Dubai Trip Budget from Singapore: Costs to Plan For
Planning a trip to Dubai from Singapore? The visa is only one part of the cost. This guide helps you plan the whole budget: the visa, flights, accommodation, daily expenses, activities and other costs, with illustrative budgets and ways to save.
Please note: Apart from our visa prices, the figures in this guide are rough, illustrative estimates for planning. Flights, hotels and attractions change with season and demand, so check current prices before you book.
Visa Cost
Our current visa prices are below, in USD. See our visa fees page for the latest prices, and our guide to Dubai visa fees from Singapore for a closer look at what the price includes and how payment works.
| Visa | Regular Processing | Express Processing |
|---|---|---|
| 14-Day Single Entry | $165 USD | $195 USD |
| 30-Day Single Entry | $250 USD | $300 USD |
| 1-Month Multiple Entry | $450 USD | $500 USD |
| 3-Month Single Entry | $700 USD | Not offered |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | $850 USD | Not offered |
Express costs more than regular processing. Choose the stay and entry type that fit your trip, and do not pay for more than you need. See our 14-day vs 30-day Dubai visa comparison.
Other Costs to Budget For
Flights from Singapore
- Fares vary widely by season, how early you book and the airline
- Prices tend to be higher in the cooler months and lower in the hot summer months
- Compare airlines and dates, and set price alerts
- Last-minute bookings are often more expensive
Travel Insurance
- Strongly recommended
- Check that it covers medical care, trip cancellation and baggage
- Compare policies and check what is excluded
Accommodation
Rough nightly ranges, which vary a lot by area and season:
- Budget hotels: about AED 120-250 per night
- Mid-range hotels: about AED 300-600 per night
- Luxury hotels: about AED 700 or more per night
Alternatives include apartment rentals, hotel apartments and hostels. Our first-time Dubai travel guide explains the main neighborhoods.
Daily Living Expenses
An illustrative range is SGD 150-400 per person per day, depending on how you travel. That typically covers:
- Food: local cafes cost much less than fine dining
- Local transport: the metro is usually cheaper than taxis
- Activities and entertainment
- Miscellaneous: snacks, souvenirs, tips
Activities and Attractions
- Many beaches, souks and walks are free or low-cost
- Observation decks, desert experiences, theme parks and adventure activities cost more
- Prices change, so check current ticket prices and book ahead where it helps
Other Expenses
- A passport photo, if you need a new one for your application
- Currency exchange costs
- Tipping, which is commonly around 10% in restaurants (sometimes already included)
Illustrative Budgets for a 7-Day Trip
These examples are for one person and exclude the visa. They are illustrations, not quotes.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (return) | SGD 600 | SGD 900 | SGD 1,200 |
| Hotel (7 nights) | SGD 400 | SGD 1,000 | SGD 2,500 |
| Food and local transport | SGD 400 | SGD 700 | SGD 1,200 |
| Activities | SGD 300 | SGD 400 | SGD 1,000 |
| Insurance | SGD 80 | SGD 100 | SGD 150 |
| Total (excluding visa) | SGD 1,780 | SGD 3,100 | SGD 6,050 |
Add the price of your visa, which is in USD, from our visa fees page.
Ways to Save
Visa
- Choose the stay and entry type that fit your trip
- Apply early so you do not need express processing
- Check your documents before you apply to avoid delays
Flights
- Be flexible with dates
- Set price alerts early
- Compare airlines
Accommodation
- Compare areas, since some neighborhoods are more budget-friendly
- Book outside peak season if your dates allow
- Look at apartment rentals for longer stays
Food, Transport and Activities
- Eat in local cafes as well as restaurants
- Use the metro where it suits your route
- Mix free attractions with paid ones
- Book attractions online where it helps
For seasonal timing, see our guide to the best time to visit Dubai from Singapore.
Currency and Payment
- Currency in Dubai: UAE Dirham (AED). Exchange rates change, so check the current SGD to AED rate before you travel
- Visa payment: our visa prices are in USD, and we accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- Cards and ATMs: cards are widely accepted in Dubai, and ATMs are common
Be Careful With Unusually Cheap Offers
- Check what a visa price includes before you pay
- Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed outcome. No visa service can guarantee approval
- Read the refund policy before paying. See our refund policy
Budget Planning Checklist
- Visa price (see our visa fees page)
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Daily expenses
- Activities
- Local transport
- A buffer for the unexpected
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the visa fee included in the sample budgets? A: No. The sample budgets exclude the visa. Add your visa price, which is in USD, from our visa fees page.
Q: How much does a Dubai visa cost? A: Our prices start at $165 USD for a 14-day single entry visa with regular processing. See the table above and our visa fees page for all options.
Q: Is peak season more expensive? A: Flights and hotels are often more expensive in the busier, cooler months and cheaper in the hot summer months, but prices vary. Check current prices for your dates.
Q: Is travel insurance really necessary? A: It is strongly recommended. It can cover medical costs, cancellations and lost baggage.
Q: How much should I budget per day? A: An illustrative range is SGD 150-400 per person per day, depending on your style of travel. Your own figure depends on where you stay, eat and what you do.
For more answers, see our Dubai visa FAQ.
Conclusion
The visa is a small, known part of your Dubai budget. The bigger variables are flights, accommodation and how you spend each day, so plan those early and check current prices. When you are ready, start your Dubai visa application, or learn more about our Dubai visa from Singapore service.
