I think mrpickles isn't the only one having a laugh with this thread.

Don't rely on the calls. DXB airport are actively trying to reduce the amount of calls going out and I witnessed confusion when a few gates were changed a couple of weeks ago. Check the monitors and if you're at the gate and the screens aren't displaying what you expect then ask somebody.

Dont worry if you dont speak the native language as the people there can normally understand basic english and gestures.

As for the tax, it is not compulsary although they would have you believe otherwise. Just dont declare it to them when collecting your main luggage and just keep it hidden. It is not law there, its just a few airport officials trying to make extra money for themselves on the side. If you do end up having to pay, dont pay much and just say that you only have £10 on you and nothing more and say your family are collecting you therefore the family are providing all expenses. They will just accept that as payment and let you go as that is the maximum they can get out of you.

First time i travelled to Bangladesh on my own, i took some old mobile phones for relatives and as i had them in my main luggage, i ended up paying £20 because thats all i had at the time.

Botix,

you should definitely take your laptop in your HAND baggage. On other forums I have read about iPads being spirited out of locked suitcases that were in the hold, and the insurance refusing to pay up because they claimed that items of high value should not be put in the hold. (:confused:)

My only concern would be what to do when visiting the gentlemen's comfort station; take your laptop with you? Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on it? But definitely in the cabin, not the hold.

Have a great trip!

On the aircraft? Leave it in the overhead bin or under the seat or wherever it is. No one is going to steal a laptop on an aircraft with hundreds of other people around.

In the airport? Don't leave it with someone unless you know them, obviously. Take it with you wherever you are - airport toilets are usually large enough to accommodate carry ons. Most airports, security will remove unattended luggage anyway.

Thanks guys, for your help. My flight is in a few hours, need to head out to the local post office and send a letter to my friend, then head of to the mall and buy two pants =\

Over and out,
BotixIRH