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5 Best Travel Cards for Dubai

Getting an international travel card before you travel to Dubai can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in United Arab Emirates Dirham. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to AED for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to Dubai, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

5 best travel money cards for Dubai:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for Dubai with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to Dubai.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Dubai. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Dubai or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in AED, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
• Spend seamlessly in AED when you travel
• Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
• Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
• Manage your account and card from your phone
• 9 USD delivery fee for your first card
• ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
• Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise  travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Dubai, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

• Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
• Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
• All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
• Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
• You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
• Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
• Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
• Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Register by adding your personal and contact information

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in Dubai with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to AED instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

• No Chime foreign transaction fees
• No ongoing charges for your account
• Lots of extra products and services if you need them
• Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
• Virtual cards available
• You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
• Low ATM limits
• Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in Dubai and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in AED and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

• Good selection of services available
• No foreign transaction fee to pay
• No Monzo ATM fee to pay
• Manage your card from your phone conveniently
• Deposits are FDIC protected
• You can't hold a foreign currency balance
• ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in Dubai. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in AED, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

• Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
• Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
• Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
• Manage your account in app
• Change from one card plan to another if you need to
• You may pay a monthly fee for your card
• Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
• Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Dubai or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Dubai. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

• Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
• Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
• You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
• Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for Dubai

We've picked out 5 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Dubai include:

• What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
• What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
• Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in AED can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
• Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for Dubai

The best travel debit card for Dubai really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in AED.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Dubai. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

For Dubai in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in Dubai - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.

Ways to pay in Dubai

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In Dubai card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use AED?

If you have AED, you should be able to use it in a few countries. You may decide to keep your travel card topped up with a balance for this trip to Dubai or for the next time you’re headed somewhere which uses AED.

What should you be aware of when travelling to Dubai

You’re sure to have a great time in Dubai - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to Dubai before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to AED before you travel to Dubai if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to AED in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach Dubai to make an ATM withdrawal in AED if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for Dubai

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Dubai will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for Dubai

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Dubai.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / AED rate to calculate how much United Arab Emirates Dirham you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most AED is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 15:54:21 GMT on 19 February 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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UAE Exchange unveils first six-currency prepaid card

Dubai — leading global remittance and foreign exchange brand uae exchange has unveiled the middle east’s first six-currency prepaid travel card, called “gocash”, which will empower travellers to move around the world hassle-free, with a power-packed plastic currency that can be used across 34.3 million merchant locations and 1.5 million automated teller machines., by (staff report).

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Published: Fri 14 Dec 2012, 11:20 PM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 7:31 AM

UAE Exchange chairman Abdulla Humaid Ali Al Mazroei, and managing director and chief executive officer Dr B.R. Shetty, together launched the feature-packed travel card in Dubai. They expressed their happiness in launching the secure and convenient gocash travel card, the first-of-its-kind path-breaking innovation from a remittance brand in the region, in partnership with MasterCard.

“We have kick-started a revolution in world travel,” said Y. Sudhir Kumar Shetty, chief operating officer for Global Operations at UAE Exchange, at the launch, adding that “innovation and product diversification are at the core of our growth strategy. gocash is a testimony to our continuing spirit of providing customers with empowering solutions.”

A customer can load up to six different currencies on gocash from a basket of 15, a unique feature that is unparalleled in its category.

“UAE Exchange has always been at the forefront in offering innovative and diversified product range. We are confident to position gocash as a revolutionary product, which we have launched with MasterCard, our long-time partner,” Shetty said.

“This new innovation is in line with our vision to bring as much convenience for our customers as possible, under one roof.” he added.

One of the significant advantages of gocash to the customer is the exchange rate lock facility that allows pegging the rate at the prevalent market price at the time of loading the card.

“This feature protects the user from exchange rate fluctuations while on the move and gives the traveller peace of mind,” said Promoth Manghat, vice-president of Global Operations at UAE Exchange.

“Choice of currencies, security features and worldwide acceptance add to the convenience, making gocash a unique innovation from the UAE Exchange stable. With this, we take yet another step towards our vision of bringing maximum convenience to our customers, on the move,” he added.

“Innovation is at the heart of all MasterCard payment solutions and the introduction of the gocash prepaid travel card is yet another example of our capability to develop tailored products that match the diverse requirements of consumers in the region and offer them real value,” MasterCard Worldwide UAE country manager Eyad Al Kourdi said.

“This product innovation is a perfect payment solution that meets these requirements and we are confident that UAE Exchange’s customers will benefit immensely from this new prepaid product. We are proud of our collaboration with UAE Exchange to advance our vision of a world beyond cash.”

UAE Exchange and MasterCard share the same values and vision to achieve maximum customer delight. Both the brands enjoy the trust of millions of customers worldwide.

The new multi-currency travel card is a dedication to these customers, who love convenience even on the move.

— [email protected]

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• Load seven currencies on single Card
• Lock-In rates before you travel and avoid currency fluctuations
• Dedicated website and mobile app to manage your money on the go
• Get great exchange rates as you spend in any foreign currency
• Chip and PIN protected
• Access your money safely when travelling
• Supplementary Card in case the first Card is lost or stolen
• No need to carry large amounts of cash
• Carry multiple currencies on the go
• Accepted at tens of millions merchant outlets globally
• Use unspent funds for your next trip or cash out your Card
• Reload your Travel Card whenever you like from any Al Ansari Exchange branches across the UAE
• Use it online, in store or to withdraw local currency from ATMs anywhere you see the Visa Acceptance mark
• Minimum Initial Load: AED 100
• Supplementary Card: AED 30
• Reload Fee: Free
• Mobile App: Free
• Online Account: Free
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Al Fardan Exchange launches Visa travel card in UAE

Al Fardan Exchange, a leading money transfer and currency exchange firm in the UAE, has announced the launch of the Travelez Plus Visa Platinum Card, tailored to customers who are looking for a safer alternative to cash payments.

The reloadable prepaid Visa card is the smartest, most convenient way to travel and to get pampered with exclusive & bigger rewards – an ideal solution for customers with a variety of needs.

Whether the card holder travels for leisure, business, education or is simply enjoying a staycation in the UAE, the Travelez Plus Visa Platinum Card provides a premium experience for all of their needs. Customers can lock-in the best-in-class Forex Rates before travelling and perform transactions in any preferred currency at Visa-approved merchant locations around the world.

The card is a secure and convenient way to manage the card holder’s funds and comes fitted with the latest ‘Chip and Pin’ protection along with 3D Secure and a contactless feature for ‘Tap to Pay’ payments. The Travelez Plus Platinum Visa Card is accepted worldwide at more than 70 million Visa merchant partners and can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Customers can load up to 20 currencies at any of Al Fardan’s 80+ branches and can also top-up their cards conveniently from their bank accounts in the UAE using the Travelez Plus Platinum Mobile App available on Google Play or the App Store.

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, said: “Al Fardan Exchange has been a proud supporter of the community since 1971 and this latest launch of the Travelez Plus Visa Platinum Card is meant to provide all our customers an easy, safe and premium experience. We are delighted to be able to give back to our long-time customers by providing this exceptional and convenient service.”

Hasan Jaber, Deputy CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, said: “At Al Fardan Exchange, our focus has always been one that is inclusive. The Travelez Plus Platinum Visa multicurrency card offers a host of benefits; our customers can load up to 20 currencies at any of the 80+ Al Fardan Exchange branches. Card holders will also soon be able to top-up their cards from their bank accounts in the UAE using the Al Fardan Exchange mobile App, AlfaPay.”

Dr Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s Group Country Manager & Senior Vice President GCC, said: “We are delighted to count Al Fardan Exchange among our longstanding partners in the UAE who share our commitment for a reliable and secure payments ecosystem displacing cash and driving financial inclusion.

“We will work closely with Al Fardan Exchange in enabling their digital expansion and introducing Visa’s world-class payment technology, which will bring the benefits of security, convenience, and global acceptance to the growing number of UAE consumers who prefer cashless payments.

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Important Notice: We are performing essential maintenance on 27th April between 09:00 AM UTC to 28th April 11:00 AM UTC. As a result, the websites and mobile app may be unavailable. You will however still be able to use your card for purchases and at ATMs. We apologies for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

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Travelez Plus Visa Prepaid Card

Faqs – travelez plus visa prepaid card .

• Al Fardan Exchange has recently incorporated the latest security and payment features to the new Travelez Plus card which will provide the best-in-class security for your card and the funds available in it. In lieu of the new enhancements we are required to provide the new card replacing your old card for FREE.
• Your existing card is already complaint with the latest security features (E.g.: Chip and Pin, strong encryption protocols etc.) as mandated by the Central Bank of the UAE, Scheme etc., however we would like to strengthen your card further with the best-in-class features in order to the offer you with the best of products, services & security meeting the future needs.
• You can use your Travelez Plus card till 16 th of March 2021 after which your card will automatically be made non-functional i.e., cancelled.
• The new Travelez Plus card will be offered to you for FREE.
• You are kindly advised to activate your new card on 16 th of March 2021 onwards.
• You are advised to activate your card from 16 th of March 2021 onwards. If you activate your new card before 16 th of March 2021 the card will get activated however no funds will be available for you to use on your new Travelez Plus card.
• Yes, the current mobile application will also be automatically disabled on 15th of March 2021.

• Click here to get the mobile application for Android phones
• Click here to get the mobile application for Apple Phones

• You card balances will be automatically transferred to your new Travelez Plus card on 16 th  of March 2021.
• The new Travelez Plus card that you will be getting for Free will have 13 currencies unlike your existing card which has only 20 currencies.
• We have not seen much demand from our customers in the seven currencies that are not part of the new card and hence we will be required to reduce the currencies to thirteen only.
• UAE Dirhams (AED), United States Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Japanese Yen (JPY), Hongkong Dollar (HKD), Singaporean Dollar (SGD), Thailand Bhat (THB), Omani Rial (OMR), Bahraini Dinar (BHD), Qatari Rial (QAR) are the thirteen currencies that will be part of the new Travelez Plus prepaid card
• Swiss France (CHF), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Indian Rupees (INR), Egyptian Pounds (EGP), Turkish Lira (TRL), Saudi Rial (SAR) and Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) are the seven currencies that will not be part of the new Travelez Plus Prepaid card.
• If the currencies are matching then we will automatically transfer the balance as-it-is from your existing card to the new card on 16 th  of March 2021 without any fees/charges.
• If the currencies and the respective balance that you hold currently in your existing card are not a part of the new card currencies then that amount we will be automatically converted and loaded to your new card in UAE Dirhams (AED).
• We encourage you to spend the balance available in your existing Travelez Plus card in PoS/ATM/E-commerce channels. In case you wish not to withdraw the balance using the above channel(s), we request that you to kindly visit your nearest Al Fardan Exchange branches to withdraw your funds from the card.
• You existing Travelez Plus prepaid card will be automatically disabled on 16 th of March 2021 (UAE Time) and your funds will be safely held with our escrow account maintained with our Bank.  When you visit the Al Fardan Exchange branch and collect your new card (post a successful KYC check) your funds will be loaded to the new card.
• Though your funds will be available in your card for usage, you won’t be able to use your card either in PoS/ATM/E-Commerce channels. You will have to successfully activate your card.  Only upon a successful activation of your new card your new card will be made Active.
• Your existing Travelez Plus prepaid card will  automatically be disabled on 16 th of March 2021 (UAE Time) and your funds will be safely held with our escrow account maintained with our Bank.  You will have three months (i.e., till 16 th  of June 2021) to visit any of Al Fardan Exchange branches to collect your new card (post a successful KYC check) and your funds will be loaded to the new card.
• Your existing Travelez Plus prepaid card will  automatically be disabled on 16 th  of March 2021 (UAE Time) and your funds will be safely held with our escrow account maintained with our Bank.  We request that you please contact our Customer Service agents by phone (600547774) or email ( [email protected] ) in order to share the wire transfer application.Post receiving the completely filled-in Wire Transfer Application form from you, we shall Wire Transfer (within UAE or cross-border) your funds to your Bank Account.  Please be informed that we will be able to wire transfer the  funds only to your Bank account and NOT to a third-party account.  Al Fardan Exchange shall request necessary documentary proof to establish that you are the rightful owner of the Travelez Plus card and the Bank Account for a successful wire transfer.
• Al Fardan Exchange will never take control of your funds.  Your funds will be safely held in the escrow account held with our Bank.  
• Since we will be required to pay our correspondent Banks to fulfill the money transfer request within UAE or Cross-border, we will be required to pass on a nominal remittance transaction fee (i.e., Commission), and it will depend on the receiving country.  
• Like your existing card, the new Travelez Plus card will be offered only UAE residents of age 18 & above and who have a valid Emirate ID card (“EID”).
• No, you are not required to produce your existing card in order to avail your new Travelez Plus card.  You will be required to provide your mobile number, original Emirates ID for re-verification.  Upon successful verification of the Emirates ID your new Travelez Plus  prepaid card will be issued to you for free.
• No, Al Fardan Exchange will be providing FREE replacement cards only to existing customers who have their Travelez Plus prepaid card starting with 474121.
•  You will need to visit Al Fardan Exchange branch after you receive your renewed Emirates ID for collecting the new card.
• Yes, you are right.  We would like to inform you that from 00:01 hours on 16 th of March 2021 till 12:00 hours on 16 th of March 2021 (12 hours) there will be a scheduled maintainance during which time your funds from your existing card will be automatically transferred to your new card. We will keep you updated if the scheduled maintenance exceeds the time frame mentioned above.
• As our valued customer your existing disputes and new disputes that you would like to raise even after the cancellation of your existing Travelez Plus card, will be handled/managed effectively by Al Fardan Exchange customer care department and the same will be updated via phone/mail within the turn- around time assured to your earlier.
• We will not charge any reload/transfer fee to transfer your funds from your existing Travelez Plus card to your new card.
• Phone: 600547774
• Email : [email protected]

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The best travel credit cards in the UAE for air miles, hotel deals and more

By Keith J Fernandez

Tapping your credit card for convenience reasons alone is now an unforgivable missed opportunity. For several years now, UAE residents have been able to collect points on credit card spending for redemption against discounts on movies and dining, as well as cashback against fuel or retail purchases. But inveterate travellers know that credit cards can be used to turn everyday expenses into unforgettable getaways, and taking out the right credit card means that every dirham you spend can be redeemed against airline tickets, hotel stays or other incentives. 

Common features of travel credit cards in the UAE

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s worth taking a look at some common benefits that travel credit cards offer in the UAE. You’ll most commonly be eligible for the following – often without spending a dirham. Make sure to ask about these perks:

Welcome gift

Most travel credit cards offer reward points or miles as a sign-on bonus.

No annual fee

Another sign-on incentive, annual fees are typically waived for the first year. Some cards will carry this annual waiver forward if you spend a certain amount on your card each year.

Free access to airport lounges

The best credit cards offer a set number of complimentary visits to airport lounges , usually in the UAE, but sometimes in other countries. So if your flight is delayed – or you’ve somehow whizzed through check-in – you can relax with a nice, cold glass of something calming.

Supplementary credit cards

Typically, cardholders can sign up for a specified number of supplementary cards. These usually don’t cost more, and the overall credit limit doesn’t change. You should be able to set the spending limit on each add-on credit card.

Travel insurance

Some travel credit card issuers provide free travel accident insurance cover to the cardholder as well as compensation for the missed or delayed flights and lost luggage.

Golf benefits

Tee fees may be waived a couple of times a year for travel credit cardholders at specific golf courses in the UAE. 

Other benefits

Travel credit cards in the UAE may also provide benefits such as discount coupons for dining, complimentary movie tickets, concierge services, valet parking, purchase protection, et cetera.

The best travel credit cards in the UAE

There are a broad range of travel-friendly credit cards available in the UAE and we’ve researched the pros and cons, so you don’t have to. Here’s a shortlist of some of the most useful. Most are available in a number of variations aimed at different income levels.

Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card

Touted as being made of metal for the primary account holder, the best thing about this Citibank credit card is actually that you earn one Skywards mile on every $1 spent within the UAE. That rises to 1.5 Skywards miles for every dollar spent on foreign exchange and 2.5 Skywards miles on every dollar spent at Emirates.com. Once your application is approved, you receive a welcome bonus of 25,000 Skywards miles, and an additional 10,000 Skywards miles when you pay the $817 (Dh3,000) annual membership fee each year. Other benefits include two complimentary bookings with the airport concierge service, Marhaba, and up to six Careem airport car transfers (up to $30 each) and valet parking services. Are you eligible? You’ll need to be a UAE resident and earn a minimum monthly salary of $10,000 (Dh36,750).

Emirates NBD dnata Platinum Credit Card

Nothing less than the best for you? Emirates NBD may have just the ticket for you. As one of the most flexible credit cards, it carries straightforward discounts on airline tickets, holiday packages and dining in the UAE, as well as offering the bank’s Credit Shield Pro life and job loss insurance policy. In addition, there’s unlimited complimentary airport lounge access to more than 25 regional and international airports. Finally, it’s one of the cheaper credit cards, at $143 (Dh525) per year. As an introductory offer, the bank is advertising up to $272 (Dh1,000) in travel vouchers on its website. Are you eligible? UAE residents will need to earn at least $2,180 (Dh8,000) to apply for the card.

ADIB Etihad Guest Gold Card

High-flyers based in Abu Dhabi may want to consider ADIB’s co-branded cards with Etihad airways. They range from classic to platinum, each with a different eligibility profile. For example, the ADIB Etihad Guest Gold Card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 35,000 Guest miles. On international expenses, it provides 1.5 air miles for every $1.10 (Dh4) spent, or one air mile per $1.10 on domestic transactions. Other features include a coveted companion Etihad Airways ticket voucher when you spend $40,840 (Dh150,000) or more on your card, a high cash withdrawal limit and access to 850 VIP airport lounges globally (complimentary twice a year).

Are you eligible? ADIB doesn’t list the minimum salary requirement on its website, but the financial services comparison website, Policybazaar.ae, states that it’s a minimum of $1,361 (Dh5,000) per month.

HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card

Hate paying annual fees? You’re in luck with HSBC, which gives you Air Miles every time you spend on one of its credit cards. These can be traded in for free tickets (including the taxes) in any class. There are no blackout dates, so if there’s a seat available on the flight, you can book it through the Air Miles travel shop. Other features include discounts on restaurants with the discount app, Entertainer, as well as discounts on airlines such as British Airways. 

Are you eligible? To apply, you’ll need to live in the UAE and transfer at least $2,723 (Dh10,000) a month into an HSBC Personal Banking Account.

First Abu Dhabi Bank Infinite Travel Card

True globetrotters may want to pick a credit card that doesn’t limit your booking options to a single airline or hotel brand. FAB’s Infinite Travel card offers a choice of more than 800 airlines, and more than 500,000 hotels and car rentals for redemption against FAB miles. Partner programmes include Emirates Skywards, KLM-Air France’s Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles, Club Vistara, Jumeirah One and IHG Rewards. You get 1.5 FAB miles on each dollar spent on retail purchases anywhere, and 2 miles for each dollar spent on travel. Redemption and payments all happen within the FAB Miles mobile app. Besides a welcome travel voucher of $408 (Dh1,500) on activating your card, other benefits include one complimentary hotel night for every three paid nights, complimentary access to more than 1,000 airport lounges globally for the cardholder and one guest, up to eight airport transfers a year within the UAE and up to six airport transfers capped at $25 per ride with Uber internationally.

Are you eligible? Bank account holders will need to earn at least $8,168 (Dh30,000) to apply.

What to consider before taking a travel credit card in the UAE

With the UAE’s tax-free salaries, many expats are spoilt for choice when it comes to being eligible for travel credit cards. But enticing as accruing air miles sounds, there’s always a caveat: you may well spend more than you intended in pursuit of your travel goal and sometimes you might be better off just buying the ticket directly. Paying your monthly statement in full can help you stay financially healthy, but you’ll also want to take a closer look at yearly fees, annual interest rates, and the complexity of each rewards programme before signing up for any credit card. Some rewards are widely advertised but notoriously expensive to cash in on so ask your friends and colleagues for their experiences. It’s also worth considering what’s more important to you: lounge access or hotel discounts? And do you really need to transfer your salary to the bank? No travel friendly credit card will offer the best of all its features, so decide what’s most important to you before making a final decision.

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Pros and cons of UAE-issued travel cards

Travel advice.

GN Focus examines the advantages and disadvantages of using UAE-issued prepaid travel cards

With their stipulated limits, prepaid travel cards are a great way of staying within your budget and restricting your purchases, a feature that credit cards do not have. They also have many other benefits, both at home and abroad.

THE PROS 

Multiple currencies make travelling easy.

In this age of stopover flights and multi-country holidays, travellers may need to change their dirhams to local money for something as simple as a meal or a cup of coffee. Many prepaid travel cards now allow users to carry balances in multiple currencies. RAKBank’s dual currency card comes with dirham and dollar currency wallets. While your dirham transactions will be billed in dirham , all your non-dirham  transactions will be in dollars. 

Exchange rates can be predetermined

Most multi-currency cards allow users to lock in exchange rates before a trip, thus avoiding large-scale fluctuations, and serving as a hassle-free hedge while travelling or shopping abroad. Al Ansari Exchange’s AAE travel card and Emirates NBD’s Globalcash card both offer the feature.  

Teenagers can use them easily

Most banks and financial institutions require applicants for credit cards to be at least 21 years of age, if not on their own work visa. Prepaid cards sidestep that requirement and are ideal for students travelling on their own, to international summer camps, for example. 

Sending money home becomes easier

Most prepaid travel cards have multiple uses. On cards issued by exchange houses, it is also possible to remit money to friends and family overseas. 

Expenses are easier to manage

Prepaid cards can help travellers stay under budget. Once the amount loaded on to the card is finished, it cannot be used for payments, unless it is topped up again. This feature prevents high-value impulse purchases for those who are inclined to max out their cards. 

Card reactivation

Some cards can be suspended after one trip and reactivated before a future trip, for up to a period of five years. This temporary lock, usually activated via the internet, ensures the card cannot be used in between trips, and consumers do not stand liable for inactivity fees. 

Safety first 

Prepaid cards are safer than debit and credit cards, issuers say, since they have a limited value and are not linked to bank accounts. If a card is lost or stolen, hackers would only be able to use the amount loaded on the card.

Visit visas are free 

Some prepaid cards also come with free travel insurance that is compliant with Schengen visa requirements. In the case of the Gocash card, this service is provided by Oman Insurance.

With a wide variety of advantages as compared to credit cards, there nevertheless remain some disadvantages. These include:

In most cases, users spending or withdrawing money abroad are likely to be charged a fee. It is advisable to check with your issuer before purchase, as the terms and conditions vary from card to card. The Gocash card, for example, charges users a cash withdrawal fee of $3 (Dh11) per transaction, but does not charge for transactions.

Spending limits

Spending limits may prevent high-value purchases. Spending is restricted to the limit on the card. In an emergency, it helps to have a second card at hand. You can top up the card online or via an app, but it may not always be possible.

Current market rates apply in some cases

Customers can lock in foreign currencies at preset exchange rates, but those who forget to top up international currencies before making a purchase may be liable to spot rates as the transaction will be effected according to the pre-decided currency priority. 

Use it or lose it

Unlike credit cards, you must use up the entire amount loaded on to the card before the expiry date. Unused amount may be forfeited if not claimed within a specified time.

Contact details aren’t always protected

A careful reading of the fine print on most cards indicates that those who sign on for these cards may agree to be contacted by the issuer’s business partners to assist in customer enquiries, as well as in marketing products.

Limited rewards 

Finally, associated rewards and discounts obtained by using these cards may not be as hefty as those achieved when swiping credit cards.

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Exchange your money

Foreign currency of almost any denomination can be exchanged in the UAE.

You can exchange money in hotels and at any of the licensed money exchange centres in the UAE , which are located at airports, in malls and in public markets.

Foreign banks have branches in the UAE. Their ATMs are placed at several locations in public places.

Credit cards, currency cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE.

ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates (even when factoring in possible currency exchange fees from your home bank), but traveller's cheques in either US Dollar or UK Pounds Sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Useful links:

• Money - VisitAbuDhabi.ae
• Currency exchange before passport control - Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Currency exchange after passport control - Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Currency exchange - Dubai airports
• Currency exchange - Sharjah International Airport
• Currency exchange - Ras Al Khaimah International Airport

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Credit Bureau Consent, Welcome Offer & General Terms & Conditions

I hereby acknowledge and agree to allow Citibank to share my details with any UAE credit bureau and make enquiries about me with any UAE credit bureau at its sole and absolute discretion. I agree to the Terms and Conditions listed below. Citibank Terms and Conditions apply, are subject to change without prior notice and are available upon request. For the current Terms and Conditions, please visit our website www.citibank.ae. All offers are made available on a best-effort basis and at the sole discretion of Citibank, N.A. Citibank, N.A. makes no warranties and assumes no liability or responsibility with respect to the products and services provided by partners/other entities. By inquiring about our services, offers or products, you will be authorizing our representatives to approach you on your contact details including your telephone/mobile number for any product or service offered by Citibank. The applicant agrees to be bound by Citibank’s General Terms and Conditions available on the website www.citibank.ae. The applicant hereby represents and warrants that the information provided herein is true, accurate, and complete and that he/she agrees to remain responsible for and to indemnify Citibank, N.A. from and against any losses, claims and/or liabilities incurred by Citibank NA as a result of having relied on such information. Citibank, N.A. is not required to verify the information provided by the applicant and neither is the bank obliged to provide the applicant with any loans or credit facilities based on the provided information. The products and services mentioned on this website are not offered to individuals resident in the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, Guernsey, Jersey, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican, The Isle of Man or the UK. This page is not, and should not be construed as, an offer, invitation or solicitation to buy or sell any of the products and services mentioned herein to such individuals.

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TravelEZ Plus Classic Card

Maximum Limit

Validity of Card

View details on Al Fardan Exchange website

• Is provided by Al Fardan Exchange Centre
• One time fee for opening the card ranges from AED 30
• Card reload fee of AED 5 is charged
• Charges levied on ATM withdrawals

Main Benefits

• Can manage the card and account using the mobile app or through the TravelEZ website
• Can load the card once per day
• No annual membership fees are charged
• Can load the card maximum of 12 times per month
• Can maintain a maximum balance of AED 36,700
• The minimum load amount is AED 100
• The card is valid for 6 months

Al Fardan Exchange

Al Fardan Exchange is a member of the Al Fardan Group, which has roots stretching back to 1954. Al Fardan Exchange was established in 1971 providing its exchange services to different regions in the world. It has a strong relationship with 150 global banks and financial institutions.

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