The UAE dirham is easy to handle for most visitors — cards are widely accepted, and cash is rarely essential.
The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate, which means it doesn't fluctuate against the dollar the way free-floating currencies do — useful for budgeting in advance. Notes and coins are used for small purchases, but contactless card payment is the norm almost everywhere, from taxis to souks.
International cards are accepted at the vast majority of hotels, restaurants, malls and attractions. ATMs are widely available, particularly in malls and near hotels, and dispense dirhams. Keep a small amount of cash for local taxis that occasionally prefer it, tipping, and smaller vendors at markets.
Tipping isn't obligatory in the UAE the way it is in the US, but it's appreciated and increasingly customary. Many restaurant bills already include a service charge; if not, 10% is a common, welcome tip. Rounding up for taxis and leaving a small tip for hotel staff is standard practice.
Overwhelmingly card. You can comfortably spend a week in Abu Dhabi barely touching cash, though it's still worth carrying some for taxis, tips and markets.
