Home About Us Products Quotation Resources Support Insurers Contact Us
 
Recent Updates
Teaching overseas? click here for best value plans

Choose the right worldwide Medical Insurance

China Health Insurance Worldwide cover
UAE Worldwide Health Insurance
Useful Worldwide Health Insurance Articles for Expatriates
Get Free Quote for International Health Insurance
Customer Service
FAQ about International Medical Insurance
Download our Worldwide Hospital list with International Service for expatriates
Helpful links for expatriates working and living abroad
Add your links to linkpage
Site Map
PIBA

Why Do You Need
UAE International Health Insurance?

There are many popular misconceptions regarding International Medical and health care Insurance abroad. Most people prefer not to think about unexpected catastrophes or illnesses. But, what if you or a family member did have that accident or come down with that serious illness?

 

Money and Banking system

Currency

The dirham (pronounced dir-ham) is the official currency of the UAE. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils, coins include Dh1, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils (10 and 5 fils are rarely used). The value is written in Arabic only but Arabic numerals are easy to memorize (see section on Arabic Language).

Exchange

There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the UAE. The dirham is index linked to the dollar and the official exchange rate is Dh3.671 = US$ 1.00. The best exchange rates are generally available at private moneychangers found throughout the UAE, but especially in the more popular souqs and shopping centres.

The UAE Exchange Centre (associated with Western Union) has branches throughout the UAE. Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (authorized representative of Thomas Cook's financial division) has eight branches in the UAE. Al Razouki International Exchange Company has six branches in Dubai, one in Sharjah and one in Abu Dhabi.

Moneychangers

Moneychangers in Abu Dhabi are located off Liwa St near the Central souq. In Al Ain the UAE Exchange Centre is on Abu Bakr Al Siddiq St. Moneychangers are also found in the area of the Grand Mosque. Central Deira and Bur Dubai have a high concentration of exchange houses and in Sharjah moneychangers can be found on Arouba St in the Blue Souq and on Rolla Square.

Banks

There is an efficient banking network throughout the country. Banks open at 8 a.m. and close at 1.00 p.m., except on Thursdays, the start of the weekend, when they close at 12 noon. They are closed all day Friday and public holidays.

Most of Abu Dhabi's banks are located in the centre of the city: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed streets have a particularly high concentration.

Credit cards

Most internationally recognized credit cards (e.g. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners) are accepted by car rental companies, larger shops, hotels and some restaurants, however you should carry some cash for general shopping and eating out at smaller establishments. Some small retailers, even if they do accept credit cards, may charge an additional 5 per cent for processing your payment with a credit card.

Lost credit cards

American Express
Head Office
04 336 5000
00973 228811
Diner's Club 349 8200
MasterCard International 332 2956
Visa
Head Office
800 4420/331 9690
(150)0013105813836
HSBC 800 4440
Citibank 800 4000
Emirates Bank International 800 4080
Mashreq Bank 800 4010
Standard Chartered 800 4884 / 04 3520455
Commercial Bank of Dubai 800 4474
National Bank of Dubai 800 4767/04 223 3166

ATM

Your ATM card is probably the most convenient method of obtaining cash and ATM's are located at many local banks, however it would be wise to check beforehand with your own bank. Check also whether there is a transaction fee for cash withdrawal from ATM machines using a foreign bankcard. Cash machines at Emirates Bank International and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are on Global Access, Cirrus, Plus and some are on Switch.

Globalsurance has an extensive knowledge of international medical insurance for expats living all over the world including UAE. We are here to help you choose the best UAE International Health Insurance plan that is well suited to your needs.

Globalsurance is an independent medical and international health insurance advisor. We offer free quotations and advice to clients throughout the World. If you are planning to travel or live abroad, we can offer you advice to match your international health insurance needs.

 

Contact Us | Site Map | Copyright 2005 Globalsurance all rights reserved _

Individual International Medical Insurance | Group International Health Insurance| Travel Health Insurance | Teacher Health Insurance

All insurance is arranged by Pacific Prime Insurance Broker
PPIB is a registered member of Professional Insurance Brokers Association Limited of Hong Kong
GlobalSurance is wholly operated and owned by PPIB