Middle East Transportation Tips by JohnniOmani

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: On the whole, taxi drivers in the Gulf despite what the internet or guide books may say are as dodgy as anywhere else in the world. The UAE and a few other states use meters but Oman and Yemen and Syria etc come down to bargaining skills. There are a few things to know before hopping in a taxi in the Middle East. 1. Not all taxi drivers speak English and in places like Oman and Yemen, you are on your own. A basic understanding of Arabic will go a long way but if you have trouble ask a local to help you (I usually ask folks in the lineup what I should pay from the airport to my destination so I have a starting point before approaching the sharks outside). 2. Negotiate a fare! Dont listen to the 'no problem' or headshake because I guarantee if you dont negotiate you will pay 3 to 4 times higher than normal. 3. Dont RELY on street names in the ME, most places are known by landmarks such as 'bring me to the main bazaar etc' and the whole exchange is less troublesome for you and for the driver. 4. Always check or write down the license plate of the taxi in case something goes wrong such as bags be stolen or (woman being touched) etc. Overall, they are not that bad ;)

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: One of my hobbies after living and working in the Gulf for the past 3 years is to find cheap flights. My job allows me to take 2.5 to 3 months off a year so Ive become a bloodhound so to speak with regards to finding the cheapest possible way to get around the region. Air Arabia is by far the best option and you can fly return from say Oman to Lebanon or Syria return for $300 Canadian dollars tax included. Iran is about the same from Dubai as well as coming from the other direction ie Beirut, Damascus or Jordan. Air Arabia has even extended its network to Central Asia, the Caucasus, India (dirt cheap), Sri Lanka and Egypt. The cheapest possible way to get to Yemen from the Middle East is with Air Arabia as well. Other airlines such as Etihad Airways offer fantastic deals to the UK and Europe and Gulf Air and Emirates have occasional deals. Good luck and happy hunting :)

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Website: www.airarabia.com
Other Contact: www.etihadairways.com