ATM Fees in United Arab Emirates
UAE Dirham (AED) • Updated April 2026
UAE has excellent card acceptance. AED pegged to USD. Dubai is expensive. Very safe. Strict laws on behavior. Summer is extremely hot.
Tips for United Arab Emirates
- • AED pegged to USD
- • Cards accepted everywhere
- • Very strict laws
- • Alcohol only in licensed venues
- • Summer extremely hot (45°C+)
Airport tips
- • Dubai airport has many ATMs
- • Exchange rates are fair
- • Metro to city is cheap
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in United Arab Emirates, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
AED/day
≈ $65.35-144 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
AED/day
≈ $199-422 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
AED/day
≈ $640-1,933 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in United Arab Emirates.
Credit card acceptance
ExcellentCards accepted virtually everywhere. A 'Tourism Dirham Fee' is charged per bedroom/night at hotels, payable at check-in.
You'll need cash for
- • Small shops in old souks
- • Some taxis
- • Tips
Cards usually accepted
- • Everywhere - hotels, restaurants, malls, transport
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | 0 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | 0 USD | 200 | No fee |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank | 0 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | 0 USD | 150 | No fee |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | 0 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | 0 USD | 200 | Best coverage |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank | 0 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | 0 USD | 150 | Good network |
🌐 ATM Alliance Benefits: If you bank with a member of these alliances, you may get reduced or waived ATM fees in United Arab Emirates:
View all ATM alliances →