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Exchange Euros for UAE Dirhams (AED)
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Buying UAE dirhams (AED) before travelling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
In the United Arab Emirates, card payments are the norm: according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cards are widely accepted. What you need to watch is how you pay, so that your bank’s currency conversion fees do not eat into your budget with every purchase. At Prosegur Change, you have two options: load dirhams onto the Travel Money Card via the app, or order online with no commission and collect the cash you need from one of our branches.
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Currency |
United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) |
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Commission on online reservations |
0 % |
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Collection |
Free from 18 branches in Spain |
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Payment |
At the branch, by card or in cash |
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Leftover pounds |
BuyBack guarantee: €6.95 |
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Cash-free option |
Pay in dirhams with the Travel Money Card
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will pay by card for almost everything: hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, attractions and transport. The Travel Money Card lets you pay directly in dirhams. It is a completely free, 100% virtual Mastercard that you can add to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Using the app, you convert your euros into dirhams at the current exchange rate, which is more favourable than the rate applied when buying cash. You can then pay with your phone without having to rely on your bank's conversion for every transaction.
It is particularly useful in a destination where expenses can quickly add up: attraction tickets, desert excursions and shopping at large malls. If you run short of money, you can top up in minutes via the app. And if your trip continues to Saudi Arabia, the same card also lets you load Saudi riyals.
Get the best exchange rate on your AED with our multi-currency card
EUR
This card is issued without any funds loaded. It can be topped up once activated.
A little cash, just in case
Although cards are accepted almost everywhere, it is worth carrying some cash for traditional souks, small shops, tips or an abra, the boat that crosses Dubai Creek. You will not need much: a few hundred dirhams should usually be enough for a short trip.
The dirham and the US dollar go hand in hand
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of around 3.67 dirhams to the dollar. In practice, this means the euro-to-dirham exchange rate moves in line with the euro-to-dollar rate. If you keep an eye on the dollar exchange rate, you will also have an idea of how the dirham rate is moving. If you already have US dollars left over from a previous trip, you can exchange them without any problem at currency exchange branches in the UAE.
Banknotes, coins and the new symbol
UAE banknotes range from 5 to 1,000 dirhams. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils, as well as 1 dirham (100 fils equal one dirham). In March 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE introduced a new symbol for the dirham, so you may see it alongside the abbreviations AED or Dh on prices and receipts.
Do not confuse it with the Moroccan dirham
Although they share the same name, the UAE dirham (AED) and the Moroccan dirham (MAD) are different currencies and cannot be exchanged directly for one another. When placing your order, make sure you select the correct currency.
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Before leaving Spain
If you hold a Spanish passport, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least six months. During Ramadan, opening hours and some local customs change, although Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become more flexible in recent years.
When arriving in the UAE, you must declare cash exceeding AED 60,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, to customs. When leaving Spain with €10,000 or more, remember to submit form S1 to the Spanish Tax Agency.
How to get your dirhams
If you plan to pay mainly by card, apply for your Travel Money Card before you leave. For cash, order the amount you need online and collect it from your preferred branch in Madrid, Barcelona or any other location listed in our branch finder. If you are travelling from Madrid-Barajas Airport or Barcelona-El Prat Airport, place your order a few days in advance and collect your dirhams in the city centre rather than exchanging money at the airport at the last minute.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Select currency
Choose your currency and the amount you need. Stock guaranteed on 65 currencies!
2. Select location & date
Choose from 18 branches for a free pick up. No need to prepay your order online
3. Collect & pay
Pay by card or in cash directly at the branch upon pick-up. You're now all set for your trip!
Frequently asked questions about the UAE dirham
Not much. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carrying some cash is useful for souks and small shops.
Yes. You can convert your euros into dirhams via the app and pay in dirhams using your phone.
No. They are different currencies and cannot be used interchangeably in the two countries.
No, not for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided your passport is valid for at least six months.