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
