Can I use Revolut in Dubai?

Planning a trip to Dubai? If you’re jetting off to the ‘City of Gold’ from the UK for a holiday or a longer stay, you’ll need to find the best way to spend in UAE dirham (AED)

Revolut is one option for spending internationally, especially in Europe. But does it work in Dubai?

Read on for everything you need to know, including whether AED is supported by Revolut. We’ll also cover whether there are fees for using your Revolut card in Dubai.

And while you’re comparing travel spending solutions, make sure to check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise.

You can use it for purchases and ATM withdrawals in 150+ destinations worldwide, including Dubai. It automatically converts your money to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend*.

Can I use Revolut in Dubai?

Yes, the good news is that you can use your Revolut account and card in Dubai.

You can convert and hold United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) in your Revolut balance, managed through the Revolut app.¹

And you can use your Revolut card anywhere in Dubai where Visa and Mastercard are accepted. This includes shops, restaurants, bars, rail stations, airports, hotels and ATMs.

Are UAE dirhams supported for spending?

Revolut does support the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED).² This means you can spend in AED using your Revolut card, just like a local.

You can also withdraw cash in AED from ATMs in Dubai. Whether spending or withdrawing money, the card will automatically convert the currency for you.

How much does it cost to use a Revolut card in Dubai?

One of the great things about Revolut cards is that it’s usually fee-free to use them abroad. This means you won’t be charged the foreign transaction fee that some banks charge for card spending and withdrawals outside the UK.

However, there are some situations when you may be charged a fee. For example, if you convert currency at weekends or withdraw more than a certain amount in cash from a foreign ATM.

Let’s take a look at the Revolut card fees you need to know about, based on the free Standard plan:

Transaction	Revolut fee
Additional merchant surcharge fees (for paying by card)	Set by the merchant (if applicable)
Currency exchange transactions above £1,000 a month	1%³
Currency exchanges on weekends	1%³
ATM withdrawals over £200 (or more than 5 withdrawals)	2% (min. £1)⁴

Alongside fees, it’s also a good idea to check out Revolut’s exchange rates.

Revolut offers competitive exchange rates for currency conversions. Many are often at the mid-market exchange rate or close to it.

However, there are some occasions when the money app will add some extra fees to this rate.

For example, if you pay for something in a different currency to your Revolut balance at a weekend, you’ll be charged a 1% fee.³ You can get round this though by converting GBP or another currency to AED in advance, making sure it’s on a weekday when this fee doesn’t apply.

Similarly, if you convert more than the fair usage limit for your Revolut plan (which is £1,000 within a 30-day period for the Standard plan), you’ll be charged a 1% fee.³

Can I get a Revolut account in Dubai?

If you’re thinking of staying in Dubai for an extended period, it could make sense to open a local account there.

Unfortunately though, you won’t be able to open a Revolut account there, as Revolut doesn’t offer accounts and cards to customers in Dubai at the moment.⁵

You will still be able to use your UK-issued Revolut card in the Emirate, and you can use Revolut to send money from the UK to Dubai.

A great alternative for low-cost spending in Dubai - the Wise card

Want a great exchange rate all the time, not just on weekdays?

Get yourself a Wise card and you can spend at the mid-market rate in 150+ countries, whenever you want.

Open a Wise account online and you can get a Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7. Your card automatically converts currency whenever you spend, so you don’t need to worry about preloading your account or converting cash. There’s only a small conversion fee* to pay.

And if you need cash, your Wise card has you covered. You can withdraw up to £200 a month (max 2 withdrawals) from ATMs in Dubai for free (although double-check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fee).

Sign up with Wise today 💰

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Sources used:

1. Revolut - Open and manage a currency account
2. Revolut - Help - What currencies are supported for spending?
3. Revolut - Help - Currency Exchanges
4. Revolut - Standard fees
5. Revolut - Help - What countries are supported?

Sources last checked on date: 29-Jul-2024