Thinking about moving to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as an expat? Whether you are relocating to Dubai from abroad alone or with a family, moving can be costly without adequate planning. If you are wondering how you can save when moving to Dubai, the UAE team at Allied Moving Services has you covered! We know the tips that will help you get the most out of your budget when moving to Dubai from overseas.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN MOVING TO DUBAI AS AN EXPAT
There’s no doubt that moving overseas is an exciting experience, but it can be expensive. We’ve included some helpful advice on how you can keep the costs down during your relocation to Dubai and the UAE as an expat.
UNDERSTAND THE COST OF LIVING
More and more expats are drawn to living in Dubai due to large salaries and lack of income tax. However, these benefits mean that new expats often feel the pressure to keep up with the common flashy lifestyle of Dubai and can quickly run into trouble if they are spending beyond their means. To avoid this, research the actual cost of living in Dubai before you relocate and create a monthly budget to stay on top of your expenses.
CREATE A MOVING BUDGET
It’s recommended that you also create a dedicated budget for moving to the UAE as well as your cost of living budget. This budget will include the costs directly related to your move, such as visas, customs requirements and other immigration fees, packing materials, flights, and short-term accommodation for when you first arrive in the UAE. It’s also recommended that you request a quote from your chosen moving company to give you an idea of the cost of your move. Ensure to include any additional moving services you need such as pet relocation and transit insurance in your quote.
PACK CAREFULLY
One of the simplest ways to reduce costs during your move to Dubai and the UAE is to pack carefully, which involves thinking strategically about what items you need to bring with you and what you can sell, donate, or place in storage. Take the time to consider which items can be easily replaced once you’ve arrived and are settled into your new home in Dubai, so aren’t worth the expense of being packed and moved.
An easy way to start packing carefully is to reevaluate your clothing. The UAE has an arid hot and dry climate with an average temperature of 28℃. Because of this, you won’t need to bring all your thick winter coats and jumpers with you. Instead, focus on packing warmer weather clothing that will be lightweight yet still conservative.
We highly recommend using a professional packing service for your move to the UAE as experts will carefully pack your furniture and belongings for their international journey, minimising the risk of damage, breakage or loss.
HAVE INSURANCE
Although insurance can seem like an unnecessary expense, it can make a significant difference financially when you need it. One insurance policy you can’t go without in the UAE is private health insurance. It is actually mandatory to have health insurance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and you will not receive a residency visa without proof of an existing policy. There is free public healthcare available for Emirati nationals, but expats will have to pay more for treatment at a hospital or clinic. It’s also a good idea to have moving insurance for when you relocate internationally to the UAE. As moving can be unpredictable at the best of times, it’s recommended that you have transit insurance so you will be covered if the worst case scenario does occur.
USE SECURE STORAGE
When packing you may realise that you have some items which may not work in your new home in the UAE, or may not be ready to bring with you straight away. You may also need some additional time than you planned for to find the right property so we recommend storing your belongings and furniture until you’re ready to move into your new home. Use a storage provider who can securely store your belongings and furniture in a storage facility for as long as you need. Allied’s storage service provides both short-term and long-term storage options for maximum flexibility, and is highly secure with 24/7 monitoring and inventory recording so you have complete peace of mind.
FIND THE RIGHT AREA TO LIVE
Finding the right area to live in the UAE is important. It will impact your lifestyle, career opportunities, accommodation options and overall quality of life. Dubai and Abu Dhabi tend to be the most popular choices for expats moving to the UAE. We recommend living in Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Mirdif if you are a family relocating to Dubai.
CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED MOVING COMPANY
To help you get the most out of your moving budget, we recommend using an experienced moving company like Allied Moving Services UAE. Our international moving team has the right expertise, training and equipment to handle your move and make your relocation experience to the UAE efficient and hassle-free! Not only can we help save you time, but our services can reduce the risk of any added costs caused by moving delays and breakages, damages and lost items which may occur due to an inexperienced moving company. Book your international move to Dubai today with Allied Moving Services and receive a cost-effective experience!