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Dubai Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including money exchange services. The currency in Dubai is the Dirham, shortened to AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). One Dirham is divided into 100 fils, and its exchange rate with the US dollar has been fixed since 1997, with one US dollar equalling AED 3.67. When entering Dubai, amounts exceeding AED 60,000 or their equivalent in other currencies must be declared. While foreign currencies may occasionally be accepted, it is not recommended, as the exchange rate is typically unfavourable. Therefore, it is generally more advantageous to obtain Dirhams before spending or using a debit or credit card, as the bank will make the conversion at a more favourable rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Dubai | Dirham (AED) |
| Exchange rate | 1 US dollar = AED 3.67 |
| Money changing facilities | Available at the airport |
| Visa | Can be obtained on arrival at the airport for most nationalities |
| Free parking | Available for 2 hours at DXB |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available across the UAE at many top destinations |
| Free prepaid SIM card | Available from telecom operator, Du, on arrival at the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Money changing facilities are available at Dubai Airport
It is worth noting that the currency in Dubai is the Dirham, shortened to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham). One Dirham is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, so the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED 3.67.
It is recommended that you declare any amounts over AED 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques upon arrival in Dubai. This also applies when departing from Dubai, but the threshold is AED 100,000.
There are a variety of other facilities at DXB and DWC, including car rental services, convenience stores, and information desks. Free showers are available at Terminal 3, Gates A and B. There is also free parking available at DWC, and 2-hour free parking at DXB.
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Declare cash amounts over AED 60,000 or its equivalent
Dubai's currency is the dirham, shortened to AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, meaning the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED 3.67.
If you are travelling to Dubai, you can get dirhams at Dubai Airport, which has money-changing facilities. However, if you are carrying large amounts of cash, there are some important things you need to know.
Upon arrival in Dubai, you must declare cash amounts over AED 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques. This rule applies to both adults and children. The UAE authorities have emphasised the importance of complying with customs procedures to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all passengers. Failure to disclose cash or other assets exceeding AED 60,000 may result in penalties or legal consequences.
You can declare cash amounts over AED 60,000 through the 'Afsah' system or other approved disclosure systems at the country's border. It is recommended that travellers familiarise themselves with the customs procedures and regulations of the UAE before their travel to avoid any inconvenience or delays.
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Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Dubai
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Dubai, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly issued cards by banks in Dubai. ATMs are widespread in Dubai, found in shopping malls, metro stations, hotels, and banks. If you have an account with a bank that has a presence in Dubai, such as Barclays or HSBC, using their ATMs can help you avoid extra fees.
Most credit and debit cards will allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs, but there is usually a fee for using machines operated by banks other than your own. Additionally, cards usually have a daily withdrawal limit, typically ranging from $450 to $700 in local currency. It is recommended to carry some cash, as there may be instances where only cash is accepted or when a credit card is a necessity, such as when renting a car or booking a hotel.
Dubai residents have access to popular digital wallets like Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, which are safer and more convenient than carrying multiple physical cards. The Nol card, primarily used for public transportation, can also be used for various other services, including taxis, museum entries, and shopping at thousands of stores across the city.
It is always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure uninterrupted card usage while abroad. Additionally, if your card is lost or stolen, immediately report it to the issuing company or bank, and confirm it in writing or in person.
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Dirham exchange rates are helpful to know in advance
When travelling to Dubai, it is important to be aware of the local currency and exchange rates. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dubai, there may be times when you need to use cash, such as when shopping in local markets or taking public transportation. By knowing the exchange rate in advance, you can plan how much local currency you will need and avoid overpaying for goods and services.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring into Dubai. Upon arrival, you must declare amounts over AED 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques. Therefore, understanding the exchange rate can help you stay compliant with local regulations and avoid any potential issues when entering the country.
Furthermore, having a sense of the dirham exchange rate can help you make informed decisions about where to exchange your money. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) have money-changing facilities available, but you may find that exchanging currency before arriving at the airport can offer more competitive rates.
Overall, knowing the dirham exchange rate in advance of your trip to Dubai can help you manage your finances effectively, stay compliant with local regulations, and make informed decisions about where to exchange your money.
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The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of AED 3.67 to $1
Dubai's currency is the dirham, also known as the United Arab Emirates dirham or AED. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which means that the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth 3.67 AED.
This means that the Central Bank of the UAE will always buy your dollars and give you 3.6725 AED in return. They will also always give you 1 dollar for every 3.6725 AED that you give them. The Central Bank of the UAE monitors the ratio of dollar-dirham in the market and prints or buys back to maintain the peg. The UAE can maintain this peg by having a huge reserve of USD.
The dirham is divided into 100 fils. Here are some examples of what you can buy in Dubai with AED:
- Small bottle of water: AED1.5 (50 cents)
- Big Mac: AED16.75 (USD4.5)
- Biryani: AED13 (USD3.5)
- Shawarma wrap: AED5 (USD1.4)
- Short taxi ride: AED12 (USD3.3)
- Dubai Metro (3 zones): AED5.8 (USD1.6)
- Cinema ticket (standard): AED35 (USD9.6)
- Abra ride across Dubai Creek: AED1 (27 cents)
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are money-changing facilities at both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).
You will get your change in dirhams.
Using a debit or credit card is a good way to get dirhams in Dubai. Your bank or credit card company will make the conversion to the currency of your home country at the mid-commercial rate, which is usually more favourable than the tourist rate.
Foreign currencies such as US dollars and euros are widely accepted in Dubai. However, you will likely get a poor exchange rate.
Yes, upon arrival in Dubai, you must declare amounts over AED 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques. When departing from Dubai, you must declare amounts over AED 100,000.
