Everything you need to know

United Arab Emirates Currency

Travelling to or living in United Arab Emirates? Managing your money shouldn’t be stressful. With TransferGo, you can send, spend, and exchange money affordably — so more of your money goes where it matters.

Use the GoCard in United Arab Emirates

Open a UK bank account with us and get a GoCard for smarter spending in United Arab Emirates. Pay in local shops, use ATMs globally, and enjoy contactless payments—all with zero hidden fees. Everything is managed from the app. Available only to UK and EU residents.

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What is the currency in United Arab Emirates?

The official currency of the UAE is the UAE dirham

The dirham replaced the Qatari and Dubai riyal in 1973 and is issued by the Central Bank of the UAE.

AED, د.إ

Banknotes

د.إ5

د.إ10

د.إ20

د.إ50

د.إ100

د.إ200

د.إ500

د.إ1,000

Coins

50 fils

د.إ1

Popular Dirham pairings

A

AED

ALL

AED

AMD

AED

ANG

AED

AOA

AED

AUD

AED

AWG

AED

AZN

B

AED

BBD

AED

BDT

AED

BGN

AED

BHD

AED

BMD

AED

BND

AED

BOB

AED

BRL

AED

BSD

AED

BTN

AED

BWP

AED

BZD

C

AED

CAD

AED

CHF

AED

CLP

AED

COP

AED

CRC

AED

CZK

D

AED

DJF

AED

DKK

AED

DOP

AED

DZD

E

AED

EGP

AED

ETB

AED

EUR

F

AED

FJD

G

AED

GBP

AED

GEL

AED

GHS

AED

GIP

AED

GMD

AED

GYD

H

AED

HKD

AED

HNL

AED

HUF

I

AED

IDR

AED

ILS

AED

INR

J

AED

JMD

AED

JPY

K

AED

KES

AED

KGS

AED

KHR

AED

KMF

AED

KWD

AED

KYD

AED

KZT

L

AED

LKR

AED

LSL

M

AED

MAD

AED

MDL

AED

MGA

AED

MKD

AED

MNT

AED

MRU

AED

MUR

AED

MVR

AED

MWK

AED

MXN

AED

MYR

AED

MZN

N

AED

NAD

AED

NGN

AED

NOK

AED

NPR

AED

NZD

O

AED

OMR

P

AED

PEN

AED

PGK

AED

PHP

AED

PKR

AED

PLN

AED

PYG

Q

AED

QAR

R

AED

RON

AED

RWF

S

AED

SAR

AED

SBD

AED

SCR

AED

SEK

AED

SGD

AED

SRD

AED

SZL

T

AED

THB

AED

TJS

AED

TMT

AED

TOP

AED

TRY

AED

TTD

AED

TZS

U

AED

UAH

AED

UGX

AED

USD

AED

UYU

AED

UZS

V

AED

VND

AED

VUV

W

AED

WST

X

AED

XAF

AED

XCD

AED

XOF

Z

AED

ZAR

AED

ZMW

How to spend money in United Arab Emirates

Cards are widely accepted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities—in hotels, restaurants, shops, and taxis. Cash is still useful for small purchases and in more traditional souks. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are common. ATMs are widely available.

Tip: Always pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate and avoid extra conversion charges.

Tips for exchanging money in United Arab Emirates

Exchange at banks or licensed bureaux for good rates.

Avoid hotel exchanges; their rates are poor.

Always pay in dirhams; foreign currencies aren’t accepted.

Keep small notes for taxis and markets.

With TransferGo, you can send AED directly to UAE accounts or use your GoCard to pay or withdraw.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the official currency used in United Arab Emirates?

UAE dirham (AED).

What is the official currency used in United Arab Emirates?

Symbol: د.إ | Code: AED

Can I use my home currency in United Arab Emirates?

No, dirhams are standard.

How can I use my GoCard in United Arab Emirates?

Just activate it in the app and start spending—online or in stores.

Is it better to use cash or card when spending in United Arab Emirates?

Cards are dominant; cash for small purchases.

Are credit or debit cards widely accepted in United Arab Emirates?

Yes, almost everywhere.

Are there ATMs available in United Arab Emirates, and are there withdrawal limits?

Yes, in every city; limits vary by bank.

Can I use a GoCard in United Arab Emirates?

Yes! You can use your GoCard for spending, withdrawing, or managing your money—with fair rates and no hidden fees.