Using Amex in Dubai: What you need to know

Planning a trip to Dubai from the UK? If you have an American Express credit card, you might need to know whether you can use it overseas.

We’re here to help, with the essential guide to using Amex in Dubai. We’ll run through where Amex is accepted in the emirate, along with what kinds of fees you’ll pay for spending and withdrawing cash in UAE dirham (AED).

We’ll also show you an alternative option, the Wise card. It’s not a credit card but an international debit card linked to your Wise account, which you can use for spending in Dubai, the UAE and 150+ countries worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

Discover the Wise card

Can I use Amex in Dubai?

Yes, you can use your American Express card in Dubai. However, you should know that it’s not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, so you can’t use it everywhere you’d normally pay with a card.

You should be able to use your Amex at:¹

• Stores like IKEA, JYSK, M&S UAE and Allday supermarkets
• Fine dining restaurants, along with outlets like Common Grounds and Shot
• Tourist attractions like Madame Tussauds Dubai and Arte Museum Dubai
• Hotels and luxury accommodation
• Airlines like Emirates and Etihad
• Online brands like Deliveroo, Talabat and Careem.

But otherwise, you’ll need to check for the American Express symbol at checkout, wherever you’re shopping.

Amex fees, exchange rates & currency conversion in Dubai

Before using any UK-issued card abroad, it’s important to check out the fees. It’s especially crucial for credit cards, which can sometimes be expensive when used in other countries.

Some cards charge non-sterling transaction fees for spending in other currencies, along with charges for overseas cash withdrawals.

Let’s take a look at what you’ll pay to use your Amex card in Dubai.

Foreign transaction fees

Amex charges the following to use its credit cards overseas:²

It’s also worth bearing in mind that when you use a credit card to withdraw cash, interest may start accruing right away, regardless of any interest-free period you may have on purchases.

Exchange rates used by Amex

American Express uses its own exchange rate when converting currency, called the American Express Exchange Rate.

You may be able to check this rate before making a purchase, by looking in the American Express mobile app if you have it on your phone. You can also sign into your online account, and use the Foreign Transaction Calculator.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

When you use your Amex credit card at a store or ATM overseas, you may be asked whether you want the transaction carried out in your home currency (GBP) or the local currency (in this case, AED).

This service is known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC). It may seem convenient and helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the foreign currency.

But it’s best to decline, or you could get stung on the exchange rate. DCC allows the vendor, payment processor or ATM to set their own exchange rate for the transaction. This is often marked up above the mid-market exchange rate, which essentially means you get charged a hidden fee for your withdrawal.

So the golden rule is - always choose to carry out transactions in the local currency. If you do this with Amex, its own exchange rate will be used - and this is likely to be better than what you get with DCC.

How to minimise fees

No one wants to spend more than they need to when enjoying an overseas holiday.

To help you minimise fees and save money, follow these tips when using your Amex in Dubai:

• Avoid cash withdrawals with a credit card unless absolutely necessary. The fees with Amex are quite high for using overseas ATMs, and the interest is likely to start accruing right away.
• Use fee-free ATMs if you can - otherwise, you’ll find an ATM operator fee added on top of the American Express fees.
• Always pay in the local currency (AED) - this ensures you get a better exchange rate and avoid expensive hidden fees.

As Amex isn’t accepted everywhere in Dubai - and considering its high fees for cash withdrawals - it could be sensible to look at alternative travel cards, at least as a backup.

The Wise card is tailor-made for overseas travel, letting you spend in 150+ countries for low fees* and at mid-market exchange rates. Even better, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to and including 200 GBP each month for free per account. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Tips for using your Amex card in Dubai

To help you get the most from using your Amex card in Dubai, bear these handy tips in mind:

• Remember that more often than not, Amex won’t be accepted. Always check for the Amex symbol at the till or ask the vendor
• Consider carrying an alternative Visa/Mastercard or some cash with you as a backup, for places which don’t take Amex
• Download the Amex app before you travel, as it lets you freeze your card if you lose it or get help from customer services.
• Update your contact details with Amex before you travel - so that the fraud prevention team can get in touch if they’re concerned about any transactions
• Always pay in the local currency (AED) to minimise fees.

Travelling to Dubai? Pack the Wise card to use alongside Amex, for low-cost currency conversion and spending

After reading this, you should have a better idea of where you can use your Amex in Dubai and what it’ll cost in fees and charges.

Just remember our handy tips for minimising fees, including paying in the local currency and avoiding cash withdrawals where possible.

But remember that there are many great travel-friendly alternatives out there, such as the Wise card.

One option is the Wise card, a contactless international card for spending worldwide in 40+ currencies for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates. You can use it anywhere that Visa/Mastercard are accepted, including shops, restaurants, hotels and public transport.

You can also withdraw up to £200 a month from overseas ATMs fee-free (max. 2 withdrawals) - you’ll just need to watch out for ATM operator fees.

And for added security, why not create a Wise virtual card? It lives on your phone, has different details to your physical card and works seamlessly with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

You can manage all your Wise cards on the go using the handy Wise app. Convert between currencies when you need to, tap to freeze your card if you lose it, and even send money to friends to cover your share of the bill.

Open a Wise account online and get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7, with no monthly or subscription fees to worry about.

FAQs about using Amex in Dubai

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about using Amex in Dubai:

Do I need to let Amex know I’m travelling?

No, you don’t need to tell Amex that you’ll be using your credit card abroad.²

However, it could be worth checking that they have the right contact details for you, just in case the security team needs to get in touch about suspicious-looking transactions. You should also download the Amex app so you can freeze your card if you lose it.

Do Dubai taxis take Amex?

Dubai taxis do accept credit cards, but you’ll need to check at the time of booking whether this includes American Express cards. You might want to have a backup card with you, or some AED in cash, just in case.

Is it better to use credit cards or cash in Dubai?

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Dubai, especially in the bigger cities and in tourist areas.

But it could still be sensible to take a mix of cash and cards to Dubai, as you might need a few dirham in cash for tips, street food vendors or markets/fairs.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 18-Feb-2025