Travel Money - UAE Dirham
Travel Money – UAE Dirham Exchange Rate
Convert your British Pound to UAE Dirham
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and a favourite with sun-seeking Brits.
Whether you’re heading to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, buy your travel money before you fly – and hit the malls and souks straight away.
Why buy UAE Dirham from us?
- Better rates for Nectar members*
- 0% commission on all foreign currencies
- Order online for collection at an instore bureau
- FREE home delivery on cash orders of £500 or more**
UAE Dirham converter – how much will I get?
Want to know exactly how much you'll get for your money? Use our online online currency converter.
Rates may vary depending on whether you buy UAE Dirhams online or in store.
Are you a Nectar member?
You’ll get a better exchange rate on UAE Dirham ordered online or in store*.
Tell us your Nectar card number when you place your order. Not a Nectar member? Just download the Nectar app or register at nectar.com.
Best way to buy UAE Dirhams
Online
Buying UAE Dirham online means you can place your order anytime, whether you’re at home, at work or on the go
In store
Buy UAE Dirham at any of our in-store travel money bureaux
Travel Money Card
Why not buy a prepaid travel card with UAE Dirham on it? With a Sainsbury's Bank Multi-currency Cash Passport™ Mastercard®, you can take up to 10 currencies on your trip
Can I sell my unused UAE Dirham?
Got some leftover currency after your trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
We buy back most foreign currency notes in denominations we sell (buy back rates vary daily). Simply bring it to one of our in store bureaux to convert UAE Dirham to GBP.
What countries accept UAE Dirhams?
The UAE Dirham is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, used in all seven emirates or states:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm Al-Quwain
UAE currency and typical costs
Facts and figures about UAE Dirham
- The UAE Dirham currency code is AED and is often abbreviated as Dhs or Dh
- One Dirham is divided into 100 fils or fuloos (Note that we don’t sell or buy coins)
- The Dirham has been officially used in the UAE since 1973 and has been ‘pegged’ to the US Dollar since 1997
- It’s now considered one of the most stable currencies in the world
The cost of visiting the UAE
The UAE certainly isn’t known as a budget holiday destination. So to help you make the most of your money, we’ve looked into some average costs for tourists.
The amount you’ll spend will depend on what state or emirate you’re visiting, but Lonely Planet estimates:
- Budget hotel room: Dhs250–450
- Bus ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Dhs25
- Car hire: Prices start from Dhs200
- Two-course dinner: Dhs150–450
- Double room at a hotel: Dhs500–750
- Fine-dining meal: Prices start from Dhs500
- Five-star hotel room: Prices start from Dhs1000
(Cost estimates from Lonely Planet, February 2021.)
Tourism tax in the UAE
As well as the price of accommodation, food and drink, bear in mind that you may have to pay ‘tourist taxes’.
According to the official UAE government site, restaurants, hotels and resorts may charge one or more of the following taxes:
- 10% tax on the room rate
- 10% service charge
- 10% municipality fees
- 6–10% city tax
- 6% tourism fee
Need a different currency?
If you’re planning multiple trips this year and need another foreign currency, we’re here to help. We have over 50 currencies available, including the Omani Rial and Saudi Riyal.
Travel tools and guides for your trip to the UAE
Whether you’re in downtown Dubai or relaxing in Ras Al Khaimah, our guides are packed with handy travel tips.
Flying with children
Check out our hints and tips for travelling with a newborn or toddler
Holiday planning
Our holiday checklist will help you create the perfect travel plan
Keeping your money safe
Find out the best ways to look after your money while you’re away
Any questions?
We’ve got the answers to our customers’ most common questions about travel money.
Terms and conditions
*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone. You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction.
**You can order currency for a secure home delivery by 1pm on the day of your choice by Royal Mail (Mon- Sat). For next day delivery your order needs to be confirmed before 1.30pm (Mon- Fri). Please note that whilst Royal Mail make every effort to delivery on schedule, we cannot guarantee this as it is beyond our control. Highlands and Islands (including Channel Islands) are not guaranteed next day delivery. Delivery is free on all cash orders £500 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £499.99). The minimum order for home delivery is £100. The delivery day quoted is dependent on the order day being a working day; if one of those days is a public holiday then additional day(s) will be added accordingly. All home delivery orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless we advise you otherwise, to your billing address, and a signature will be required upon delivery. A valid telephone number is required for home delivery.
Sainsbury's Bank Multi-currency Cash Passport™ Mastercard® is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.