United Arab Emirates Buy The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED, local abbreviation dhs). Conversion rates are 3.68 AED for 1 USD, 4.5 AED for 1 EUR and 6.8 AED for 1 GBP. The Dirham is pegged on the USD, so rate variations with this currency are unlikely. Notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams. There is a one dirham coin with sub-units of 25 and 50 fils coins (100 fils = 1 dirham). There are 5 fils and 10 fils coins but these are rarely seen (and provide an excuse for traders to 'short change').
Cash and travellers cheques can be changed at exchanges located at the airports or in all the major shopping malls. ATMs are numerous and generously distributed. They accept all the major chain cards: Visa, Cirrus, Maestro etc. Credit cards are widely accepted.
United Arab Emirates Visas and Documentation Citizens from different countries will have different requirements for entry into the UAE via Dubai.
If you are a citizen of one of these countries listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance of travel - a visit visa is stamped directly in your passport by Immigration officials at the port of entry, and is valid for 60 days.
Countries eligible for visa on arrival:
Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican.
Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China can obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai Airport.
GCC(Gulf Corporation Council) residents can also visit Dubai without applying in advance for a visa.
Israeli citizens are banned by the UAE government from entering the country.
Please note, that there has been reported cases of Racial Discrimination against European Union citizens when entering Abu Dhabi and Dubai airport by Immigration officials in 2005.