Money in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates uses the Emirati dirham. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- AEDEmirati dirham
- Symbol
- AED
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in United Arab Emirates
Pegged to the US dollar. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Cash
- Carry some cash for taxis, tips and small purchases, as some small vendors set a minimum spend for cards. World Travel Guide (page dated 2019) says taxi drivers often accept only cash and small notes.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in malls, hotels, metro stations and banks, and most accept international cards. Choose to withdraw in dirhams rather than your home currency, and check your own bank's foreign withdrawal fees.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange offices are at airports, malls and tourist areas, but rates vary, and hotel desks give less favourable rates. Firebird Tours says ATM withdrawals often give better rates than airport counters.
- Watch out for
- Per World Travel Guide (page dated 2019), cash up to AED100,000 can be carried in or out without declaring, and larger amounts must be declared. Traveller's cheques are not commonly accepted.
Tipping in United Arab Emirates
Check for a service charge. If there isn't one, leave 10–15% in restaurants and small change for drivers.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Firebird Tours, World Travel Guide, Wise, Visit Dubai, Property Finder.
Convert to and from AED
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.67 AED | 4.11 AED | 4.93 AED |
| 10 | 36.73 AED | 41.14 AED | 49.28 AED |
| 50 | 184 AED | 206 AED | 246 AED |
| 100 | 367 AED | 411 AED | 493 AED |
| 500 | 1,836 AED | 2,057 AED | 2,464 AED |
What each amount is worth in AED. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does United Arab Emirates use?
United Arab Emirates uses the Emirati dirham (AED).
Do you need to tip in United Arab Emirates?
Appreciated. Check for a service charge. If there isn't one, leave 10–15% in restaurants and small change for drivers.
Can you pay by card in United Arab Emirates?
Widely accepted. Carry some cash for taxis, tips and small purchases, as some small vendors set a minimum spend for cards. World Travel Guide (page dated 2019) says taxi drivers often accept only cash and small notes.
Are there ATMs in United Arab Emirates?
ATMs are common in malls, hotels, metro stations and banks, and most accept international cards. Choose to withdraw in dirhams rather than your home currency, and check your own bank's foreign withdrawal fees.