"Pashmina!" Top 5 Page for this destination Dubai Tourist Trap Tip by JessH

Remember that old saying? "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..."

One of the main items that visitors to Dubai buy for themselves or as gifts are Pashmina Shawls. Numerous styles and colours are available in the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, Karama Shopping Street or Satwa High Street.

If you resemble something like a tourist (don't we all...) when walking in these areas, hundreds of shop attendants will be flocking towards you, eagerly asking "Pashmina? Sir? Madam? Best Quality! Best Price! Pashmina Shawl!"

Unique Suggestions: You need to be aware of the fact that there are many different kinds of quality when it comes to buying Pashmina Shawls. Ask yourself: do you want a shawl that you can just cover yourself up with? Or one that looks pretty with an evening gown? Or as a simple souvenir for someone at the office? Or a proper Pashmina that will keep you warm?

Prices start at 10 Dirhams (3 US Dollars) but don't be fooled: these flimsy bits of unidentifiable material will not look nice for long, and they will definitely not keep you warm! Many store owners will try and convince you that "I only sell best quality in my shop... all other shops here sell fake, but mine is real..." Yeah, yeah... Do I have "stupid" tattoed on my forehead? (I took a picture of this sign in the Textile Souk in Feb. 2007)

Fun Alternatives: --> A nice Pashmina Shawl that is of medium quality is usually made of Viscose mixed with some cotton and wool. These will look nice & shiny and even keep you a little bit warm. Prices for such Pashminas should not exceed between 60 - 100 Dirhams (16 - 27 US Dollars).

--> REAL Pashminas made of 100% Cashmere are available, and they are indeed cheaper than in Europe, the UK or the USA... but they still don't come cheap! A real cashmere Pashmina will cost (depending on stitching, colouring, and of course your haggling skills!) anywhere from 800 Dirhams upwards. (220 US Dollars).