What Is the Currency in Dubai? Does a Credit Card Work?

The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), and credit cards are widely accepted. The vast majority of businesses in the city accept cards and methods such as Apple Pay. Still, it's a good idea to carry a small amount of dirhams for small purchases and to check your bank's terms for overseas transactions beforehand.

In short

• Dubai's currency is the dirham (AED); 1 USD = 3.6725 AED is a fixed rate.
• Credit cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted; still, carry a little cash.
• Taxi fares are paid in dirhams; US dollars are not accepted.
• Before you go, verify foreign transaction fees and card permissions with your bank.
• A visa is required for Turkish citizens.

Dubai's currency: the dirham (AED)

The official currency in Dubai and across the UAE is the United Arab Emirates Dirham. Its abbreviation is AED. One dirham is divided into 100 fils.

The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since February 2002: 1 USD = 3.6725 AED. This fixed rate makes it easy to calculate using dollars. If you have dollars on hand, you can work out the dirham equivalent using this rate. The Turkish lira equivalent, however, changes daily; check your bank's current rate before you go.

Price tags usually show AED. If you see a product priced in dollars or euros, be sure to ask which currency you'll be charged in at the time of payment.

Does a credit card work?

Yes. International credit cards are widely accepted in Dubai. The vast majority of businesses in the city accept payment by credit or debit card, as well as methods such as Apple Pay.

In practice, you can comfortably pay by card for:

• Hotel bills and restaurants
• Shopping malls and stores
• City tour and event tickets

Contactless payment is common; make sure your card's contactless feature is enabled. Also verify with your bank before you go that your card is approved for use abroad.

When do you need cash?

Even though cards are common, cash isn't entirely unnecessary. Dirhams come in handy at small businesses, for haggled purchases, and for tips.

Taxi

Taxi fares must be paid in dirhams. You can pay by card or in cash, but US dollars are not accepted. If you only have dollars on hand, you'll need to exchange them before taking a taxi.

How much cash?

This is entirely a personal preference. Our editorial suggestion: carry a small amount of dirhams for transportation and small expenses on the first day, and cover the rest with your card. If needed, you can exchange money at the airport or at currency exchange offices in the city.

Bank and card fees

When using a card abroad, the real cost often comes not from the business but from the bank. It's recommended to check with your bank before travelling regarding foreign transaction fees.

Ask your bank:

• Does it apply a commission or exchange rate markup on foreign spending?
• Is your card enabled for overseas online and in-person use?
• Is your spending limit sufficient for the trip?
• Which international support number can you reach if your card gets blocked?

This information varies from bank to bank and card to card; rather than guessing figures, check your own bank's current terms.

Common mistakes

• Paying the taxi in dollars. Fares are paid in dirhams; dollars are not accepted.
• Travelling with only one card. If your card gets blocked or stops working, you'll have no backup. Carry a second card and a small amount of cash.
• Not checking your card's overseas permission. Declined payments at checkout are often due to this.
• Choosing a different currency at the terminal. If the payment device offers to charge you in your home currency instead of dirhams, it's generally more transparent to pay in dirhams. Compare the rate in your bank's app before choosing.
• Overlooking the visa requirement. Entry requirements matter as much as your money plan; a visa is required for Turkish citizens. See the UAE visa page for details.

Step by step: how to prepare your money

1. Call your bank or check the app. Find out your overseas usage permission, limit, and transaction fees.
2. Separate your cards. Get at least two different cards and don't keep them in the same bag.
3. Get a small amount of dirhams. You can exchange before you go or upon arrival. This will be enough for taxis and small expenses.
4. Prepare your phone. If you plan to use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, set them up beforehand.
5. Track your spending. Turn on instant notifications from your bank's app.

If you're considering a package tour, check the tour page to see which expenses are included in the price. For example, read the included services separately on programs such as the Hilton Private Dubai Tour or the Dubai & Abu Dhabi Tour from Izmir, so you can plan your out-of-pocket expenses more accurately.

Checklist before you set off

• I've confirmed my passport and visa status.
• My bank has enabled my card for overseas use.
• I've learned about foreign transaction fees.
• I have at least two cards and a backup payment method.
• I've prepared dirhams for taxis and small expenses.
• I know that taxis cannot be paid in dollars.
• I've checked my contactless payment settings.
• I've read which services are included in the tour or hotel.

You can browse UAE tours to see programs in the region. Card rules can change; recheck your bank's and the business's current terms before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

What is the currency in Dubai?

The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). One dirham is divided into 100 fils. The same currency is valid throughout the UAE.

Does a credit card work in Dubai?

Yes. International credit cards are widely accepted, and the vast majority of businesses accept payment by card or methods such as Apple Pay. Still, it's good to carry a small amount of cash for small expenses.

Are dollars accepted in Dubai?

Not everywhere. Taxi fares must be paid in dirhams, and US dollars are not accepted. Since the dirham is pegged to the US dollar, you can calculate using 1 USD = 3.6725 AED.

Should I buy dirhams before going to Dubai?

Not required. Since cards are widely accepted, you can pay for most expenses by card. It's practical to carry a small amount of dirhams for taxis and small expenses; you can also exchange money upon arrival.

Are there extra fees for paying by card in Dubai?

The fee is determined more by your bank than by the business. Check with your bank before travelling regarding foreign transaction fees. Commissions and exchange rate markups vary from bank to bank.

Can taxis in Dubai be paid by card?

Yes. Taxi fares can be paid by card or in cash, but the payment is made in dirhams. US dollars are not accepted.

Do Turkish citizens need a visa for Dubai?

Yes, a visa is required for Turkish citizens. Check the UAE visa page for current requirements.

Sources

• Dirham - the UAE's national currency — u.ae
• Fact sheet — u.ae
• Dubai Currency Guide — visitdubai.com