Money in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates — particularly Dubai — is one of the world's premier tourist and business destinations. The UAE Dirham (AED or د.إ) is the local currency, and managing money here is straightforward with modern infrastructure everywhere.

The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.6725 AED per USD. This makes the exchange rate very stable and predictable. The GBP/AED rate fluctuates based on GBP/USD movements.

Key insight for 2026: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are extremely card-friendly. Contactless payments work everywhere, and you could easily visit without handling much cash. However, for souks, smaller shops, and tips, some cash is useful.

Best Ways to Get UAE Dirhams

1. Fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Use for card payments everywhere and ATM withdrawals. Excellent rates.
2. UAE Exchange / Al Ansari Exchange — Major exchange chains with branches everywhere. Competitive rates, reliable service.
3. ATMs in UAE — ENBD, ADCB, Mashreq ATMs widely available. Some charge fees for foreign cards.
4. Airport exchange — Rates at Dubai International are reasonable. Travelex and UAE Exchange have multiple locations.
5. Mall money changers — Good rates at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, etc.
6. UK bureaux — AED is available. Rates are okay for popular currency but better in UAE.

Using Cards in UAE

The UAE, especially Dubai, is extremely card-friendly.

Where Cards Work

• Hotels: All accept cards
• Restaurants: Virtually all accept cards including small cafes
• Shopping malls: 100% acceptance
• Supermarkets: Carrefour, Spinneys, LuLu all accept cards
• Taxis: Dubai Taxi and Careem accept cards
• Metro: Buy Nol card or use contactless card
• Tourist attractions: Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, etc. all take cards

Where You Might Need Cash

• Souks: Gold Souk, Spice Souk — cash often preferred for bargaining
• Small shops: Some in older areas prefer cash
• Tips: Cash tips appreciated
• Abras (water taxis): Cash only (AED 1)

ATMs in UAE

Best ATMs

• ENBD (Emirates NBD): Largest bank, ATMs everywhere
• ADCB: Widespread in Abu Dhabi especially
• Mashreq: Good network
• FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank): Common

ATM Tips

• Fees: Some banks charge AED 10-20 for foreign cards. Your own bank may also charge.
• Withdrawal limits: Typically AED 2,000-5,000 per transaction.
• Decline DCC: Choose Dirhams, not pounds.
• Airport ATMs: Available at Dubai International and Abu Dhabi.

How Much Does Dubai Cost?

Dubai has a reputation for luxury but offers options at all price points:

• Budget: AED 300-450/day (£65-100) — budget hotels, food courts, metro
• Mid-range: AED 500-900/day (£110-200) — 4-star hotels, restaurants, activities
• Luxury: AED 1,500+/day (£330+) — 5-star hotels, fine dining, premium experiences

Typical Prices

• Shawarma: AED 10-15 (£2.20-3.30)
• Mall food court meal: AED 35-50 (£7.60-11)
• Restaurant meal: AED 80-150 (£17-33)
• Metro (single): AED 3-8.50 (£0.65-1.85)
• Taxi (5km): AED 25-35 (£5.40-7.60)
• Coffee (café): AED 18-30 (£4-6.50)
• Beer (bar): AED 40-70 (£8.70-15)

Note: Alcohol is expensive in UAE due to taxes and licensing.

Tipping in UAE

Tipping is common and appreciated in Dubai:

• Restaurants: 10-15% if no service charge. Many add 10% automatically.
• Hotels: AED 10-20 for porters, AED 20-50/day for housekeeping at luxury hotels.
• Taxis: Round up to nearest AED 5-10.
• Spa: 10-15% appreciated.
• Tour guides: AED 50-100 per day.
• Valets: AED 10-20.