MONEY AND CURRENCY
Dubai’s official currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham, often represented by the symbol AED or simply Dhs. The dirham is linked to the US dollar at a relatively stable exchange rate. This fixed parity provides predictability for visitors in terms of budget planning and currency conversion.
1. Exchange rates
Generally around 4.20 AED for 1 EURO. The exchange rate of the Dirham against the Euro changes regularly, as the rate is linked to the US dollar. 1 dollar is equivalent to AED 3.67, making the dirham a relatively stable currency. You can calculate the exchange rate yourself quite easily, on average you can divide Dubai prices by 4.5/5 to arrive at the Dutch price. On average, 1 euro is worth between 4.50 and 5 dirham, and 1 dirham is worth around 0.20 to 0.25 euro cents. 1 Dirham is made up of a hundred threads.
2. How do I exchange euros for Arab Emirates Dirham?
Exchanging euros into Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) in Dubai is a relatively simple process and can be done in several ways:
1. Exchange offices
You can exchange your euros for AED at exchange bureaus, which are frequently found in airports, shopping malls and tourist areas in Dubai. These offices often offer competitive exchange rates and minimal transaction fees.
2. Banks
Banks are also a reliable option for changing your currency. They are generally open from Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Banks may offer slightly less favorable exchange rates than specialized exchange bureaus, but they remain a safe and professional option.
3. At the airport
Although convenient, exchanging money at the airport can often result in less favorable rates. It may be wise to change only a small amount at the airport to cover your immediate costs, then look for cheaper rates in the city.
4. Automatic teller machines (ATMs)
Withdrawing dirhams directly from an ATM using your bank card can be another convenient method. ATMs are open 24 hours a day and offer competitive exchange rates. However, be aware of any international transaction fees or currency conversion charges imposed by your bank.
5. International debit/credit cards
You can also use international debit or credit cards to make direct payments or withdraw cash. This saves you from having to exchange a large sum of money at once. Check the fees associated with the international use of your card with your bank before you leave.
Tips for exchanging money
- Compare rates: It is advisable to compare the exchange rates offered by different bureaus before making a transaction.
- Hidden charges: Always ask if there are any additional charges when exchanging money.
- Safety: Always be careful when carrying large amounts of cash.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to manage your currency exchanges efficiently and securely during your trip to Dubai.
Additional note: NEGOTIATE
In Dubai, it’s perfectly normal to haggle. The exceptions are stores in shopping malls and supermarkets, all of which charge fixed prices. Tipping is quite normal in Dubai, cab journeys are better rounded off and maids are often tipped between AED 3 and AED 5 per day. In restaurants, it’s customary to tip 10%, unless a service charge has already been calculated on the bill.
3. Emirati tickets
Eight types of banknotes make up Emirati currency: there are : 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirhams. The front of all banknotes is numbered and written with English numerals, while the back remains written and numbered in Arabic with a different image of a building or monument representative of the United Arab Emirates. You’ll also notice that the Falcon, the national bird and official emblem of the United Arab Emirates, is omnipresent on the front of all banknotes.
5 Dirhams :
10 Dirhams :
20 Dirhams :
50 Dirhams :
100 Dirhams :
200 Dirhams :
500 Dirhams :
1000 Dirhams :
