Exchange your pounds to AED dirhams with Sainsbury’s Bank
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 iconic landmarks and desert adventures in Dubai or the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Abu Dhabi, buy your United Arab Emirates dirhams before you fly – and hit the malls and souks straight away.
Why buy UAE dirham from us?
- Better pound to AED exchange rates for Nectar members*
- 0% commission on dirhams
- Order UAE currency online for collection at an instore bureau
- FREE home delivery on cash orders of £400 or more**
Pound to UAE dirham – how much will I get?
At Sainsbury’s Bank we want you to get the most out of your trip to the United Arab Emirates. We offer a competitive exchange rate when converting pounds to dirhams – or any other currency. With us you can focus on enjoying your holiday without the stress of exchanging currency when you arrive.
We want to make things simple – we don’t charge commission for exchanging money at Sainsbury’s Bank.
Want to know exactly how much AED currency you'll get for your pounds? Use our online online currency converter.
Rates may vary depending on whether you buy UAE dirhams online, over the phone or instore.
How to order your UAE dirham currency
Order online
Buying UAE dirhams online means you can place your order anytime – whether at home, work or on the go. We’re here to make travel money as convenient as possible for you.
Visit us
Buy UAE currency at any of our instore travel money bureaux. These are located at Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, so you can even pick up your UAE dirhams while doing the weekly shop.
Travel Money Card
For even easier holiday spending, why not buy a prepaid travel card with AED currency on it? With a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card™, you can take up to 22 currencies on your trip – so you’re covered wherever your adventure takes you.
Just load up your dirhams and manage your money on the go using the Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money App. You can purchase excursions and souvenirs with your card as well as using it to withdraw cash from ATMs in the UAE.
Are you a Nectar member?
Nectar members unlock our best pound to UAE dirham exchange rates*, when you order online, over the phone or instore.
All you need to do is let us know your Nectar card number when you place your order.
Not a Nectar member? Just download the Nectar app or register at nectar.com to make the most of the exclusive rates.
Don’t fancy carrying cash? Use our Travel Money Card
Simplify your holiday spending with a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card™. From Abu Dhabi to Dubai, wherever you are in the United Arab Emirates eunsure your travel money is secure.
Our Travel Money Card works in the same way as a regular debit or credit card. Use it for chip and pin or contactless payments to withdraw cash or even buy things online.
Plus, getting your card couldn’t be easier. Order online for next day collection at your nearest travel money bureau or opt for home delivery to receive it in the post in up to eight days.
Buying UAE dirham: FAQs
What is the UAE dirham?
The UAE dirham currency code is AED, and the currency is often abbreviated as Dhs or Dh. AED is considered one of the most stable currencies in the world – the dirham has been officially used in the UAE since 1973 and has been ‘pegged’ to the US Dollar since 1997. One dirham is divided into 100 fils or fuloos.
Sainsbury’s Bank doesn’t sell or buy coins.
What is the UAE tourist tax?
The UAE tourist tax is an extra charge you may encounter while on holiday in the UAE. 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 f ee
Can I sell my unused UAE dirhams?
Yes – if you have leftover AED currency after your trip to the UAE, simply bring it to one of our instore bureaux to convert your dirhams to GBP.
We buy back most foreign currency notes in denominations we sell (buy back rates vary daily).
What countries accept UAE dirham?
The UAE dirham is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. It’s used in all seven emirates:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm Al-Quwain
Should I take dirham to Dubai?
Yes, dirham is the most accepted currency in the UAE. You may find some places, such as big hotels, will accept US dollars, but most vendors will not accept foreign currency.
Is it better to carry cash or card in Dubai?
While card is widely accepted in Dubai, it can be a good idea to have cash in some places. Keep some small notes available for shopping in the souks or hopping in a taxi. Cash can also come in handy for tipping.
Do taxis in Dubai take cash?
You’ll find taxis in Dubai take a mixture of payments including cash, Apple Pay and card. But it’s always best to ask before hopping in.
Is UAE dirham the same as AED?
Yes, UAE stands for United Arab Emirates and the Emirati dirham is the official currency. The dirham is officially abbreviated to AED.
What if I need a different currency?
If you’re planning multiple trips or visiting multiple countries in a single trip and need another foreign currency, we’re here to help. We have over 50 currencies available, including the Omani Rial and Saudi Riyal.
Planning a trip?
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Order your Travel Money Card
Simplify your holiday spending with a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card™.
Buy back
Returned from holiday with leftover foreign notes? Not to worry, we’ll buy back your leftover spending money.
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 currencies that we offer next day delivery, your order needs to be confirmed before 2pm (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 £400 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £399.99). 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 Travel Money Card™ 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.