Currency in the UAE: the UAE dirham
The United Arab Emirates uses the UAE dirham, written AED and often shown as Dh. It has been pegged to the US dollar at about 3.6725 since 1997, which makes it one of the most stable currencies in the world. That stability is useful, but it does not mean every exchange counter offers the same deal.
Reviewed 5 November 2026. Rates update automatically.
Updated · Latest mid-market rate
Mid-market rate for guidance only. Banks and transfer providers add a margin and may charge a fee. This site does not handle, hold or transfer money.
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Rate context
| You send | Mid-market value |
|---|---|
| 10 USD | 36.7250 AED |
| 50 USD | 183.6250 AED |
| 100 USD | 367.2500 AED |
| 500 USD | 1,836.25 AED |
| 1,000 USD | 3,672.50 AED |
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.6725, so USD/AED barely moves. That stability is useful for travelers from the United States, but visitors from Europe or the United Kingdom will see the dirham move with their own currency against the dollar. The peg is defended by the Central Bank of the UAE and backed by the country's foreign assets.
Rates are indicative and can change. About our rates.
UAE Dirham key facts
A dirham with a dollar anchor
The UAE dirham is divided into 100 fils. The ISO code is AED, and prices are often written as Dh or AED. The Central Bank of the UAE issues the currency and maintains the dollar peg.
The dirham is the legal currency across the seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates. Some tourist businesses may accept dollars, but the dirham is the currency you should budget in.
The peg does not mean zero cost
Because the dirham is pegged to the dollar, USD/AED is stable and the main cost for dollar holders is the exchange margin, not the rate itself.
If you are traveling from the euro area or the United Kingdom, the rate you get depends on EUR/USD or GBP/USD as well as the peg. Watch your home currency against the dollar before you exchange a large amount. A good dollar rate does not always mean a good euro rate.
Cards are normal, cash is still useful
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, restaurants and taxis. Cash is still useful for souks, small shops, abras and tips. Carry a modest amount of dirhams even if you plan to use a card.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and malls. Use a machine inside a bank or a busy public area, check the operator fee and choose to be charged in dirhams if the machine offers a choice.
Souks, taxis and small notes
In a souk, cash and a willingness to walk away are part of the experience. Keep small notes for a taxi, a bottle of water or a tip. A large note can be awkward in a small shop.
If a taxi or shop offers to charge you in your home currency, decline it and pay in dirhams. The conversion is usually done at a less favorable rate. Check the meter or agree the fare before the journey starts.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping is common in restaurants, hotels and for service staff. Check whether a service charge is already included, then add a small amount if the service was good. Taxi drivers are often tipped by rounding up the fare.
Keep small notes for tips and small purchases. If you use a card, check whether the terminal offers dynamic currency conversion and decline it if you want to pay in dirhams.
What the peg means for your budget
Use the converter above to turn your budget into dirhams, then add a margin for exchange and card fees. The peg makes the dollar rate predictable, but hotel, restaurant and attraction prices vary widely between emirates.
If you are visiting during a major event or holiday, book early and keep a cash reserve for small businesses that may not accept cards. A mix of card and cash covers most situations.
Safety and scams
The UAE is generally a safe destination, but watch for card surcharges and dynamic currency conversion. Pay in dirhams when a terminal offers a choice, and check the total before you approve a payment.
Use licensed exchange houses or banks, keep your receipts and carry small notes for tips. Keep your passport and main cards separate from your everyday cash, and use a backup card if one is lost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the currency in the UAE?
The UAE dirham (AED) is the legal currency. It is divided into 100 fils and issued by the Central Bank of the UAE.
Is the UAE dirham pegged to the US dollar?
Yes. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at about 3.6725 since 1997. The Central Bank of the UAE maintains the peg.
Can I use US dollars in the UAE?
Some tourist businesses may accept dollars, but the dirham is the legal currency. You may receive change in dirhams and a less favorable conversion. It is usually simpler to pay in dirhams.
Are credit cards accepted in the UAE?
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, restaurants and taxis. Carry some cash for souks, small shops and tips.
Do I need cash in the UAE?
A small amount of cash is useful for markets, small shops, abras and tips. ATMs are widely available, so you do not need to carry a large amount.
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