The Best Currency to Take to Dubai When Traveling

Dubai, one of the most advanced and popular tourist destinations in the world, hosts millions of visitors from around the globe each year. One of the key questions travelers often ask before heading to Dubai is: what is the currency of Dubai, and which currency is best to carry for travel or business in the city?

Dubai Currency: Dirham (AED)

The official currency of Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). This currency is used across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Dirham is divided into 100 fils, and various denominations of notes and coins are available in the market. Dirham banknotes are issued in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 AED, while coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils, as well as 1 Dirham.

What Currency Should You Take to Dubai?

Since the Dirham is the official currency, it is recommended to carry some AED with you. However, should you convert all your money to Dirhams? The answer depends on several factors:

1. Convenience in Daily Transactions: Carrying some Dirhams for small, everyday expenses like shopping, taxi fares, and other minor payments is essential. Having a small amount of AED can save you from inconveniences in such situations.
2. Exchange Rate Considerations: In Dubai, you can easily exchange US Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR) into Dirhams. If you keep your money in Dollars or Euros, you can convert it into Dirhams at current exchange rates while in Dubai. This option may sometimes be more economical since exchange rates in Dubai might be more favorable than those in your home country.
3. Using Credit Cards: Most shops, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai accept international credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. Therefore, you can cover part of your expenses with a credit card, reducing the need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s advisable to check with your bank before traveling to ensure your credit card will work in Dubai.

It’s also worth noting that many vendors and entertainment centers in Dubai—and even across the UAE—accept US Dollars as a form of payment. Nevertheless, to save money, you should exchange your currency for Dirhams at a favorable rate, such as through a reliable currency exchange service.

Key Tips for Currency Exchange in Dubai

You can exchange money at various locations in Dubai, including:

1. Airports
2. Hotels
3. Banks
4. Local exchange offices
5. Online exchange platforms

If you bring Dollars, Euros, Turkish Lira, or other currencies to Dubai and plan to exchange them for Dirhams, keep the following tips in mind:

• Compare Exchange Rates: Before exchanging money, compare rates at different exchange offices. This will help you find the best rates and reduce conversion costs. While banks also provide currency exchange services, they typically have limited working hours and may charge higher fees compared to exchange offices.
• Use Reliable Exchange Services: Dubai has many reputable currency exchange offices (check best exchanges in Dubai) that offer competitive rates. Choosing a trusted exchange office helps you avoid issues such as fraud.
• Avoid Airport Exchanges: Exchange rates at airports are generally higher than those in the city. Therefore, it’s better to exchange your currency at city exchange offices to save on costs.
• EZDEX Service: EZDEX allows you to compare rates across various exchange offices and choose the most affordable option. You can also order currency exchanges online and receive the equivalent amount in Dirhams in person at the airport, your hotel, or any other location in Dubai.

Using Digital Currencies in Dubai

As mentioned earlier, carrying some Dirhams is necessary when traveling to Dubai. Since the local currency is AED, having Dirhams for expenses like shopping and transportation is more cost-effective. However, you can keep part of your money in Dollars or Euros and convert it to Dirhams in Dubai.

Interestingly, you can also use cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT) to pay for your expenses in Dubai. Several reputable exchange offices in Dubai accept cryptocurrencies and provide Dirhams based on the real-time Tether price.