Dubai - spending money query

mumlady1

Hi there, has anyone holidayed in Dubai & if so what did you do for money? I believe you can't take AED into the country and travellers cheques have a much lower exchange rate than Sterling.
If I use an ATM to take money from my UK account the charges will be approx £3 each time so maybe £20 - £30 over the duration of the holiday.
If I use a credit card I won't have any control over the exchange rate/charges.
I could take Sterling & get a more competitive exchange rate but I'm not keen to carry loads of cash with me.
I could set up the new Santander account as recommended in the travel money section of this website but that seems an awful lot of hassle to change bank accounts for a couple of months.
What has anyone else done? Advice would be very welcome, thanks.:)

mvteng

Never heard that its not acceptable to take AED into Dubai.

We took AED into Dubai, no problem, we exchanged them at the Post Office, & they never mentioned any restrictions.

Tojo_Ralph

I think I am correct in saying that you can take the equivalent of 40,000 AED into the UAE undeclared in AED or the equivalent in USD, GBP, etc so do not worry about taking a fistfull of Dirham into the UAE.

As for the best way to get Dirham when there, IMHO folk get far too hung up on the whole issue of saving a percent here and there and whilst they may have the time and the energy to chop and change accounts, I don't, so in answer to what do other folk do, I simply use my Nationwide Debit card as it was very usable worldwide when it was arguably the best card and is still very usable now it's a long way from the worst card.

Therefore I'd recommed just going with the debit card you have but have a back up card as well.

peachyprice

Yup, you can definitely take AED into Dubai, we got our last lot at M&S I believe.

Doshwaster

Tojo_Ralph wrote: »

As for the best way to get Dirham when there, IMHO folk get far too hung up on the whole issue of saving a percent here and there and whilst they may have the time and the energy to chop and change accounts, I don't, so in answer to what do other folk do, I simply use my Nationwide Debit card as it was very usable worldwide when it was arguably the best card and is still very usable now it's a long way from the worst card.

Therefore I'd recommed just going with the debit card you have but have a back up card as well.

I agree. I do find it odd that people spend hundreds, if not thousands, on a holiday then get hung up on going out of their way to save a few quid on the exchange rate for their spending money.

You shouldn't need much cash for Dubai. Mostly for taxis (which are cheap and the best way of getting around) and for snacks (got to keep hydrated!). Everything else can go on plastic.

colmil

Whilst on the subject of Dubai, I have thought about going but I have no idea of average costs such as a coffee, sandwich, meal, pint etc., can anyone help with some guidance?

Thanks

Tojo_Ralph

colmil wrote: »

Whilst on the subject of Dubai, I have thought about going but I have no idea of average costs such as a coffee, sandwich, meal, pint etc., can anyone help with some guidance?

Thanks

To be honest, food is ok price wise, it's the price of drink that you'll take a hit on, something like £7 to £8 for a bottle of beer and £10 for a glass of wine. There are of course happy hours and that but not really something you want to be chasing after on holiday.

So, IMHO the secret to being MSE in Dubai is booking a Club/Executive floor room with good perks or booking a standard room and upgrading by contacting the hotel directly. Often it's only in the region of £25 per room per night difference and that will likely get an upgraded room, and access to the club/exec lounge giving you breakfast, wifi, soft drinks/tea/coffee all day, high tea, nibbles in the evening and two hours of happy hour/cocktails with free pour house beverages/spirits/wine/beer.

Needless to say each hotel club/exec floor offers different perks so check directly with hotels. Off the top of my head along Jumeriah the Hilton, Sheraton and I think it's the Le Meridien (far end of walk opposite end to Sheraton) have club/exec rooms/ floors worth investing in.

It is also worth remembering that staff are on a pittance so if you are wise with your tipping you will in all liklihood see any happy hour extended accordingly.

mumlady1

Hi everyone thank you so much for your helpful replies. I'm quite happy now that I know I can take cash, that will make life so much easier & the rest can go on plastic. I'm not too hung up on saving pennies here and there (when you've spent loads on a holiday, what's another few quid) but I don't want to be too sloppy! thanks again everyone