How people pay for things in the UAE has changed a lot in a short time. These days, it’s just as common to see someone tapping their phone at the counter as it is to hand over cash when paying shopping bills.
A recent report found that around 2 in 3 people in the UAE now prefer digital payments, showing just how quickly habits have shifted.
In this article, we’ll look at the payment methods that people in the UAE are using most. Just keep reading.
Cards and Contactless Payments
Bank cards are still one of the most common ways people pay in the UAE. Whether it’s a debit card linked to a salary account or a credit card with rewards, they’re widely accepted and easy to use.
What’s changed in recent years is the rise of contactless payments. Instead of swiping or entering a PIN, many people now just tap their card or phone to complete a purchase. It’s quick, safe, and especially handy for everyday spending like groceries or transport.
Two things driving this shift are convenience and trust. Shops, cafés, and even taxis now support tap-and-go, making it part of daily routines for locals and expats alike.
As Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation is saying no to 1000 things.”
In the UAE, choosing simple, secure card payments is proof that sometimes the best option is also the easiest.
Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets are another popular payment method that has blown in popularity in the UAE. Apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely used.
They let people pay by simply tapping their phone or smartwatch. Local options such as Etisalat Pay and Emirates Digital Wallet are also gaining ground, especially with younger users who prefer to keep everything on their phones.
Skrill is another name that’s popular among both locals and expats. It’s trusted for online shopping, transfers, and even gaming. In fact, it’s one of the most common choices for players at online casinos because of its speed and security.
Before using this payment option as a casino player in the UAE, the first step is to look for a gambling site that accepts it. Thankfully, there are reliable review sites available that can conveniently point players to the top casino with skrill deposit and payouts in the UAE that will make their gambling transactions smooth and reliable.
PayPal
PayPal remains a favorite for many locals in the country, especially when shopping online or sending money abroad. Its appeal lies in how simple it is – you only need an email address to set up an account, and from there, payments are just a click away.
Many international retailers and service providers also accept PayPal, making it useful for those who shop across borders.
For freelancers and small business owners, PayPal is a practical way to get paid quickly and securely.
As Bill Gates once said, “Banking is necessary, banks are not.”
That idea fits perfectly here. PayPal proves you don’t always need to walk into a bank to move your money safely.
Bank Transfers
Even in the UAE, bank transfers still remain one of the most trusted methods of payment. They’re widely used for paying rent, sending salaries, or moving larger amounts between accounts. For many locals, this remains the go-to choice because of its reliability and formality.
The popularity of transfers is clear in the numbers. According to the UAE Central Bank, over 60% of transactions in the country are still processed through bank transfers. With the rise of mobile banking apps, the process has also become much faster.
People can now send or receive money in minutes, which makes this traditional method just as relevant in a digital age.
Cryptocurrency Payment Cards
Cryptocurrency payment cards try to let you spend crypto in regular stores. With these cards, you can load digital coins like Bitcoin or stablecoins, and then use the card much like a Visa or Mastercard. Some cards convert your crypto to local currency at the time of purchase.
For residents of the UAE, some of the most common crypto cards are RedotPay, KAST, and ByBit cards. These cards are appealing to people who are already using crypto or want a way to spend it without extra steps.
But there are trade-offs, including the fees, exchange rates, and sometimes extra documents often involved. For expats and locals alike, it’s wise to check whether the card works with local banks or merchants before relying on it.
Conclusion
Payment habits in the UAE are changing fast, with locals and expats choosing methods that fit their lifestyles. We have highlighted some of the most common ones in this article. Just check through and choose the one (s) that best fits your needs and lifestyle.