Need cash when I land, best place in UAE? Airport or places in the city?
Living in Dubai, I always tell friends landing here to avoid exchanging too much at the airport. You’ll lose 5-8% minimum. ATMs from Emirates NBD, ADCB, and FAB give better rates, especially if you decline currency conversion. The best exchange rates are in places like Al Fahidi, Deira, or malls with Al Rostamani or Al Ansari Exchange branches. Airport’s fine for cab fare, but city’s better for your main funds.
I landed in Abu Dhabi and checked both the ATM and exchange counter near baggage claim. The exchange rate was worse, and they also had a flat fee. I pulled out cash from a FAB ATM using my UK Revolut and got a fair deal. Later, I compared it to rates in the city - big difference. My advice? Use the airport for small amounts only, then go to an Al Ansari or LuLu Exchange in town for the rest.
Always get a little bit of AED at the airport - like 100-200 dirhams - then wait until you’re in the city to do the rest. I used an Emirates NBD ATM inside Dubai Mall and got a better rate through my Wise card than any exchange counter. The ones in Bur Dubai and Karama also had decent rates. Airport counters are marked up heavily - you’re basically paying for convenience.
I landed in Dubai and used the airport exchange booth at Terminal 1 for just enough to cover the metro and first night - the rate was about 7% worse than what I got in Deira the next day. Definitely don’t exchange big amounts at the airport. I later found a place called Al Ansari Exchange near Union Station with way better rates. Airport is fine for a buffer, but city exchange counters are way cheaper.