The currency in Dubai is very different from the euro.
As knowing the local currency is essential for any trip, I've prepared a guide on the subject.
Dubai currency: article summary
Currency in Dubai: Denominations
The United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai. One euro corresponds to approximately 3 dirhams. To help you find your way around, I like to learn the colors of each banknote. In Dubai, for example, the denominations are as follows:
- Brown: AED 5 (€1.40)
- Green: AED 10 (€280)
- Blue/green: AED 20 (€5.60)
- Violet: AED 50 (€14)
- Red: AED 100 (€28)
- Brown: AED 200 (€56)
- Navy blue: AED 500 (€141)
- Green/blue: AED 1,000 (€282)
You will also find 1, 50 and 25-cent coins in circulation.
Exchange offices in Dubai
Currency exchange in Dubai is fast, easy and honest. The foreign exchange market is strict and transactions are closely regulated. What's more, if you're worried about finding the right rate for your country's currency, don't worry. Dubai is a major transit point, a wide range of currencies from all over the world. The country is therefore used to seeing all kinds of currencies pass through.
Rates are provided at exchange counters and change according to the market. Since 1997, the United Arab Emirates dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 dollar for 3.672 5 dirhams. The value has remained constant with very few changes.
Currency in Dubai: where can you benefit from preferential exchange rates?
The best place to change small change is at the airport. This can easily cover tips, cabs, the metro and other public transport. Unlike other cities around the world, you don't need to go to a bank for the exchange. You can even simply exchange your money in Dubai's shopping malls. For the best rates, bureaux de change are a much better choice than banks.
Bank withdrawals
Dubai is packed with thousands of ATMs in shopping malls, metro stations, supermarkets, streets and, in fact, almost everywhere. These allow you to withdraw cash directly from your personal account.
Banks open :
- From Saturday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Credit cards: the best choice?
You don't actually need to carry or exchange a huge sum of money for your stay. However, I advise you to keep a small amount for tips, cabs and small local stores.
Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted throughout the city. You can book and dine in Dubai's hotels, restaurants and even parks with your credit card.
Currency in Dubai: what about tips?
Although tipping is never considered mandatory in Dubai, I suggest that you always keep a 5 or 10 dirham bill handy. There are certain situations in which tipping is a good idea in Dubai.
For example, most cabs do not accept credit cards. If your journey costs a few cents more, round up the fare and add 5 to 10 dirhams. What's more, once you've arrived at the hotel, you'll notice that valets or hotel staff will help you carry your belongings. They usually receive 5 to 10 dirhams tip.
If you wish to take advantage of spas and beauty salons, in addition to the treatment fee, a small tip is customary. You can give them 10 dirhams for a short service like a manicure. If you're there for a longer service, you can give them offer 10 % of expenses as a tip.
In Dubai, you can have almost anything delivered at any time of the day or night. Need a can of soda or a snack at 3am? Just call the nearest delivery driver. To show your appreciation, allow your delivery driver to keep the change or offer 5 to 10 dirhams, even if there is a delivery charge on your order.
Money in Dubai is often at the forefront of travelers' minds. However, by following these simple rules, you'll have no trouble exchanging and using your dirhams!
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