Currency And Foreign Exchange

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (abbreviated as Dhs or AED), with each Dirham divided into 100 fils.  Dirham notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations, while coins come in AED 1, 0.5 and 0.25. The latter two denominations are rarely used anymore.

Cash exceeding AED 40,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency has to be declared to airport customs control upon entry to the UAE. There are no foreign exchange limitations in place in the country, and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged. Banks and money exchange bureaus can be found throughout Abu Dhabi, the latter located in most shopping centres and key locations. All major hotels will also readily exchange currency for guests.

Exchange rate

The Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar at the official exchange rate of AED 3.6725 to every US Dollar.

Banks

The majority of banks operate five days a week, Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 am  to 2:00 pm while a couple of others are also open on Saturdays from 8:00 am  until 2:00 pm. Branches located in prominent city centres and malls open  at 9:00 am, and remain open until early evening, say 6:00 pm.

Credit Cards

Credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted in the UAE.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but is usually practised in the Emirate.  Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. The majority of restaurants add service charges to the bill (10%). If this charge isn't included, add 10% to the total of the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Supermarket baggers, bag carriers and windscreen washers at petrol stations are usually given AED 2.