Local Currency
The dirham (AED) is the monetary unit of the UAE.
Dirham notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.
The dirham is divided into 100 fils and the coins come in AED 1, 50 and 25 fils.
The dirham has been pegged to the dollar since 1980 at an approximate rate of AED 3.66 = US$ 1.00.
Cost of Living
| Drinks |
| Beer pint/bottle |
AED 25–35 |
| Cappuccino |
AED 15 |
| Fresh Fruit Cocktail |
AED 20 |
| House Wine glass |
AED 25 |
| House Wine bottle |
AED 120–220 |
| Milk 1 liter |
AED 5 |
| Water 1.5 liters |
AED 1 |
| Coca Cola / Pepsi |
AED 1 |
| Food |
| Big Mac |
AED 9 |
| Bread large |
AED 1–4 |
| Chocolate Bar |
AED 1–2 |
| Eggs dozen |
AED 6 |
| Falafel Sandwich |
AED 2 |
| Fresh Fruit kg |
AED 10–30 |
| Fresh Meat kg |
AED 6–40 |
| Sugar kg |
AED 3.5 |
| Shwarma Sandwich |
AED 3 |
| Tin of Tuna |
AED 3 |
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| Getting Around |
| Abra Creek Crossing |
AED 1 |
| Bus |
AED 2–6 |
| Car Rental per day |
AED 120 |
| City Tour half day |
AED 150 |
| Desert Safari half day |
AED 200 |
| Creek Tour boat |
AED 50 |
| Taxi airport to city |
AED 35–75 |
| Taxi AED 1.25/km |
Starting from AED 10 |
| Entrance Fees |
Beach Club
may include lunch |
AED 60–200 |
| Cinema |
AED 30 |
| Museum |
AED 2–10 |
| Nightclub |
AED 50–100 |
| Park |
AED 3–5 |
| Miscellaneous |
| Cigarettes per packet |
AED 5–10 |
| Film |
AED 8 |
| Film processing |
AED 35–45 |
| Haircut female |
AED 75 |
| Haircut male |
AED 20 |
| Postcard |
AED 2 |
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 Moneychangers
Central Deira and Bur Dubai have a high concentration of exchange houses, but money can be changed virtually anywhere around Dubai. The best rates can be found at the Money Souk. They may even have a good selection of the most esoteric currency available.
Moneychangers are usually open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturdays to Thursdays. Most are open on Friday afternoons after 2:00 pm. Check the local newspapers for the latest exchange rates.
Banks
Dubai has efficient local and international banking networks, offering the full range of banking services. Banks open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm,
some opens on Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (branches in Shopping Malls open
from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm). They close on Fridays and public holidays. Most of the international banks in Dubai can be found along Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road in Bur Dubai.
ATM
ATMs are located at local banks, shopping malls, hotels and gas stations. Most accept a wide range of cards like Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner’s Club, Cirrus, Global Access, Plus System and Switch.
Credit Cards
Most internationally recognized credit cards – such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa – are readily accepted by hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and larger shops. It is wise to carry some cash for general shopping and eating out at smaller establishments. Smaller retailers are less likely to accept credit cards, and if they do, some charge an additional 2–4% processing charge.
For cards services call:
| MasterCard International |
332 2956 |
| Visa |
331 9690 |
| American Express |
336 5000 |
| Diner’s Club |
349 8200 |
Tipping
In a modern city like Dubai, tipping is good practice. Leaving 5%–10% of the bill is acceptable at restaurants and coffee shops that do not already include service charge. Taxi drivers will appreciate a few dirhams with a smile, while you can leave valets and porters a small amount for their efforts.
Bargaining
Bargaining is a traditional and cultural way of doing business in the emirate. Put on your best smile, sharpen your skills at the souks, and you may just walk away with a 15%–25% discount on your purchase. Larger shopping malls, however, have standard prices.
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