Best Place to Exchange Money in Dubai

Where to change money in Dubai

Hotels change money, but the UAE government's visitor pages also point to licensed exchange centres in airports, malls and public markets. Al Ansari Exchange alone lists more than 117 Dubai branches, and rates vary between counters.

• Deira: Gold Souq, Naif Road and Baniyas Square - Al Ansari Exchange runs branches by the Gold Souq, opposite the Al Karnak Hotel on Naif Road and at Baniyas Square, all open until at least 11pm. LuLu Exchange has counters on Naif Road, Musalla Road and in LuLu Center on Al Muteena Street.
• Bur Dubai: Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba - Across the creek, Al Ansari has branches in the Al Fahidi market, by the Old Abra and inside Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, each open until 11pm or later.
• Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates - Al Ansari has branches opposite Waitrose in Dubai Mall and on the ground floor of Mall of the Emirates, both open 9am to midnight daily.

Changing money at the airport

Dubai International (DXB) lists Travelex counters in all three terminals, including the arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 3, plus ATMs. Al Ansari Exchange's kiosk in the non-restricted area of Terminal 1 departures is open 24 hours. Wise warns that airport counters generally give weaker rates and may add fees.

ATMs and cards in Dubai

Credit cards are widely accepted, says the UAE government's visitor guide, and Tour Guide UAE finds Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay taken in most modern shops and restaurants; keep a few AED 5 to 50 notes for street food, small shops and tips. Pay in dirhams: ATM Fee Saver and Wise both say a sterling total at a Dubai ATM or till uses the machine's own, costlier conversion rate.

Paying for transport in Dubai

Metro, tram and bus fares are paid with nol: a paper red ticket (AED 2, up to 10 trips within 90 days) or a silver card (AED 25, including AED 19 of credit), both sold at ticket offices and machines. Fares run AED 3 to 7.50 on silver and AED 4 to 8.50 on red, by zones crossed. RTA's upgrade to take bank cards and phone wallets directly was first due by the end of September 2026; Gulf News reported in July 2026 that early 2027 is now expected. Dubai Taxi accepts cash, cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and nol, and its fare list sets a AED 25 base fare for landmark areas such as Dubai Mall. Fares can change.

Good to know

• The Foreign Office warns that an unpaid bill, hotel bills included, can mean a fine or jail in the UAE, and that a visitor arrested over one is unlikely to get bail.
• Taking cash or valuables worth over AED 60,000 (other currencies, cheques and similar instruments, precious metals and gems all count) in or out of the UAE? Declare it online or through the Afseh app.
• Tipping is customary, not compulsory: MyBayut and No1 Currency both suggest 10 to 15% in restaurants; check first whether a service charge has been added.