Euros At Abu Dhabi Airport: Accepted Or Not?

Abu Dhabi International Airport is a major hub for travellers, connecting continents, cultures, and aspirations. For those travelling through, it is important to be aware of the accepted currency at the airport. The local currency in Abu Dhabi is the UAE Dirham, but what about other currencies like the Euro? Are they accepted at the airport?

Abu Dhabi airport accepts euros for duty-free purchases

Abu Dhabi International Airport is a bustling hub that caters to travellers from all over the world, and as such, it offers a range of convenient services for those passing through. One of the most frequently asked questions by travellers is about the accepted currency at the airport, especially for duty-free purchases. So, does Abu Dhabi Airport accept euros for duty-free purchases?

The answer is yes! Abu Dhabi Airport accepts euros for duty-free shopping, along with other major currencies such as USD, GBP, and many others. This means that if you're travelling through Abu Dhabi and want to take advantage of the airport's duty-free shopping, you can use your euros to make purchases without having to worry about currency exchange beforehand. This convenience is especially useful for those with a short layover who may not have the time to exchange money.

Additionally, the airport also has a variety of currency exchange options available. These include world travel exchange bodies, banks, and local UAE agents. Some of the leading banks in the UAE, such as the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), have branches within the airport and provide currency exchange services. These banks are located both before and after passport control, making them easily accessible to travellers.

It is worth noting that while euros are widely accepted at the airport, the local currency in the UAE is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs). If you plan to venture outside the airport or shop at smaller stores, it may be useful to have some dirhams on hand, as some places may only accept cash or provide change in the local currency. ATMs are readily available at the airport and throughout Abu Dhabi, making it convenient for travellers to withdraw money in the local currency if needed.

Euro is not the local currency in Abu Dhabi

The Euro is not the local currency in Abu Dhabi. The local currency in Abu Dhabi is the UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs), which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a rate of US $1: AED 3.6725. While Euros may be accepted in some places, change will likely be given in Dirhams.

ATMs are readily available in Abu Dhabi, especially in major cities, shopping malls, hotels, and petrol stations. These machines accept a variety of foreign debit and credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Switch, Maestro, Union Pay, and Cirrus. However, it is important to note that cash back is not commonly available in the UAE, so it is advisable to plan ahead if you need cash for taxis or other services that only accept cash payments.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Abu Dhabi, and they can be useful to avoid the hassle of exchanging currencies. If you prefer to carry cash, foreign currencies can be exchanged for Dirhams at licensed exchange offices, banks, and hotels. A passport is required for currency exchange. Bureau de Change offices are located throughout Abu Dhabi and often offer better exchange rates than banks. These offices can be found in major malls and popular shopping districts, typically operating from Saturday to Thursday, with some also open on Friday evenings.

When travelling to Abu Dhabi, it is recommended to use credit or debit cards for payments at the airport. Some airports no longer accept cash, and you may incur a cash-handling fee if cash payments are accepted. For currency exchange at the airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport has several options, including world travel exchange bodies, banks, and local UAE agents. These services are available before and after passport control in multiple terminals.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Abu Dhabi

ATMs are prevalent in Abu Dhabi and can be found in all shopping malls, major supermarkets, most petrol stations, and the airport. These machines accept a range of cards, including American Express, Cirrus, Global Access, MasterCard, Plus System, and VISA.

Most ATMs are linked to a specific bank but are part of a central network, so you can use your bank card for a nominal charge. The exchange rates for international cards are usually competitive, and the process is faster and less complicated than using travellers' cheques.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most places in Abu Dhabi, but if you're shopping in the souks (markets) or smaller shops, cash is the better option. Similarly, while taxis do accept card payments, it's good to have cash on hand as not all taxis will have a working card system, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are limited and more expensive.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at licensed exchange offices, banks and hotels

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at licensed exchange offices, banks, and hotels in Abu Dhabi.

Licensed exchange offices, also known as Bureau de Change offices, are located throughout Abu Dhabi, including in major malls and popular shopping districts. They often offer better exchange rates than banks and are typically open from Saturday to Thursday, 8 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and on Friday evenings.

Many banks in Abu Dhabi also offer currency exchange services. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday, 8 am to 1 pm, although some banks keep longer hours or have smaller branches in malls that are open in the evening. Banks with a presence at the Abu Dhabi International Airport include the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB).

Additionally, many hotels in Abu Dhabi will exchange foreign currencies and travellers' cheques, although they may offer less competitive, standard rates.

It is important to note that a passport is required for exchanging foreign currencies and travellers' cheques. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Abu Dhabi, and ATMs can be found in all shopping malls, major supermarkets, most petrol stations, and the airport.

ATMs can be found in Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport accepts all major world currencies, including euros, for duty-free purchases. The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs), which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged against the US dollar (US $1: AED 3.6725).

ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, even when factoring in possible currency exchange fees from your home bank. However, if you want to exchange cash, there are several options at the airport. Travelex has a monopoly on the operation of exchange offices here, but their rates are very unfavourable. There are also several banks located in the airport that provide currency exchange services, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD).

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