Don’t forget to buy Dirhams (AED) before you leave for the UAE
When planning your trip to the UAE make sure you get informed on the local currency. In the UAE the currency is called the dirham (AED). Although most places accept debit and credit cards, it is always useful to have some cash with you. Therefore, we recommend you establish a budget that will help you get the approximate amount of dirhams you will need to exchange but before we suggest you check the eur aed exchange rate to make sure you get the best deal!
Practical tips for planning your budget
Depending on the quality of the service, the amount of the tip can vary between 10% and 15% of the bill. It is best to round up the price to the nearest ten. In this case, for instance, you might want to buy aed before your departure so as to have some cash with you.
When planning your budget, it is good to know that the average tourist spends about 395 dirhams per day per person during their trip to the UAE. This includes AED 76.47 on entertainment, AED 142.52 on accommodation, AED 107.76 on food and AED 69.52 on transport.
It is also important to check the euro dirham exchange rate before departure and to compare them in order to get the best possible deal.
395 AED
Average cost of one night stay
108 AED
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in the United Arab Emirates
5-15 AED
A metro ticket: One way
14 AED
The price of a cup of coffee
6 - 8.5 AED
A bus ticket
45 AED
A Manousheh
1,7 AED
A taxi ride
63 AED
Admission to the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Some suggestions for your stay
You are guaranteed to be in the sun all year round in Dubai however you can still choose between a mild and a very hot season. The mild season is from November to April with temperatures ranging from 25° to 35°C.
When choosing accommodation, look for those close to a metro station in Downtown Dubai and Deira, for example, which are closer to the center, rather than hotels further away such as in the Marina area.
A diversion to Abu Dhabi will fascinate you with its unique culture and experiences. The UAE also offers you the chance to spend unforgettable evenings in its trendiest clubs and bars. Nightlife enthusiasts should head to Dubai, Ajman and Abu Dhabi to enjoy the best nightlife in the UAE.
Here are some of the top rated tourists attractions : Visit the Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a little hike up Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah, visite the Louvre Abu Dhabi, experience the Desert outings, take a dhow Rides on Dubai Creek, head into the Hajar Mountains, shop in souks, visit Hatta, visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
When do you need cash in the United Arab Emirates?
It is entirely possible to make most payments by card or contactless methods during a stay in the United Arab Emirates. However, having some AED in cash can be very useful for certain expenses.
Some shops and traditional businesses do prefer cash, such as cafés, restaurants, or small grocery stores.
Certain vendors in souks may also require cash payments. Make sure to bring AED with you so you don’t miss out on a souvenir that catches your eye!
Some small everyday services may also require cash, such as car washes, phone repairs, or budget haircuts.
Overall, we strongly recommend always having some AED in cash with you to avoid stressful situations and maintain your financial independence while in the country.
Some facts about the Dirham (AED)
Denominations of the pound sterling
Notes : 5 AED, 10 AED, 20 AED, 50 AED, 100 AED, 200 AED, 500 AED and 1000 AED
Coins : 1 thread, 5 threads, 10 threads, 25 threads et 50 threads, and 1 AED
The sign of the UAE dirham is the د.إ.
The Falcon, the national bird and official emblem of the UAE, is the watermark found on the front of all banknotes.
The front of all banknotes is numbered and written with English numerals while the entire face is in Arabic. The dirham banknotes contain a different image of a building or monument representative of the United Arab Emirates.
Why buy UAE dirham (AED) from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been providing currency exchange services since 1992. You can find exchange bureaus all over the world, including a vast coverage of France. ChangeGroup offers an interesting exchange rate for your dirhams. The EUR AED exchange rate is even more attractive when buying on our website where you can also benefit from 0% commission and choose the home delivery option for 19.90 euros only. With our Buy-Back Guarantee we will buy back your leftover travel money at the same purchase price as when you first exchanged EUR AED. You find this useful as you often have remaining currency after your trips? Then get our Buy-Back guarantee for only 6.95 €.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1.Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2.Select delivery method
Choose between home delivery or branch pick-up. Create an account & finalise your order.
3.Receive your currency
Collect your currency from a branch near you or have it delivered right to your door. Enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging euros for AED
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the EUR/AED exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your euro-to-AED exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your AED at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your AED from the bureau de change of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 48 to 72 hours for just €19.90.
By choosing to reserve your AED online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many AED you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery service, we can exchange your euros for AED wherever you are in France.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQ.
- How to order travel money online?
- Do you have any limits on orders placed online?
- Can I specify my preferred currency denominations when ordering online?
- I placed an order online, but I didn't receive a confirmation email - What should I do?
- Is there any fee for currency exchange online?
- How far in advance can I place my order?


