ATM Fees in United Arab Emirates
UAE Dirham (AED) • Updated April 2026
The UAE has excellent banking infrastructure with ATMs widely available. Most bank ATMs charge 2-4 AED for foreign cards, but card acceptance is excellent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar.
Tips for United Arab Emirates
- • Emirates NBD, ADCB, and FAB are the largest banks with most ATMs
- • ATM fees are typically 2-4 AED (~$0.50-1 USD)
- • Card acceptance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is excellent
- • Traditional souks and older areas prefer cash
Airport tips
- • Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have multiple bank ATMs
- • Metro (Dubai) accepts Nol card - can be topped up by card
- • All airport facilities accept cards
- • Taxis accept cards
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
≈ $65.35-117 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
AED/day
≈ $199-381 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
AED/day
≈ $694-1,661 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in United Arab Emirates.
Credit card acceptance
ExcellentThe UAE has excellent card acceptance, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Contactless payments are standard in malls and modern establishments.
Regional differences
- • Dubai: Near-perfect card acceptance
- • Abu Dhabi: Very good card acceptance
- • Sharjah and other emirates: Good, but more cash used
You'll need cash for
- • Traditional souks
- • Small local restaurants
- • Some taxis
- • Tips
- • Some street vendors
Cards usually accepted
- • All malls and hotels
- • Most restaurants
- • Metro and buses
- • Taxis (mostly)
- • All tourist attractions
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | 2 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.55 USD | 1,200 | — |
| ADCB | 2 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.55 USD | 800 | — |
| FAB (First Abu Dhabi) | 3 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.80 USD | 700 | — |
| Dubai Islamic Bank | 3 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.80 USD | 500 | — |
| Mashreq Bank | 4 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~1.10 USD | 400 | — |
📍 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 | 2 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.55 USD | 1,200 | — |
| ADCB | 2 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.55 USD | 800 | — |
| FAB (First Abu Dhabi) | 3 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.80 USD | 700 | — |
| Dubai Islamic Bank | 3 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~0.80 USD | 500 | — |
| Mashreq Bank | 4 AED | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~1.10 USD | 400 | — |
🌐 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 →