Middle East
Money, cards and tipping in United Arab Emirates
AEDDirham
Money in United Arab Emirates
Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, including most taxis. Keep some cash for souks, small cafeterias and tips. US$1 ≈ Dh3.67 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not obligatory. About 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis; small tips for delivery riders and hotel staff.
- ATMs: ATMs are everywhere; some banks add a fee for foreign cards. Always decline conversion to your home currency.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are accepted at almost every contactless terminal.
- Price level: about 63% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Cards almost everywhere | Cards, Apple Pay and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small notes for souks, abras and tips. |
| Abu Dhabi | Cards almost everywhere | Cards, Apple Pay and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small notes for tips and street stalls. |
| Sharjah | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small notes for souks, tips and some taxis. |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work in resorts, malls and restaurants; keep cash for small cafeterias and some taxis. |
| Fujairah | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work in hotels, malls and restaurants; keep cash for small cafeterias and taxis. |
| Ajman | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work in malls, restaurants and most taxis. Keep small notes for souks, laundries and tips. |
| Al Ain | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small notes for souks, small cafeterias and tips. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in United Arab Emirates?
Not obligatory. About 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis; small tips for delivery riders and hotel staff.
Is United Arab Emirates cashless?
Cards almost everywhere. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, including most taxis. Keep some cash for souks, small cafeterias and tips.
What currency does United Arab Emirates use?
The Dirham (AED). US$1 ≈ Dh3.67 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- GDRFA Dubai
- UAE Ministry of Health medicine permits (EDE)
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.