Cash or CC in Dubai

[legroom]

Hi AFFers,

Like most of you here, I have never been to Dubai until this partnership arrangement.

We are stopping over for a couple of days to see Dubai for ourselves.

Wondering if you have any tips on money issues there.

I have 28-degrees, CBA Travel Cards (USD, Euro) and CC galore.

? What type of cash is most useful: USD, Aussie, Euro or the local currency

If the local currency is the way to go, where best should we Aussies obtain that: here in Oz or at DXB ?

If in DXB, would that be at the airport or the local booths / banks / hotels etc... ?

? CC acceptance: widespread or limited to 5 (or should that be 6)* places only

Related to the above is the AMEX acceptance, what has been your experience ?

Would you know the local expectation of tips (standard a la USA, or optional depending on the level of service)?

Any other tips on Dubai in general would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[markis10]

I have no idea what the local currency looks like, CCs are widely accepted , did not see many ATMs so would imagine cash exchange at the airport might make sense.

 

[legroom]

I have no idea what the local currency looks like, CCs are widely accepted , did not see many ATMs so would imagine cash exchange at the airport might make sense.

If you could survive your recent trip without knowing what the local currency looks like, I feel better now.

I'd just go with my Aussie / USD cash and the usual CCs.

 

[mella2007]

Any type of card works fine in the UAE. Get a small amount of their currency if you must (tipping, soft drinks, small purchases) but had no issues whatsoever just using different cards for everything

 

[Grooba]

My plan of attack is to grab a few local $$ for incidentals at the airport once I land then use 28° card for everything else.

 

[simongr]

I have no idea what the local currency looks like, CCs are widely accepted , did not see many ATMs so would imagine cash exchange at the airport might make sense.

If you could survive your recent trip without knowing what the local currency looks like, I feel better now.

I'd just go with my Aussie / USD cash and the usual CCs.

I expect markis10 barely had any time to spend local currency...

 

[legroom]

I expect markis10 barely had any time to spend local currency...

True, true !!!!

Camel ride and photo ops with AJ / Carrie Bickmore / The Boss ....

I forgot.

Who needs cash ! :mrgreen:

 

[markis10]

Cash would have been handy for the three hours at the souks, could of picked up some nice spices including Saffron from Iran, would have been superfluous at the mall though, we certainly had time for spending, but were in most cases too busy taking photos.

 

[get me outta here]

I wonder if saffron would get confiscated this end.

 

[markis10]

I wonder if saffron would get confiscated this end.

Interesting and potentially expensive question given its around $3 a gram. I believe the sealed stuff may have a better chance.