Do I need cash in Dubai?

Very little. Cards are accepted across the UAE, and Dubai Taxi takes cash, credit cards and nol cards, including at the airport. The one fare you must pay in cash is the traditional abra across Dubai Creek: AED 1 per person, per trip. Carry a small amount of dirhams for that and for small shops.

Where cash is the only option

The traditional abra. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) lists the fare on the wooden abras across Dubai Creek as AED 1 per passenger, per trip, paid in cash. The two crossings run between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq, and between Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha. Chartering a whole abra is listed at AED 120 per hour. See how the abra works and how much the abra costs.

Where cash is handy, not essential

Small independent businesses are where a few notes save you time: stalls in the Spice Souk and other traditional markets, the smallest cafeterias (see eating well for under AED 30), and optional extras at a desert camp (the desert safari guide covers which extras are worth it). Many of these take cards too; cash simply avoids the question.

Where cards and nol work

• Taxis. Dubai Taxi’s own answer to “what payment methods are available in the taxi?” is cash, credit cards and nol cards, and the same for airport taxis. RTA installed card payment devices across the whole taxi fleet in 2019, including phone payments with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
• Metro, bus, tram, ferry and water taxi. These run on the nol card. The Metro and nol card guide explains which card to buy.
• Small purchases near stations. RTA says a nol card can also pay at more than 2,000 retail outlets, up to AED 200 per purchase.
• Everything else. The UAE government portal confirms that credit cards, currency cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in the UAE.

Getting dirhams

The currency is the UAE dirham (AED, often written Dhs). Dubai’s tourism department gives the rate as US$1 = AED 3.67. You can exchange money only at licensed exchange centres, which are found at airports, in malls and in commercial areas, or withdraw cash from ATMs, which are widely available. There is no need to arrive holding dirhams: the airport taxi rank takes cards and nol. Before you travel, check what your own bank charges for foreign withdrawals and card payments, because that, not the exchange rate, is often the bigger cost.

Arriving with a large amount of cash

Anyone aged 18 or over carrying more than AED 60,000 in cash, or the equivalent in other currencies, cheques, precious metals or valuable stones, must declare it on arrival. Money carried by someone under 18 is added to the limit of the parent or guardian travelling with them.

Getting VAT back: cash or card

Most goods carry 5% VAT. Tourists aged 18 and over can reclaim it on purchases of at least AED 250 from shops in the tax-free scheme. You receive 85% of the VAT paid after a fee of AED 4.80 per tax-free tag, and you choose a refund in cash dirhams or to your credit card. Purchases must be validated at the airport or other exit point within 90 days of buying them. Our VAT calculator shows how much VAT is inside a price.

A worked example: one day, what needs cash

In that day, the only payment that cannot be made any other way is AED 4 for two return abra crossings. Everything else is a choice.

Common mistakes

• Changing large sums at home. You will use far less cash than you expect.
• Using an unlicensed money changer. Exchange only at licensed centres.
• Forgetting the abra needs coins or small notes. A large note for an AED 1 fare is awkward for everyone.
• Leaving the VAT refund to the last minute. Validation happens at the airport before you fly; allow time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay for a Dubai taxi by card?

Yes. Dubai Taxi accepts cash, credit cards and nol cards, including at the airport.

Do I need cash for the abra?

Yes. The traditional abra fare is AED 1 per person per trip, paid in cash.

What is the exchange rate for the dirham?

Dubai’s tourism department gives US$1 = AED 3.67.

Do I have to declare cash when I land?

Only if you are 18 or over and carrying more than AED 60,000 or its equivalent.

Can I get my VAT refund in cash?

Yes, in dirhams, or to your credit card. Tipping is the other thing people ask about: see do you tip in Dubai?

More of what surprises first-time visitors is in first time in Dubai.

Verified August 2026. See our editorial policy.