How to Pay for Things in Dubai in 2025: Cash, Cards & Contactless Guide

Dubai is a city built on speed — fast cars, fast skyscrapers, and increasingly, fast payments. In 2025, nearly four out of five purchases are made with a card or mobile wallet, and the city aims to be 90% cashless by 2026.

But before you ditch dirhams altogether, there are still moments when a few paper notes come in handy. This guide breaks down exactly how to pay for things in Dubai in 2025 — from taxis and restaurants to metro rides and shopping.

The Currency (AED) & What’s New in 2025

Dubai’s official currency is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at AED 3.6725 = USD 1 — making exchange rates refreshingly stable.

• Notes & coins: 25 fils, 50 fils, and 1 dirham coins are common. Prices are often rounded to the nearest 25 fils.
• New currency symbol: In March 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE unveiled a new dirham symbol, now appearing across apps, ATMs, and price tags.
• Exchange tip: Always pay in AED (not your home currency) to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) markups (American Express).

Cash in Dubai: Still Useful, But Fading

Cash use has dropped to just 18% of all payments — but you’ll still want some notes for:

• Tipping: Waiters, porters, and valet staff still prefer small cash. See our full Dubai tipping guide.
• Small vendors & markets: Souks, food stalls, and tiny cafés may not take cards.
• Backup: AED 100–300 in small bills is smart in case of tech hiccups.
• Peer-to-peer: Cash is common in informal exchanges.

ATMs are widespread — in malls, hotels, and metro stations. Stick to local currency withdrawals for the best rates.

Credit & Debit Cards: The Default Way to Pay

Dubai is a card-first city. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. Amex is accepted at many (but not all) merchants.

• Domestic card scheme: By mid-2026, all debit cards will run on the new Jaywan system (Gulf News).
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Tabby, Postpay, and similar services are booming in retail.
• Where cards work: Restaurants, malls, taxis, attractions, and even desert safari tours.

⚠️ Tourist tip: Some UAE banks increased international fees in 2025 (Reddit). Bring a fee-free card if possible.

Contactless & Mobile Wallets: The Norm in 2025

Dubai’s tap-to-pay adoption is world-class: over 90% of in-store transactions are contactless (Visa Middle East).

• Supported wallets: Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay — all supported by UAE banks (Apple, Google).
• Local wallets: Emirates Digital Wallet, Careem Pay, and Payit.
• Security: Biometric pay (face/fingerprint) and AI fraud detection are increasingly standard.

👉 Want to get set up before landing? Check our guide to the best mobile apps in Dubai.

Transport & Taxis: How to Pay on the Go

• Public transport: Cash isn’t accepted. Use an RTA nol card for Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, and parking (RTA).

• Nol card types: Red (single ride), Silver/Gold (regular), Blue (personalized).
• Taxis & rideshares: Dubai taxis accept cards, Nol, Apple Pay, Careem Pay, QR codes — plus cash if you insist.

See our detailed Dubai metro and Nol card guide.

Extra Wallet Options for Asian Travelers

• UPI (India): Many merchants now accept UPI QR payments, via NPCI International and local banks. Rollout continues in 2025 (FF News).
• Alipay+: Thousands of merchants — including Duty Free — now accept Alipay+ wallets like Alipay, GCash, KakaoPay, and TrueMoney (Alipay+).

VAT Refund for Tourists

Tourists can reclaim most of the 5% VAT charged on shopping.

• Refund = 87% of VAT paid, minus AED 4.80 per transaction (Planet Payment).
• Process: Ask for a tax-free invoice, validate at airport kiosks, bring your passport and purchased goods.
• Full details: UAE Government VAT Refund Guide.

If you’ve got a long stopover, check our Dubai Airport Layover Guide for how to spend that refund money.

Practical Checklist: What to Carry in 2025

✅ One fee-free Visa/Mastercard + backup
✅ Mobile wallet (Apple Pay / Google Wallet) set up in advance
✅ AED 100–300 in small notes for tips & souks
✅ RTA nol card for transport
✅ Always select AED at POS/ATMs (avoid DCC)

💡 Bonus: Want to know if Dubai is affordable for your trip? Read our Dubai cost of living breakdown.

The Future of Payments in Dubai

Dubai isn’t just catching up; it’s setting the pace globally. By 2030, it plans to be among the world’s top five cashless cities (Platinumlist).

Expect:

• Biometric payments (palm scans, facial recognition).
• AI-powered fraud detection.
• BNPL everywhere: from malls to online bookings.

Conclusion

In 2025, Dubai is a card and contactless paradise. Still, keep some cash for tips and old-school charm.

👉 Set up your digital wallet before you fly, grab a Nol card on arrival, and you’ll glide through everything from shawarma stops to high-end shopping sprees.

And if you want to really experience Dubai in style? Pay in card, crypto, or cashless — and check out our luxury car rentals in Dubai.

FAQs

Do I need cash in Dubai in 2025?
Not much. Cards and mobile wallets dominate daily life. Keep AED 100–300 for tips and markets.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Wallet everywhere?
Yes. Almost all contactless terminals accept them if your bank supports UAE use.

How do I pay for the Metro or bus?
With an RTA nol card. Cash isn’t accepted on public transport.

Can I get a VAT refund as a tourist?
Yes. Reclaim up to 87% of VAT on eligible purchases, minus a small fee.

Are international cards accepted?
Visa/Mastercard everywhere. Amex works widely, but not universally.