If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, you might be asking yourself the following question: “Can I pay in euros in Dubai?”. One thing’s for sure, this question comes up a lot!
Indeed, given that Dubai is a very modern city where transactions are mainly carried out in UAE dirhams (AED), one quickly wonders whether it will be possible to use the euro. And that’s exactly the case! You can certainly use the euro in some places, mainly in tourist areas.
However, there are certain points that warrant further discussion. So here is what we will be discussing in this article:
- “Does Dubai accept euros?”
- “What is the currency used in Dubai?”
- “What is the best way to pay in Dubai?”
- “Where can I exchange euros in Dubai?”
- And “Is it necessary to have cash in Dubai?”
And to give you a quick overview, with a Visa or Mastercard, you’ll have no trouble spending money in Dubai. However, do bear in mind the conversion charges and commission, which can quickly add to your expenses!
That’s all for this introduction. If you’re ready to become an expert on payments in Dubai, we invite you to read on now!
Does Dubai accept euros?
The short answer is no, at least not officially. However, don’t rush off to exchange all your money just yet, as there are still a few exceptions to bear in mind!
Are euros accepted in certain cases?
Yes, that’s exactly what we wanted to talk about. The official currency of Dubai is the Emirati dirham, or AED, but some tourist attractions may also accept the euro. This is the case, for example, at certain hotels and restaurants. Large shopping centres also accept it.
However, do be careful, as this is still rare and, generally speaking, the conversion rates applied will not work in your favour.
Why should we prioritise local currency?
The United Arab Emirates strongly encourage the’use of the dirham to sustain and improve their local economy. This means that, for most of your purchases, You will need to pay directly in dirhams. If you insist on using euros, you may find that you are unable to pay in certain places, particularly outside tourist areas.
Key takeaways
If you want to avoid any inconvenience, it’s best to exchange your euros for dirhams before or as soon as you arrive in Dubai. You can also opt for a suitable bank card, which will allow you to spend directly in the local currency.
What is the currency used in Dubai?
Although we have already touched on this point, we would like to discuss it in greater depth.
What do you need to know about the UAE dirham?
The dirham is divided into 100 fils (the equivalent of our centimes). As a result, you’ll find banknotes ranging from 5 to 1,000 AED, as well as coins worth 1 AED, 50 fils or 25 fils.
To make things easier for you, we recommend that you divide the amount in AED by 4 to get a rough estimate in euros. For example, a meal that would cost you 40 AED would work out at around 10 €. That makes it clearer, doesn’t it?
To conclude on this point, you should be aware that this currency is fairly stable, as the United Arab Emirates’ growing economy is thriving. As a result, the country encourages the use of the dirham in as many transactions as possible. In other words, if you plan to visit areas other than the tourist zones, make sure you have some of this currency in your pocket.
What is the best way to pay in Dubai?
Now that you know that the UAE dirham (AED) is the currency to use, we’re going to look at the various payment methods available.
- Payments by credit card
In Dubai, You can use your bank card almost everywhere (yes, even in some taxis). However, be careful, as it’s not all plain sailing either. In fact, most banks charge conversion fees, in the region of 2 to 3 %). And sometimes even a fixed commission for each transaction! Basically, enough to make the bill rather hard to make sense of…
So, to avoid these unnecessary charges, we recommend that you opt for a a bank card suitable for travel. For example, banks such as Revolut, N26, or even Wise offer cards with reduced or even no fees. With these, you can pay directly in dirhams at the real exchange rate, with no surcharge.
- Cash payments
Although cards are the norm in Dubai, having a bit of cash in your wallet can come in handy.
When withdrawing cash, it is best to use ATMs belonging to major local banks, such as Emirates NBD or Dubai Islamic Bank. And don’t forget to check whether your bank card offers any free or low-cost withdrawals !
- Mobile payments
In Dubai, the mobile payments are gaining ground, particularly in more modern venues. As a result, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other contactless payment methods are widely accepted. These payment methods are remarkably simple, and are even more attractive when linked to a no-fee card.
Where can I exchange euros in Dubai?
Now that you know about the various payment methods, the question that arises is: “Where and how can you exchange your euros for dirhams without losing a small fortune?”.
- At an airport
Exchanging your euros at the airport might seem like the obvious thing to do, especially if you want dirhams as soon as you arrive. But be careful: the currency exchange bureaux in the terminals often charge unfavourable exchange rate, as well as commissions that are a real headache.
So, if you have no other choice, stick to a minimum amount for your first few expenses (such as a taxi to your hotel).
- At a currency exchange bureau
To get a good exchange rate, we recommend the reputable local bureaux de change, such as:
- “Al Ansari Exchange”
- “Al Fardan Exchange”
- Or “Al Rostamani Exchange”
These establishments can be found in the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates, and generally offer very attractive rates.
- At a local bank
Some major banks such as “Emirates NBD” or “Dubai Islamic Bank”, also offer currency exchange services. So, if you’d rather avoid currency exchange bureaux, this is a very good alternative.
Just make sure you check their opening hours and any additional charges.
Is it necessary to have cash in Dubai?
Now that you know Where to exchange euros in Dubai, let’s talk about a point that is often overlooked, cash. Is it really essential in a city as modern as Dubai? Well, Yes and no. It all depends on your habits and the circumstances.
When should you use cash?
Even though bank cards and mobile payments are becoming more common than cash, there are times when cash remains essential. This is the case, for example, if you decide to take a taxi. Some drivers, particularly those who aren’t on apps such as Careem or Uber, prefer to be paid in cash.
But that’s not all – it also applies if you need to leave a tip. For example, for luggage handling or at a restaurant. Yes, you’re not going to ask to leave a tip by credit card – that would be rather odd…
Or, to give another example, in the souks. Generally speaking, they don’t always accept bank cards, which means you’ll quickly find yourself in a bind if you don’t have any cash on you.
How much should I budget for?
It’s quite a difficult question, but the most important thing is to strike the right balance. After all, there’s no point in carrying an astronomical sum of money. We therefore recommend you take around 500 to 1,000 AED (125 to 250 €) in cash. That will be more than enough to cover the expenses for which cash is needed. After that, it’s all down to what you fancy!
How can you manage your cash flow effectively?
There are several ways to manage your cash flow effectively. Here are the two main ones:
The first, is to withdraw small amounts. You can use the cash machines for this. So there’s no need to burden yourself by withdrawing too much at once.
The second, is to keep your different currencies properly separate. The best way to do this is to have a wallet with several compartments. That way, you won’t get confused when it’s time to pay.
Start planning your trip to Dubai now!
You are now equipped with all the information you need on the payments in Dubai. We have looked at whether Dubai accepts euros or not, the currency used there, the best way to pay, where to exchange euros, and whether it is necessary to have cash.
Now that we’ve covered all that, let’s get down to business!
If your aim is to’to invest in a property, or simply to gain a better understanding of the market in the Emirates, Dubai Property is undoubtedly, by far, the partner for you. Indeed, our French-speaking team is here to support you, whatever your needs (property management, personalised advice, etc.).
If you’re interested in having someone accompany you, Please get in touch with our agency now to find out how we can help you achieve your goals as quickly as possible.
