UAE Travel Money Guide

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are some of the easiest places to pay for things. Cards and phones work almost everywhere, and the dirham doesn't swing around. What you do need to plan for is the little extras: a nightly hotel fee, tips in cash and a few places where notes still win.

When to exchange

The UAE dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725 since 1997, so it moves with USD/MYR, not independently. That makes timing simpler than for most currencies: if you're comfortable with the dollar rate, you're comfortable with the dirham rate. There's little to gain from waiting for a "better" AED day, so compare the live rates and exchange when it suits you.

Tip: AED is quoted per 100 on many boards, so check the unit before comparing. A rate that looks lower can simply be per 100.

How much cash to bring

Your hotel and big meals are likely to go on a card, so your cash is for the extras. A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — AED 100–220/day (a shawarma or a café meal is cheap, while hotel and brunch dining is not)
• Local transport — AED 10–50/day on the metro and in taxis, more for airport transfers
• Attractions — AED 100–300/day (the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris and theme parks vary widely)

The Tourism Dirham and hotel extras

Dubai charges a per-room, per-night Tourism Dirham fee on hotel and holiday-home stays, ranging from AED 7 to AED 20 depending on the type of property. It may be collected at checkout rather than included in your booking price, so don't be surprised when the final bill is higher than the confirmation email. Hotels may also hold a refundable deposit on your card, so make sure you have available credit rather than counting on cash.

Metro and transit

Dubai's metro and buses run on a rechargeable Nol card, which you can buy at metro stations and top up with cash or a card. It's the simplest way to ride, even for a short stay, and you can check the RTA website for current card types and prices.

Where to exchange in KL

These three changers currently post the best AED rates. Tap to see their branches and live rates:

Payment tips on the ground

• Cards are the default — malls, hotels, restaurants and taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi accept Visa and Mastercard, and contactless is common.
• Cash for tips and souks — a 10–15% tip is normal for good service in restaurants, and cash is preferred. The Gold Souk, Spice Souk and smaller traders are happier with notes.
• Check for service charge — many restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so look before you add a tip.
• Choose AED on the terminal — if a card machine offers to charge you in ringgit, decline and choose dirhams.
• Haggle in the souks — prices are rarely fixed, and a polite counter-offer is expected.