If you want to spend money responsibly and get the most out of your trip to the UAE, make sure you get essential information about currency. Read Here!
Currencies Used in UAE
Traveling to another country is pretty challenging and daunting. The primary reason is unfamiliarity with the country’s culture, climate, rules, laws, language, and currency. UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are shoppers’ paradise. These big cities house top brands in gigantic shopping malls.
In addition, UAE has gold souks loaded with high-quality and beautiful jewelry. You can’t resist the exquisite jewelry found in the souks. In addition, UAE is also the best country in the Middle East for adventure activities. Most people visiting the UAE have an uncontrollable shopping impulse.
If you want to streamline shopping experiences and avoid unplanned urges, we recommend learning about the country’s currency and creating a travel budget. That way, you can avoid the hassle and spend money wisely.
So, it is always good to know about the currency before traveling to the UAE. Today’s article will give you essential information about the UAE’s currency. Read on!
The Basics of UAE Currency
The United Arab Emirates is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The UAE Dirham is the official currency of the Emirates and is made up of 100 fils. You can find dirham in various denominations, including 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and up to 1,000.
You can also use coins in denominations, such as 1, 25, and 50 fils. Keep in mind that people rarely use coins with a value of less than ten. In addition, the UAE’s central bank controls and issues the banknotes.
The bank uses different watermarks to prevent counterfeiting. The currency has the national emblem that appears on the note. The UAE has strict laws, rules, and regulations. For example, you can’t insult the national emblem. Otherwise, the court will charge you for counterfeiting and send you to jail.
Remember, the emblem appearing on the currency notes is a golden falcon. Each note has a disk surrounded by seven stars in the middle. Likewise, there are seven feathers. Each feather represents the specific emirate of the UAE. Let us now discuss how to exchange currency in the UAE. Continue reading!
How to Exchange Currency in UAE?
Although exchanging currency in the UAE is a streamlined process, you need to consider a few factors. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the market rate before traveling to the UAE. The mid-market rate refers to the actual exchange rate, meaning no hidden fees.
You can use different online currency converting tools before your trip to the UAE. That way, you can determine what your money is worth and ensure you get a reasonable rate when buying your travel money. Once you are in the UAE and want to withdraw cash, choose dirham from the options.
Otherwise, you will experience hefty conversion rate charges. For example, when you withdraw money from the ATM in your country’s currency, you will pay more fees. Therefore, it is better to use the local currency. In this case, the dirham is your best option whether you use ATMs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other place in the UAE.
Moreover, experts recommend avoiding changing currency at hotels and airports. Remember, currency exchange services in hotels and airports have significant markup rates. You may also experience hidden fees. So, make sure you avoid exchanging currency at these places and choose a reliable option.
Furthermore, always use a debit card to spend money in the UAE. That way, you can avoid additional fees and hidden costs. Although credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in the UAE, some hotels and restaurants accept payments in cash. So, in addition to debit cards, always have a few hundred dirhams in cash.
Final Words
If you plan to travel to the UAE anytime soon, make sure you create a thorough plan, including your budget, to streamline the entire process. Although the U.S dollar is widely accepted across UAE, it is advisable to convert your currency into dirham. That way, you can travel easily and save money. Follow the tips and tricks in this article to get the best exchange rates and avoid the hassle. Until Next Time!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.