Can I pay with US dollars in Dubai?

What currency is used in Dubai?

The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). The UAE dirham is the currency used throughout the United Arab Emirates. The dirham is divided into 100 fils, and the AED banknotes come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Since 2025, the dirham has had its own symbol, just like the dollar: it is the letter ‘d’ crossed by two horizontal lines.

You can read more about the official currency in Dubai, types of payment in Dubai and a guide to cash and cards in Dubai here ➡️What is the currency in Dubai?

Can you pay with dollars in Dubai?

The dollar is one of the most popular currencies in the world. It is the official currency of several countries, not only the USA, and a common means of payment in 15% of countries worldwide. It is a strong currency, often taken by tourists on holiday to exchange for foreign money or to pay locally. The dollar is not the official currency of the UAE, but can you use dollars in Dubai?

Yes, payment in dollars is possible in the United Arab Emirates, but it is disadvantageous for the payer. When paying for the same service in dirhams and dollars, the payment in dollars will be converted at a less favourable exchange rate. In the end, we will pay more when paying in dollars and will lose money.

What currencies does Dubai accept? In Dubai, in addition to dirhams (AED), the following currencies are also accepted: dollars, euros, and at Dubai Airport in the Duty Free zone, 15 foreign currencies are accepted: US dollar, euro, British pound, Kuwaiti dinar, Singapore dollar, Qatari riyal, Saudi riyal, Omani rial, Bahraini dinar, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Swiss franc, Malaysian ringgit, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, Israeli shekel

Payments in dollars in Dubai – where are they accepted?

Can you pay in US dollars in Dubai? Yes, you can pay in dollars in some places in Dubai. Where can you pay with dollars in Dubai? Can you use dollars in restaurants in Dubai? You can pay with US dollars in Dubai in large shopping centres, hotels, some restaurants and airports, but the exchange rate will be unfavourable for the payer and worse than the exchange rate at a currency exchange office.

Shopping in Dubai with dollars

US dollars are accepted in large shopping centres in Dubai, so you can shop in the Dubai Mall with dollars, for example. But is it worth it? No, it is not worth shopping in Dubai with dollars. The price in dollars will always be less favourable for the payer than the price in dirhams. If you do not want to exchange cash, pay for your purchases in Dubai with multi-currency payment cards, such as the Revolut card. Read the guide on what Revolut offers and how to set it up ➡️Revolut on the go - the most important information.

Can I pay for attractions in Dubai with dollars?

Yes! At the moment, you can pay for attractions in Dubai on the Two Continents website in 6 currencies: PLN (Polish zloty), USD (US dollar), EUR (euro), GBP (British pound), AED (UAE dirham) and RON (Romanian leu). You can also pay in dollars for accommodation in Dubai in private apartments or hotel rooms. Don't worry – in this case, paying in dollars is just as cost-effective as paying in dirhams. Two Continents guarantees fair payment according to the official currency exchange rate and does not charge any commission on payments in other currencies.

You can also buy a flat for yourself or as an investment in our real estate agency in Dubai with dollars 🏠 Check out the offers on the Estate Two Continents website and learn about the possibility of short-term rental profits in Dubai by talking to our agents.

Exchanging dollars in Dubai for local currency

If you are travelling to Dubai and want to exchange cash for local money on site, the best currencies to use are US dollars or euros. These two currencies guarantee the best exchange rate at Dubai's exchange offices. Where is the best place to exchange currency in Dubai? Currency exchange in Dubai can be done at:

• Currency exchange offices - you will find the best exchange offices offering good rates and low commissions in the largest shopping centres in Dubai. You can also find currency exchange offices in the city; the best ones are in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts.
• At banks - you can exchange dollars for dirhams at banks at a good rate, but this involves longer waiting times and formalities.
• At the airport - you can exchange dollars for local currency at exchange offices at the airport, but this usually involves a less favourable rate than at exchange offices outside the airport.
• In hotels - hotels often offer currency exchange. It is better to avoid this option, as hotels offer unfavourable exchange rates.

Can you pay with dollars at the airport in Dubai?

Airports are places where you can often pay with multiple currencies. Do they accept dollars at Dubai Airport? Yes, Dubai Duty Free accepts payment in US dollars and 14 other currencies from around the world, such as euros, British pounds and Indian rupees. You can also pay in dollars at cafes, restaurants and shops at the airport.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• Does Dubai accept US dollars?

Yes, although the official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates dirham, US dollars are accepted in some places in the city, such as airports, large shopping centres, restaurants and hotels.

• Can you pay with dollars in shops in Dubai?

You can pay with dollars in some shops in Dubai. Accepting dollars in Dubai is not common, and you will only be able to do so in shops in large shopping centres or at well-known international chains.

• Where can you exchange dollars in Dubai?

You can exchange dollars in Dubai in several places: at currency exchange offices located in shopping centres or other locations in the city and at airports, as well as at banks, hotels or at currency exchange machines, which are becoming increasingly popular in Dubai.