Trying to avoid paying crazy ATM fees while traveling in UAE. Anyone found ATMs that are free for foreign cards? Would love specific banks or locations if possible.
I was in Dubai last month and used my Revolut card at a Mashreq Bank ATM near the Mall of the Emirates. Wanted to charge me 26 aed fee!! Then tried Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic and HSBC - which didn’t charge anything either just made sure to decline the currency conversion. Avoid ATMs inside hotel lobbies though; I got hit with a 25 AED fee at one next to a convenience store in JBR.
In Abu Dhabi, I found that ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) ATMs were the most consistent for fee-free withdrawals. I used a Canadian Visa debit card and didn’t see any surcharge or weird markup. The one at Al Wahda Mall was super convenient. I also avoided Travelex machines like the plague they charge fees and have brutal exchange rates. Big bank branches tend to be safer for fair terms.
Used my Wise card all over Sharjah and Dubai in March and the best results came from HSBC ATMs. The one inside Dubai Mall near the lower ground floor worked perfectly no local bank fee and no conversion scam. I tried an ENBD ATM in Deira that wanted to charge 18 AED so I bailed. If you’re staying in the city, stick to ATMs inside malls or metro stations run by international banks.
I was on a layover in Dubai and tried to pull cash at the airport. Big mistake most ATMs there added fees of 20-30 AED. Later, I found a Commercial Bank of Dubai ATM in Bur Dubai that didn’t charge anything on my UK Mastercard. It seems like the more touristy the location, the more likely you’ll get slapped with fees. Local bank ATMs in residential zones or business areas are your best bet.
Mashreq ATM in the UAE worked with all major cards I tried. It was reliable, safe, and available when needed.
EMIRATES NBD ATM is withdrawal-only-no deposit feature.
No withdrawal fees for my foreign card at EMIRATES NBD. Very useful!
EMIRATES NBD ATM worked perfectly with my card from home. No issues.