From visas to tipping

Dubai is stepping boldly into the future. By the end of 2026, the city aims to make 90 percent of all payments cashless, transforming how residents and tourists pay for everything from visas and taxis to shopping and dining.

For travelers planning a trip to Dubai, this shift means convenience, speed, and innovation, but also a few things you’ll want to prepare for before you land. If you’re used to exchanging currency at the airport or carrying cash while abroad, Dubai’s digital-first approach may change how you travel.

Here’s a smart, tourist-friendly breakdown of the six most important things to know as Dubai goes cashless in 2026.

1. Cashless Doesn’t Mean Free

Let’s clear this up first: cashless doesn’t mean costless.

Dubai isn’t abandoning money; it’s simply replacing physical notes and coins with digital payments. Credit cards, debit cards, banking apps, and contactless payments will become the standard way to pay.

Dubai Finance is also exploring AI-powered payment systems and next-generation contactless technologies, making payments faster and more seamless than ever. You’ll still pay for hotels, taxis, attractions, and dining, just without handing over cash.

Bottom line: Bring digital payment options, not loose change.

2. Visa Payments Are Going Digital

One of the biggest changes tourists may notice is how visas and immigration services are paid for.

Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has signed agreements to expand digital payment services. This means:

• Cash payments for visas may be phased out
• Online and card-based payments will become the norm
• Immigration services will be more streamlined

If you’re applying for a tourist visa, entry permit, or extension, expect the process to be increasingly digital both in form and payment.

Travel tip: Ensure your card works internationally and supports online payments before applying.

3. Foreign Transaction Fees Can Add Up

For tourists, cashless payments are convenient, but they can come with foreign transaction fees.

Most international debit and credit cards charge 2–3 percent per transaction, which can quickly add up when shopping at Dubai malls, booking experiences, or dining out.

How to save money:

• Use travel-friendly cards with low or zero foreign transaction fees
• Consider digital travel wallets or banking apps
• Avoid frequent small transactions when possible

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, but smart payment planning keeps your budget in check.

4. Tipping Will Go Digital Too

Tipping in a cashless city can feel awkward, but Dubai is adapting.

Instead of handing over cash, tourists can:

• Tip directly via apps like Careem (100% goes to the worker)
• Add tips digitally when paying restaurant bills
• Use card machines that prompt tipping options

Always double-check that digital tips go directly to the service staff, especially in restaurants or hotels.

Good news: Tipping remains optional in Dubai and is appreciated, not expected.

5. Cash Isn’t Disappearing Overnight

Despite the big push, cash is still legal tender in the UAE for now.

During the transition:

• Notes and coins will still be accepted in many places
• Smaller vendors may temporarily prefer cash
• Digital payments will be encouraged, not enforced

If you’re visiting Dubai in early 2026, you won’t be stuck if you have cash, but relying on it alone won’t be ideal.

Smart move: Carry a small amount of cash, but plan to go mostly digital.

6. Emirates and flydubai Are Making It Easier

Dubai’s major airlines, Emirates and flydubai, are actively supporting the cashless transition for tourists.

Together with Dubai Finance, they’re working on:

• Digital payment awareness campaigns
• Contactless payment solutions for travelers
• Incentives encouraging early adoption

Since flights are already cashless, the goal is to help travelers prepare for Dubai’s digital ecosystem from the moment they book their ticket.

This means fewer surprises and smoother spending once you arrive.

Before visiting Dubai in 2026:

• Enable international payments on your cards
• Consider travel-friendly banking apps
• Familiarize yourself with digital tipping
• Be ready for visa and service payments to be fully online

Dubai is building the future of travel, and going cashless is just the beginning.

FAQs

1. Will tourists still be able to use cash in Dubai in 2026?
Yes. Cash will still be accepted during the transition, but digital payments will be strongly preferred.

2. What is the best payment method for tourists in Dubai?
International credit cards, travel debit cards, and digital wallets with low foreign transaction fees are ideal.

3. Will tipping be mandatory in a cashless Dubai?
No. Tipping remains optional, though digital tipping options will become more common.4. Do tourists need a UAE bank account to make payments?
No. Tourists can use international cards and approved travel payment apps without a UAE bank account