Payment

You’ll have few problems parting with your money when shopping in the UAE. Credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) and debit cards (Visa Electron) are accepted in shopping malls, supermarkets and many independent shops, and cards mainly use the chip-and-pin system.

Best way to pay

It’s better to pay with cash for fuel at petrol stations, although some are now offering card payment. You are never too far from an ATM in the city and it is preferable to pay with cash in souks and smaller shops – try to have a variety of denominations, because it is better to hand over close to the exact amount. US dollars and other foreign currencies are accepted in some larger shops (and in airport duty free).

Bargaining is common practice in the souks and shopping areas of the UAE, but isn’t commonly accepted in malls and independent shops. Many stores and malls in the UAE participate in nationwide loyalty card schemes; these allow you to earn points while shopping, which can then be redeemed against purchases, and so can be well worth collecting.

ADCB too offers TouchPoints reward points to customers using their debit or credit card for transactions. TouchPoints can be redeemed at a number of retail outlets, hotels and travel companies, or used to pay bills.