Dubai is one of the easiest places in the world to use a card — malls, metro top-ups, hotels and most restaurants take it. Cash still matters in a few places: the gold and spice souks, abra boat rides, small cafeterias and tips.
A sensible split
For most holidays, about 70% on a forex card and 30% in dirham cash works well. A family of four on a five-night trip might carry AED 1,500–2,000 in cash and load the rest on the card.
Why load AED and not US dollars
If you pay in dirhams from a USD balance, the card converts it and adds a cross-currency charge. Load AED directly and you pay the rate you locked in India.
Limits to know
- You can buy up to USD 3,000 equivalent in notes per trip; anything above goes on the card.
- Everything counts towards your LRS limit of USD 2,50,000 a financial year.
- The UAE asks travellers to declare cash above AED 60,000 on arrival — far above what most holidaymakers carry.
Before you fly
- Book your forex 3–7 days ahead so notes are ready.
- Keep the card and cash in different bags.
- Save the card's 24×7 helpline in your phone.
Tip: Dirham rates move with the US dollar, because the dirham is pegged to it. If the rupee is weakening against the dollar, buying a little earlier helps.
