Navigating Currency and Tipping

Understanding the local currency and customs around tipping will make your transactions in Dubai smooth and stress-free. The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham, commonly abbreviated as AED or Dhs. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000, while coins are available in 1 Dirham, 50 fils, and 25 fils.

Getting and Using Dirhams

You can exchange your home currency for Dirhams at the airport, in banks, or at numerous exchange bureaus found in shopping malls, which often offer competitive rates. ATMs are also widely available and are a convenient way to withdraw cash. While credit and debit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at traditional souks, for taxi fares, or for tipping.

The Art of Tipping

Tipping in Dubai is a customary way to express gratitude for good service, but it is not obligatory. In many restaurants, a service charge and a tourism fee are already included in the bill. However, if the service was exceptional, leaving an additional tip of 10-15% is a generous gesture that is always appreciated by the staff.

For other services, here are some general guidelines:

• Hotel Staff: For porters, it's customary to tip AED 5-10 per bag. For housekeeping, leaving around AED 10-20 per day is a nice gesture.
• Taxi Drivers: While not expected, rounding up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams is common practice. For a particularly helpful driver, a tip of AED 5-10 is appreciated.
• Tour Guides: For a good tour experience, a tip of around 10% of the tour cost or AED 20-50 per person is a good benchmark.
• Spa and Salon Staff: A tip of 10-15% of the service cost is standard for good service.