the provider.
Compare United Arab Emirates eSIMsHealth risks
- Extreme heat May-September
- Sandstorms
- Strong rips at some public beaches
Emergency numbers in United Arab Emirates
| All emergencies | 999 police / 998 ambulance |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| Fire | 997 |
| Australian consulate | Australian Consulate-General Dubai - +971 4 508 7100 |
Tipping and everyday costs
Appreciated but not compulsory. 10-15% at restaurants (many add a service charge), AED 5-10 for porters and drivers.
What screening will actually let you pack
Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.
More United Arab Emirates essentials
Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack
How these comparisons are made
Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.
United Arab Emirates travel essentials FAQs
What adapter do I need for the UAE?
A Type G adapter - the British three-pin plug. Voltage is 230V, the same as Australia.
Planning United Arab Emirates?
We will send you the United Arab Emirates guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.