Buy UAE Dirham Online

The UAE Dirham (AED) is available in both coins and banknotes. Coins are in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 fils, and 1 Dirham denominations. Banknotes come in AED 5, AED 10, AED 20, AED 50, AED 100, AED 200, AED 500, and AED 1000 denominations. It’s ideal to carry a mix of smaller coins and larger notes for convenience when paying for items or tipping.

Yes, cash is widely accepted in the UAE, especially in local shops, markets, and taxis. However, credit and debit cards are commonly used for larger transactions in malls, hotels, and restaurants. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular, so it's a good idea to have both cash and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for flexibility while traveling.

When using a credit or debit card in the UAE, you may incur foreign transaction fees, usually ranging from 1% to 3%. To avoid these fees, consider using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card.

The official currency in the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), and it is the best currency to use during your travels. US Dollars (USD) are sometimes accepted in tourist-heavy areas like malls, hotels, and some shops, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. It’s best to use AED for all transactions to avoid additional costs and to ensure smoother purchases.

Tipping in the UAE is customary but not mandatory. It’s appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and for services like taxis. A 10% to 15% tip is typical in restaurants if service charges are not included. For taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff, concierges, and tour guides generally appreciate tips of around AED 10 to AED 20.

The cost of a meal in the UAE can vary widely depending on where you dine. On average, expect to pay AED 40 to AED 80 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, meals at high-end restaurants can range from AED 150 to AED 300. For budget-friendly options, local eateries, food courts, and street food are excellent choices, with meals typically costing between AED 20 to AED 50.

The amount of UAE Dirhams you should buy depends on the length of your trip and your planned spending.

The best time to buy UAE Dirhams is when exchange rates are favourable. Keep an eye on AED exchange rates leading up to your trip and consider purchasing AED in advance to secure a good rate. Using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card is also an excellent option, allowing you to lock in a competitive exchange rate before departure.

The UAE Dirham (AED) is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. It is only accepted in the UAE and is not commonly used in other countries. If you are traveling to nearby Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Qatar, you’ll need to exchange your AED for the local currency.

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back scheme so you’re not out of pocket after your big adventures.

At Hays Travel you have several quick and easy methods to buy your currency. You can click & collect, call into branch, or choose home delivery.

You can also buy the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card and load currency before your departure. ATMs are widely available in airports, hotels, and city centres.

In the UAE, both cash and cards are widely accepted. Cards are the best option for larger purchases, such as shopping or dining at high-end restaurants. Cash is ideal for smaller transactions, taxis, tips, or places that do not accept cards. A combination of both cash and the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card is typically the most convenient and secure way to manage your money while traveling.

Carrying cash in the UAE is generally safe, but as with any travel destination, it's important to exercise caution. Use a money belt or secure wallet to protect your AED. The UAE is considered a very safe country, and most travelers have no issues with carrying cash, but using the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger transactions is often the safer and more convenient option.