Money in the UAE: dirhams, cards and exchange
Draft: facts are being checked before publishing.
The UAE’s currency is the dirham (AED). It’s pegged to the US dollar, so its dollar rate barely moves — handy for planning a budget. Most payments in the Emirates are by card, but some cash is useful.
What currency to bring
- US dollars are the simplest: with the peg, the exchange rate is predictable.
- Euros are exchanged just as easily.
- A card with low foreign fees covers most spending.
Where to exchange
- Exchange houses in malls usually beat the airport and hotels.
- The airport is convenient but pays less — change only for the first expenses.
- Compare several counters: rates can differ even within one mall.
On the My rate tab in the app you can enter the exchange house rate and instantly see how many dirhams you’ll get compared with the market.
Cards and cash
Cards work almost everywhere, from the metro to coffee shops. Cash comes in handy at souks, small shops and for tips.
If a terminal offers to charge you in your card’s currency instead of dirhams, decline — that conversion is almost always more expensive.
Prices and tipping
- VAT is usually included in prices, but hotel restaurants may add a service charge.
- Tipping isn’t required; around 10% is common if service isn’t included.
- Haggling is normal at gold and spice souks.
Price tags often have no currency sign. Point the price scanner at them — the app shows the amount in your currency right on the picture.
In short
- Bring dollars or euros.
- Exchange at mall exchange houses.
- Pay by card where possible, keep a little cash.
- Pay in dirhams at card terminals.
- Download rates before you go: the converter works offline.
Rules and fees change — check current information before the trip.