If you’re someone who’s new to the UAE, whether you’re trying your luck finding a job or perhaps have just started working for a company, or even if you’re already someone who has been working and living here for a long time, here are four things / ideas that you should always bear in mind when living in your home away from home:
Always bring money and your travel cards
A basic necessity and a no-brainer, you should always bring some cash with you wherever you go – at least to have some money to buy food or water. If you’re planning to go out to the city to go sightseeing, travel cards (Hafilat for Abu Dhabi and Nol for Dubai) are important since buses no longer accept cash/coins for payment. Bus trips only cost a few dirhams plus you don’t want to spend so much on taxi rides while you’re here.
Your smartphone
These days, smartphones have become more of a necessity rather than a luxury, especially here in the UAE as OFWs have a great need to stay connected, regardless if that’s for their loved ones, for their flatmates, or even at work! Popular apps that should be installed in your phone include Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram/Snapchat to share and capture that #DayOffNiAte / #DayOffNiKuya moment. Just make sure not to use it while driving or while you’re crossing the road to avoid accidents.
Always be aware of rules and regulations
The UAE is an open country, where diversity and tolerance are very much evident wherever you go. However, that doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want – the UAE enforces strict laws and regulations to maintain the peace and order of the country. Signages of these rules are hard to miss on the location itself, some of which even have their rules posted online. So be sure to read them up to avoid any trouble with the authorities – such as having to pay fines.
Your smile
Your best asset that doesn’t even cost a single fil – never be afraid to approach any fellow kababayans here in the UAE if you’re not sure where the bus stop is or you want to know exactly where you are if you’re lost. With over hundreds of thousands of Filipinos here in the UAE, there’s bound to be one wherever you go. Just be sure to avoid asking for money from a fellow kabayan as both of you are in this country to earn, save, and send money back home.
