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Dubai Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a hub for travellers from all over the globe. For those passing through with British Pounds, it is useful to know how and where to spend your money. While it is possible to use sterling in Dubai Airport, it is not recommended as the exchange rate is not favourable. Instead, travellers are advised to use a credit or debit card, or withdraw local currency from an ATM, to take advantage of better exchange rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can British pounds be used in Dubai Airport? | Yes, but it is not recommended as the exchange rate is not favourable. |
| Recommended payment methods | Credit or debit card, choosing to pay in Dirham for the best exchange rate. |
| Exchange options | Money can be exchanged at hotels, licensed money exchange centres, foreign bank ATMs, and airports. |
| Accepted payment methods | Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted. ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates. |
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What You'll Learn
Using British pounds in Dubai Airport
Although you can use British pounds at Dubai Airport, it is not recommended as you will not get a good exchange rate and will receive your change in dirhams. It is best to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in dirhams for the most favourable rate. ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, but traveller's cheques in UK pounds sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
There are plenty of exchange desks at Dubai Airport, but it is better to use your credit card. You can also exchange money at hotels and any of the licensed money exchange centres in the UAE, which are located at airports, malls and public markets. Foreign banks have branches in the UAE, and their ATMs are placed in several locations in public places. Credit cards, currency cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE.
If you are making small purchases such as drinks from the bar or snacks from the shops, pay with your card as you would in any other airport. Ask for payment in dirhams and not GBP or USD.
The duty-free at Dubai Airport is cheaper than in the UK for cigarettes and similar in price for alcohol.
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Exchanging money in Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it provides multiple options for exchanging currency. Each terminal has currency exchange bureaus open 24/7, so you can conveniently swap your money regardless of when your flight arrives.
One of the popular names you'll see is Travelex, which has several branches throughout the airport. You can also find Al Ansari Exchange in Terminal 1, along with other smaller multi-currency exchange counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
While airport exchanges are extremely convenient, especially if you need cash immediately after landing, they may not offer the best exchange rates. If you have the time, it might be worth comparing rates with other locations.
For potentially better rates, consider visiting a dedicated exchange house in a mall or a central area of Dubai. Malls in Dubai not only offer shopping but also multiple exchange bureaus, allowing you to exchange money while enjoying other services like dining and entertainment. The Dubai Mall, for example, has over ten different exchange bureaus, including popular names such as Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, and LM Exchange.
Additionally, you can buy your foreign currency online and then pick it up at your nearest Travelex store, or you can simply withdraw cash from ATMs in Dubai, which provide a convenient way to obtain local currency.
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Using credit cards in Dubai Airport
Dubai Airport, like the rest of Dubai and the UAE, is largely cashless, with credit cards being the primary payment method.
ATMs are widely available in Dubai Airport, and you can use your UK credit or debit card to withdraw cash if it belongs to one of the popular networks, such as Visa or Mastercard. However, you may be charged extra fees for foreign transactions.
If you don't want to carry physical cards, you can use a Wise virtual card, which has all the benefits of a regular Wise card but exists only on your phone. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction for added security.
Credit cards can also offer other benefits at Dubai Airport. Many major credit cards, especially premium or travel-focused ones, offer complimentary airport lounge access as a perk. Check with your credit card provider to see if you're eligible for lounge access and which lounges you can enter. Common lounge access partnerships include LoungeKey, DragonPass, and Priority Pass.
If you don't have a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access, you can pay a fee to access Dubai Airport lounges. Prices vary from around USD 50 to USD 175, depending on the lounge, the duration of your stay, and any extra services you use. You can also consider an independent lounge membership programme, which typically costs around USD 300-450 per year for up to 10 lounge visits.
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Using ATMs in Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport is equipped with numerous ATMs, which are located both inside and outside the airport terminal. These ATMs accept both chip-and-pin cards and cards with a magnetic stripe on the back. It is important to note that while Dubai ATMs typically support four-digit PINs, HSBC ATMs require a six-digit PIN.
ATMs in Dubai offer several advantages. Firstly, they accept major card networks such as Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus, ensuring compatibility with most international cards. Secondly, they provide favourable exchange rates by using the mid-market rate for transactions, which is often better than rates offered by currency exchange services. However, it is crucial to opt for charges in the local currency, Dirhams, to avoid unfavourable dynamic currency conversion rates.
When using ATMs in Dubai, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, Dubai ATMs typically have daily withdrawal limits of around AED 5000, which may be higher than the limit set by your home bank. Secondly, while Dubai ATMs do not charge withdrawal fees, your home bank may impose a withdrawal fee and a foreign currency exchange fee. To avoid unnecessary fees, it is recommended to check with your bank about any partnerships or alliances they have with banks in Dubai, as this may allow for fee-free or reduced-cost withdrawals.
Additionally, it is important to notify your bank about your travel plans to Dubai to prevent your transactions from being flagged as suspicious and your card from being frozen. By taking advantage of online ATM locators, such as those offered by Visa and MasterCard, you can easily find the nearest ATM that accepts your card. Overall, using ATMs in Dubai Airport provides a convenient and often cost-effective way to obtain local currency during your travels.
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Foreign currency exchange rates
While it is possible to use British pounds in Dubai Airport, it is not recommended as you will not get a good exchange rate. It is better to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirhams, as this will give you the best rate. If you use a foreign currency, you will receive your change in Dirhams. There are plenty of exchange desks at the airport, but it is best to use your card. ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, but traveller's cheques in US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
When travelling, it is generally a good idea to be aware of the foreign exchange rates and to plan ahead. Carrying some local currency is always a good idea in case you need to make small purchases or face any issues with card machines. It is also worth noting that some countries have restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, so it is important to check the regulations of your destination.
In the case of Dubai, the local currency is the UAE Dirham, and it is recommended to use this currency when making purchases. Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels, licensed money exchange centres (located at airports, malls, and public markets), and foreign bank branches within the UAE. Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted, providing convenience and security for travellers.
When exchanging foreign currency, it is essential to consider the exchange rates offered by different providers. Airports and exchange bureaus often have less favourable rates than banks or online providers, so it may be beneficial to plan ahead and exchange some currency before arriving at your destination. Additionally, using a credit or debit card for purchases can provide better rates, as mentioned earlier.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of any additional fees or charges associated with foreign currency exchange. These can include transaction fees, commission charges, or dynamic currency conversion fees, which can significantly impact the overall cost. By staying informed about the latest exchange rates and considering all options, travellers can make informed decisions and manage their finances effectively when navigating foreign currency exchanges.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use British pounds at Dubai Airport, but it is not recommended as you will get a poor exchange rate.
It is recommended to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirham to get the best exchange rate.
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in the UAE, and you can use them for purchases at Dubai Airport, even for small items like snacks and drinks.
Yes, there are licensed money exchange centres located at airports in the UAE, where you can exchange foreign currency.
ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, and you can find foreign bank ATMs in public places in the UAE. Alternatively, traveller's cheques in US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
