United Arab Emirates Currency Guide
The currency of United Arab Emirates and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
AED
Checking rates
Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go
The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.
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
Yesim
Saily
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.