Dubai currency guide
Everything money in Dubai, the dirham, cards, cash, exchange and tipping, in one place.
Dubai currency guide overview
Everything money in Dubai, the dirham, cards, cash, exchange and tipping, in one place. This introduction explains the main choices, trade-offs and next steps for Dubai currency guide. This guide is organised to support a real travel decision, with the most useful context placed before secondary detail. Use it to understand the location or topic, identify likely costs and timing, and recognise the choices that depend on season, group profile or personal priorities rather than a universal answer. The detailed sections below provide the supporting specifics, while this introduction helps you approach them with a clear sense of what matters most.
To continue planning, explore Dubai travel guides, things to do in Dubai, Dubai tours and experiences, or Dubai trip planner. Use the guide for orientation, then recheck date-specific opening hours, entry rules, transport and prices close to travel before finalising the day. If anything remains unclear after reading the detailed page, request a written answer before making a decision based on an assumption.
Quick answer
Dubai uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at roughly 1 USD = 3.67 AED. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for souks, abras, taxis and small cafeterias. Exchange houses (Al Ansari, UAE Exchange) beat airport rates.
The dirham
AED comes in notes (5 to 1,000) and fils coins. Because it's pegged to the dollar, the rate barely moves, budgeting is predictable. Prices are almost always shown in AED.
Cash vs card
Cards (including contactless and Apple/Google Pay) work everywhere from malls to taxis. Keep AED 200 to 300 cash for souks, the AED 1 abra, tips and tiny eateries that are cash only.
Exchanging money
Exchange houses in malls offer the best rates and low fees, far better than the airport. ATMs are everywhere; your home bank's foreign transaction fee is the thing to watch.
Tipping
Not obligatory but appreciated: round up taxis, 10 to 15% in restaurants if service isn't included, AED 5 to 10 for valets and porters, AED 20 to 50 for tour guides and drivers if you enjoyed the day.
Related guides
FAQs
What currency does Dubai use?
The UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at about 3.67 AED to 1 USD.
Should I bring cash or use cards in Dubai?
Cards work almost everywhere; carry AED 200 to 300 cash for souks, abras, taxis and small cafeterias.
Where's the best place to exchange money?
Exchange houses like Al Ansari or UAE Exchange in malls, better rates and lower fees than the airport.
Do I need to tip in Dubai?
It's not mandatory but appreciated, round up taxis, 10 to 15% in restaurants, and AED 20 to 50 for a good tour guide.
Can I pay in US dollars in Dubai?
Some tourist spots accept USD but at poor rates, pay in AED via card or local cash for the best value.
Official information sources
Rules, operating conditions and government charges can change. Check the official sources below for the latest information before payment or travel.