Dubai - shopping advice please

[MaggieW]

It sounds as if the shopping is not to be missed -which of the malls would you recommend? Are prices cheaper than here?
Also which of the souks are not to be missed?
Finally, do you tip in Dubai ie at hotel, taxis etc? Can't find any info anywhere about this?
Thanks.

Maggie you DEFINITELY need to go to Tripadvisor Dubai Discussion Forum where all your questions will be answered and more. There is a search facility - type in 'shopping' or 'favourite Mall', click 'Go' then fetch a cup of tea and settle down for an hour or two to read the threads. Likewise search 'tip' or 'tips' and you will find your question answered several hundred times (or thereabouts ).

My experience only extends to three of the many shopping malls: Deira City Centre, Wafi City and the brand new Mall of the Emirates (which incorporates the indoor ski dome). The Malls have the same chains as here (Next, M&S, Debenhams, River Island etc) as well as less familiar names but I didn't find the prices any cheaper than here. There are a lot of designer name shops where it is possible to pick up a bargain I believe - the Mall under the Emirates Towers is good for this I believe. Electrical goods are generally a little cheaper than here - cameras, camcorders, IPods etc. The Bur Jurman Mall is popular but I haven't been there (yet!). All the Malls have websites so you can check before you go and decide in advance which has the shops you prefer.

I've been to the Gold Souk three times and also the Spice Souk. There are lots of individual shops in the Gold Souk and gold and diamonds are cheaper than here. You do have to barter and walk away though. Also the Gold and Diamond Park is worth a visit if you plan to buy jewellery. Fake designer handbags seem to be a popular purchase in Dubai.

Tipping is common - certainly at the hotels anyway. Where are you staying? Taxis are cheap (although traffic is often very heavy so the journey times can be long) so a small tip is probably no big deal to most tourists.

Anyway just click the Tripadvisor link and you'll find everything you need.