Ruth Haines
Dubai is a city that attracts people from all over the world, and as such, its airport needs to be able to accommodate a wide range of currencies. The official currency in Dubai is the Dirham, shortened to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham), and one dirham is divided into 100 fils. The AED has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, with one US dollar equalling AED3.67. Foreign currency of almost any denomination can be exchanged in the UAE, and money changing facilities are readily available at Dubai Airport. Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE, and there are ATMs available in public places. Using a debit or credit card is also an option, with the bank or credit card company making the conversion to the cardholder's home currency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Dubai | Dirham (AED) |
| Dirham division | 1 Dirham = 100 fils |
| Dirham exchange rate | 1 US dollar = AED 3.67 |
| Accepted currencies | Foreign currency of almost any denomination |
| Currency exchange | Available at Dubai airports, hotels, malls, public markets, and ATMs |
| Card usage | Debit and credit cards are accepted |
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What You'll Learn
- Foreign currency can be exchanged at Dubai Airport
- The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
- Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted
- Using a debit card is a good option if fees are minimal
- It is cheaper to pay in the local currency, not your home currency
Foreign currency can be exchanged at Dubai Airport
Emirates NBD is one of the top banks in the UAE offering banking services, including foreign currency exchange. You can exchange up to AED 50,000 worth of foreign currency at the Emirates NBD Dubai International Airport pay office and up to AED 100,000 from other Emirates NBD branches. It is recommended that you place your request 24 hours before visiting the branch to ensure that your desired currency is available.
Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE. Using a debit or credit card will allow your bank or credit card company to make the conversion to the currency of your home country.
It is worth noting that exchanging foreign currency is subject to availability, and it is advisable to carry multiple forms of payment when travelling.
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The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
The local currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). One dirham is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which means the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED 3.67.
While the AED is the local currency, foreign currency of almost any denomination can be exchanged in the UAE. Money can be exchanged at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), which have a range of helpful facilities. Money can also be exchanged in hotels and at any of the licensed money exchange centres in the UAE, which are located at airports, in malls and in public markets.
ATMs are also available at several locations in public places, and credit cards, currency cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE. It is recommended to use a debit or credit card, as your bank/credit card company will make the conversion to the currency of your home country. However, it is best to check what fees there would be for using your debit card abroad and to pay in the local currency, as the latter can work out more expensive with any added fees or bad exchange rates.
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Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted
Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is a major business hub in the Middle East. The official currency of the UAE is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dirham, also known as the Emirati Dirham. It is abbreviated as AED, but DH and Dhs are also used unofficially.
When it comes to credit cards, currency cards, and travellers cheques, there are several options available in Dubai Airport. International credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at retailers and ATMs in Dubai. Foreign debit cards can usually be used to withdraw cash from ATMs, and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and currency exchanges. It is recommended to carry cash, as not all smaller stores and grocery shops will accept card payments. Additionally, some ATMs in Dubai are free to use, especially those of major banks like Citibank and HSBC.
When using a credit or debit card, your bank or 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 for purchasing AED. However, it is important to be cautious of potential transaction issues and additional fees, such as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
To get the best exchange rates, it is recommended to avoid exchanging large amounts of currency at airports and hotels, as they often charge higher prices. It is advisable to exchange only a small amount to cover immediate needs and then seek a more cost-effective exchange rate at a bank or currency exchange office. Additionally, ensure that any cash you bring is in good condition, as most merchants in Dubai will refuse to accept damaged banknotes.
Overall, credit cards, currency cards, and travellers cheques are widely accepted in Dubai Airport, and visitors can also easily withdraw cash or exchange currency at various locations. However, it is beneficial to carry a combination of cash and cards to navigate any payment preferences or limitations at different establishments.
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Using a debit card is a good option if fees are minimal
Dubai is a largely cashless city, with credit cards being the primary payment method. Cashless payments make up the majority of transactions in Dubai, with digital wallets also being a popular payment method. As such, using a debit card is a good option when travelling through Dubai Airport and the wider UAE, provided that fees are minimal.
Using a debit card in Dubai can offer convenience, security, and cost savings. For example, Niyo Global's debit cards offer zero forex markup fees, wide acceptance, and easy reloading options. They are among the best debit cards to use in Dubai, with similar cards like the Wise card offering the same benefits. With a Wise card, you can pay by card in Dubai taxis and withdraw cash at a low fee.
If you have an account with a bank that has branches in Dubai, such as Barclays or HSBC, you should use their ATMs to avoid extra fees. Your bank will charge you a transaction fee for using your debit card abroad, which can be around 2-3% of the amount withdrawn. However, some accounts don't levy foreign transaction fees, so it is best to check with your bank before travelling.
It is also important to notify your bank of your travel plans before you go. This will ensure that your card doesn't get blocked due to suspicious activity. Additionally, you should bring some cash with you, as you may need it for taxis, small shops, and other situations where cards are not accepted, such as haggling.
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It is cheaper to pay in the local currency, not your home currency
Dubai's currency 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.
When paying for goods and services in Dubai, it is always cheaper to pay in the local currency, which is the AED. If you pay in your home currency, you may be offered a less favourable exchange rate, and you may also be charged additional fees.
Credit cards, debit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE. If you use a debit or credit card, your bank or card company will make the conversion to your home currency at the mid-commercial rate, which is usually more favourable than the tourist rate. However, be sure to check what fees your bank or card company may charge for foreign transactions, as these can add up.
It is a good idea to have some local currency with you when you arrive in Dubai. You can exchange money at Dubai Airport, as well as 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 can be found in several locations.
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Frequently asked questions
The currency used in Dubai is the Dirham, shortened to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham). One Dirham is divided into 100 fils.
Foreign currency of almost any denomination can be exchanged in the UAE. You can exchange money at Dubai Airport, in hotels, or at any of the licensed money exchange centres in the UAE.
Yes, debit and credit cards are widely accepted in the UAE. However, check what fees there would be for using your debit card abroad. If the fees are minimal, you should be able to withdraw cash from any ATM, including at the airport.
Always pay in the local currency to avoid any unnecessary fees or bad exchange rates.
Money changing facilities are readily available at both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).
