Shopping
How To Pay
Credit Cards
Credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) and debit cards (Visa Electron) are accepted in shopping malls, supermarkets and many independent shops. Cards mainly use the chip-and-pin system. Aramex also offers a Web Surfer card, a prepaid MasterCard for use online.
Cash
Cash or prepaid cards are needed for fuel at petrol stations as cards are not accepted at the moment; some in Dubai are now offering card payment and it’s hoped Abu Dhabi will follow, with some already beginning to offer the service. You are never too far from an ATM in the city and it is preferable to pay with cash in souks and smaller shops – try to have a variety of denominations, because it is better to hand over close to the exact amount.
Currency
The dirham is the local currency, but US dollars and other foreign currencies are accepted in some larger shops (and in airport duty free). You'll also often be asked whether you want card purchases to be made in dirhams of your domestic currency if paying using a card from home.
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