When visiting Dubai, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the currency used in the city. The official currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the UAE dirham (AED). The dirham is abbreviated as “Dhs” or “AED” and is commonly referred to as simply “dirham” by locals.
The Coins
Just like any other currency, the UAE dirham is divided into smaller denominations, known as coins. Here are the coins that are currently in circulation in Dubai:
- 1 fils coin: This is the smallest denomination of the dirham and is rarely used in everyday transactions.
- 5 fils coin: Slightly larger than the 1 fils coin, this coin is also not commonly used.
- 10 fils coin: This coin has a slightly larger size compared to the 5 fils coin and is occasionally used for small purchases.
- 25 fils coin: The 25 fils coin is one of the more frequently used coins for small transactions.
- 50 fils coin: With a distinctive silver color, this coin holds a higher value and is commonly used for mid-range purchases.
- 1 dirham coin: This larger golden-colored coin holds the highest value among all coins and is widely accepted for most transactions.
The Paper Currency
In addition to coins, Dubai also uses paper currency for larger denominations. Here are the current paper currency denominations in circulation:
- AED 5 note: The AED 5 note features a blue color and commonly used for small purchases.
- AED 10 note: The AED 10 note is green in color and widely accepted for various transactions.
- AED 20 note: With a purple color, the AED 20 note is commonly used for mid-range purchases.
- AED 50 note: The AED 50 note features a combination of light green and brown colors and is widely accepted as a medium denomination.
- AED 100 note: This brown-colored note holds the highest value among all paper currencies and is commonly used for larger transactions.
Tips for Handling Currency in Dubai
When visiting Dubai, it’s important to be familiar with the local currency to ensure smooth transactions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Exchange currency: It’s advisable to exchange your currency into UAE dirhams at authorized exchange centers or banks to get the best rates.
- Cash vs. card: While cash is widely accepted in Dubai, credit cards are also commonly used. It’s recommended to carry a mix of both for convenience.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is not common in most retail stores or malls.
However, you may try negotiating prices at traditional markets or souks.
- Tipping culture: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Dubai. It’s customary to tip around 10% of the bill at restaurants and give small tips to service staff like taxi drivers or hotel porters.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the currency used in Dubai is the UAE dirham (AED), which is divided into coins and paper currency. Familiarizing yourself with the various denominations will help you navigate transactions smoothly during your visit to Dubai.