Travel money
Dubai and the UAE: the dirham and Gulf currencies
1 min read
The UAE dirham at a glance
According to the travel advice for the United Arab Emirates:
the currency is the dirham (AED);
credit cards are widely accepted at main hotels, shops and restaurants, but smaller businesses may only accept cash;
ATMs are available across the emirates;
you must declare AED 60,000 or more (or the equivalent) to customs, in cash, cheques, money orders or other valuables, when entering or leaving.
A currency pegged to the US dollar
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at AED 3.6725 per US$1. The same goes for several currencies in the region:
Country | Currency | Fixed rate |
|---|---|---|
United Arab Emirates | Dirham (AED) | AED 3.6725 = US$1 |
Saudi Arabia | Riyal (SAR) | SAR 3.75 = US$1 |
Qatar | Riyal (QAR) | QAR 3.64 = US$1 |
Bahrain | Dinar (BHD) | BHD 1 ≈ US$2.66 |
Oman | Rial (OMR) | OMR 1 ≈ US$2.60 |
Jordan | Dinar (JOD) | JOD 1 ≈ US$1.41 |
The Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), on the other hand, is tied to a basket of currencies rather than the US dollar alone.
In practice: against the Canadian dollar, all these currencies move like the US dollar. See why the Canadian dollar goes up or down.
Cash or card in Dubai?
A card covers most things: hotels, malls, restaurants. Keep dirhams for souks, small shops, taxis and tips. At the terminal, always pay in dirhams rather than Canadian dollars (why?).
Getting your currency
We carry UAE dirhams as well as Saudi and Qatari riyals, Bahraini, Jordanian and Kuwaiti dinars and Omani rials at our branches. Check today's rates and reserve online.
Frequently asked questions
Are US dollars accepted in Dubai?
Sometimes, in tourist spots, but at a rounded rate. Pay in dirhams.
Do I need to declare my money when leaving Canada?
Yes, from C$10,000 in total. See the CBSA rule.
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