Dubai Currency Guide 2026
UAE Dirham (AED) · AED
3.67 AED = $1 (fixed peg)
Dubai Travel Guides
Cash is Useful in Dubai
Cards work well but cash is handy for markets and small vendors
Daily Budget Guide
🎒
Budget
$60–100 (budget hotel, food court meals, metro)
🏨
Mid-Range
$150–250 (3-star hotel, restaurant meals, Uber)
✨
Luxury
$400+ (5-star hotel, fine dining, private transport)
ATM Tips for Dubai
Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Mashreq ATMs are widely available across the city
Most UAE ATMs dispense 100 and 200 AED notes — useful denominations for taxis and tips
ATM fees vary by your home bank — consider a zero-fee card (Wise, Revolut) for withdrawals
Dynamic currency conversion prompt: always choose AED, never your home currency
Card Payment Tips
Dubai is one of the most card-friendly cities in the world — Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere
Contactless payments widely available including in taxis, malls, restaurants, and souqs
Some small businesses in Deira and the Gold/Spice Souq prefer cash for negotiation
Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted across the city
Currency Exchange Tips
✓ Best method
UAE Exchange and Al Ansari Exchange offices offer competitive rates throughout the city. Dubai Airport exchange is convenient but slightly worse rates. Emirates NBD and ADCB ATMs have wide international acceptance.
✗ Avoid exchanging at
- ×Airport kiosks (convenience premium applies)
- ×Gold Souq unauthorised dealers
- ×Hotels (lowest rates)
Tipping in Dubai
10–15% at restaurants if no service charge included. 5–10 AED for delivery and taxis. Hotel staff: 10–20 AED per bag.
Useful Denominations
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is used in Dubai?
The UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to USD at 3.67 AED per dollar. This peg has been stable since 1997, making currency conversion very predictable.
Do I need cash in Dubai?
Not much — Dubai is extremely card-friendly. However, having 200–300 AED ($55–82) cash is useful for taxis (some are cash only), tips, small souq purchases, and emergencies.
Is Dubai expensive?
Dubai has a wide range. Budget travellers can manage on $60–100/day using metro and food courts. Mid-range travellers spend $150–250/day. Luxury travel in Dubai has no upper limit.
Can I use USD in Dubai?
Yes — USD is widely accepted in Dubai, especially at hotels, malls, and tourist attractions. However, you may receive change in AED at an unfavourable rate. Better to use AED or card.
Before you go to Dubai
Dubai Packing List
Everything else you need for your Dubai trip