🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · AED
The UAE uses the dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate, so its value is very stable. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the most card-friendly places in the world, but traditional souks and small shops still run on cash and expect haggling.
The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), divided into 100 fils. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirhams, color-coded for easy recognition. Coins are issued in 1 dirham plus smaller fils, though small fils coins are rarely used in practice.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in malls, hotels, restaurants and taxis, and contactless and mobile payments are widespread. You'll mainly need cash for the souks (gold, spice and textile markets), small independent eateries, and tipping. A good approach is to put most spending on card and keep a modest cash float for markets and gratuities.
The UAE has a competitive money-changer industry, and licensed exchange houses in malls and city centers typically offer better rates than banks or hotels. Because the dirham is pegged to the dollar, rates are stable, but it still pays to compare a couple of counters and ask whether the quoted rate includes any commission. Exchange offices in busy retail areas usually beat tourist-zone kiosks.
Currency counters at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are convenient but generally offer poorer rates than exchange houses in town. Change only a small amount on arrival if you need immediate cash for a taxi or sim card, then use ATMs or city exchange houses for the rest. Many travelers skip airport exchange entirely since cards work for the metro and taxis.
ATMs are plentiful and reliable in malls, banks and metro stations, and most accept international Visa and Mastercard. Watch for the on-screen 'dynamic currency conversion' offer to charge in your home currency, and always choose to be charged in dirhams for a better rate. Be aware your home bank may add its own foreign-transaction and withdrawal fees.
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly obligatory. Restaurants often add a service charge, but rounding up or leaving around 10-15% for good service is common, and small tips for hotel porters, valets and taxi drivers are customary. Cash tips are preferred since added card tips don't always reach the staff.
The biggest avoidable cost is dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and ATMs, which inflates the price, so always pay in dirhams. In the souks, the first price quoted is rarely the real price, so haggle politely and confirm whether gold is sold by weight plus making charges. Stick to licensed, signposted exchange houses rather than informal street changers.
Because the UAE is so card-friendly, you only need modest cash, perhaps enough for a few days of taxis, market purchases and tips. Many visitors get by on a small amount withdrawn from an ATM on arrival and top up as needed. Carrying large sums is unnecessary and best avoided.
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