Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in UAE take card payments at check-in
Some hostels will let you pay by card at check-in, especially newer ones near tourist hubs. But there’s always the chance of “machine not working” or a weird excuse. I’ve seen travelers caught off-guard because the booking site said “card accepted” - and then they had to run to an ATM. If you want to avoid scrambling, always have enough cash for your first 2-3 nights just in case.
Stayed at a few hostels and coliving spaces around Dubai - most accepted card, but several added a 3-5% surcharge for using it. One even insisted I pay with cash because “POS was offline.” These places aren’t like hotels - reliability is spotty. Even in modern hostels, I always keep at least AED 200 on hand for unexpected situations. UAE's modern, but cash is still king at smaller places.
I booked through Hostelworld and assumed I could pay by card on arrival - mistake. The hostel in Deira insisted on cash only, even though their listing said “cards accepted.” I had to run out and find an ATM late at night. Not fun after a long flight. If you're checking into any budget hostel in UAE, always ask ahead and carry cash to avoid hassle.
Most hostels I stayed at in Dubai - like in Al Fahidi and Bur Dubai - were cash preferred, even if they advertised card acceptance online. One place said their card reader was “under maintenance” for two days. It’s hit or miss. Booking online is fine, but for check-in, bring enough dirhams in cash, just in case the POS machine is conveniently “broken.”