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Dubai welcomes millions of tourists every year, from all over the world. And why not? With a number of attractions such as beautiful malls, museums, big amusement parks, deserts, and beaches, Dubai ensures that no tourist leaves empty-handed.
You’ve been planning your trip to Dubai for quite a while now. And now you’re only a few days away from taking your flight. While you are excited about spending time in this amazing city, you may feel confused about which currency to bring. Also, should you carry any currency or simply plastic money? How much value would you get for your local currency? What is the exchange rate for Dubai currency in India? Is Indian currency accepted in Dubai? In this article, you will get to know about the Dubai currency.
Table of contents
Dubai Currency – UAE Dirhams
The Dubai currency name is the dirham, shortened as dh. It also gets referred to as an AED. The Dirham’s exchange rate against many world currencies as of 20 Feb 2026, 8:35 am UTC is around:
- 1 dirham is 0.27 USD
- 1 dirham is 0.20 GBP
- 1 dirham is 0.23 EUR
- 1 dirham is 24.77 INR
Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary at different times.
One Dh includes 100 files. Dh notes come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. You could receive a bill of 6.65 Dh. It rounds to the next whole number, say 7. If the numbers after the decimal are less than 5 (e.g., 6.46), the value rounds down to 6.
What Is The Best Currency To Use In Dubai?
You can easily carry your country’s money. Before traveling, check the current exchange rate between your national currency and the AED. However, because we live in the digital age, we advise that you avoid carrying large amounts of money. You can carry international travelers’ checks or plastic money (international debit/credit cards).
Let’s consider three cases:
If You Take US Dollars To Dubai
US money is accepted in Dubai. However, if you would prefer to depend only on the US dollar to pay for your expenses in Dubai, you should think again. hough retailers, hotels, and shopping malls usually accept this currency, smaller shopkeepers may prefer the local currency. As a result, you have to use the official money for local transportation, street food, and other transactions.
If You Take UAE Dirham To Dubai
The UAE dirham, often known as Emirati dirham, is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It can be used everywhere in Dubai; therefore, you can exchange INR for AED before going on your trip. Supreme Forex, India’s well-known and top forex RBI-authorized company, now offers the best INR to THB exchange rates in India.
If You Take INR To Dubai
Another option is to take Indian rupees to Dubai and convert them there, but this will be very expensive. While there are many currency exchange shops in Dubai where you can convert INR to THB, they are usually located in famous tourist districts, where travelers are offered unfavorable exchange rates. You can get much better rates online on a currency exchange platform like Supreme Forex than you can in these local shops, and that too as per RBI Guidelines.
What Currency Should One Bring to Dubai?
After reviewing the three options listed above, it is clear that the UAE dirham or Emirati dirham is the best currency to carry because it is accepted everywhere. The USD is also accepted in Dubai, but its use is limited. On the other hand, exchanging INR in Dubai will result in high exchange rates, which can be expensive. Thus, the best choice is to exchange INR for AED before you plan your trip. Supreme Forex provides the best exchange rates for your foreign currency exchange in India, offering you the flexibility to order the currency from the comfort of your home and get delivery from the nearest Supreme Forex branch, as per RBI Guidelines.
Dubai Currency To INR
Based on Google Finance Data, the United Arab Emirates Dirham equals 24.77 Indian Rupee as of 20 Feb 2026, 8:35 am UTC.
Choose Supreme Forex For Your Foreign Currency Exchange
Supreme Forex is the online brand of Supreme Securities Limited (SSL). SSL is a well-known brand in the currency exchange market, duly authorized by the Reserve Bank of India.
Supreme Forex offers home delivery of currency purchases, often on a same-day basis, depending on KYC completion and customer payment.
We additionally offer dedicated support to all of our customers. Supreme Forex is a reliable currency exchange provider. Change your INR to AED currency at the best rates with Supreme Forex. We offer the best Dubai currency exchange rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s better to carry AED for convenience, as it’s the local currency. USD is widely accepted at exchange centers, but using AED directly avoids additional conversion charges.
Use a mix of both. Cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and taxis. Carry some AED cash for small shops, local markets, and minor expenses.
No, Indian Rupees are not accepted in Dubai. You must exchange INR to AED before travel or upon arrival at authorized exchange centers.
Yes, exchanging some AED in India is advisable for better rates and immediate expenses like transport and meals upon arrival in Dubai.
Exchange currency at RBI-authorized forex providers like Supreme Forex, avoid airport kiosks, compare live rates, and use forex cards to minimize conversion and hidden transaction charges.
You can convert INR to AED with Supreme Forex, offering competitive live rates, dedicated customer support, and home delivery at select major cities with zero hidden charges.
Gold, luxury perfumes, branded electronics, designer fashion, chocolates, and certain gadgets are often cheaper in Dubai due to lower taxes and duty benefits.
No, airport exchange counters usually offer less competitive rates and higher margins. It’s better to exchange money in the city or before departure.
Conclusion
You can take any currency to Dubai, even your local currency, and then exchange it into AED. The recommended method, though, is to exchange the local currency in India itself so that you are prepared with currency notes and cards in the local currency (AED) for your trip.
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