The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a nation of 7 different Emirates and is more than just a stop-over on the way to Australia or Asia. This ultramodern oasis features the F1, Dubai Gold Cup, Ferrari World, the world’s tallest building, museums and malls.
A debit card can be used to make over-the-counter purchases and cash withdrawals from ATMs. Like credit cards and travel cards, debit card transactions are protected against fraud and unauthorised transactions.
If you use your regular debit card, it’s likely you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee whenever you spend in the UAE, and if you withdraw cash you’ll be charged this fee plus a cash withdrawal fee. The good news is that some debit cards waive these fees when you use them abroad, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best option.
UAE dirhams are supported by most travel cards issued in the UK. These allow you to load up your card in advance, locking in a competitive exchange rate before your trip, and then spend on them without incurring currency conversion fees. Many also come with an additional, emergency card in case the first one is lost or stolen. A travel card can be used to make over-the-counter purchases and ATM withdrawals in the Emirates. Just be aware that some cards still charge ATM withdrawal fees.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be used without issue at businesses in the UAE. Some hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai require a credit card for deposits, so it might be good to carry one as a backup. However, to avoid foreign transaction fees you’ll need to look for a credit card specifically designed for overseas use. Be aware that even if your credit card doesn’t charge a cash advance fee for ATM withdrawals, you will still usually pay interest from the moment you withdraw your cash so this type of transaction is best avoided.
It is probably better to take a travel-friendly debit or prepaid card for ATM withdrawals. Banks and exchange offices will charge a commission to cash traveller’s cheques and you can get a better rate from the ATM.
You can use your credit card, debit card or travel card in many places throughout the UAE. Smaller businesses such as cafeterias and cafes, some public transportation, street vendors and souks are all cash only. ATMs are widespread in the cities, you will have many chances to withdraw cash if you need it.
There are many banking options for spending in the UAE, however the two current accounts that currently sit at the top of the pile are Monzo and Revolut.
Yes, you can use Monzo in Dubai and the UAE. Monzo cards, both physical and virtual, can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard, which is widely accepted in Dubai. You won’t be charged for using your Monzo card to make purchases, however as the UAE is not in the EEA, you’ll be restricted to a £200 withdrawal limit at UAE ATMs every 30 days, and if you go over, a 3% charge will kick in. Monzo automatically converts to the UAE Dirham using Mastercard’s exchange rate, without adding any mark-ups or hidden charges.
Yes, you can use Revolut in Dubai and the UAE, as the UAE Dirham (AED) is fully supported by Revolut. Revolut cards, physical and virtual, can be used at all shops, hotels, restaurants, ATMs etc. that accept Visa and Mastercard, which are both widely accepted in the UAE. Purchases can be made abroad for free on weekdays up to a limit of £1,000 per month, and withdrawals are also free on weekdays up to a limit of £200 per month. But on weekends, Revolut applies a 1% mark-up to standard-plan users on both purchases and withdrawals.
If you go over your fee-free limit, Revolut charges 2% on each withdrawal until the end of the month. For all purchases, Revolut will automatically exchange to AED at the current exchange rate.
Accommodation, food and holiday activities can be expensive in the UAE. There are less than a handful of hostels, although value 2- and 3-star hotels are widely available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Because the UAE is filled with many different nationalities, food from all over the world is available for cheap. As well as expensive theme park visits and sightseeing trips, there are also ways for you to explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai for free.
| Abu Dhabi | Budget | Mid-range | Expensive |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hostel dorm bed £12 – £30 per night | 3-star hotel £30 – £70 per night | 5-star hotel £200 – £500+ per night |
 | Chicken biryani at a cheap restaurant £5 | Shawarma platter at mid-priced restaurant £12 | Dine at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi – Signature Peking Duck £150 |
 | Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: free Relax on Corniche Beach: free | Visit the Ferrari World theme park £70 per adult | Dubai sightseeing trip from Abu Dhabi £70 – £120 per person |
*Prices are indicative and subject to change.
Travel cards enable you to preload cash onto your card before you set off on holiday, and with most accepting AED, you can avoid high conversion charges this way. A debit card can be a cost-effective way to withdraw money and make over-the-counter purchases if you have the right one. Plus, you could consider a travel credit card that waives fees and offers travel perks as this can be particularly useful for emergency spending.
You can use Visa and Mastercard in the tourist and expatriate centres of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While many smaller businesses and taxis now take cards, you will need cash at some point on your travels. ATMs are widespread and you’ll see some familiar names like Barclays and HSBC.
| Travel money option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Debit cards for travel |
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| Prepaid travel money cards |
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| Credit cards for travel |
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| Traveller’s cheques |
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| Cash |
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This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.
Exchanging cash
If you have British pounds you want to change when you arrive, avoid exchanging cash at your hotel or at the airport. You will get a better rate if you wait until you get into the city. Have a look in shopping centres for exchange offices.
ATM withdrawals
Some of the banks you’ll recognise in the UAE include Citi, HSBC and Barclays Bank. International banks will give you a higher ATM withdrawal limit than local banks. Try to select a withdrawal amount that will give you notes in smaller denominations. These machines have a tendency to dispense large bills, which can be a problem to cash outside your hotel.
You can find ATMs in the international airports, you can make a withdrawal once you go through customs and before you get in a taxi.
Dean visited Abu Dhabi so he could attend the F1 Grand Prix. He spent about 4 nights in Abu Dhabi and 2 nights in Dubai before flying back home. He was at the Yas Marina circuit to watch the practice and qualifying laps and the race itself. Dean says that at the end of each day, there were performances from major artists such as Florence and the Machine.
Dean says he could use his cards in most places he visited. He made a withdrawal from an ATM when he landed but he says he used his credit card to pay for the taxi from the airport and for a deposit when he checked into the hotel. When he ventured into the city, he could use his travel debit card all the time except for when he ate in a few of the smaller restaurants – he didn't ask if they took cards but he thinks there's a good chance they do. He adds that a few of the taxis he took were cash only.
Dean only made 2 ATM withdrawals. The first time was in the airport and the second time was when he spotted a Citibank ATM in the Abu Dhabi Mall. He says there was no issue with ATM acceptance or availability. There was always an ATM around the corner.
Dean says there is a service charge of 10% at places like hotels and restaurants included in the bill, but he says it can't hurt to round taxis up to the nearest 5 dirhams either.
* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.
You can get a better rate of exchange if you withdraw cash from an ATM in the UAE using a low-fee travel account. If you want some cash in your pocket when you land, these institutions can sell you dirhams.
The travel money products on this guide work best when they’re used together. When using a credit card, you could take advantage of interest-free days, complimentary insurance and an emergency line of credit.
However, as it’s best not to use credit cards for ATM withdrawals, you’ll need to consider a travel-friendly debit card or prepaid card as well. Fees aside, spreading your travel budget across a couple of different travel money types means a lost or stolen card won’t derail your trip.
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