Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering how much cash to pack? You don’t need a fortune, but you do need a realistic plan. Below you’ll get clear numbers for budget, mid‑range, and luxury travelers, plus tips on using cards and ATMs so you avoid nasty fees.
Dubai is very card‑friendly. Most restaurants, malls, and hotels accept Visa, Mastercard, and even contactless phones. That means you can keep a small amount of cash for small stalls, taxis, or tips, and rely on cards for bigger bills.
Here’s a quick rule: bring about 100 AED (≈ 27 USD) in cash per day if you’re staying in hostels or budget hotels. If you plan on visiting souks, street food spots, or need cash for public transport, bump that up to 200 AED per day. The rest can be covered with a debit or credit card.
When you need cash, use ATMs inside malls or banks – they give the best rates. Avoid airport machines; they charge extra. Let your bank know you’ll be traveling so they don’t block your card.
Budget traveler – 150–250 AED per day (≈ 40–68 USD). This covers a hostel bed, a couple of meals at local cafés, metro rides, and a bit of sightseeing. You’ll probably eat most meals at food courts or small eateries.
Mid‑range traveler – 350‑550 AED per day (≈ 95–150 USD). Includes a 3‑star hotel, dining at mid‑level restaurants, occasional Uber rides, and entrance fees to attractions like the Burj Khalifa or desert safari.
Luxury traveler – 800 AED and up (≈ 220 USD+). Covers 5‑star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, and premium experiences such as yacht rentals or helicopter tours.
Don’t forget extra costs: shopping, nightlife, and unexpected fees. Adding a 10‑15% buffer to your daily total helps avoid surprises.
**Quick tip:** Use the UAE dirham (AED) for everything. While some places accept US dollars, the exchange rate you get in the market is usually better than the one you’ll get at a shop. Exchange a small amount before you land, then top up at ATMs if needed.
**Money‑saving hack:** Get a prepaid travel card with no foreign transaction fees. Load it with AED, and use it like a debit card. It’s safer than carrying a lot of cash and you can track spending in real time.
**Final checklist** before you leave:
With these numbers in mind, you’ll know exactly how much to pack, avoid costly surprises, and enjoy Dubai without worrying about money.
Exact 7-day Dubai budget with daily costs, cash vs cards, example itineraries, and savings tips for solo, couples, and families in 2025. No fluff, just numbers.