Currency & Payment
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates locally.
Local Currency Overview
Currency type, banknotes, and coin denominations
The currency is the UAE dirham (AED, often shown as Dhs or د.إ), divided into 100 fils. It is pegged to the US dollar, so rates are stable. Notes range from 5 to 1,000 dirhams. Cards are widely accepted, but keep some small notes for taxis, tips and smaller shops.
- Currency
- Dirham (AED)
- Pegged
- To US dollar
- Cash
- Small notes handy
- The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, so rates are stable
Currency Exchange Tips
Best places and methods to exchange money
Exchange houses in malls and shopping areas usually offer better rates than airports or hotels, and rates are competitive because the dirham is dollar-pegged. US dollars, euros and pounds are easy to exchange. Compare a couple of counters, keep receipts, and count your money before leaving. ATMs are everywhere and convenient.
- Best rates
- Mall exchange houses
- Easy
- USD, EUR, GBP
- ATMs
- Everywhere
- Mall exchange houses usually beat airport/hotel rates
Credit Card Acceptance
Card brand availability and usage tips
Cards (Visa/Mastercard, and often Amex) are accepted almost everywhere — hotels, malls, restaurants, taxis and attractions. Contactless is common. A few souq stalls and small eateries prefer cash. Notify your bank of travel to avoid blocks, and watch for dynamic currency conversion (choose to be charged in dirhams for a better rate).
- Accepted
- Almost everywhere
- Cash
- Some souqs prefer it
- Tip
- Pay in dirhams
- Choose to be charged in dirhams to avoid poor conversion
ATM Usage
How to withdraw cash and associated fees
ATMs are everywhere — malls, banks, metro stations and hotels — and accept international cards. Your own bank's foreign-transaction and withdrawal fees usually matter more than local charges. Decline dynamic currency conversion (choose dirhams). Use ATMs in banks or malls, cover the keypad, and keep some cash for tips and small purchases.
- Availability
- Everywhere
- Fees
- Your bank's matter
- Choose
- Dirhams (not DCC)
- Decline dynamic currency conversion — choose dirhams
Mobile & Digital Payments
Digital payment services available locally
The UAE is very card- and contactless-friendly. Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely wherever contactless cards are accepted — hotels, malls, restaurants, taxis and metro. This makes travelling almost cashless straightforward for most visitors. Still carry a little cash for tips, souqs and small vendors that prefer notes.
- Wallets
- Apple/Google Pay
- Works
- Where contactless is
- Cash
- A little for tips/souqs
- Almost cashless travel is easy for most visitors
Tipping Culture
Expected tipping amounts and etiquette
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, around 10–15% is common for good service. Small tips (a few dirhams) for hotel staff, valet, drivers and delivery are appreciated. Keep small notes, as a service charge on the bill does not always go to the staff.
- Custom
- Customary, optional
- Restaurants
- ~10–15%
- Small tips
- Hotel, driver, valet
- A service charge on the bill may not reach the staff
Price Guide
Average costs for meals, transport, and accommodation
The UAE can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you like. Local eateries, shawarma shops and supermarkets are affordable, while fine dining, five-star hotels and rooftop bars are pricey. Alcohol is expensive due to taxes. Metro and buses are cheap; taxis are moderate. Many top attractions have paid tickets, so budget for those.
- Range
- Budget to luxury
- Alcohol
- Expensive
- Transport
- Metro cheap
- Budget for paid tickets at top attractions
The UAE has VAT (currently 5%), and tourists can reclaim VAT on eligible purchases through the Planet Tax Free scheme. Ask the shop to issue a tax-free tag (a minimum spend, commonly around AED 250, applies), then validate at the airport kiosk/counter before departure. A processing fee is deducted. Confirm the current minimum, fee and process before you travel.
- VAT
- 5%
- Scheme
- Planet Tax Free
- Validate
- At airport
- A minimum spend (around AED 250) and a fee apply