Fair prices in Emirados Árabes Unidos — what things really cost

Official silver taxis are metered with a daytime flagfall of about AED 12. Always insist on the meter — reputable taxis run it by default — and short hops stay cheap.

Buses are clean, air-conditioned and cash-free; buy and top up a Hafilat card at stations. The minimum city fare is about AED 2, the cheapest way to move around.

A casual sit-down main plus a drink; a 10% service charge is often already included, so check the bill before tipping again. Cafeterias and food courts cost far less.

Cafeteria shawarmas are cheap, fast and filling — a great budget lunch for a dollar or two. Look for a busy local cafeteria for the freshest.

Karak chai from a roadside cafeteria costs about AED 1–2, a proper local bargain. Arabic coffee is often offered free with dates as hospitality.

Buy water from supermarkets or cafeterias, where it is cheap; hotel and airport prices are many times higher. Stay hydrated in the heat.

The metro connects the airport directly to the city and is very cheap with a Nol card. It is the best-value option outside the metro's late-night closing hours, when a taxi is needed.

Use only the official airport taxi rank, where fares are metered and fair. Ignore anyone offering a 'taxi' inside the terminal, as unofficial cars overcharge.

Buy a Nol card and tap in and out. The metro is clean, cheap and covers most tourist areas. Note the Gold Class and women-and-children carriages, and avoid the rush-hour crush.

The traditional wooden abra across the Creek costs only a few dirhams paid in cash on board. It is one of the city's best-value experiences and a lovely way to reach the souks.

Old Dubai and neighbourhood spots offer good food at fair prices, while restaurants in malls and marina towers cost more. A service charge is often already included, so check the bill.

The city's beloved spiced milk tea is very cheap from local cafeterias. It is a great, inexpensive way to take a break away from the pricier cafes in the malls.

A shawarma from a busy neighbourhood cafeteria is filling and cheap, a fraction of mall food-court prices. Look for places with a steady local crowd.

Official Sharjah Transport taxis use a meter, but an airport surcharge is added, so a ride into the city usually lands in the mid tens of dirhams. Use only the marked rank outside arrivals, make sure the meter is running, and note a ride-hailing app can be cheaper and clearer.

Sharjah's turquoise taxis are metered and inexpensive. Make sure the driver starts the meter rather than quoting a flat price; if he refuses, take the next one. Short hops across the centre cost only a handful of dirhams.

City buses reach the main hubs and are the cheapest way around, paid in cash or with a rechargeable Sayer card at a small discount. Rolla is the central terminal. Services are useful but run less often than in Dubai, so check timings.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value, and Sharjah is strong on South Asian, Levantine and Emirati food. Busy local cafeterias serve excellent, cheap plates; note many venues add a service charge and tax.

A chicken or meat shawarma wrap from a cafeteria is a filling, low-cost meal found on almost every street. Fresh juice, falafel and grilled snacks are similarly cheap; look for a busy counter with high turnover.

Karak, strong milky tea spiced with cardamom, is the everyday drink and costs next to nothing from a roadside cafeteria. Ordering one is part of local life; some cafeterias even hand it to you at a drive-up window.

Short water rides run at Al Qasba and Al Majaz for a modest set fare per person, a pleasant way to see the lagoon in the evening. Confirm the price and whether it is per person or per boat before boarding.