Buy Dirhams (AED) before you travel to the UAE
When planning your trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the local currency, which is the dirham (AED). While most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s always wise to carry some cash with you. We recommend planning your budget to estimate the amount of dirhams you’ll need and checking the SEK to AED exchange rate beforehand to ensure you get the best deal.
Practical Budgeting Tips
Tips in the UAE usually range between 10% and 15% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. It's best to round up the amount to the nearest ten dirhams. Consider exchanging your AED in advance to ensure you have cash on hand for tips and other expenses.
For your daily budget, the average tourist spends around 395 AED per day, which covers entertainment, accommodation, food, and transport. Here’s how this breaks down:
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Entertainment: 76.47 AED
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Accommodation: 142.52 AED
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Food: 107.76 AED
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Transport: 69.52 AED
395 AED
Average cost for accommodation per night in the UAE
108 AED
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Cost of Things in the UAE
5 - 15 AED
Metro ticket (one-way)
14 AED
A cup of coffee
6 - 8.5 AED
Bus ticket
45 AED
A typical Lebanese breakfast (Manousheh)
1.7 AED
Taxi fare (per km)
0 - 63 AED
Entry to the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Suggested Activities in the UAE
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Dubai offers year-round sunshine with two distinct seasons: a mild season from November to April (temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C), and a hot season.
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Accommodation: Look for places near metro stations in Downtown Dubai and Deira for easier access to the city centre. Avoid hotels that are farther away, like those in the Marina area.
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A trip to Abu Dhabi is a must for a unique cultural experience. The UAE also provides an unforgettable nightlife scene, with Dubai, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi offering the best clubs and bars.
When do you need cash in the United Arab Emirates?
It is perfectly possible to make most payments by card or contactless during a stay in the United Arab Emirates. However, having AED in cash can be very practical for certain expenses.
Some shops and traditional businesses do prefer cash, such as cafés, restaurants, or small grocery stores.
Some vendors in the souks may also require cash payments. Make sure to carry AED with you to avoid missing out on a souvenir that catches your eye!
Some everyday services may also require cash, such as a car wash, phone repair, or a budget hairdresser.
In general, we strongly recommend always having AED in cash with you to avoid stressful situations and maintain your financial autonomy while on site.
Facts About the Dirham (AED)
Denomination of the AED
Banknotes: 5 AED, 10 AED, 20 AED, 50 AED, 100 AED, 200 AED, 500 AED, 1000 AED
Coins: 1 fils, 5 fils, 10 fils, 25 fils, 50 fils, 1 AED
The dirham symbol is د.إ.
The falcon, the UAE's national bird and emblem, is featured as a watermark on all banknotes.
All banknotes are numbered and printed with English numerals, while the Arabic script is used on the rest of the note. Each banknote also features an image of a significant building or monument in the UAE.
Why Exchange Dirhams (AED) with ChangeGroup?
With over 30 years of experience, ChangeGroup is a global leader in currency exchange services. We provide full coverage in Sweden and offer the best SEK to AED exchange rates in Scandinavia. Ordering your dirhams online ensures you receive the most competitive rates, with the added benefit of free delivery to one of our exchange offices in Sweden.
Ordering online is easy, fast, and secure. Plan your travel budget and take advantage of our great rates for a stress-free journey!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to AED
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/AED exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to AED in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your AED at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your AED at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your AED online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many AED you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
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