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United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates Currency Guide

The currency of United Arab Emirates and how to prepare for payments — all on one page. The currency used in United Arab Emirates is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham

AED

Reference rate · October 31, 2026

1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED

1 EUR ≈ 4.10 AED

1 GBP ≈ 4.92 AED

United Arab Emirates Dirham conversion table

Reference values calculated at the mid-market rate as of October 31, 2026. Banks and card issuers add their own fees to actual exchanges and card payments.

USDAED
1 USD3.67 AED
5 USD18.4 AED
10 USD36.7 AED
50 USD184 AED
100 USD367 AED
500 USD1,836 AED
AEDUSD
10 AED2.72 USD
50 AED13.6 USD
100 AED27.2 USD
500 AED136 USD

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for United Arab Emirates before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, situated on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, ranking among the country's largest in both population and area. Its global presence is so strong that it's sometimes mistaken for an independent city-state.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, located along the Arabian coast. It is also the seat of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, one of the emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. With a population of 1.8 million, it is one of the country's largest cities.

Al Ain

Al Ain is a city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, ranking among the UAE's largest by population. Its national museum, zoo, historic forts and archaeological sites, and mosques offer plenty to explore.

Ajman

Ajman is the fifth-largest city in the UAE, part of the metropolitan area that stretches into Dubai and Sharjah. It borders the Persian Gulf to the west.