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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. With such a diverse range of passengers, it's understandable that concerns may arise about which currencies are accepted at the airport. While Dubai's local currency is the Dirham, some sources suggest that it is possible to pay in other currencies, such as GBP or USD, at the airport. However, it is generally recommended to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirhams to obtain a favourable exchange rate. This method ensures that travellers get the most out of their money when passing through Dubai Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you pay in pounds at Dubai Airport? | Yes, but it is not recommended. |
| Recommended way to pay | Using a credit or debit card and choosing to pay in Dirham for the best exchange rate. |
| Exchange desks | Widely available at the airport. |
| Accepted cards | American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. |
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What You'll Learn
Dubai Duty-Free shops accept GBP
Dubai Duty-Free shops do accept payments in GBP. However, it is recommended to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirhams to get a better exchange rate. Additionally, if you pay in a foreign currency, you will receive your change in Dirhams.
It is generally advised to avoid paying in foreign currencies such as GBP or USD at Dubai Duty-Free shops. Using your card and paying in the local currency, Dirhams, will often get you a better exchange rate. This is also more convenient than carrying multiple currencies.
If you have coins, it is even less likely that these will be accepted, as they are more difficult for the cashier to handle. It is always best to carry notes if you must use cash.
ATMs in Dubai accept foreign debit and credit cards, so you can withdraw Dirhams directly. However, keep in mind that cash is not commonly used in Dubai, and taxis, for example, may not accept anything but small notes and change.
To summarise, while Dubai Duty-Free shops do accept GBP, it is more advantageous to use a card and pay in Dirhams to get the best exchange rate and avoid the hassle of carrying multiple currencies.
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Using a card is preferable
Although Dubai Duty-Free shops may accept foreign currency, such as British pounds, it is not recommended as you will not get a good exchange rate, and you will receive your change in dirhams.
Additionally, using a card is more convenient and secure than carrying large amounts of cash. You can also use your card for small purchases, such as drinks or snacks, just as you would at any other airport.
If you need to withdraw cash, ATMs are readily available across the UAE, including in Dubai Airport, and they accept foreign debit and credit cards. However, keep in mind that cash back is not commonly available in the UAE, and taxis, for example, usually only accept small notes and change. Therefore, it is generally more advantageous to use your card for most transactions.
Finally, if you are concerned about additional exchange rate charges, you can consider using a travel-friendly bank or service, such as Monzo, which can help you manage your money and transactions more efficiently while travelling.
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Carrying USD is more convenient
Dubai has transformed into a global hub for commerce and tourism, and the city has adapted to cater to various financial preferences. While the UAE Dirham (AED) remains the primary currency, several foreign currency alternatives are widely accepted and can be used throughout the city.
US dollars are widely accepted in Dubai, and given that the AED is pegged to the US dollar, many businesses in Dubai are familiar with the currency. While you might not get as favourable an exchange rate as you would at currency exchange centres, you can still use USD in most places. If you are carrying a large amount of cash, you may be required to declare it upon entry.
While it is possible to use British pounds in Dubai, it is generally recommended to use a credit or debit card or exchange money beforehand for a more favourable rate. Exchanging GBP for AED at the airport may result in less favourable exchange rates and higher commission fees.
ATMs are readily available in Dubai, and using them can provide a more favourable exchange rate than currency exchange offices or airports. However, be mindful of transaction fees that your home bank may charge for international withdrawals, as well as any fees charged by the local bank operating the ATM.
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Foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted
While it is possible to pay in sterling or UK dollars at Dubai Airport, it is not recommended as you will not get a good exchange rate. Instead, it is better to use a foreign debit or credit card and pay in Dirham, which will give you the best exchange rate. Foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at Dubai Airport. ATMs are found across the UAE, especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These ATMs accept foreign debit and credit cards, including Switch, Maestro, Visa, Union Pay, and Cirrus. They can be found in shopping malls, hotels, and petrol stations.
When paying with your foreign card, always choose to pay in the local currency, Dirham, to avoid poor exchange rates. Additionally, if you need cash, it is advisable to use your card at an ATM rather than exchanging foreign currency, as you will get a better rate. Traveller's cheques in US dollars or Pounds Sterling are also an option to avoid additional exchange rate charges, but they are less convenient than using your card directly.
It is worth noting that some purchases, like taxi rides, often require cash and usually only accept small notes and change. Therefore, it is essential to have some local currency on hand for such situations. However, for most purchases at Dubai Airport, using your foreign debit or credit card and paying in Dirham will be the most convenient and cost-effective option.
To make your trip even easier, consider using a travel-friendly bank like Monzo, which lives on your phone and can be an excellent companion for international trips. With careful planning and the right payment methods, you can navigate Dubai Airport and make the most of your time there.
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Traveller's cheques are recommended to avoid exchange rate charges
Although it is possible to pay in sterling or UK dollars at Dubai Airport, it is not recommended. You will get a poor exchange rate, and will receive your change in dirham. Instead, travellers cheques are a safer option than carrying large amounts of cash, and can offer a better exchange rate than using foreign currency.
However, travellers cheques are not widely accepted in Dubai, except at banks or exchanges. Even then, you will likely be offered a worse rate than if you used cash. Therefore, it is recommended to cash your travellers cheques before travelling to Dubai. If you do take travellers cheques, it is important to keep a separate record of cheque numbers when you cash them, noting when and where this takes place. Most issuers offer a replacement service for lost or stolen cheques, but this is a lengthy process without the serial numbers.
It is inadvisable to change currency at your hotel, where the rate will be less favourable than at a bank or bureau de change. Dubai's bureaux de change usually offer competitive exchange rates, but it is worth shopping around, as some may charge commission. Most airport exchanges handle major foreign currencies, but for currencies like sterling, it may be necessary to make special arrangements.
Therefore, to avoid exchange rate charges, it is recommended to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirham, as this will offer the best exchange rate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use pounds at Dubai Airport. However, you will get a better exchange rate if you use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirhams.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are also found throughout the UAE and accept foreign debit and credit cards, including Switch, Maestro, Visa, Union Pay, and Cirrus.
Dubai Duty-Free may accept GBP coins, but it is not guaranteed. It is always better to use a credit or debit card and choose to pay in Dirhams to get the best exchange rate.
