To mark Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s top shopping destinations, Visa International has put together a guide to making the most of shopping in the emirate.
“Dubai attracts visitors from far and wide looking to take advantage of tax free shopping, advantageous exchange rates and year long promotions. This year Visa wants help visitors enjoy shopping in Dubai even more by providing helpful tips and advice on how to shop smartly and avoid ‘after sales regret’,” said Stephen Coakley, Marketing Communications Manager for Visa International in the Middle East.
Visa’s guide to smart shopping:
o Do keep all receipts as proof of purchase – what looked in perfect condition in the fitting rooms may not always be after closer inspection.
o Don’t give in to impulse shopping - avoid shopping when you are tired, when you are hungry or when you need an emotional boost.
o Do your homework on future purchases – just because an item is reduced doesn’t mean its good value unless it fits all your requirements.
o Don’t wander through department stores aimlessly; that way you’ll avoid the temptation to buy items out of your financial reach
o Do use a debit card instead of cash. This way you can keep a list of where you are making all your purchases by checking your monthly bank statement, instead of having to rely on your memory to know where you have spent your money.
o Don’t forget to ask yourself “Do I really need this?”
o Do carry a Visa card. It is the most widely accepted payment card in the world with over 24 million merchants taking Visa payments
“Shopping holidays to Dubai are a great way of combining a well deserved getaway with the opportunity to update your wardrobe or stock up on some unique items you can only find in Dubai. Using your Visa card is a convenient and flexible way to pay. With a credit card, the consumer has the choice to pay back the full amount or to pay back in monthly installments, helping them to manage their day-to-day cash flow. However, shoppers should bear in mind that they should stay within their credit limits and manage their spending, not to mention their baggage allowance,” concluded Stephen Coakley.
Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions through the world's largest electronic payments network. Visa products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. Visa is committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth.
Visa products currently generate more than $4 trillion in sales volume worldwide. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/Plus is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
