Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers

Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?

Yes, I only use my American credit card here, I usually don't carry much cash. We did open a local account and I use my local bank card if I need cash; opening the account took a few weeks. - Jun 2022


Credit cards are safe and apps such as Carrefour, Zomato, Uber and Deliveroo take Apple Pay. - Feb 2020


We rarely ever use cash here, but you can find ATMs everywhere. Using your credit card is safe here. - Jun 2019


Yes, very safe. We use credit cards for everything. - Sep 2017


Credit cards and ATMs are everywhere and I've never had a problem with fraud in the three years I've been here. - Jun 2015


ATMs are common, and credit cards (including international cards) are widely accepted. It's wise to observe good basic cautions, though, as one hears a lot about ATM skimming and other kinds of petty fraud. - May 2013


ATMs are plentiful. ADCB ones always try to lure you into making donations to the Red Crescent when you withdraw your money. I used my UK credit card without any problems and declined a UAE one. Too many people seem to end up in real difficulties if they don't pay them off in full; stories of debtors being stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving the country feature in the local media. - Jul 2012


Widely available, usually at good rates. I generally pay 1% of any transaction to my U.S. bank for ATMs, but have never had any trouble accessing funds. - Aug 2011


ATMs are plentiful, but there are debtor prisons and draconian laws about failing to pay credit card bills or bouncing a check, including significant jail time. - Jul 2011


Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. ATMS are safe and widely available. It is still advisable to check your bank statement every month to look for any inconsistencies. - Nov 2010


I use my ATM and credit cards without any problems. - Jan 2010


ATMS are everywhere, and exchanges are everywhere, with so many expats here from all over the world. Expats make up 90% of the population. - Aug 2009


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More