United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Prepare for your trip to the UAE with Asda Travel Money
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Take in the views of Dubai’s towering skyscrapers, dive beneath the sea at one of the world’s largest aquaria or enjoy five-star dining at renowned restaurants. However you spend your time in the United Arab Emirates, one thing is certain — you’ll need plenty of cash.
Buy AED Currency online or visit one of our foreign exchange bureaus for same-day service.
What is AED Currency?
The United Emirates uses the United Arab Emirates Dirham or, as its more casually known Emirati Dirham, since 1973. Its name comes from the word Drachmae, Greek for ‘handful.’ While it’s officially abbreviated as AED, DH or Dhs abbreviations are also common.
Should You Buy United Emirates Currency Now or Wait?
Most vendors and retailers in the UAE prefer cash transactions. So, it’s a good idea to have some cash on you.
Buying United Emirates currency before you go means you won’t need to find an ATM on arrival or deal with pesky international transaction fees. With AED currency already lining your pockets, you’ll be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
How Much Do Things Cost in the United Emirates?^
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500–750 AED basic double hotel room
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150–450 AED two-course meal
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50–70 AED cocktail
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60-400 AED entrance to tourist attractions
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![Car icon]()
18.5 AED short taxi ride
^At the time of publishing - November 2019.
Get to Know Dirham Currency
Useful Money Tips for United Arab Emirates
- You’re expected to tip 10-15% unless the service is bad.
- At souks (traditional markets), make sure to haggle with sellers as you could end up paying 50% more otherwise.
- When taking a taxi ride, round up the fare to the nearest 5Dhs.
Coins
The Emirati Dirham is made up of 100 fils. Coins feature Eastern Arabic numerals and Arabic text. As 1, 5 and 10 fils coins are rarely used, most people round to the nearest 25 fils.
- 25 fils
- 50 fils
- 1 Dirham
Banknotes
AED banknotes have both Eastern Arabic and English numerals and come in a wide range of colours. Typically, you can find the below notes in circulation:
- 5 Dirham
- 10 Dirham
- 20 Dirham
- 50 Dirham
- 100 Dirham
- 200 Dirham
- 500 Dirham
- 1000 Dirham
Three reasons to love Asda Travel Money:
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1. Exchange Rate Guarantee
If you find a better exchange rate within 5 miles of one of our travel money bureau, we’ll beat it with our Price Promise.
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2. We Buy Back Your Travel Money
Stop by our travel money bureau and we’ll buy back your unused travel money. Even if you didn’t buy your travel currency from us, we’ll exchange it back commission free.
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3. Same Day Travel Money Service
Left it till the last minute? Don’t worry, simply swing by one of our travel money bureaux and take advantage of our same day travel money on popular currencies, subject to availability.
Before you run off to the UAE, remember to pick up your holiday money at Asda
Need a different currency?
Asda Travel Money is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited, registered number: 04621879, registered addresses Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.